As the morning started and the sun failed to make its appearance due to stormy rain clouds, it was evident that this would be a rainy day at this The Springs Tulsa wedding. Alternative plans already existed for a chance of rain, so this outdoor ceremony swiftly moved inside as the coordinator and her team set up seats in the main ballroom.

A rainy spring wedding day start

Despite the damp day, Katie and Ben took it all effortlessly gracefully. Rolling with the punches and fully embracing everything their wedding day brought them. These are my favorite types of wedding days. Where everyone is simply open and don’t let the pressures of the day dampen their energy. Everyone in this wedding embraced that fully, the day stayed full of smiles, light-heartedness and excitement.

Getting ready in separate rooms, Katie and Ben spent the morning with their family and closest friends. Katie and her crew got ready in a calmer atmosphere, sharing stories, gushing over how great everyone looks, and laughter and memories. Ben and his crew surrounded themselves in pure goofiness, raucous laughter could easily be heard from down the hall.

Katie and Ben chose to share a first look, to spend as much of their wedding day together as possible. Before this though, Katie also wanted to share a first look with her father. His reaction, and the reaction of Katie and her sisters, was absolutely priceless.

The Springs Tulsa wedding venue

The Springs Tulsa wedding venue is located 30 minutes north of Tulsa in the small town of Sperry. This allows for the venue to be surrounded by acres of woodland and natural scenery. Best of all, you get to enjoy a stunning view of Skiatook Lake just behind the outdoor ceremony site. The construction of this lake took place between 1977-1984 and consists of over 10,000 acres of surface area. The fact that The Springs Tulsa shares an amount of the 160 miles of shorelane of Skiatook Lake is just icing on the cake.

It had been nearly a full year since their engagement portrait session at Katie’s parent’s land near Pawhuska, yet their comfort and ease in front of the camera was instant. They naturally fell into poses that felt like purely them. They shared laughter, kisses, and snuggles all the same. And this time, the constant presence of rain. I packed a clear umbrella just in case they felt a little adventurous, and luckily they did. My personal favorite portraits of the day were definitely ones underneath that umbrella. They showcase so perfectly the essence of the day, and their flexibility and complete love for one another.

Katie has a large family – she is one of five children. Her four siblings and Ben’s brother were all included in the wedding party, including numerous close friends. It was a blast spending time with this group. They each went with the flow, despite the rain, all with great energy. Katie’s attendants each chose their own dresses, and the coordination of color and styles is so stunning. It’s one of my favorite things to see for wedding parties.

Indoor blended ceremony

Katie and Ben chose to include elements of their Jewish and Christian faiths into the ceremony. They chose traditions and essentials that felt most meaningful, and blended them together beautifully. Their ceremony was led by both a rabbi and a pastor, alternating passages, speeches, elements and traditions. It was one of the most thoughtful and intentional ceremonies I’ve had the honor to photograph.

The original plan may have been to have the ceremony outdoors overlooking the lake, yet Katie and Ben’s ceremony ended up being simply perfect.

A pause in the rain

Of course, as soon as the ceremony concluded, the rain decided to pause for us. We gladly took the opportunity to capture a few extra portraits, in the glow of newlywed joy. True their excitement, Katie and Ben busted out killer dance moves for a few minutes while The Springs main room was transformed for the reception.

Grand celebrations

Just like with their ceremony, Katie and Ben opted for keeping the elements that meant most to them and letting go of the rest. First dances, toasts, the bouquet toss, and an incredible highlight, the hora dance, were stars during their reception. And so. much. dancing! A large crowd meant ample opportunity for dancing to the tunes played by DJ Connection.

Beginning the day with the unpredictability of rain, yet choosing to spend the rest of the day embracing it all as it unfolded naturally, Katie and Ben’s The Springs Tulsa wedding was one for the books.

Thank you, wonderful Katie and Ben for having us photograph your The Springs Tulsa wedding! Y’all’s steady presence and fun energy is truly a joy to be around. Cheers to a beautiful marriage and best of luck on the upcoming move and shifts!

stellar vendors:

venue: The Springs Tulsa

coordinator: Meghan Hurley

hair & makeup: Destry Davis

florals: Meghan Hurley

cakes: Merritt’s Bakery

catering: 2 Pops Catering

dj: DJ Connection

gown: Bridal Elegance

rings: Hirschberg Enterprises

tuxes: The Black Tux and Vitarelli

photographer: Robyn, Gathering Sunshine

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Gathering Sunshine creates authentic wedding, elopement and portrait photography for genuine spirits, celebrating the power of connection. Based in Oklahoma, I am passionate about telling your story as it authentically unfolds. What excites me most about photography after nearly two decades are the endlessly creative, imaginative and remarkably kind people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with. As you’re in the process of looking for the Oklahoma wedding and portrait photographer who will capture your vision, I would love to connect and hear your story.