Dragonridge Country Club Wedding: Ryan & Jeanne

Weddings

The day is finally here! Ryan and Jeanne got hitched!

This will go down as one of the most memorable weddings I covered in the history of my photography business. Why? Because it’s my Coochikoo’s wedding! That’s an inside joke by the way. Ryan and I go way back, like since before we both JUST got old enough to drink. My husband, Erick, was a groomsman so I had to work this wedding with hired 2nd shooter and assistant. It was a bit stressful in a way because I wanted to make sure I give these two lovelies’ photos justice while walking/running around with a basketball on my belly.

The day started off at the Green Valley Ranch Resort where they booked two luxurious suites where they got ready separately. Their hard work truly paid off as they not only provided the perfect backdrops for their photos, but amazing accommodations with fun-filled experiences and memories made in these two fancy suites! I personally felt like I was in photographer heaven styling their wedding details – from the Loubotin shoes, D&G perfume, Glenmorangie Signet whiskey and Freemason cufflinks. To top it off during their Getting-Ready photos, he gifted her with a gorgeous Chanel purse and she gifted him with a brand new Rolex watch! Let’s just say we’ve gotten some pretty epic reactions from everyone.

This dashing couple decided to do a first look and I personally felt all the excitement and the “O-M-G” heart-pounding emotions behind the camera. I could just imagine what these two felt during that moment of anticipation to the very second they laid eyes on each other. I could have taken photos of these two for hours if only I had the time! They both looked amazing and in love! Their energetic and gorgeous wedding party shortly joined the two for some fabulous bridal party portraits. Their navy suits and lilac dresses really goes well together. The love and support from these two’s closest friends and families were not lacking. Their genuine excitement in these photos is a testament to how happy they are for these two lovebirds to finally wed.

We all headed to Dragonridge Country Club for the ceremony. It was a stunning outdoor set-up facing the hills decorated with exquisite blush and lilac colored florals and greeneries. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with both laughter and tears. My personal faves are their vows. There were so many memorable lines!

Jeanne:

“I vow to continue the little things, like staying up all night binge-watching TV series or cuddling under our blanket…. I vow to be more understanding of your addiction to Pokemon-Go…and maybe join you..maybe”

Ryan:

“Nine years ago, you gave me a Hello. Five years ago, you gave me your friendship. And three years ago, you gave me your heart. Today, I give you mine, unconditionally and without reservation… I vow to get the car ready 10 minutes before Yogurtland closes for your late night sweet fixes and to be there with an extra contact case when you lose the last 12 I’ve given you.

Before we joined the rest of the wedding guests for cocktails and reception, we had an amazing opportunity to capture the sunset at the lower end of the golf resort. Oh, and we happened to see Steve Aoki’s epic house from our drive down. Fun fact: His house has a 16-foot deep pool! That’s crazy! Anyway…back to the wedding. LOL! The real festivities happened at the reception. The bridal party really got the party started early on. The couple’s first dance was extra special. It’s as if they were floating on clouds and then all of a sudden, fountain fireworks lit up the dance floor! It was a mesmerizing sight that one of the bridesmaids didn’t realize her hair was catching on fire from one of the decor candles! I’m talking about you, Rizzy. LOL! The toasts brought about some laughters and tugged so many heartstrings. The groom had an unconventional way of taking off his bride’s garter, enlisting his groomsmen to give her unique dance performances (with some bordering on a lap dance). At the end, Ryan gave his 1000% to impress his new wife with his moves and randomly started pulling a shoe, strings of underwear AND (imagine this), a baby! Ok, it was a baby doll. But it was freaking hilarious! I honestly don’t even remember him pulling the garter out. The rest of the night was just as fun-filled as I predicted. Everybody literally danced (and drank) the night away. They turned that dance floor into a club with personalized foam light sticks on everyone’s hands!

What an epic day indeed.  I’m so happy for you two. There’s so much love, your hearts can’t contain it. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and adventure!

 

 

 

 

Vendor love:

Getting Ready Location: Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino

Ceremony/Reception: Dragonridge Country Club

Videographer: Sweet Flicks Wedding Films

Bride’s Dress: Brilliant Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie

Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: Events by Bliss

Cake: Las Vegas Custom Cakes

Florist: Jovani Linens and Event Design

HMUA: Nemi Rafanan

Comments

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet MICHELLE

chicago-based
photographer

What started as a childhood hobby evolved into a great passion. Hours after I got engaged, I browsed through dozens of wedding photographers' portfolios and realized I was looking at my dream job. I fell in love with the idea of telling people's stories in images rather than words. It is my utmost goal to make you look back at these memories we create together as if you're experiencing these moments again, nostalgic yet exquisite.

I'm Michelle

send me my guide

A lot of moving pieces go into planning a wedding day timeline and we know it's easy to feel like a hot mess! Grab our free guide to plan the perfect timeline for your day. 

Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline

FREE GUIDE: 5 Tips for A

free guide!