My favorite weddings are always the ones that stand out from all the rest. It can be so hard to do in these days of Pinterest. But Kristen and Brad made sure their day would be tailor-made for them. How many couples can say that they got married at a real riding center? Sure, barns are popular for weddings nowadays, but seeing a horseback riding arena set up for a wedding was a first for me. You are in for a treat!
The Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center is a place near and dear to this bride’s heart. It’s a riding center focused on aiding people with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities, and promoting their independence. Kristen has spent years volunteering for them, and when it came time to plan her wedding, it seemed like the perfect place.
All of the riding tools were put away and replaced by tables topped with planters of white flowers and greenery. Chairs were set up facing an altar, and lined with heat lamps to fend off the autumn chill from outside. Details included a branding iron personalized with Kristen and Brad’s initials, old bottles of whiskey (Brad’s favorite), and rustic wood and metal handmade pieces.
Most importantly, all 250 of Brad and Kristen’s guests fit comfortably within the walls of the riding center, tucked away from the Ellensburg winds blowing outside. Despite it being a large crowd, it felt deeply cozy and intimate there, celebrating this special love.
Something I absolutely love about finally getting to see a wedding day unfold after months of chatting with my bride and groom and getting to know them is that I get to hear all the stories about them their friends and family tell during the wedding ceremony and toasts. The love that everyone has for the newlyweds just spills over and fills the room (or in this case, the arena!) Kristen and Brad could not stop smiling and laughing the whole day.
Kristen and Brad are two of the most down-to-earth people you will meet, and I am so happy for them!
Scroll on to see Kristen & Brad’s unique Ellensburg Washington wedding photos at the Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center.
Venue: Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center
Wedding Coordinator: Marian Gerrits
Florals: Ellensburg Floral
Cupcakes: Sydnee Sterkel
Dress + Bridesmaids Dresses: Tulip Bridal
Bride’s Boots: Corral Boots
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
And while you’re here, you might also love to check out these other weddings and engagements I’ve photographed:
Snoqualmie Washington Engagement Portraits | Kristen & Brad
Woodinville Lavender Wedding | Dana & Nick
Casa Rondena Winery Wedding in Albuquerque, NM | Katie & Ryan
My favorite weddings are always the ones that stand out from all the rest. It can be so hard to do in these days of Pinterest. But Kristen and Brad made sure their day would be tailor-made for them. How many couples can say that they got married at a real riding center? Sure, barns are popular for weddings nowadays, but seeing a horseback riding arena set up for a wedding was a first for me. You are in for a treat!
The Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center is a place near and dear to this bride’s heart. It’s a riding center focused on aiding people with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities, and promoting their independence. Kristen has spent years volunteering for them, and when it came time to plan her wedding, it seemed like the perfect place.
All of the riding tools were put away and replaced by tables topped with planters of white flowers and greenery. Chairs were set up facing an altar, and lined with heat lamps to fend off the autumn chill from outside. Details included a branding iron personalized with Kristen and Brad’s initials, old bottles of whiskey (Brad’s favorite), and rustic wood and metal handmade pieces.
Most importantly, all 250 of Brad and Kristen’s guests fit comfortably within the walls of the riding center, tucked away from the Ellensburg winds blowing outside. Despite it being a large crowd, it felt deeply cozy and intimate there, celebrating this special love.
Something I absolutely love about finally getting to see a wedding day unfold after months of chatting with my bride and groom and getting to know them is that I get to hear all the stories about them their friends and family tell during the wedding ceremony and toasts. The love that everyone has for the newlyweds just spills over and fills the room (or in this case, the arena!) Kristen and Brad could not stop smiling and laughing the whole day.
Kristen and Brad are two of the most down-to-earth people you will meet, and I am so happy for them!
Scroll on to see Kristen & Brad’s unique Ellensburg Washington wedding photos at the Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center.
Venue: Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center
Wedding Coordinator: Marian Gerrits
Florals: Ellensburg Floral
Cupcakes: Sydnee Sterkel
Dress + Bridesmaids Dresses: Tulip Bridal
Bride’s Boots: Corral Boots
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
And while you’re here, you might also love to check out these other weddings and engagements I’ve photographed:
Snoqualmie Washington Engagement Portraits | Kristen & Brad
Woodinville Lavender Wedding | Dana & Nick
Casa Rondena Winery Wedding in Albuquerque, NM | Katie & Ryan