Samantha & Ryan‘s Adventure Wedding: River of Life Farm Dora, Missouri

I couldn’t hear all the words spoken over the calming sounds of the rushing water and the rustling trees. But by the expressions on Samantha and Ryan’s faces, as they spoke their personally written vows to each other, I knew this was a special kind of love.

Chris Rice wrote a song that talks about the woods being his cathedral. I think Samantha & Ryan would both feel the same way about that river, those Ozark hills surrounding, and that bright blue sky. All of it was their cathedral that day.

When Samantha told me that they were going to say their vows in the river, I was over the moon excited for her wedding!! I grew up playing in a creek with the other neighborhood kids and my love for the water has stayed strong throughout my life. Anytime I travel to a new place, I try to find a way to spend some time in the water there, whether it’s kayaking, swimming, or canoeing, it is usually the highlight of my trip! 

I believe that being in nature draws us back to who we are, deeply at the core. The beauty that overwhelms us there reminds us that we are created individuals, loved from the very beginning.

Some people want their weddings to be in grand halls with hundreds watching and I think that is beautiful too. But there is something that speaks to my spirit in a much more meaningful and important way to experience a wedding outdoors, with a small group of close friends, celebrating their best friends’ love.

This busy world pushes and distracts and yet we can, in these intimate and small moments, forget about all those things and find ourselves truly absorbed in the present. Perhaps as we are meant to always be.

Congratulations again to Samantha & Ryan!! And thank you from the bottom of my heart for asking me to be a part of your incredibly special day. I am truly honored to have been your photographer!