Matt & Mary’s Country Winter Wedding | Dove Ridge Vineyard | Weatherford, TX

Earlier this month I had the divine pleasure of photographing Matt and Mary’s country winter wedding at Dove Ridge Vineyard out in Weatherford, TX. The sun was shining bright, and the events of the day folded out beautifully. So many people gathered to celebrate the love of such a wonderful couple. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it!

Several days leading up to their wedding day Texas was hit with another bad ice storm. Businesses closed down and school was cancelled for almost an entire week! I was on the phone with Mary asking her how she was handling everything. Poor thing! I can’t imagine the stress of worrying about ice on your wedding day! Luckily, most everything was thawed and melted by February 4th! The sun was shining down on Matt and Mary on their special day. But there was something that came up that no one was anticipating…

The WIND was blowing what felt to be 25mph! Everyone was shivering (especially me. And I was in a sweater!) and hair had gone from beautifully curled to tangled and strewn everywhere. I felt so bad for all the sweet bridesmaids out there in dresses! When we came inside after the ceremony and pictures everyone’s face and noses were bright pink! Thankfully we made the most of it. It also was certainly a much better alternative than an ice storm!

Since it was so cold and windy we did all of the family photos in front of the beautiful stone fireplace inside the reception hall. Dove Ridge Vineyard has such a large reception hall, with great big windows that let in so much light. It ended up being way better than doing photos in the outdoor ceremony space.

One of my favorite details from Matt and Mary’s wedding day was Mary’s late Grandmother’s bracelet. It ended up being her “something blue.” When Mary’s Mom clasped the bracelet to Mary’s wrist, it laid perfectly next to the tattoo on her arm. It read, “Can’t help falling in love” in her Grandmother’s handwriting. “Can’t help falling in love” by Elvis Presley, was also the first song Matt and Mary danced to as husband and wife. It truly was a beautiful full-circle moment that was so incredibly special. Details like these are my favorite parts of wedding days!

Later that evening I took the newlyweds outside for bride and groom portraits during golden hour right before the sun went down. It took me right back to their engagement session when we had the gorgeous golden light sining through the trees. Dove Ridge Vineyard sits atop a large hill amongst an incredible vineyard. Since we were up so high it truly felt like we were being hugged by the sunset. It was so nice to get away from the crowd for a bit and spend time with the happy couple. Mary has the absolute sweetest smile, and I love seeing how happy she is in her wedding photos.

After photos the events of the reception began to unfold. Matt and Mary are such an easygoing couple, so naturally their wedding day was just as easygoing. There was a bit of dancing, traditional speeches, and even the shoe game. Since Matt and Mary aren’t big on dancing the reception ended earlier around 6:30. This was my first “day” wedding, and I honestly loved not having to work until 11 o’clock at night!

During my phone call with Mary we were talking about send-off ideas. I recommended she try streamers, and i’m SO happy she took my advice! Streamers are so fun, mess free and look awesome on camera! They did get a little aggressive, but it was so fun seeing them opt for a more unique send-off idea. I just loved it, and their guests did, too!

Matt and Mary, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day! It was such a joy to meet your friends and family members and create beautiful memories together. I can’t wait to see you both again hopefully very soon!

xoxo Alyssa

Check out more of Alyssa Michel Photography’s work by heading over to the portfolio. Want to reach out about your own wedding? You can do so by contacting us through our contact form. I cannot wait to hear from you and learn more about you and your fiance’!

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Venue: Dove Ridge Vineyard

Cake: Back Home Bakery

Dress: Elizabeth Scott Bridal

Favors: The Poppin’ Shop

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Stationary: Zazzle