Intimate Backyard Wedding – Nick & Rachel
Love can blossom in the most unexpected places, even over a slice of pizza. Rachel and Nick’s love story is a testament to fate, perseverance, and the enduring power of connection. Their intimate backyard wedding, held at Nick’s brother’s house, was a heartwarming celebration of their love, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Nick and Rachel’s Love story
Technically, Rachel and Nick met in 7th grade, passing through the halls of junior high school. Their paths crossed again in high school, where they shared mutual friends but never quite sparked a connection. It was a casual pizza night at a local Pizza Hut that finally brought them together. Nick, a senior then, managed to get Rachel’s phone number, and their first date was a simple yet memorable outing to Denny’s.
Life took them on different paths, with Rachel pursuing her studies and Nick embarking on new adventures. They lost touch for a while, but fate had other plans. While working at Starbucks, Rachel’s co-worker introduced her to her new neighbors, one of whom happened to be Nick.
Despite their mutual interest, Rachel’s dating life kept them from rekindling their connection. It wasn’t until 2013, when Nick moved to Colorado and Rachel moved to Idaho, that their paths truly intertwined. Nick visited Rachel twice during that time, and on his second visit, as Rachel dropped him off at the airport, their emotions overflowed. Tears streamed down their faces as they realized they were deeply in love.
Embarking on a long-distance relationship, Rachel and Nick nurtured their love through countless phone calls, video chats, and visits. After a year of bridging the distance, Rachel made the bold move to Denver to be closer to Nick. They lived together in Denver for three years, building a strong foundation for their future together.
Intimate Backyard Wedding
When Nick proposed, Rachel knew their wedding would be a celebration of their love, family, and the simple joys that brought them together. Nick’s brother’s backyard, with its lush greenery and warm ambiance, provided the perfect setting for their intimate gathering.
As a Chicago wedding photojournalist, I was honored to capture the candid moments that unfolded throughout the day. From the emotional first look between Rachel and Nick to the joyous laughter of their loved ones, every moment was imbued with heartfelt emotion.
A Touch of Nostalgia
Rachel and Nick’s wedding reflected their personalities and their love for simple pleasures. Adorable thrifted coffee mugs served as wedding favors, a nod to their shared love for coffee and their affinity for vintage finds. For dinner, they indulged in their favorite Lou Malnati’s pizza, a nostalgic treat from their early days together. To top off the evening, a charming popsicle cart provided a sweet treat for guests.
Dancing Under the Stars
As the sun began to set, guests gathered on the front driveway, which transformed into an impromptu dance floor. The music filled the air, and couples swayed under the stars, celebrating Rachel and Nick’s love.
Rachel and Nick’s intimate backyard wedding was a beautiful reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places, even over a slice of pizza. Their story is a testament to the power of connection, the strength of long-distance love, and the importance of celebrating love in all its forms.
