Some weddings are elegant and elaborate. Others are simple, relaxed, and full of personality. Riley and Dale's wedding was definitely the latter, and I loved it!
Their wedding took place at Farris Wheel, a hunting ranch with cabins, wide-open spaces, and plenty of Texas charm. Cowboy hats, boots, and a whole lot of easygoing people. It was one of those weddings where everyone seemed completely comfortable just being themselves.
And did I mention they had possibly the shortest wedding ceremony I've ever photographed?
I arrived in the early afternoon and started with Dale and his groomsmen. We took some portraits of Dale, followed by photos with the guys in their cowboy hats and boots. Then I headed over to Riley and her bridesmaids.
One thing that stood out to me was how relaxed everyone was. Riley was so easygoing, and her parents were just as laid-back. There was no rushing around or worrying about every little detail. Everyone was simply enjoying the day.
Before the ceremony, Riley shared a first look with her dad and twin brother. I loved that she included both of them in that moment. It's those little personal touches that make every wedding different.
Before the wedding, Riley had told me their ceremony was going to be short.
Okay, I thought. Maybe 10 minutes?
Nope. Three minutes!
From the moment they stood together at the altar to the moment they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, it was all over in about three minutes. I think I was still processing how quickly everything happened!
And here's another detail I loved: their officiant was Riley's high school softball coach. How fun is that? Someone who had been part of her life years before was now the person marrying her and Dale.
Short, sweet, and straight to the point. Honestly, it suited the whole feel of their wedding perfectly.
After the ceremony, we gathered everyone for family photos, then took Riley and Dale around the ranch for some couple portraits.
Now, I have to laugh about this part.
Somehow, during their portraits, I kept coming back to the same idea. And every time I gave them a little direction, they ended up kissing. Another spot, another kiss. A few steps over here, another kiss!
By the end, I realized we had taken a LOT of kissing photos.
But they were so sweet together, and it all felt natural. Sometimes the best photos happen when you stop worrying about doing something different and just let a couple enjoy being together.
And really, if you're going to have a whole collection of kissing photos, your wedding day seems like the perfect occasion!
The rest of the evening was exactly what you'd hope for at a relaxed ranch wedding.
There was a grand entrance, special dances, cake cutting, and plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the dance floor.
Nothing felt overly staged or complicated. Riley and Dale were surrounded by family and friends, and everyone seemed happy just being there.
I photograph weddings of all different sizes and styles, and one thing I've learned is that the most memorable moments aren't always the grand ones.
Sometimes it's a bride sharing a first look with her dad and twin brother. Sometimes it's a ceremony that's over before you can believe it. And sometimes it's realizing you've photographed the same couple kissing about twenty different times!
Riley and Dale's wedding had all of that, and it was completely their own.
Congratulations, Riley and Dale! Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and plenty more kisses!
