Weddings are always so special, but this Vista West Ranch wedding really captured my heart. From our first phone meeting, it was obvious these two are my kind of people. With their love of cats, traveling, ghost-hunting, and nerdy jokes, how could I not feel that we were meant to celebrate their wedding day together?!

Kaitlyn and Chris

“We met at the Archaeological Institute of America in 2018. Although we are both archaeologists and were both presenting papers at the conference, we actually met through his brother. I have been friends with his brother and his brother’s wife for years. I was going to a brewery with them during the conference and Chris ended up coming along. As we got to talking, things just clicked! From there, we just kept in touch and made trips out to see each other. We’ve been long distance since day one.”

She Said Yes!

While visiting the historic cemetery of Virginia City, near Reno, Chris proposed. Pretty appropriate location considering their job careers! Following the proposal, they celebrated by staying in a haunted hotel (like I said, my kind of people!).

Although the proposal itself was a surprise, they designed the ring together. It contains a diamond from Kaitlyn’s mom’s wedding ring and is the perfect design for Kaitlyn’s personality.

Vista West Ranch Wedding

It’s finally the day for this adventurous, fun, laid-back, ghost-chasing, Xena the Warrior Princess-loving couple to get married! And at the venue of their dreams!

The custom ring the two designed together, consisting of Kaitlyn’s mom’s diamond from her own wedding ring:

Following the ceremony, Kaityn and Chris FaceTime’d Chris’ grandmother who wasn’t able to physically be there on their wedding day.

These two are big high-fivers so we had to make sure to incorporate many high-fives into their wedding day!

With Vista West Ranch being located in Dripping Springs, you know you’re going to get gorgeous views …

Unfortunately, one of their cats passed away prior to Kaitlyn and Chris being married. But they were able to honor him by incorporating an artistic piece of him in their decor:

In case you missed it, we took Kaitlyn’s bridal portraits at the Grand Lady. Her mom fell in love with all of the photos and couldn’t pick just one to display at the wedding. So she put together a whole table of Kaitlyn’s bridal pictures:

How cool is this cake by Cakes Rock! They did such an amazing (and delicious) job incorporating Kaitlyn’s job as a biological anthropologist and Chris’ as an archaeologist.

Instead of tossing a bouquet and garter, the newlyweds opted to throw stuffed cats. I love the originality!!! And what’s more appropriate for the two cat-lovers than to include cats into their wedding?!

Of course, the venue itself has a few cats wandering around. We had the opportunity to play with one during our night shots:

Congratulations to this beautiful couple! Thank you for choosing me to celebrate your big day with you, for sharing your caramel apple ciders with me (post-wedding, of course), and have an amazing time finally living in the same place together!!!

Vista West Ranch Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Susan Money ♥ Ceremony and Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Blush Bridal Boutique ♥ Hair and Makeup Artist: Weddings by Celissa Rae ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: Huckleberry Wedding Films ♥ Florals: Kathy Hollingsworth ♥ Catering: Pig Pen BBQ/I Do BBQ ♥ DJ: Premiere Entertainment ♥ Wedding Cake: Cakes Rock!