As a Saratoga WY wedding photographer, we always enjoy photographing at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. Rick and I were so excited when Elisa and Clayton initially contacted us to photograph their big day. We were even MORE excited when we met them as these two not only share our faith but they are truly two of the kindest and most enjoyable people we’ve met! The Covid-19 pandemic caused a change of plans for their big day, which led them to the hot springs in Saratoga.
Changing the location and plan for their wedding day didn’t seem to faze these two at all. Getting married to each other before God and all their friends and family was always the most important thing to Elisa and Clayton and Rick and I were blessed to get to be there to document their special day!
From an amazing ceremony in this beautiful resort, to sneaking away for some bridal portraits on the golf course and ending the day with an emotion filled reception, this day had it all!
Elisa and Clayton, thank you so much for allowing us to document your special day. Rick and I are encouraged by how kind and thoughtful you both are. We think the world of you both and feel so blessed we got to be your Saratoga WY wedding photographer! Without further ado…Clayton and Elisa McSpadden:
Elisa chose to get ready for her big day at the Copperline Lodge. Photographing her wedding day details was so easy because her shoes and jewelry were absolutely stunning!
I always love the preparation for the wedding day; those moments when our brides are both preparing for their big day and sharing these special times with the most important ladies in their life.
Elisa is such a beautiful bride. Rick and I have been so blessed to get to know her throughout this whole process. She is such a sweet and thoughtful person and genuinely even more beautiful on the inside.
Clayton is fantastic as well. Rick got to spend the morning with Clayton his fellas got as they all got ready at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. Pretty cool, right? What a blessing to be a Saratoga WY wedding photographer!
Clayton and Elisa exchanged gifts before their wedding ceremony. This gift from Elisa was a complete surprise for Clayton…
…and contained the most thoughtful gift and a reminder of Clayton’s brother who has passed away. I think I mentioned how thoughtful and amazing Elisa is, right?
We aren’t just a Saratgoga WY wedding photographer; Rick and I are fortunate to have the opportunity to capture weddings all over the country. And one of our favorite moments is the first look, when the groom gets to see his beautiful bride for the first time in her incredible dress.
This first look was extra special as these two got to share a moment appreciating a truly thoughtful gift and also remembering Clayton’s brother.
Have you visited the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort? Its an incredibly relaxing place to spend a weekend and also a gorgeous place to have your wedding!
Rick always tells me about how grooms often feel at that exact moment when your ‘wife to be’ is coming down the aisle. The mixture of emotions (nerves, anticipation, butterflies, etc.) can be overwhelming.
Getting to capture THESE moments is something we absolutely love and just another reason we are both so grateful to be a Saratoga WY wedding photographer team!
Clayton and Elisa were married by a close friend from college. Having someone they are both close to join them in marriage AND be in such important photos is such a special thing.
We always talk about “capturing moments”. The wedding ceremony is a perfect time to document wedding day emotion!
Clayton and Elisa chose to write their own vows and Rick and I are both HUGE fans of this! Getting to write down your feelings and recite those to the person you are marrying is an incredible experience.
Getting to hear it from your new husband is incredible as well!
Elisa and Clayton shared stories from college, when they first met and how they had truly grown in their relationship.
Their vows were both very funny AND super sweet and emotional, which we think describes these two and their relationship perfectly.
With this ring…
…and the kiss, IT’S OFFICIAL! Mr. and Mrs. McSpadden!
The best man and maid of honor did a great job the entire day for these guys!
After an amazing ceremony, we snuck to some natural areas near the gold course so Elisa and Clayton could take a breath and be alone.
After the craziness of the morning and an emotion filled ceremony, getting to spend some time together (with no one else around) seemed to be much appreciated.
As a Saratoga WY wedding photographer (or anywhere in Wyoming, really) we have to be prepared for any type of weather.
Rick and I were blessed this day as the crazy Wyoming wind didn’t blow too much…
…and we actually had warm weather and gorgeous light for their bridal portraits.
Is it obvious yet just how much we adore Elisa? This girl is so joyful and so much fun!
And a girl that fun and amazing needs a man who is equally those things and that is absolutely Clayton.
I feel like we could have photographed with these two for hours and hours.
They both are so natural and enjoy each other’s company which makes the job of this Saratoga WY wedding photographer super easy!
FUN!! (Disclaimer: We didn’t pose this shot, LOL!)
Elisa’s ring was amazing! After all of the fun we had it was time to head back for the reception.
Beautiful rustic decor at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort.
The colors of Elisa’s flowers and all of the table decor came together perfectly.
We love it when a cake not only looks good but TASTES good too! This one was actually both.
More fun, stories and emotion filled speeches by the best man and maid of honor!
Clayton’s dad delivered a very special and touching speech as well.
Hearing him speak about Clayton and his brother was one of my favorite moments of the whole day.
Cutting the cake. Serving the cake. Smashing the cake in the face? Sure.
The agreement (and disagreement) that comes with the ‘shoe game’ is always hilarious!
The McSpadden’s first dance as husband and wife.
Rick and I try to tell the story of the couple by including those around them as well.
We feel that images should evoke emotion and Clayton’s mom dance with her son sure seems to do that, right?
As a dad, Rick speaks often about his hope in getting to have this moment with our daughter. 🙂
I fell like you can FEEL just how proud Elisa’s dad is in this photo!
And mom’s reaction to her husband sharing a dance and special moment with her little girl.
Elisa and Clayton, thanks again for choosing Rick and I to be your Saratoga WY wedding photographer! We had an amazing time!
If you loved this wedding you should also be sure to check out Shannon & Daniel’s Vedauwoo Elopement!
