My story with Ivy & Barrett began in October 2022. Ivy was drawn to how natural and clean my photos are – so we met over coffee in town and instantly hit it off! Their Contigo Ranch wedding in Fredericksburg, TX, will forever be a favorite for all the love, laughter, disco, and dancing.
After taking Ivy & Barrett’s engagement photos at Enchanted Rock and the Sage Restaurant in Fredericksburg, I knew their wedding would be a beautiful mix of their sweet, laid-back personalities, Ivy’s effortlessly cool style, and their Texas Hill Country love story.
Their fusion of mod, retro vibes and western flair was nothing short of iconic. I’m so excited to finally share more photos from their super sweet day!
Nestled in the sprawling countryside of Fredericksburg, Contigo Ranch is the epitome of timeless elegance and just the right amount of rustic charm. The property is home to five beautifully restored historic cabins, 10 modern cottages, a horse barn, and an event hall with a large covered patio. And that’s just the architecture! The ranch consists of pasture trails, scenic overlooks (like the stunning Bluff ceremony site), a pond, and all the wide-open sky and fresh air you could want.
Their Contigo Ranch wedding felt intimate and grand thanks to the natural beauty of this Fredericksburg wedding venue.
Ivy & Barrett chose to get ready in the modern cottages of Contigo Ranch. Each cottage was carefully curated and made a gorgeous backdrop for getting ready.
From the moment Ivy started getting ready, her mom’s unwavering support and love was palpable. Amy (Ivy’s mom) was a calm and warm presence throughout the day. She reallyyyy loves Ivy, and you can see that love radiating in every photo. Amy – and the rest of the couple’s family and friends – were an integral part of their wedding day.
For Ivy & Barrett, and many of my couples, the love and support from their friends and family mean mean everything to them. And with Ivy being pregnant, it added an extra special feeling on top of it all – and it was my mission to capture that in every photo.
Ivy & Barrett had their first look moment together under Contigo Ranch’s beautiful shade trees. I loveee first look photos because everything starts to feel so real for my couples, and their love and excitement is infectious. Not to mention, it’s an intimate, quiet moment just for them.
Ivy & Barrett opted to take their wedding party and family portraits before their ceremony. This allowed them more time to take golden hour portraits and enjoy cocktail hour with their loved ones after the ceremony.
The Bluff at Contigo Ranch is an iconic Texas Hill Country ceremony site. The location allows the couple to say I do overlooking some of the most stunning views of the surrounding Fredericksburg hill country. Between the azure skies and all the adorable moments from their sweet doggos, this ceremony was filled with so much love.
They wanted their entire day to feel intentional and focused on each other and their people. They didn’t want a production, but wanted to be fully immersed in each moment and celebrate the spirit of the day. And the ceremony was truly an ode to all that and more. And it meant I could capture them and their people as they were soaking it all in.
After the ceremony, Ivy & Barrett stole away for some intimate golden hour photos while their guests were shuttled back to the event hall.
They took some portraits with their pups, and then we wandered the ranch as golden hour bathed everything in a beautiful, warm glow. From the breathtaking fields of Contigo Ranch to the swoon-worthy light, these portraits were pure magic and love.
Once they were ready to head back to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests, they loaded up on Brooke’s Bubble Bus – another super iconic wedding portrait opportunity that was SO MUCH FUN.
Since all the wedding party and family portraits were out of the way, all they had to worry about was joining their guests for one epic celebration for the rest of the evening.
The intention behind Ivy & Barrett’s Fredericksburg wedding was to have fun and really capture the moment of them celebrating with their loved ones. So it was super important for them to celebrate and soak in that cocktail hour with their people.
After cocktail hour, they kicked off the wedding reception at Contigo Ranch with the first dances. It was SO sweet seeing the wave of emotion that hit everyone when Barrett danced with his mom, and Ivy danced with her dad.
After the first dances, Ivy & Barrett welcomed their guests and handed the mic off to their loved ones for toasts. During Ivy’s mom’s speech, everyone in the room had tears in their eyes. Time is such a thief, and so many of my couples want to enjoy their day and make sure every emotion is captured – not just from them – but from the people they share it with. It was an absolute honor to witness those moments and ensure Ivy, Barrett, and their family can hold onto them forever.
After the toasts and dinner, Ivy snuck away for a BEDAZZLED outfit change. Her wedding reception dress took a cue from all the disco balls and was a whole vibe the rest of the night! They cut their adorable wedding cake and then the party STARTED. There was so much dancing, laughter and INFINITE love for the rest of the night.
At one point, Ivy & Barrett were completely surrounded on the dancefloor mosh-pit-style and it really felt like they were enveloped in love and joy. It was the best night.
After they partied their hearts out, Ivy & Barrett took a moment to have one last dance together, just the two of them, while their guests waited for their grand exit.
And just like they had the rest of the day, their guests sent them off in style with a spray of confetti. It was the perfect end to such a love-filled day.
This elegant and FUN Contigo Ranch wedding is one I will never ever forget. Between all the sweet tears, laughs and epic retro western details, I am honored to have been by their side to capture every second. And I can’t wait for their little one to join us earthside.
This Contigo Ranch wedding in Fredericksburg, TX, was a true testament to love, joy and intentional moments. As a Fredericksburg wedding photographer, I will always be here to celebrate and support my couples’ love, stories, and truth – frame by frame.
I love capturing kind humans in their element – reach out to me here and tell me all about you and your day!
Wedding locations close to my heart
Fredericksburg, TX // Austin, TX // Dripping Springs, TX
But I’ll always meet you wherever your love feels most at home.