Photos by SilverBox Photographers
It started in high school. Hannah Harper and Graham Ratermann both attended Rock Bridge High School and began a long-distance relationship as they headed off to college. That relationship not only lasted, but came out stronger than ever, as Hannah and Graham celebrated their love by getting married Oct. 8, 2022, at the Columbia Country Club.
The elegant ceremony brought together the couple’s friends from Rock Bridge with all the new friends made in college for a spectacularly fun evening. After all, it was a celebration. Not just of the love between Hannah and Graham, but of the lives of some of those lost before the wedding.
Unfortunately, Hannah had lost her father earlier that year. Then, she lost her uncle and an aunt. The losses meant some traditions had to change, Hannah says, as she was walked down the aisle by her brother, Luke, but it also offered a new opportunity to honor those loved ones. “The day was filled with love and support from family and friends enjoying being together,” Hannah says.
One of the highlights of the evening for Hannah was dancing with her mother to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, a song that had been sung and played for Hannah as she grew up. Then, the tune changed to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and Hannah and her mother were joined by all the important women in Hannah’s life. “It was so special making that moment filled with love and not sadness for what had been lost,” she says.
To submit your wedding for consideration, send information and photos to mleroux@insidecolumbia.net. Include your and your spouse’s names, occupations, wedding date, location and your photographer’s name.
