I love how the officiant, Nick’s aunt Paula, put it. “Nick and Andrea mutually decided to go to prom together and have been mutually making decisions ever since.”

From high school to college, from first jobs to a master’s degree, from long distance to living together, Nick Peterson and Andrea VanMeter have been choosing each other for years and are finally husband and wife!

These high school sweethearts held their wedding in Rensselaer, Indiana—their hometown—surrounded by 160 family members and close friends. Their lovely outdoor ceremony took place in Potawatomi Park, and then they partied the night away at eMbers Venue (The best wedding venue in Rensselaer if you want my opinion!).

Between the details and the Nick and Andrea’s go-with-the-flow attitudes, I can’t imagine a more perfect wedding to photograph!

This bride & groom truly planned their wedding together!

More often than not, brides take control of wedding plans. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it is SO much fun to see how a wedding comes together when the groom wants to be involved.

Nick actually built the archway that Nick and Andrea got married under and designed their invitations. Talk about groom of the year!

Andrea, bless her heart, also deserves a big round of applause. We chatted on the phone the day before the wedding, and when I asked how she was spending the day, she said, “Oh, you know. I’m just baking all of the dessert for tomorrow.”

What?! With the exception of one dessert item that a cousin volunteered to help with, Andrea made ALL of the wedding dessert. There were no-bake cookies, little cheesecakes, lemon bars, and so much more! It was incredible!

While Nick and Andrea had their own separate wedding projects, they planned their big day together and took each other’s wishes into consideration. For example, they decided on navy and gray with greenery for their wedding colors and decor. Knowing an accent color was needed, Andrea thought coral would add a nice pop. Nick wasn’t crazy about the color but agreed. However, knowing this, Andrea changed the accent color to yellow to make her groom a little more comfortable.

If Nick and Andrea live out their marriage just like they did their wedding, they’re in for years of bliss!

Nick & Andrea’s day was filled with the perfect details, including a lemonade cart!

I know Andrea because we both attended Saint Joseph’s College and because her new brother-in-law, Chris, is also my husband’s best friend. But, I also know Andrea from when we both worked at Gatherings Wedding & Party Rentals owned by Cheryl Torbet.

Nick and Andrea, of course, had Cheryl decorate their wedding. But, loving Andrea the way that she does, Cheryl went above and beyond with the Peterson wedding. Not only did she create flawless designs for the venues (she always does), but she also added a special touch by building a lemonade bike cart!

Before guests entered, they were greeted by a few of Andrea’s friends (who Cheryl had of course found lemonade outfits for) with glasses of the most beautiful lemonade. Guests loved this!

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Peterson!

Nick and Andrea, thank you for allowing me to capture this wonderful day for you! Your wedding day was a dream, and if I could have 20 weddings just like yours a year, life would be made!

As you enter this next phase of life, I pray that you’ll continue to be just as loving and considerate as you are to one another now.

Best wishes! And, I’ll see you in November when Chris & Ashley tie the knot!

Creative Team

Ceremony Venue: Potowatomi Park of Rensselaer, Indiana

Reception Venue: Embers Venue

Officiant: Paula Graff

Hairstylist: Shyla Brown of The Cutting Room

Makeup Artist: Shear Madness by Deb

Wedding Dress: Beloved Brides

Tuxedoes: Suitopia

Florist: Brookside Florist

Caterer: Yesteryear’s Meats & Specialty

DJ: David K. Galt

Invitations: Nick Peterson (Groom)

Cake & Desserts: Andrea VanMeter Peterson (Bride)

Decor: Gatherings Wedding and Party Rentals

Ceremony Seating: Party Town

Bride’s Ring: Shane Co.

Groom’s Ring: Richter Scale Rings

Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography

Second Shooter: Sarah Elizabeth Photos

Victoria Rayburn Photography is a Lafayette, Indiana wedding photographer and family photographer. Victoria strives to make photo sessions enjoyable memories and help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.

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