Arica and Richie’s Intimate Wedding at Villa Santorini in Miller Beach Indiana was nothing short of a dream.  These two are the sweetest humans and I LOVED being a part of the planning process for this wedding but…

Crazy Wild Story

In the age of Cov*d as a wedding photographer, you have to constantly be on your toes ready for anything.  Like many weddings and gatherings in 2021/2022 Arica and Richie asked each of their guests and vendors to take a rapid test the day of their wedding.  About four hours before the wedding I took my rapid test. When the results showed, my jaw just about hit the floor. My test came back positive. 

Though I was freaking out a bit, I’m lucky to have an awesome circle of fellow photographers I rely on for situations like these. I began to text my photographer friends in the area asking for help. Slightly panicked because of the short notice, I texted Hana from Hello Hana to if she was available. Shortly after she texted me that she was available to fill in and associate shoot Arica and Richie’s wedding for me! To say I was relieved was an understatement. Hana was already in Chicago doing her boudoir sessions so it was an easy drive for her to their Miller Beach Indiana Wedding Venue.

Details from Arica and Richie’s Wedding Day

Arica is currently working towards her PHD and Richie is very busy with his career at the moment. They knew that a big or complicated wedding wasn’t going to be a good fit for them at this current stage in their life.  Being family-oriented though, the two knew they still wanted to have an intimate gathering. They planned their day with their immediate family and the people (and furry friends) who are closest to them.  After they had a rough plan, the two began searching for smaller venues to host their wedding. That is when they came across this beautiful Airbnb on the Indiana Lakefront. 

Their family gathered for a ceremony, food, drinks, and toasts and had the best time together. Before the ceremony, their family worked together to prep the space with gorgeous decorations they made themselves. For their intimate wedding ceremony, Richie waited for his bride surrounded by family. Arica came down the spiral staircase and joined Richie at the front of the room. The two were surrounded by decorations they put together themselves as well family in person and virtually. After they exchanged vows they sealed their ceremony with a kiss! From there they went on to prep dinner with their loved ones.

An Intimate Dinner with the Newly Weds

After the ceremony and some portraits, the family gathered in the kitchen to prep for dinner. Something I love about intimate weddings is the community they create. Oftentimes you’ll see everyone present get involved with the day. Whether it’s decorating the space, prepping the food or serving the drinks, everyone comes together as one.

Intimate Wedding at Villa Santorini Indiana

This beachfront, nautically inspired and dog friendly home is the perfect little getaway for an intimate wedding.  It’s located on it’s own private stretch of the Indiana Dunes. This means you can spend your day or weekend enjoying hikes in the dunes, and low-key lake living.  You can tell by the images that this day was SO special.  Between the intimate setting, the beautiful decorations and their loved ones (and pups) surrounding them Arica and Richie couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful intimate wedding.

Though I was beyond disappointed that I wasn’t able to physically be a part of Arica and Richie’s intimate wedding, I am SO thankful for Hana and my photo community stepping in to help me document their day. I loved helping them prep for their wedding day and seeing it all come together.

For some more intimate wedding planning inspiration check out the planning category for my blogs here!

Jewelry / Rings: Highland Diamond

Suit: Men’s Warehouse