The stars aligned on Oct. 1, 2022, for Zachary and Emma Risher’s celestial-themed wedding. Mount Vernon, Indiana, native Zach originally wanted to propose under the stars on the beach at Cape Canaveral, Florida, but inclement weather had other plans. Instead, the couple got engaged during a break in the rain on the anniversary of their first kiss.
Zach and Emma, a Long Grove, Illinois, native, met while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and started dating after working together on a friend’s independent film. They became engaged after almost four years of dating and planned a wedding in New Harmony, Indiana.
When planning their wedding, Emma and her mother, Ann, spent hours finding the right decor to fit the starry theme. Zach hand-painted the table centerpieces for the reception. And that wasn’t the only personalized touch — Zach also wore his grandfather’s suit from his grandparents’ marriage 74 years ago. Photographer, Zach Straw of Straw Photography and Media, took a variety of detail shots to capture the personal elements of the ceremony and reception.
“Our ceremony was held on the second floor of the beautiful Rapp-Owen Granary,” Emma says. “The venue made it feel very timeless.”
A horse-drawn carriage from Horseshoe Bend Carriage Company whisked the couple away following the ceremony. The reception was held at the New Harmony Inn and Conference Center, and Emma says the dance floor was packed with their loved ones.
“Because our friends and family live around the country, it was very special that we had everyone that means a lot to us together in the same space,” Emma says.
Florist
The Golden Rose and Events of Harmony
Hair & Makeup
Brides by Aubree
Photographer
Straw Photography and Media
Cake
Piece of Cake
DJ
Joe Risher
Horse Carriage
Horseshoe Bend Carriage Co.
