You’ll need a few tissues for this one—it’s a tear-jerker in the very best way. I couldn’t wait to share Rachel and Jeff’s beautifully unique wedding wedding with you. I’ve got a few nontraditional wedding ideas up my sleeve, too, but you’re not going to want to miss their movie-worthy love story:
One for the Books
Jeff and Raechel have known each other since high school. They felt a spark then, but in true teenage fashion, both were too shy to make the first move. They kept in touch over the years, always feeling that strong heart tug with every interaction. Somehow, the stars just never aligned. Years and distance pulled them further apart. They both married, and Raechel had two incredible daughters.
However, life had unexpected plans for them. As it sometimes goes, both of their marriages ended around the same time, unbeknownst to each other. Fate brought them together again one unforgettable night in Erie when she bumped into him on a trip to visit family. That spark that started all those years ago erupted into a fire that just keeps growing.
Needless to say, they were inseparable from that night on. Jeff moved to North Carolina two months later, and the rest was history. Raechel gushes that he’s “the very best stepdad” to her girls, and it’s easy to see that things have fallen so beautifully into place for them. They just moved back to Erie to begin their new life together.
When love is twenty years in the making, the saying, “It’s always been you,” has never been more fitting!
Nontraditional Wedding for a One-Of-A-Kind Couple
Jeff and Raechel opted for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception with their closest friends and family. As a drummer, music is part of their family, so a dreamy ceremony at WQLN’s wooded concert pavilion made perfect sense. We had so many photo opportunities against the natural canvas for their first look, photos with the girls, and couple’s portraits. The trees provided a gorgeous filter for the sunlight, and the ample space allowed them to take it all in without feeling rushed or crowded.
After exchanging vows under the pavilion, the newlyweds and their crew made their way to Luminary Distillery’s restaurant and bar for a private reception to celebrate. Glowing string lights dressed the outdoor patio in romantic ambiance, and they had plenty of space for his band to set up. (Peep the photos of Jeff playing drums with sweet Harlow—I couldn’t love these moments more!)
The thing I loved most about their patio party was how authentic every moment of the day felt. Without all the formalities to distract them, they were free to celebrate their way and spend quality time with those they love for this long-awaited occasion.
If traditional weddings aren’t your cup of tea and you’re looking for a bit more adventure, I’ve got a few ideas that will get your creativity flowing:
5 Creative Nontraditional Wedding Ideas
Pick nontraditional wedding venue.
From yacht ceremonies to opera house productions, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your venue. Be sure to check out my list of unique wedding venues for ideas. Now that it’s fall, booking an orchard or farm venue (complete with festival games) could be so much fun for a fall wedding–maybe for 2023?! Imagine all the photo opportunities and activities for the littlest guests, too.
Get ready together.
Some couples are adamantly against this. After all, that first look or meeting each other across the aisle is priceless. But, if the thought of getting ready together appeals to you, it could give you some extra time alone to breathe and prepare for your wedding day.
Mix up your wedding party.
If you have a tight group of friends together or mixed-gender friend groups, you could consider one large wedding party instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen. It makes photos a ton of fun, too! And, you can still split your wedding party on either side of you during the ceremony so it looks balanced.
Raechel and Jeff decided to forgo the wedding party. Ruby, Raechel’s eldest daughter, walked her mother down the aisle and was the best maid of honor; while Harlow blew bubbles in place of petals and stood by their side. It was absolutely beautiful!
Book unique entertainment.
Use your reception to host a karaoke night, drag show, casino night, magic show, caricaturist, or family game night (think: table trivia or classic table games!)
Dine unexpectedly.
Maybe you want to change up how you do the food. Bring in a food or taco truck. Spread out blankets and create one big picnic. Serve breakfast for dinner with a gourmet waffle bar! There are so many creative options.
Let’s Get this Party Started!
Hi, I’m Jessee, your traveling wedding photographer! Whether you’re tying the knot with a black-tie affair or atop a west-coast cliff, I’m here for your biggest moments and smallest details. Get in touch with me here to inquire about wedding photography and elopement packages.
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