Wow okay someone explain to me how I haven’t shared these photos until now??? Time to fix this problem!
When Mariah + Dakota first reached out to me about photographing their wedding, Mariah explained that even though they were having a more traditional wedding at their home church in Edmond, Oklahoma, she also really really wanted a wedding photo session in the mountains afterward. Hi yes hello let’s do this.
Their wedding in August was so, so fun. We were blessed with an unusually cool summer day as they said their vows in a beautiful wooded park outside their church. But as luck would have it, things ran a little behind and we only had maybe 10 minutes for Mariah + Dakota’s portraits. So thank goodness we had planned that adventure session!
Two weeks later, Mariah + Dakota got decked out in their wedding clothes and we headed out to the Wichita Mountains in southern Oklahoma. And lemme tell you, it was a freakin blast. Once I learned Mariah is a fellow Taylor Swift fan, we turned on some TSwift and did car karaoke (don’t let Dakota tell you he wasn’t singing too) and danced in the sunset. No pressure or rush of a wedding day, just two giddy married people having the time of their lives in the mountains. Also, can I get a HOLLAAAA YAS QUEEEEEN for Mariah in that stunning dress??!!
Ever since this day, I’ve been an advocate for day-after sessions (and clearly they don’t literally have to be the day after your wedding). Wedding days can just be a lot sometimes, you know? And they go by so fast! Just imagine getting to put your wedding clothes back on, slow down, and take as much time as you want to take amazing portraits together and love on each other and celebrate your wedding day a little bit more. Also, if you’re like Mariah and are totally in love with your wedding dress, why should you only get to wear it once? Put that gorgeous thing back on and dance around in the mountains with your love. You won’t regret it.
I love these two and I love how they love each other and it’s also really fantastic that they started as my clients and now we’re friends. I’m so happy I got to document the beginning of their married life and their adventure in the mountains and I can’t wait to see where life takes them!!
Payton Marie Photography is run by Payton Wilson, a local and destination wedding photographer based in Oklahoma City. She specializes in working with intentional, adventurous couples who are focused on making their wedding day exactly what they want it to be, regardless of tradition. Every story is unique, every love has its own flair. So whether at home or abroad, in a church or on a mountain, she focuses on creating photos that are celebratory, emotional, and unforgettable.
Beautiful photos David, What a beautiful garden!