My heart pounded as I listened. They shared the challenges. They shared the disappointments. There weren’t any more tears left, even if they had wanted to cry afresh.
They just wanted to have their “Hallmark ending.” The horse drawn carriage at the end. The bed & breakfast experience for their 50 guests. An intimate, outdoor, fall wedding with a picnic lunch out on the lawn following the ceremony. But all of that had changed.
“They held onto a faith that their wedding day could be,
and would be, a day of genuine joy.”
Despite it all, what impressed me the most? The look in their eye. The determination. The hope-filled glances they gave one another. The clasped hands as they held onto each other. Because at the end of the day, they were excited to become husband & wife. Nothing could shake that. And they held onto a faith that their wedding day could be, and would be, a day of genuine joy.
Together, we counted the blessings. A new venue secured. No carriage, but there would be horses. And puppies. And now, a meaningful story. A story that as they walked down the aisle, it also provided awareness & opportunity for those rescued puppies to be adopted.
Randy’s Rescue Ranch isn’t what most people think of when it comes to wedding venues. But what Randy’s Rescue Ranch offered was peace of mind, big hearted staff & volunteers pulling together, and plenty of laughs throughout the day.
Integrity. Thoughtfulness. Simple beauty.
Meet Laura & Brian.
A couple who, happily & literally, rode off into the sunset together…
(If you’re on a desktop, listen while you scroll!)
Bridesmaid bouquets made up of puppies, Laura & Brian’s fur babies – aka “Dogs of Honor, ” – the Jewish traditions of circling seven times, breaking the glass & shouting Mozel Tov!, and how Brian’s grandfather not only was able to come to the wedding, but cried throughout it all…this is what makes a wedding day meaningful & beautiful.
Our Dear Laura & Brian —
We’ll never forget your Skype consultation and how we bonded over black & white movies and being unashamed “hopeless romantics.” We loved you instantly and have been so, so honored to walk alongside you – through the ups & downs – in this journey. We’ve prayed for you and want to be the first to welcome you to “YAY MARRIED LIFE!” You did it. You said hello to forever. Thank you for trusting us and all the memories in-between! We love you. Congratulations!
Always,
–Tara & Stephen
A massive Thank You & shout out to the entire volunteer team at Randy’s Rescue Ranch – thank you for making Laura & Brian’s day so, so special! For anyone interested in learning more about the mission & opportunities for adoption of both large & small animals, or to support their cause by a simple donation, you can find more information HERE.
If you missed Laura & Brian’s rainy, but gorgeous, engagement session & love story at Tower Grove Park – explore that here!
THE WEDDING CREATIVE TEAM
Photographer | Tara & Stephen, Pattengale Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue | Randy’s Rescue Ranch
Florist | Bride’s Bouquet by Thorn Studio. Reception centerpieces by Winslow’s Home.
Hair & Makeup | Lindsey Hedge of Nicole Martin Salon + assistant, Sarah.
Cake & Dessert | The Blue Owl Bakery
Picnic Lunches | Ces & Judy’s
Wedding Day Breakfast | Winslow’s Home
Wedding Invitations | Fresh & Yummy Paperie
Wedding Calligrapher | Frank & Ruth Press
Rentals & Decor | CV Linens, Meyer’s Mill, LLC, Premier Party Rentals
Wedding Dress | Stella York
Bride’s Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Dog Of Honor Bandanas | Northumberland Hills Collar Co
Groom and Groomsman Attire | Savvi
Wedding day colors & aesthetic theme | Navy & Merlot. Vintage Romance. Fall, outdoor wedding.
Always,
–Tara & Stephen
2 Comments
It was a beautiful romantic wedding! Loved everything about it…the venue so calm and relaxing. Loved the puppy bouquets. The photos are amazing, you two did a wonderful job capturing the essence of Laura and Brian’s wedding day! Thank you!!
Evelyn – we were so honored to be there to celebrate with Laura & Brian!! Thank you for your kind words. 🙂