As I walked up to the Apache Junction, Arizona, ranch of Christy’s best friend that would host her wedding, I knew this was going to be the country wedding Christy and Jason dreamed of.  I was also greeted by a giant Great Dane who desperately wanted to be a bridesmaid.  There were horses, dogs, friendly faces, and a giant red barn made to be photographed. And no one even batted an eye as I hauled out a giant ladder so I could hang the wedding dress from the barn doors. To be fair, I actually made my second shooter and friend, Kelley, actually get on the ladder Lol

As the day unfolded, it was such a special day of the couple’s best friends and closest family members come to celebrate the special love of Christy and Jason. Christy’s brother, was the officiant and Jason’s two brothers were his groomsmen. Everyone was wearing cowboy boots and ready for a party.

The most special part for me was that Christy and Jason actually met at a friend’s child’s birthday party.  Christy spent the entire party hanging out and having a blast with Jason’s son, Maddox.  Christy’s beautiful heart, amazing laugh, and love for his son, made him realize he had found the one.  Jason is the quite and calm to Christy’s bubbly and outgoing personality. But it just takes you a few seconds to see how much Jason loves Christy by the way he looks at her with such emotion in his eyes.

During the ceremony, the resident Great Dane decided to join the processional and stand up with the bridesmaids.  She just wanted to be part of the fun! And Christy’s brother kept the crowd laughing in his role as officiant.  The last part of their ceremony was Christy, Jason, and Maddox participated in a sand ceremony to symbolize the intertwining of their lives.  And it made for a beautiful remembrance of the day.

I also loved that Christy’s Grandmother was able to be present for her wedding. And even more special is that Jason’s wedding ring is Christy’s Grandfather’s former wedding band, and Christy’s ring is Christy’s Grandmother’s.  There is just something so beautiful about all the generations of love that have worn those rings.

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed homemade barbecue before hanging out around various fire pits and dancing the night away.

It hits me at each wedding how blessed I am to continually witness such love between not only couples, but families and friends. And Christy and Jason have no shortage of that.  You are a beautiful family and I look forward to capturing your 50th wedding anniversary! 😉