Real Weddings: Rachel & Andrew

When your future husband is a robotic engineer, it makes sense that he would spend months modeling and learning how to design the perfect engagement ring. It also makes sense that you would join forces with him to work as robotic engineers at the same company. Rachel and Andrew met through their shared profession, and now, as marrieds, they both work for Path Robotics. After creating a one-of-a-kind ring, Andrew, who attended The Ohio State University, devised a clever way to propose to his love. Rachel, a graduate of Xavier University, left early from work one day and upon opening the door to the apartment she shared with Andrew, he popped out from behind a corner, making her scream. She was terrified, as she thought it was an intruder. Andrew had a song from one of their favorite bands already playing, and began his proposal. Rachel began to understand what was happening and she starting crying in addition to saying yes. The pair have a unique tradition they call the “No New Gifts” rule. “For my first birthday after we started dating, [Andrew] made me a wooden wine rack and for each holiday after, we agreed that gifts should be either handmade or antique,” says Rachel. “Staying true to that tradition, he designed and made my gorgeous engagement ring,” she explains of Andrew’s methodical planning. During Fall, Rachel and Andrew made their union official nestled amongst the autumnal foliage of a nature center. Donning her wedding gown made by a shop on Etsy and a red floral crown that exuded major Frida Kahlo vibes, Rachel met Andrew at a macramé-laden altar to exchange their vows. The bride and groom, who both have a DIY spirit about them, planned for a saxophone soloist to play, amongst other musical fanfare. Ever the musical aficionados — the couple attends upwards of 40 concerts a year (in a non-pandemic year) — it was imperative that music play a major note in their entire day. Naturally, their 225 guests experienced a memorable mini-concert at the reception that day. Since then, the newlyweds are engineering for themselves a happy and harmonious future.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Columbus, OH

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: serene, bohemian, organic

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Grange Audubon Center

DESSERT: Cake and a Graeter’s Ice Cream bar

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges

SPECIAL FEATURES: a hand-woven macramé hanging was DIY’d by the bride only two days before the wedding; the couple used a 3D printer to engrave name tags for the tables as well as with a drink menu; borrowed the beautiful arch from Andrew’s best man who made it in his own wedding; saxophone soloist

HONEYMOON: Switzerland

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