Dominique & Luke | St. Ann’s Chapel & Ranch Wedding | Tucson, AZ
I said an extra special prayer for Luke and Dominique’s St. Ann’s Chapel & Ranch wedding, as I knew it was planned to be all outdoors. And it couldn’t have turned out more perfect; April 7th was in the high 80s and sunny so even their evening outdoor reception was comfortable for all of the guests. There haven’t been many weddings at this venue before, so I was really excited to photograph a location new to me in a way that hasn’t been seen before!
There were so many unique elements as part of their wedding that really made it special for the couple. Their wedding theme was “Tying the Knot,” which was evident throughout from the gold tie bracelets she gifted her bridesmaids to an actual tying of a rope knot they performed during the ceremony. It symbolized the joining of two separate lives and families into one by tying an infinite knot… and the more pressure on the rope, the tighter the knot will become, just like in a marriage where it should only get stronger when going through hard times. To incorporate Luke’s son, Dylan, into the ceremony, the couple had their initials branded into the arch (that Luke made by the way!) and then before their vows, Dylan added to it with his own branded “D.” Dominique’s bouquet had a leather wrap with small photo charms to honor family members that have passed.
I enjoy the pressure of photographing another photographer’s wedding and Dominique had put incredible thought into all of the elements for every part of the day. They wanted a backyard feel where people could come and celebrate their special day with lawn games, drinks, and Mexican food! Their colors were navy, burgundy, brown, and gold, and a majority of this rustic chic wedding was DIY by Dominique and her mother, Joanna.
Every wedding has those moments that just choke you up and bring you to tears or that make you smile so hard your cheeks won’t stop hurting, and many of these moments revolved around her dad, Richard. Dominique decided to have a first look with her daddy, and as the last of his three daughters to get married, she gave him a custom handkerchief with the saying “Dad, to dry your tears as you have always dried ours. Just remember… we loved you first!” and a photo of each of him holding each of his girls when they were newborn babies. Then during the ceremony, he came up after her uncle was done officiating, and with tears welled up in his eyes and his voice choked up, officially announced them as husband and wife. And last, but not least, he had recorded a heartfelt song of a recording of him singing the song to which he and Dominique danced to during the daddy-daughter dance!
These are one of those couples that just truly enjoy being in each other’s presence and getting lost in moments together, and it was such an honor to be a part of their journey. I am SO happy for you both and cannot wait to see you again!! Congrats!
St. Ann’s Chapel and Ranch Wedding Vendors
Photographer
Assistant: Regina Frausto & Mina Hutchison
Venue
Wedding Coordinator
Donja Cluff
Florist
Adyson Rose Floral Design
Cake Artist/Desserts
Dancin Cakes
Catering
Benellas Catering
Rentals
DJ
Obi-Wan DJ Service
Band
Hair Stylists & Makeup Artists
Wedding Dress
Bride’s Shoes
Bride’s Jewelry
Wedding Rings
Bridesmaid Dresses
Men’s Attire
Photo Booth
Officiant
Dale Crull
Invitations and Stationary
DIY by Bride
How many ways can you say Perfect? Wow, everything from the setting, theme and family, and all those special moments captured so well to last a lifetime. I’ve got to admit that the Father/Daughter comment/pics were extra special to me. Nicely done!