I was so honored when Vanessa and Ben asked me to be their wedding photographer. Vanessa did wedding photography some in the past, so I knew it would be a top priority for her to get great photos of their day When I met with them over coffee to talk more about their wedding, some of the first words that came out of their mouths were “we aren’t going to have a very traditional wedding.”
Vanessa and Ben got married in front of their closest friends and family members on a warm, overcast day. Their venue, Rustic Redbird Lodge in Bixby, Oklahoma, provided the perfect relaxed atmosphere for their wedding day.
Vanessa wore a navy wedding dress, hand-sewn by her talented mother. I was blown away. She knew she didn’t want to wear a traditional white gown, so she went with a colored wedding dress (which also happened to be Ben’s favorite). Her gown was accented by a turquoise belt and bare feet.
Vanessa looked freakin’ killer. She showed off her tattoos and chose to do her own hair and makeup. She embraced who she was, which echoed throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening. They stood under an arbor built by Vanessa’s dad and brother.
They stood alone as they said their vows, opting to forego a wedding party. One of Ben’s best friends played the guitar during the processional, as Vanessa walked down barefoot escorted by her dad.
They had a short, sweet ceremony focusing on their union as two people and coming together as husband and wife after the birth of their son, Hutton (who looked adorable in his suspenders).
After the ceremony, friends and family stayed for yard games, homemade lemonades, drinks, a buffet of picnic-inspired food, delicious cakes from Antoinette Baking Co. in Tulsa (which were cut with a hatchet…no big deal), conversation under twinkle lights and then had to wrap up the party a little early due to a huge storm brewing around the area. The clouds had been threatening all day, but Mother Nature held off until the festivities were drawing to a close.
A day that truly reflected Vanessa and Ben-laid back, simple, a little unexpected, and all about their love.
This was one of my favorite weddings from last year. It was a breeze to photograph-a lot to do with how relaxed Vanessa and Ben are.
Cheers.
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