Tori + Nolan

August 1, 2026 held a wonderful surprise for this couple and those attending their wedding; it was not sweltering! In fact, it started off rather cloudy and cool. The sun emerged radiantly, as did the bride, by ceremony time, warming and washing with just the right amount of golden light. What a blessing in the dog days of summer!

Not only did the weather delight on Tori + Nolan’s wedding day, a rainy summer supplied no lack of lush vegetation covering the tranquil rolling hills of Elysian Fields. Speaking of tranquil, Tori impressed me with her calm, joyful composure throughout the whole day! What a dream bride!

Tori + Nolan were “rolling deep”, as I believe they say, with fourteen loved ones standing up with each of them. That said, morning consisted of A LOT of hair and makeup, as well as a Longboards lunch and one special little VIP, the couple’s baby daughter, getting cuddled and loved on by grandmas and bridesmaids alike.

The first look left the groom wowed.  An exchange of love letters had the couple moved as well as laughing out loud together.

Following some bridal portraits, the bride gifted her father a tie pin that said, “Forever Your Little Girl.” What a sweet connection!

The afternoon saw family and bridal party portraits as well as some time to rest and refresh.

As the afternoon turned to evening, guests found their way down to the white fabric draped pergola for the ceremony. Next came the groom, parents, the aforementioned entourage, a small fleet of flower girls, and one ring bearer, all followed by Brixley, the couple’s daughter, and her assistants with a sign announcing Mommy’s entrance. Daddy was moved at the sight of his bride making her way toward him.

The ceremony consisted of the couple’s parents surrounding them in prayer, a reading by the groom’s sister, as well as an exchange of rings and vows. It ended with an excited couple coming merrily down the aisle with the groom giving the bride a celebratory dip as they made their way. The bride + groom received hugs and congratulations as the guests made their way up to the reception area for cocktail hour. 

Following a few more family photos, the officiant was found making things official, along with the best man and maid of honor, with the signing of the marriage certificate. Guests were then invited into the reception hall where the bridal party formed a tunnel for the bride and groom to make their grand entrance. Hilarity ensured as the groom found the tunnel a little narrow and tripped on his way through. Do not worry, he is athletic and made a swift recovery and everyone got a hoot out of it, especially the bride. A first dance to Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk was followed by the bride dancing with her father and the groom dancing with his mother. Next the groom addressed the guests with heartfelt thanks for their love and support. A prayer was offered by the groom’s sister before everyone tucked into a buffet meal.

Meanwhile, a sweet treat had rolled up outside by way of the One More Scoop ice cream truck. After ice cream, the bride’s father spoke about how much he had loved watching his little girl grow up, always working hard and pushing herself to be her best. The maid of honor testified to what an amazing person Tori is. She noted the intense amount of competitiveness both the bride + groom possess. She encouraged them to use that competitiveness to be a strong team. The best man toasted the couple after confessing how much he looked up to his brother, how much he loved him, and how glad he was to have Tori as a part of the family. He also noted how much everyone loves baby Brixley and the joy that she brings.

Cake cutting and dancing were the last things on the agenda for the evening. There was a bit of competitiveness demonstrated as the bride + groom playfully shared some cake. The couple closed the evening well supported by their loved ones out on the dance floor.

Tori + Nolan, thank you for trusting me with your wedding photos. It has been my pleasure to get to know you just a little bit.  Many blessings to you both and baby Brixley, as well!  May you treasure these moments for a lifetime!

~Endless thanks to Lilly Cook Photography for Associate Shooting~

Hair - Styledbymorgankc

Dress - Wedding Expressions by Geri