A Cowboy Wedding

My long time friend Wes got married in January.  His and Natalie's wedding was the excuse I used to create all of the Southwestern photos in my previous posts.  I figured, i'm already in Oklahoma, why not drive a little farther and find some exciting scenery.  

This wedding was shot slightly different from many of my weddings.  Normally when I arrive at a location one of my first goals is to get establishing shots of the bride and groom.  In this case the bride and groom both had such interesting stories that I spent a lot of time with details, building up to who they are as individuals.  

I've referred to Wes for years as my "Cowboy" friend, the pictures should explain that.  He has lived the quintessential cowboy life for as long as I can remember, stubborn and proud, reckless and loud, but also one of the few true gentlemen i've ever met in my life.  His wife, Natalie, has quite a story to tell as well.  Her late husband was a bit of a local legend who worked with the Oklahoma City Zoo and spent much of his life working with native tribes in South America and Africa.  After his passing, many of the animals and artifacts were offered to zoos and museums around the world.  When you drive onto her property, you're greeted by wolves, foxes, a lizard the size of an alligator, and a parrot that "meows" to heckle the cat, then says "here, kitty, kitty, kitty"!  

So as you look through the SLIDESHOW , take a look at some of the background scenery that helps establish who these people are.  I found it fascinating and I hope you do as well.  Cheers to Natalie and Wes, i've never seen a couple more completely suited for each other. 

Three amigos.  Dennis, Wes, and me before the wedding.  In keeping with the whole cowboy theme, my camera was propped up on the tailgate of a truck.  Improvisation!