Katherine & Ryan’s Wedding, Part 1 – La Tranquila Ranch, Tomball Texas

I still remember the night I met Ryan & Katherine for the first time. You could just feel the love in the room. The energy. The joy they were feeling over planning their wedding day. I still remember just how excited Ryan got as he told me about the really cool candle holder centerpieces he was making for the reception, meant to complement the chandeliers at La Tranquila Ranch. I could not WAIT for their wedding day, which was so rich in details of things that they made. It was the day that I realized just how much I love it when clients make things for their weddings! I’m all about the DIY projects!

Unfortunately, Elaine had a single-scooter accident in September, and broke her shoulder. After several weeks of physical therapy, she is back to her old self now, but she had to miss their wedding (along with all of our other fall 2009 weddings). We had already worked with Kari in the past, so as soon as I made sure Elaine was ok the day of her accident, I called Kari and asked her to step in. I’m so glad she was available – she rocks!

We started the day off at the hotel where Katherine was getting ready with her bridesmaids.

Eventually, Kari left to go to the hotel where Ryan and the groomsmen were getting ready.

We all still want to know just how much hair mouse he really needed. I’m sensing some product abuse there.

I have to stop for a moment to talk about Katherine’s veil. This was the most brilliant solution to a veil I’ve ever seen! When she ordered her veil, they asked that it not have any comb attached to it at all. Then they went and found the perfect hair clips so that it could be clipped *under* her hair, showing off her hairstyle and preventing her from having to deal with that pesky comb in her hair! Brilliant!

Originally the plan was for their ceremony to be outside. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. It was a gray and gloomy day with lots of rain. Katherine & Ryan just rolled with it though, and it was the most beautiful day in the end!

I grabbed this shot of Ryan, the guys, and the Charger that they used as the car for their exit before going in with Kat to get dressed at La Tranquila Ranch.

Kari photographed the flowergirl, while I made sure to get photos of those centerpieces that Ryan made for their reception.

Katherine told me she didn’t like the deer heads all over the place. I saw this moment happen, and just had to include it in the shot. She caught me, and I reassured her it looked awesome. It maybe one of my favorite shots from 2009 – and she told me at the bridal show this weekend that it is one of her favorites too!

Instead of lighting unity candles, Katherine & Ryan had a sand ceremony. First the minister poured in white sand to symbolize God as the foundation of their marriage, then Ryan poured in purple sand and Katherine poured in green sand to symbolize themselves as individuals and their families, then they poured in sand at the same time, blending it, to symbolize the union of their marriage – because you can never again separate the sand into individual colors.

Ok, it made me cry. I always cry at weddings. By the way, Ryan made the holder for the vases as well.

While I was being stealth and taking photos from up front, Kari was at the back getting these fantastic shots!

After the ceremony, there were lots of hugs, kisses and tons of JOY!

Be sure to check out more of the details, and lots of photos from the reception in this post!

You can see Katherine’s review of our work on Wedding Wire. Getting married? We’d love to work with you! Contact us and we’ll talk!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: La Traquila Ranch
Florist: The Charming Bouquet
Cake: Made by Georgia Blackler, Katherine’s friend from high school, whose mother owns Finale By Glenna
Catering: Mel’s Country Cafe
DJ : Clayton Orr with Southwest Sound

Hair & Makeup: Your Beautiful Face
Bride’s Dress: Alfred Angelo, Willowbrook Location
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suit: Men’s Warehouse, Humble Location
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: JS Boutique at Nordstroms (under $100!)
Invitations & Paper Goods: All made by Katherine!
Bride’s Purse: Simply Sage by Kelly (on Etsy)
Bridesmaid’s purses: Ellen’s Treasures (on Etsy)
Bride’s Earings: Lara Lewis (on Etsy)

Think we might be the perfect fit for your wedding photography? Contact me and we’ll talk!