June 11, 2025

There are weddings where the place matters just as much as the people. And this was one of them. Joelle and Mitchell got married on her family’s land, Rathmann Ranch. A place where she grew up and where generations of memories live. And on this warm (okay… HOT) Texas day, that land welcomed a full crowd of their favorite people to witness and celebrate the next chapter of their story.

From the very start, Joelle and Mitchell had one vision for their wedding:
“Intentional, emotional, and fun surrounded by our closest family and friends.”

And friends, it was all of that.

A Ranch Wedding That Felt Like Home

When Joelle told me during planning, “I love that it’s my home. I want the land and the house captured alongside our guests,” I knew how much this space meant to them.

So from the very first click of my camera, I was watching for those in-between moments. The land wasn’t just scenery, it was part of the family. And you felt that in every photo.

Honoring Tradition and Staying Present

Joelle and Mitchell also chose to honor tradition: they did not see each other before the ceremony which made their first moments together at the altar even more emotional and meaningful.

And one of my favorite things they built into their timeline? They wanted to be fully present at cocktail hour. Together with WHITT ROSS we made sure their portraits, family photos, and sunset session were timed perfectly so they could enjoy as much time with their people as possible.

It’s small decisions like this that really shape the feel of a wedding day and theirs was relaxed, joyful, and full of connection.

Texas Formal Style Meets a Perfect Texas Sunset

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Texas ranch wedding without a little bit of heat — and this day brought all the classic 90-degree Texas sun we know so well. But Joelle and Mitchell had the perfect setup: a beautiful tent, plenty of fans, and cold drinks flowing to keep everyone cool and comfortable.

Guests showed up in full Texas Formal style! Plenty of boots, the finest cowboy hats, suits, flowing gowns, heirloom pieces all blending elegance with that laid-back Texas charm.

One of my favorite moments of the day (and one they prioritized from the start)? Their sunset portrait session. We timed it perfectly to catch that signature Texas sky.

And friends, it showed off.

As the sun dipped low across Rathmann Ranch, we stepped out for a few quiet moments. The light was soft gold, the fields glowing, the pond framed behind them, and the two of them just soaking it in.

It was the kind of moment that reminds you why intentional planning makes all the difference in your photos.

A Wedding Full of Heart

At the end of the day, this ranch wedding wasn’t about trends or Pinterest-perfect moments. It was about meaning, legacy, love, and FUN.

The ceremony brought tears. The toasts brought laughter. The dance floor was full all night. And everywhere I looked, there were small, beautiful moments happening. This is the kind of wedding that sticks with you not just for the photos (though, trust me, they’re GOOD), but for the feeling.