When Emily and Marissa reached out to me to capture their intimate wedding I almost passed. April was my busiest month of the year — we were already shooting a wedding in Mexico, two different weddings in California, and it would also be mid-track season in Nebraska (where I coach). So it was a hectic month that I felt was already too full, and I wasn’t looking to take more on.

But something about these two, how they described their day, what they wanted it to be like, and how they wanted to work with me convinced me that it would be worth an extra trip on the calendar. And oh my gosh am I glad I went for it! I rarely take intimate elopements anymore but what a breath of fresh air it was. Emily & Marissa were so relaxed about the flow of things. They didn’t care that it poured rain the entire day or that they had to change their location at the last minute, it was still perfect in every way for them.

They got ready together in the comfort of their home surrounded by their cats and parents. The atmosphere was full of love and relaxation. They had some champagne, laughed about Marissa’s dad officiating another wedding, and talked about how they will technically have two anniversaries because they’re having a larger wedding in Italy this fall.

We then headed to one of their favorite spots to grab dinner — Eato, and had their private ceremony in the most adorable room. The staff set a gorgeous table for them, brought more champagne and some delicious food, and they cut the cutest cake — and we made every couple share in some cherry feeding (peep the pictures of each set of parents!). It was the perfect space to accompany such an intimate and intentional ceremony before heading to Emily & Marissa’s favorite date night spot.

In what is one of the most fun receptions ever, we followed the family to Bryant Lake Bowling. We essentially let the family do their thing — which was a round of competitive bowling for the dads, and a round of fun for the girls. We got some incredible photos inside the alley that will likely live on as some of my favorite shots to date.

I am so glad that I took this wedding on. This day reminds me why I love what we get to do so much. Being able to hang out and capture the excitement that wedding days can bring is something I hope we never take for granted. It is such an incredible experience to watch so many unique and different couples do exactly what makes them happy on their day, and really, that’s how everyone should do it.

Polaroid Film shown above & 120/35mm film shown below