Stars, Science, and Celebration

Jun 15, 2022 | Real Wedding

Celebrating a wedding at a science museum is certainly unique. The scientific catering options, animal encounters, and a super-cool backdrop for the vows, provided the perfect location for Daniel and Rachelle. The couple wed at this beautiful venue on April 9, 2022.

The Love Story

Daniel Richter and Rachelle Mariano met at the University of Miami where they studied physics and biochemistry respectively. They also both double-majored in computer science. They had many courses together and their relationship began with a healthy friendship.

“We had chemistry from the start!”

– Rachelle

They became inseparable throughout the years; it became routine for the pair to study until late at night and walk back home together. Each time, they would stop at the corner by their dorms, stare up at the stars, and talk about life. This seemingly foreshadowed their planetarium wedding almost 10 years later.

Their feelings for each other developed organically over time. After a summer apart, Rachelle worked up the courage to tell Daniel how she felt. They finally started dating in August 2013. 

After college, the couple lived together in Boston, then Seattle, and then, ultimately, South Florida. They talked about marriage and created a custom engagement ring together.

The Proposal

In the summer of 2019, they went on a trip to Japan. To curb suspicion of a proposal, Daniel told Rachelle the ring wasn’t ready yet (it was). He kept the ring close to him for the entire vacation; he was terrified to lose it.

Towards the end of the trip, he proposed to Rachelle under the Torii gate at Hakone National Park. She was completely surprised! She, of course, said yes. 

Danielle and Rachelle hold themselves and each other accountable for actively nurturing their relationship. They prioritize communication which has helped to keep their bond strong, especially throughout the turbulent post-graduate and pandemic phases of life.

Rachelle admits that one of the biggest challenges they faced as a couple was during a phase in life where she failed to create a healthy work-life balance. She became consumed by her goal to succeed in her career and neglected her relationship with Daniel.

Many tough conversations later, they were able to grow from this obstacle. It ultimately solidified their confidence in the effectiveness of healthy communication. The pandemic and subsequent closing of their offices proved to be another challenge for the adventure-craving pair; they became restless being holed up together in their 1-bedroom apartment but their relationship held strong. Their daily walks and coffee breaks evolved into a cross-country road trip.

Daniel and Rachelle worked from various hotels during the week. They spent their weekends exploring and ended up in South Florida, their final destination where they began planning their wedding. 

The Wedding

Rachelle and Daniel said “I do” in the Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida. The venue was a no-brainer to them; they met and fell in love while studying science and bonding under the stars. They couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to get married than under the stars in the planetarium. 

The couple created the decor for the wedding themselves to really lean into the astral theme of the night. Even the cake, created by Elegant Temptations, strayed from the traditional white and reflected perfectly the couple’s vision for a galactic themed celebration.

One of the highlights of the night was Constellation Culinary Group’s scientific catering options. Following the bridal party’s toasts to the newlyweds, the party commenced. Guests felt as if they were transported into outer space as they danced, limbo-ed, and celebrated among the strobe lights and projections of the sky of stars. 


About the Vendors

Venue: Frost Museum of Science

Catering: Constellation Culinary Group

Photography/Videography: Kayla Bri Photography

Cake: Elegant Temptations

Wedding Dress: Novias Bridal

Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse

Music/Photo Booth: Seegers Sound