Late last summer I sat in a busy coffee shop in St. Paul to meet Janelle and Nathaniel for the first time. Amidst the hustle and bustle of activity all around us, we took some time to share a coffee and get to know each other. We bonded over our mutual love of the MN north shore and then discussed their photography wish list for an August 2020 wedding.

After meeting them, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Nathaniel and Janelle is the saying:

“Happiness is being married to your best friend”

As this strange year has unfolded, their wedding plans have had to change and adapt to meet the current conditions we’re all living in. However, in the year of cancelled plans, cancelling their wedding was never an option.

The way these two walk through life together is an inspiration to me. They seamlessly operate as a team to parent their two beautiful boys, they share many inside jokes and loving glances, and when they are together they both radiate genuine happiness.

Even though their wedding didn’t look like they originally thought it would, the day was beautiful nonetheless. Instead of a swanky night in at DeGidio’s for all their family and friends, the couple held an intimate backyard ceremony and catered dinner to celebrate their union with a much smaller crowd.

After the first glance and bridal party photos, we all took cover briefly as a raincloud passed by and graced Janelle and Nathaniel’s day with a good luck rain shower. As the clouds parted, guests gathered for a short ceremony followed by dinner and dancing on the patio.

Even though it’s clear to me that these two have been in-love and committed to one another for quite some time, I’m so excited for them to officially start their lifelong journey together as Mr. and Mrs. Hieb.

Congratulations Nathaniel and Janelle, you are truly blessed with the unconditional love and friendship that you have found in each other.