As Dave so eloquently said to me during their engagement session, Grinnell is an amazing place to raise a family and a wonderful place to go to school, but it’s severely lacking in the dating scene for the 20-something crowd. Unless you get really lucky 🙂 I’d say that both Dave & Rachel lucked out!
It took Dave several months to finally make his move with Rachel. She had been hired to work in admissions at the college, and of course the moment he chose was what many people would consider to be when they are at their worst – sweaty and tired at the college fitness center. She was sweet, bubbly, and had a sparkle in her eye (or so Dave says!), and agreed to meet up for a drink. Except, he forgot to get her number!
But Dave didn’t give up, and sent a message to her on Facebook, and waited not so patiently for her response (checking 100+ times for her reply in 24 hours – haha!) – eventually, Rachel got back to him and gave him her number, and well…the rest is kind of history 🙂 Turns out, these two very talented athletes actually began their relationship in the perfect spot!
When it was time to plan their wedding, it made perfect sense to bring together friends and family where it all began – at Grinnell College. Not only did Dave grow up in Grinnell, but both Rachel and Dave are alumni of the college, and have strong ties to the college community. Many college friends, employees, and community members gathered to celebrate with them, and we all had a blast!
It was such an honor to photograph this day – congrats Rachel & Dave!
We started the day at the Marsh House B&B for getting ready photos, which was the perfect place for the vintage travel themed wedding Rachel put together so effortlessly.
Rachel’s mom…I just wanted to hug her!
Rachel was smiling like this the whole day :
We did their first look just outside Steiner Hall at Grinnell College – love these!
More purple weddings! It was the color of the year for my brides 🙂
I’m normally not one to do the bridal party jumping shot, but when the groom is an NBA coach, and dad is the head coach at the college, and well…let’s just say basketball is a big thing for almost all of them!
We snuck in a few more couples portraits on the way back to the chapel…
Sweetest flower girl ever had a hard time…but Uncle Dave to the rescue!
I am in LOVE with all the details that Rachel planned for the reception at the Spaulding Center for Transportation. One of my favorite venues in Grinnell.
Delicious food provided by Relish – yum!
Rachel & Dave had a friend with a vintage car that took them for a little joy ride after their ceremony, and then we met up for just a few more photos by Gates Tower at the college.
Time to dance!
Congrats you guys!
