Lone Star Ranch Wedding | Kaitlyn + Paul

I’m going to do that thing where I tell you the ending and then share the story of how we got there because this Lone Star Ranch wedding concluded with multiple guests, including the groom being bucked off an angry bull. In 150 weddings I have witnessed through the viewfinder, that was a first! Let’s hope that this excitement keeps it’s Momentum.

This adventure of a wedding day started started at Kaitlyn and Paul’s home where I hung out with the bride and her girls while they laughed through all the tasks in the process of getting ready, including figuring out how to tie up those damn infinity dresses! When I see a complicated wardrobe, it excites the photojournalist in me because I know there will be lots of different reactions to shoot. People often think that the purpose of me photographing the prep phase of the day is so that I can “document” the process of getting ready. Really, the fact that you’re getting dressed has nothing to do with it or the pictures I’m making. What I’m really there for is to show the connection between the people in the room, the stuff that’s happening beyond the obvious. I’m shooting you laughing about getting stuck halfway into a dress or fiddling with buttons on the back of a gown, not simply putting a dress on because that’s just plain boring. Kaitlyn and your girls, thank you for being good sports and letting me in on the fun. Your prep photos show that you are a bunch of funzies and that theme just kept up for the rest of the day!

Right, so let’s talk about Paul. I didn’t get to see him googling how to fold a pocket square as grooms do, but I did get to spend a few minutes with him as he anxiously waited to see his bride for the first time. He was anxious and happy, excited and nervous. I could see it in his eyes. What a joy it was to watch (and photograph) his eyes open wide and see all of those emotions melt away as Kaitlyn turned him around for the first look. No pinterest moments here, just real deal massive smiles and clear happiness. A few portraits together in the sunshine and then it was off to the chapel.

Married and excited they chatted with their guests in an impromptu receiving line at the church and then we set off for the wonderful, Lone Star Ranch for the reception. We spent some time making portraits in the creamiest golden light (thanks Mother Nature) and then partied into the night with some great speaches, stuffed bellies and dancing. But, when you host a party for your friends at a ranch, you really want to give them that authentic ranch feel. So, this is where the night took a turn, when the DJ called to the crowd that the mechanical bull was fired up and ready! When you’re guaranteed a fail each time someone saddles up, you know the photos are going to be a lot of fun. And they are. Enjoy scrolling!