Northwest Wyoming Ranch Wedding
Jacqueline + Tristan
Cody, Wyoming
Do you love the low-key, rustic aesthetic of ranch weddings? Then, you'll love the chic country-themed wedding of Jacqueline and Tristan. They, like so many others, had to postpone their wedding and modify their original plans due to COVID. Ultimately, Jacqueline and Tristan moved forward with a micro-wedding that did not disappoint at the 7D Ranch in Cody, Wyoming.
A Review From the Heart“Our wedding plans changed multiple times as they did for most 2020 couples, and Kayleigh was flexible each step of the way. We ended up officially tying the knot this past September and she was amazing! It was definitely an adventure and very DIY, but she was up for it! We hiked to a meadow and exchanged our vows and she photographed everything and everyone so beautifully! I am so so so grateful that we decided to hire Kayleigh and that we had our special day captured so magically. The unplanned shots of me riding a horse in my dress will be treasured forever, I am so happy that she suggested that! Thank you Kayleigh! We are so very grateful!”
-Review from Jacqueline via TheKnot.com
Jacqueline and Tristan met at the 7D Ranch many years ago. Both of their families vacationed there in the summertime, and they worked at the ranch together as teenagers. It was evident that these two had a special connection with each other and a special connection to the property. The same rings true for everyone they invited who was either a close family member or friend.
It was a chilly day in early October. The leisurewear for Jacqueline's bridal party was comfy red flannel pajamas, which was a perfect choice for this down-home ranch wedding. Team bride was not for girls only, as Jacqueline’s best guy-buddy was invited to be part of the pack. It's always refreshing to see people step outside the boundaries of conventional wedding traditions.
The views from the 7D Ranch are extraordinary. Located in the heart of the Absaroka Mountains, the property has been owned and operated by the same family since 1958. There are 10 cabins tucked into what's known as the Sunlight Basin, and the ranch is just a short drive to Yellowstone National Park. Being a wedding venue equipped with accommodations, and so many outdoor recreation options close by, the 7D Ranch is an ideal spot for a destination wedding.
From the pictures, you can tell this was a fun-loving, easy-going group. Everyone in the bride and groom parties got to pick their attire, which was another unique element that Jacqueline allowed. Luckily, the group collectively chose to wear neutral tones. The different earthy hues, dress lengths, and textures matched the rugged beauty of the ranch and the overcast skies perfectly.
Jacqueline and Tristan wrote their wedding vows. As their guests quietly sat on wool blankets and listened, Jacqueline and Tristan bravely declared their love for each other. It was a heartfelt moment that was as genuine as it gets with laughter and tears. Looking through the portraits taken during their wedding ceremony, I can see so much love between this destined couple.
As a display of comradery, everyone drank a shot of whiskey and pickle juice just after the ceremony ended. All of the friends in attendance worked at the ranch with Jacqueline and Tristan back in the day, and pickled whiskey shots are a beloved tradition among them. It was a fun way to conclude the wedding ceremony with a distinct twist. This moment, like many others throughout the day, added a touch of merriment and made this wedding original.
As a seasoned wedding photographer, it is always my highest priority to make sure your wedding photographs do not take away from the magic and spontaneity of your wedding day. If not planned properly, family formals are one part of wedding photography that cause time delays which negatively impact the day. To avoid this, I always discuss the wedding timeline with brides before the big day and develop a shot list for family formals. This way, I know who to group for each shot, and family formals get done in the least amount of time without hindrance or confusion.
After family formals, Jacqueline had a moment with a beautiful horse. These images are among my favorite from the day. I think every bride should frolic through the grass with a horse, especially when it's a ranch wedding in Cody, Wyoming. Jacqueline and Tristan work with horses, so it was nice that they could incorporate these magnificent creatures into their day.
Jacqueline embodies feminine radiance that shines through brightly. Her lighthearted spirit is contagious. It was so much fun photographing her as she danced in the grass. With her wedding dress spinning, I got some fantastic bridal photos of Jacqueline in post-wedding bliss. These images of her are truly breathtaking.
Tristan joined the shoot and took Jacqueline's post-wedding bliss to the next level. They didn't need directing at all. It was as if I wasn't even there as I photographed them dancing and dipping. Their carefree movements made perfectly genuine-looking wedding portraits. I know they'll cherish these gorgeous images throughout their lifetime. Jacqueline and Tristan were naturals in front of my camera lens. They made my job as their wedding photographer really easy.
Jacqueline and Tristan scaled down their wedding reception menu and had an intimate cocktail party instead of a traditional dinner, which, in my opinion, is better than a heavy meal. It seemed appropriate to keep things light, as the whole day was lighthearted and free. There was no shortage of delicious appetizers and cold drinks for everyone to enjoy. Jacqueline and Tristan basked in the glory of loving speeches and stories told in their honor and in honor of the relationships they share with those who held the mic.
As the afternoon turned into early evening, it was time for cake, and there was no cake sweeter than Jacqueline and Tristan's wedding cake. These lovebirds did not smash cake in each other's faces. I'm not sure if they discussed this beforehand or not, but I highly recommend couples talk about whether to smash or not smash before the cake-cutting ceremony. It's not in good taste to smash cake in your partner's face unless they want you to. (No pun intended.)
In all my time as a professional wedding photographer, this dance floor ranks high on my list of best wedding reception dancing. When I look at these pictures, I get serious hoedown vibes. Although, there was no fiddle playing involved. It was another great moment of the day that rendered exceptionally well in photographs.
Jacqueline and Tristan had a spellbinding first dance. They followed that up with a playful garter and bouquet toss. Everything about Jacqueline and Tristan's wedding flowed smoothly like spun silk. Though their wedding was more traditional than not, the incorporation of charming nuances made the day memorable and special.
As the celebrations came to a close, Jacqueline and Tristan stepped away from their guests momentarily to pose for the last couple's photos of the day. Since the sky over Cody, Montana was overcast for this October wedding, we didn't get to incorporate the sunset into these photos. Nonetheless, Jacqueline and Tristan lit up the ranch with their big, happy smiles. A big thank you to Jacqueline and Tristan for allowing me to be their wedding photographer. I wish them all the best.
Are you planning a ranch wedding? I'd love to help with that! I've shot numerous ranch weddings throughout the Mountain States and Pacific Northwest and can help you pick the wedding venue that's right for you. I'd also love to join you as your wedding photographer. Bundle my photography services with my wedding rentals for a reduced rate. Click the button below to get the conversation started.
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