Theirs is a story of middle school sweethearts growing up together. Heather and Ryan met while attending Crosswinds, a middle school magnet school. Heather’s focus was art and Ryan’s science. The couple continued attending middle school dances, high school dances, prom and eventually graduation together. Both decided upon different colleges (but in Wisconsin) and continued their long distance relationship with one another. Eventually they both graduated from college and Ryan began grad school in Indiana and Heather moved out to be with him. Upon graduating, the couple both chose professions in Chicago and now call the city home
In 2019, Heather and Ryan took a trip to Hawaii with Ryan’s family. They traveled to a beach under the guise of Ryan’s dad, who is an incredible photographer, going to take sunset photos. Ryan proposed right as sunset peaked with his dad there to take photos. Heather was very surprised! A local Hawaiian women saw the proposal, got very excited, ran off, and returned shortly with flowers to give to Heather.
Both Heather and Ryan chose to get married in 2021 in Heather’s parent’s backyard with only family in attendance and decided on 2022 being the year they would host a large celebration for both family and friends from near and far. The couple chose to host their ceremony and reception at the industrial Lumber Exchange in downtown Minneapolis. Being that Ryan comes from an Indian heritage, the couple chose to start the day in Indian garb. Full of color and vibrance and representing good luck and happiness, Heather wore a traditional red and gold sari and Ryan word a beautifully embroidered Kafni. The bridesmaids and groomsmen also wore wedding sari’s and Kafni.
The women began the day getting ready at the Lumber Exchange bridal suite with Heather’s beautiful updo done by Lisa Nghiem of LHN Beauty and Make up completed by Belissimo Salon. The women then were helped into their Sari’s while the men also got dressed and ready for the day. Heather and Ryan had an emotional first look and then we headed to the Stone Arch Bridge with family and the wedding party for some city photos with Rent my Party Bus. Upon returning, guests began arriving with Erica of Piece of Cake Wedding Planning, making sure that everything was perfectly timed for the beautiful ceremony. Heather and Ryan exchanged rings and vows and then took the seven steps together as they vowed to support and love one another. They ended the ceremony by exchanging flower garlands.
After the ceremony while guests conversed at Pourhouse for the social hour, Heather and Ryan proceeded to get into western attire. Heather in her beautiful gown from the Wedding Shoppe and Ryan in his sharp navy suit from Suit Supply. The couple chose to do a second first look and then the wedding party joined us for more formal photos. The light blue dresses from the Wedding Shoppe when paired with the bouquets that Heather created from the flowers at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market looked stunning.
The Lumber Exchange provided an excellent meal for guests as well as tasty sweets for dessert. Heather and Ryan kicked off the party by doing one of the most amazing first dances and Instant Request kept the party going all night long. We ended our time with beautiful photos on the rooftop. Heather and Ryan, congratulations. It has been an honor to photograph you. May your happiness continue for many more years together.
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony and Reception:: Lumber Exchange // Planner:: Erica Boe of Piece of Cake Wedding Planning // Hair:: Lisa of LHN Beauty // Make-up:: Belissimo Salon // Caterer:: Lumber Exchange // Flowers:: Minneapolis Farmers Market // Baker:: Lumber Exchange // Wedding dress:: The Wedding Shoppe // Bridesmaid Dresses :: The Wedding Shoppe // Men’s Designer :: Suit Supply // Bride’s Shoes:: Zappos // Rings:: Brilliant Earth and Manly Bands //
