Rachel and Dane had planned to have a big, beautiful wedding ceremony much earlier than the one they got to celebrate with their friends and family in the spring of 2021. Due to the pandemic, Rachel and Dane had an intimate wedding in 2020 and were now able to host a larger celebration with their friends and family at the Northern Haus in Door County, Wisconsin. These two had a surprise for their guests: Rachel was pregnant with Rachel and Dane’s second child. Their firstborn, Riley, was their perfectly adorable flower girl.

Rachel and Dane exchanged thoughtful wedding gifts before their ceremony without seeing one another. Rachel got ready upstairs in the bridal suite onsite, and Dane got ready in the groom’s suite on the first floor of the Northern Haus. It’s so convenient to choose a wedding venue that has space for the both of you to get ready; the bonus is when those spaces are beautifully styled as well. Soft, romantic vibes filled the space, from the gorgeous florals to Rachel’s flowing wedding gown. Rachel and her dad shared a super sweet first look in the atrium of the Northern Haus before the ceremony. They have a special relationship, and they were both moved by this private moment between them.

Bride and groom kissing, blue tux, door county wedding, white and clean vibe

Even though they were already married, Dane was thrilled to see his wife walking down the aisle towards him. They shared earnest, heartfelt vows before saying I do … again! Their wedding party was the absolute sweetest, what a fun and bubbly group.

Rachel and Dane spent some time together just the two of them (well, the three of them, if you count their unborn babe!) after the family photos and wedding party photos were complete. They stood in appreciation of the gorgeous scenery around them in the forest cathedral where they had renewed their vows just moments earlier. This is one of our absolute favorite parts of a wedding day because it allows a couple to just be themselves, loving on one another in whatever way it feels most authentic to them, and we get the beautiful responsibility of capturing those moments in a way that captures the essence of who those two beautiful souls are. The Northern Haus lends to the magic of these moments because of the variety of stunning photo locations it offers.

Given Rachel's pregnancy, the Northern Haus created a delicious mocktail that both Rachel and Dane could enjoy throughout their wedding night. They had a champagne wall ready for their guests to enjoy, a s'mores station set up outside by the fire pit, and delicious treats created by Rachel's sister and maid of honor. I have never tasted more delicious wedding desserts than the ones that Hailey’s Sweets and Treats concocted for Rachel and Dane’s wedding. Don't just take my word for it, this bakery has won multiple awards!

During their delicious dinner, Rachel's dad, Rachel's maid of honor, and Dane's best man shared loving, humorous, and touching speeches honoring the newlyweds. After the First Dance, Father Daughter dance, and Mother Son dance, this crew was ready to tear the roof off and party the night away. One of their groomsmen made a special appearance during Cotton-Eyed Joe, a hilarious experience that I think is burned into my retinas until the end of time. We know the festivities went well into the evening, and Rachel and Dane deserve every moment of celebration they experienced.

Thank you, Rachel and Dane, for choosing us the photograph your engagement session and wedding celebration. You two are wonderful partners and extraordinary parents, and we wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and friendship.

Much love and appreciation,