Eight years ago, Rachael and Nico showed up to the same Disney College Program orientation with no idea they were about to meet their person. They kept ending up in the same classes, then found out they had the exact same role (custodial, haha!!) in the exact same spot. Rachael decided they were going to be friends, Nico bonded with her over music, and the rest is history. Even better? They were BOTH vlogging their internships, so they have their first dates and falling in love on camera from both sides. I mean, come on!!
Fast forward through long distance (different countries at one point!), a pandemic, job changes, and opposite shifts where they barely saw each other for weeks. These two came out of all of it more solid than ever. Nico proposed at sunrise on a beach in Hawaii with both of their families there, after Rachael almost talked her way out of the early wake-up call lol. It’s one of my favorite proposal stories EVER.
So when it came to their wedding, of course it was going to be full of meaning. Rachael is SO intentional with her design, and every single detail of the day connected back to their story.
Getting Ready at Charleston Place
The morning started at Charleston Place, and I’m obsessed with how light and calm those suites are. It was the perfect slow start for these two… fitting, since Nico makes Rachael breakfast and brings it to her makeup area every single morning. If that’s not a love language, I don’t know what is!!
The Ceremony at St. John’s Cathedral
Then it was off to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Broad Street, and wow. Those soaring Gothic arches and stained glass windows make you feel the weight of the moment the second you walk in. Watching Nico (who’s a little shy until you get to know him) take in Rachael walking down that long aisle was one of those in-between moments I live for.
The Reception at the Gibbes Museum of Art
The celebration moved to the Gibbes Museum of Art, and if you’ve never been to a wedding there, put it on your list!! The rotunda and stained glass dome are pure magic. And my favorite touch of the whole night? In the Lecture Hall, they played clips from their old Disney vlogs and their Hawaii proposal on a projector. Getting to photograph them in front of their own love story, eight years in the making, gave me chills.
After that it was dancing, singing, and a whole lot of joy. If Nico busted out one of his famous impressions at some point, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
Rachael described their relationship as joyous, resilient, and gentle, and Nico added adventurous and supportive. I saw every one of those words in action on their wedding day. Rachael and Nico, thank you SO much for trusting me with your story. I’m so honored, and I’m still smiling going through these images!!
Venues: Charleston Place (getting ready) · Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (ceremony) · Gibbes Museum of Art (reception)
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