Ryan and Rachel were married this weekend!!!
It is going to be hard to not gush and overwrite about this wedding because it was for one of my dearest friends. Rachel asked Gatherhaus to help design and orchestrate this event, so Dani and I have been involved from early on. The girlfriend collective that is our chosen family helped source everything from antique chairs to flowers and it was a whirlwind of chaos and fun from beginning to end.
This wedding encapsulated family in every moment. The venue was the groom’s brothers home, the decor was a hodgepodge of all our households, we all pitched in to help set up and tear down throughout the weekend, and most importantly…we all were able to gather and watch two fantastic humans blend their families and dedicate their lives to each other.
I am still on a bit of a high from this wedding. All the energy we poured into it, all the relationships we built, all the hugs and laughter, responsibly coming together after the intense solitude of covid19, seeing new friends and old, it accumulated into one weekend full of love. Sound cheesy? Yep, it was. Deliciously so. It was a balm to the soul. It is what we all needed.
Enjoy the images of this sneak peek!
Christine Benson, owner of Sorted Content created this custom invitation suite, including a ketubah where everyone who attended the wedding signed the marriage certificate. It is one of my favorite wedding traditions, something that the couple can frame and look at years from now.
We requested a sunrise portrait session from the couple and surprised them with a morning breakfast on the very spot where they would get married that afternoon. The light was perfect and this gave them time from the frenzy to be together and alone, to focus on the meaning of the day.
After the portrait session, the bride changed into work clothes and got into her happy space…floral design. Utilizing pieces from Rudy’s Event Rentals, Rachel and her friends put together a rustic and elegant reception space.
Among the spaces created was a place dubbed “The Quiet Cove” nestled between the property’s pine trees. A colorful tent and camp chairs were set up along with crates of books, games, seating, and this tool to create stories out of hidden trinkets. Some of the children of our friendship crew put the elements together for this area and with the twinkle lights and layers of fabrics, it was truly magical.
Guests were greeted by valet and a custom basket brimming with appetizers and a signature drink. Then it was time to enjoy the lawn games and cozy spaces to reconnect with family and enjoy the autumn sunshine.
The ceremony was lovely, and included the couple surrounded by their loved ones.
The German tradition, Baumstamm sagen, sealed the marriage as Ryan and Rachel sawed through a log together, symbolizing their ability to work as a couple through any challenges they may face.
As the sun set, a lovely meal by the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe was set up and the candles were lit. The reception space was warm and inviting.
But first, a quick stop to say hi to the goats!
Antique lanterns led the guests to the dinner space. As the sun set, the candles created warmth and ambiance as friends and family enjoyed delicious food and lively conversation.
After dinner, there was a slivovitz toast, and then it was time to wander back up to the main farmhouse to dance under the stars, drink and be merry, and enjoy all the crazy fun moments.
Ryan and Rachel, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for trusting us with your day. We had so much fun!!! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek!!!
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