Wedding Date: June 15th 2024

Weddings are always a mix of planned events and spontaneous moments, and Rachel and Nico's day was a beautiful testament to embracing the unexpected with grace and love. Our talented team photographer, Tasha, had the honor of documenting this extraordinary day that was filled with love, resilience, and unique moments all their own.

Rachel had been unwell leading up to their wedding, even spending the night before in the ER. Despite the challenges, both Rachel and Nico, along with their families, remained incredibly calm and flexible, allowing us to capture the day as it unfolded naturally. The first look was one of Tasha’s favorite moments and highlighted their love for one another. Rachel wasn't feeling well, so Nico joined her on the floor of the women's locker room. Sitting side by side, they shared a quiet and heartfelt conversation, turning what could have been a difficult moment into something beautiful and uniquely theirs. Their excitement and comfort in each other’s presence was a beautiful thing to witness and photograph and left Tasha with goosebumps.

Rachel had a determined spirit and a desire for fresh air, even with the rain pouring down. With umbrellas in hand but often unused, Rachel and Nico strolled around the lake, soaking in the magic of their day. They walked, talked, and even skipped through the rain, creating some unforgettable moments that I’m sure they will relive over and over again. It was a testament to their love and joy, making the rainy day feel incredibly special and once again, embracing the day exactly as it was and making it perfect for them.

The ceremony, initially planned for outdoors, was moved inside due to the rain. However, one of the most beautiful moments came shortly after when the rain paused for about 20 minutes. Rachel and Nico, surrounded by their bridal party and families, released butterflies in honor of Rachel’s late father. Her Grandma, her father's mother, even held a butterfly during the release. The scene was incredibly touching and almost beyond words, but Tasha's photos captured the profound emotions of that moment beautifully.

With the rain threatening to return, they swiftly moved to capture the family and bridal party pictures. It was a race against the weather, but everyone powered through, and managed to get all the photos before the downpour resumed. The energy and cooperation from everyone were remarkable!

Arriving at the reception site, Rachel and Nico chose to take another walk outside and opted out of a traditional first dance. Their wedding was a day like no other, filled with challenges that they met with unwavering love. Every wedding has its own story, but Rachel and Nico’s day was a powerful reminder of the beauty in embracing whatever comes your way with love and positivity. We were beyond impressed and inspired by their spirit and were truly privileged to capture their special day. Here’s to Rachel and Nico, and the many happy years ahead filled with love and cherished memories.

Vendors: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (venue), Chaska Event Center (reception venue), Elysian Weddings Colorado (wedding planner), Poppy (florist), Kato Sounds and Lights (music), Crooked Pint (catering), Something Sweet (dessert), Summit Hill Studios (videographer), Alisa Coleman (hair and makeup)