Todd + Rachels Cozy Fall Wedding at Circle S Ranch

On November 2, 2024, I had the pleasure of photographing Todd and Rachel intimate and wonderfully laid-back wedding at Circle S Ranch in Lawrence, Kansas. From the moment I met Todd and Rachel on our consultation call, it was clear that this day was going to be all about celebrating their love, family, and each other—no frills, no stress—just a cozy and authentic celebration.

A Relaxed Start to a Perfect Day

Todd and Rachel are the definition of chill. They are both laid back, relaxed, and love each other (and their cats!) with all their hearts. They decided to break from tradition by casually spending time together as they got ready, and they were so relaxed that, even when the weather turned and rain moved their ceremony indoors, they didn’t bat an eye. It was all about the moment, and they embraced it fully.

A Beautiful, Rustic Venue

Circle S Ranch, a rustic working farm just outside of Lawrence, was the perfect backdrop for Todd and Rachel’s celebration. With its cozy charm, the venue matched their love for all things natural and it allowed them to enjoy a fun weekend getaway with their wedding party. From their reception dinner, to hanging in the hot tub and having family breakfast, Circle S allowed them to be together and enjoy quality family time. The ceremony took place in the intimate chapel, which exuded a dark, moody, romantic vibe—perfectly complementing Rachel’s fall-inspired color scheme of rich jewel tones. In the spring and summer, couples can opt to get married in the ceremony garden. A secluded spot underneath a grove of oak and birch trees and surrounded with perennials. If you’re lucky you might even have a long horn stop by to watch the proceedings!

Fall Vibes and Personal Touches

One of my favorite moments of the day was when Rachel and Todd used Rachel’s sword to cut their wedding cake—a badass and meaningful touch! When I mistakenly asked Todd the story behing HIS sword, Rachel corrected me and told me the story ofhow the sword was her “first adult purchase”. Do we love a strong woman or do we love a strong woman? From a black cat cake topper to family wedding photos from years past, there were so many beautiful and personalized touches among the reception details.

The design vision was brought to life by the talented Stacie Aldritt of Love and Lawrence. Stacie and her team are AMAZING and worked tirelessly to bring the couples vision to life. They created a moody, candlelit reception with gorgeous floral arrangements, dried fruit, jewel tones and more candelabras than I have ever seen. The combination of natural textures and warm lighting perfectly matched the fall season. Stacie also incorporated a hot cider bar which I loved! As far as I’m concerned pumpkin spice can take a hike because apple cider is the flavor of the fall season.

A First Dance to Remember

One of the most beautiful moments of the day was Todd and Rachel’s first dance. Surrounded by twinkling lights and their friends and family, they shared a quiet, beautiful moment that felt timeless. I was so excited to capture the backlit photo of them dancing—it’s one of those moments that perfectly sums up their wedding: calm, intimate, and full of love.

A Memorable Celebration

Rachel’s mom gifted her a few special items before the ceremony and introduced me to a new tradition. She had kept Rachel’s baby bonnet from her christening and they wrapped the bottom of her bouquet with it. I had never seen anyone do this before and thought it was such a sweet way to pay homage to the life that Rachel led previously and the new life that she was stepping into. After the vows were exchanged the Mother of the Bride slipped into her “monster feet” slippers to celebrate. The night was capped off with a spectacular fireworks show put on by their officiant—a fun and unexpected way to end such a magical day. I’m not sure who was more excited to light those fireworks off – the officiant (best friend to the Father of the Bride) or Todd’s teenage cousins.

All in all, Todd and Rachel’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their personalities—easygoing, heartfelt, and filled with joyful moments. It was an honor to capture their day, and I can’t wait to share more of the beautiful memories created.

Thank you, Todd and Rachel, for allowing me to be part of such an unforgettable day!