As a wedding photographer, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to capture an infinite array of emotions and cherished moments. Some weddings, however, have a way of imprinting themselves onto your heart in a unique way. Claire and Gunner’s union at Rip Van Winkle Gardens near Lafayette, LA was one such event.

As I arrived early to set up, I was greeted by the warm summer air and the enchanting natural beauty of Rip Van Winkle Gardens. The sprawling acres of picturesque gardens, populated by a host of native and exotic plants, exuded an ambiance of tranquility and romance.

As the time approached for the ceremony, guests began to trickle in. I watched as they found their seats, a sea of smiling faces basking in the golden summer sun, awaiting the event about to unfold. You could feel the excitement humming through the crowd.

And then, the moment we had all been waiting for. A hush fell over the guests as the ceremony began. Gunner’s reaction to his soon-to-be wife was one of the most heartfelt moments I have had the privilege to capture. He didn’t just tear up – he cried openly as he saw Claire. It was raw, it was real, and it was beautiful.

The rest of the ceremony unfurled beautifully. The golden hue of the setting sun painted the sky, the perfect backdrop to their new beginning. After the ceremony, the reception was a whirlwind of love and celebration. The soft, ambient lighting, the laughter and the tears of joy—it all added to the charm of their special day.

In the end, it wasn’t just about capturing Claire and Gunner’s wedding; it was about capturing their love story, one that was tangible in every glance and shared laughter. As a wedding photographer, moments like these are what make every click of my camera worthwhile.

Congratulations, Claire and Gunner. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happy tears.

To see our full write up on Rip Van Winkle Gardens click here.