Two of the most fun spirits just happened to meet one another in this wide beautiful world, and celebrated with a colorful and quirky cinco de mayo Oklahoma History Center wedding in Oklahoma City. Kate and Will’s relationship is such a meaningful one to experience. They compliment one another stunningly, coming alive in each other’s presence. We spent the majority of their wedding laughing, joking, being goofy and photographing all the moments as they happened.

The Skirvin Hilton hotel

The couple and their wedding party got ready in separate rooms at the Skirvin Hilton in downtown Oklahoma City. Kate wore a Día de los Muertos inspired dressing robe as she got ready this morning. Choosing cinco de mayo for your wedding day lends to all manner of fun decorations and color schemes.

The Skirvin Hilton was built over one hundred years ago in 1911. It is beautiful, very large, and a reportedly haunted, hotel. After getting ready, Kate and Will shared their first look near the grand staircase. Their full ten-member wedding party as well as immediate family members watched from above. The members of this wedding party are an absolute blast, sharing the same fun and silly energy as Kate and Will.

A change of venue

The ceremony took place at First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, a short five minute’s drive from the Skirvin. Having enjoyed their first look, the couple spent the hour before the start of their ceremony in a large room with their loved ones. The younger ones made up games to play, while many took the opportunity to kick off their formal shoes for a bit.

The ceremony was beautiful, with meaningful speeches and songs and all the kind words about the couple. After officially being announced husband and wife, Kate and Will high-fived, then shared their first kiss. The room naturally erupted in cheers, laughter and whistles as they and the wedding party made their way back up the aisle.

The charm of this Oklahoma History Center wedding

Letting guests make the commute to the reception venue for this Oklahoma History Center wedding, we took the opportunity for a few extra portraits of the newlyweds in the beautiful evening light. Festivities for the night seemed at a definite eleven all night. Dancing, toasting and mingling beneath the replica of Wiley Post’s famous Winnie Mae airplane suspended overhead. The floor-to-ceiling windows span 80 feet in total allowing abundant natural light to flow in.

The Oklahoma History Center is 215,000 sitting on eighteen acres across from the Oklahoma State Capitol building. The Devon Great Hall was the main venue for the wedding, with the adjoining halls housing the catering and gift tables.

A quick moment to gush about how much it means to see my past wedding couples in my current weddings! Jenny and Jeremy got married in 2015 in their backyard where Kate and Will were each in the wedding party, and now it was their turn to be in the wedding party! I always love to take a moment to capture an updated portrait when seeing past couples.

A mix of color and history

Coordinated by a family friend, this Oklahoma History Center wedding was colorful and eclectic. For wedding favors, the couple gave out a huge assortment of mexican-inspired painted tiles with stamps of their wedding date on the back. (I use mine as a coaster on my desk, and it always makes me smile!) Succulents potted in equally colorful pots adorned tables as centerpieces. The youngest guests were included, having a dedicated activity table to stay entertained with coloring books, toys, and crafts.

It is always so charming when the cake table brings all the kiddos forward like moths to a flame! I can just so clearly see the thought process there. You know they were told something along the lines of: “we can get cake only after they cut the cake, you’ll have to wait until then.” And when they see the magical moment at hand, they are ready, Freddy!

A personal favorite moment of the day was when it came time for Kate and her father’s first dance, They Might Be Giants began playing and I immediately began hopping up and down to the beginning notes of Partical Man. I’ve only heard my favorite band play at one wedding before this, back in 2011. I am so elated to find such kindred spirits here.

Kate and Will with their community of guests danced long into the night in this picturesque venue, celebrating a beautiful wedding between two wonderful humans. An eclectic mix of music played on, while the laughter and joy of family and friends filled the expansive room.

Thank you, Kate & Will for having me photograph your Oklahoma History Center wedding! You both have such fun, open and free spirits and I know your marriage will have boundless good energy and spontaneous fun throughout!

cheerful vendors:

venues: Skirvin Hotel, First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, & Oklahoma History Center

florals and boutineers: Fleurish Felt Flower Co

cakes: Rosebeary’s Bakery

caterer: Aunt Pittypat’s

stationary: Basic Invite

gowns: David’s Bridal

shoes: Modcloth

tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

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.