The Driftwood Chapel | The Ranch at San Patricio
Driftwood | The Ranch at San Patrcio
Ten hours ahead of me, caffeine, and a sunny sky blessing the day. I’m ready for whatever a wild Texas wedding wants to throw at me.
The morning started like many do. Everyone getting ready, sharing laughs, taking a moment to reflect, and enjoying a small libation to warm the senses. Before jumping fully in, I had one request: could the stray cars be moved so the drone shots would look clean and uniform? Details are where I carry myself. If the scene can be adjusted to elevate the elegance, I’ll always ask. And everyone went above and beyond to help. Teamwork really does make the dream work, and it set the tone for the rest of the day.
With the morning preserved, we made our way to St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Mathis. The mass was meaningful and filled with heartfelt emotion. It’s critical to focus when at a church. From setting tripods in the right place, color temps dialed in, audio levels tested and re-tested, and maintaining full respect for the priest and the sacred space. When Gabriella and Eric said “I do,” the sound of cheers filled the room and it felt like the entire church lit up.
Suddenly, rain started hammering the roof, and right as we were packing up, the lights went out. The timing was unbelievable. I rushed outside, Pelican case in hand, gear tucked under my rain protector, and a sweet grand mama told me, with the warmest smile, “I’ll watch over the rest for you.” Those small moments of kindness mean everything on wedding days.
Driving back to the venue felt like hydroplane heaven, but once I returned to the ranch, the storm eased just long enough for the loveliest donkey to stick his head in and give me what felt like a little pep talk. A quick “get your head right” moment from a donkey was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed (watch the video to see “El Burro”).
The reception brought all the emotion you could hope for with touching speeches, tearful dances, and then my favorite: El Baile de la Gorila. IYKYK.
Before the night wrapped up, the dad-superhero instinct kicked in. A family from the wedding party needed a car jack, and of course, mine was ready to go. When you’re a wedding creative, you prepare for everything: rainstorms, power outages, emotional moments, technical challenges, and even unexpected roadside rescues.
This day was wild, heartfelt, hilarious, emotional, and beautifully human from start to finish. Preparation and anticipation are how you perfectly preserve a wedding, no matter what the world throws at you.
And to Gabriella and Eric… God bless you both. May success and peace always find it’s way to your kingdom.