A Sunrise Ranch Wedding | Dustin+Jordan | Manhattan, KS

Dustin and Jordan celebrated their love during an incredible sunrise ranch wedding on May 20th, 2017.  As with almost every other spring wedding to date during 2017, rain was a big concern on their wedding day.  Dustin and Jordan had a beautiful vision for their wedding and everyone was hoping that Mother Nature would grace us with good weather for it!

Dustin & Jordan’s passion for the livestock and performance horse industry is what drew them together at first.  Their first conversation began with Jordan talking with Jim Pringle and Dustin eavesdropping.  It didn’t take long for Jordan to realize that she was attracted to him!

Jordan waited for Justin to talk with her again, but a little over a month went by and they didn’t talk.  One day, Jordan’s tire went flat and she realized that she the perfect opportunity to ask this strong, kind-hearted gentlemen if he would fix her tire and in return she would make him dinner.  He came to the rescue but was reluctant to take Jordan up on her offer.  Another two weeks passed by and Jordan decided to give him one last try. He took her up on the offer this time!  She prepared the perfect meal — because we all know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

A few weeks after the dinner in April 2012, Dustin took Jordan to Longhorns in Aggieville with a few teammates from the Equestrian team.  Dustin and Jordan danced and chatted throughout the night!  The following week, Dustin took Jordan out to Deep Creek for a date.  They brought food to cook over the fire and spend time talking and looking at the stars.  This night was the official start to their relationship!

Fast forward to Christmas 2014 … Dustin was attending the Cox Family Christmas gathering and decided to propose to Jordan on Christmas morning!  They have centered their relationship on the Christian faith and enjoying the livestock and horse industry, traveling to many places in the U.S., and Ireland.  Livestock and horse shows are a must activity for us and they dream that one day they will have a few little ones of their own showing!

As we were nearing their wedding day, Jordan and I were in contact a few times about the weather, discussing possible back-up plans.  Dustin and Jordan ultimately decided that the back up plan would be to have their ceremony inside at the McDowell Creek Community Center, but we all knew that it was no match to the beauty of their desired outdoor ceremony at Hannagan Ranch.

The wedding day started at 5:00am with the ladies getting hair and make-up done at Platinum and Company.  It had been misting throughout the night and it looked like it would continue throughout the morning.  Of course, one of my first questions for Jordan was what they decided for their ceremony.  I believe her exact words were, “We’re gonna go for it”.  I was incredibly excited that they weren’t going to let a little bit of rain get in the way of their dream sunrise ranch wedding.

After the salon, I met Dustin and the groomsmen and followed them out to the ranch.  The guys started setting up the cross and church pews for the wedding, and I got myself and camera gear ready to be out in the rain for several hours.  After set up was done, we did a few groom and groomsmen photos.  Dustin’s groomsmen were his dad and grandpa — an original idea that was so genuinely sweet!

 

 

Dustin then left the ranch for a few minutes and Jordan arrived.  She was absolutely stunning in her dress!  Every detail of her hair, dress, flowers, and bridesmaids dresses really complimented each other!  After we were done with photos, Jordan and the girls hid in the trailer out of the rain while we set up for the ceremony.

 

 

As everyone was getting seated for the wedding, they grabbed blankets and bundled together in the pews. Dustin and Jordan’s ceremony was perfect, even with the rain!  The love they have for each other was obvious throughout the ceremony. They unified their marriage with a unity branding — easily the coolest and most unique unity event I’ve seen during a wedding!

 

 

After the ceremony we captured family photos (yes again in the rain).  Their families were troopers, especially the little ones!  As we were capture family photos, Mother Nature graced us with a peek of sun!  It only lasted for a few seconds before the clouds took over again.

 

 

My time with Dustin and Jordan concluded with bride and groom portraits on the ranch.  They were both up for whatever ideas I had and Jordan never once complained about the rain or cold!  I have to say that I’m truly in love with their bride and groom portraits and love that it paints a perfect picture of their wedding day and livestock lifestyle!

 

To Dustin+Jordan — Thank you so much for the incredible opportunity to capture your wedding day!  I’m so glad that you didn’t let a little bit of rain stop you from having your beautiful dream ceremony.  I wish you the best of luck with your current move — safe travels!

Here are the amazing vendors who contributed to their perfect wedding:

Ceremony Venue:  Hannagan Ranch | Manhattan, KS
Reception Venue:  McDowell Creek Community Center | Manhattan, KS
Dress Designer:  Allure | purchased from Ellynne Bridal | Lincoln, NE
Hair Stylist/Salon:  April Jacobs @ Platinum and Company | Manhattan, KS
Make-Up Artist:  April Jacobs @ Platinum & Company | Manhattan, KS
Florist:  Rhonda Stadel

If you’re interested in scheduling a portrait session or your wedding with Demiurge Photography, you can contact me here!