Emily didn’t expect to meet her future husband when she signed up for Bumble at her mom’s urging. In fact, she was there the moment she swiped left on Josh, thinking little of it. At the same time, she was chatting with some other fella, but it was Josh—an adventurous storm chaser—who stood out and stole her heart. Their first date wasn’t the usual dinner or coffee; instead, they scaled new heights—actually and literally—by going rock climbing. That adventurous spirit has been the backbone of their relationship, and after seven years together, they chose to tie the knot in the most fitting way: a Minnesota fall camp wedding at YMCA Camp Miller, cutely and appropriately called Camp Eckl.
Josh’s passion for storm chasing, which he inherited from his dad, played a fun and fitting role in their big day. A trained meteorologist, Josh knew a cold front was going to move through during their wedding dinner, but in true weather-pro fashion, he calmly told the DJ not to worry. Sure enough, the front passed through, leaving behind a perfectly cool fall evening for their celebration.
Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, including music from the movie Twister—a nod to Josh’s love for weather and adventure. But the most unforgettable moment might have been their first dance, where they swayed to “the main song “Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer. It was a blend of nostalgia and romance that truly captured their fun-loving nature.
Emily, being a talented graphic designer, went all out when it came to the design elements for their wedding. She created custom logos for the entire weekend, dubbing it “Camp Eckl” to match the camp vibes. Every detail reflected her creativity and personal touch. From the little flags she made for their centerpieces (which she plans to use in photos every year on their anniversary!) to the custom sweatshirts she designed featuring their wedding and camp logo, everything had that perfect blend of thoughtful design and fun. It was a beautiful way to make their fall camp wedding even more personal and unforgettable. How cool is that?
Emily’s custom dress added another layer of sentimentality to the day. Designed as a bodysuit, it featured lace from both her mother’s and her mother-in-law’s wedding dresses, combining family history and personal style. And because it was a bodysuit, she effortlessly paired it with jeans later for their bonfire, making the night as comfortable as it was beautiful.
Their Minnesota fall camp wedding was an autumn dream come true—full of personal details, adventure, and of course, a little bit of weather magic. The setting at YMCA Camp Miller perfectly reflected who they are: adventurous, authentic, and rooted in family tradition.
Congratulations again, you two–thank you so much for letting me celebrate with you!
VENDORS
VENUE // YMCA Camp Miller
DRESS // Custom Creation by Alban Limited (isn’t it just so great?)
MENSWEAR // Generation Tux
BRIDESMAIDS // Azazie
CATERING // Denham Run
INVITATION SUITE // Designed by bride, printed through Paper Culture
FLORALS // Flower Wood Supply
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
