Windswept Sentimental Intimate Wedding | Green Valley Ranch Resort Henderson

How do I even begin to write about these two? This Green Valley Ranch Resort wedding was one for the books.

As soon as I received Whitney’s inquiry, I knew I had to work with her and Sean. As a Las Vegas wedding photographer, I’m lucky to witness so many love stories unfold, but there was something different about Whitney and Sean. These two had known each other for 21 years before finally tying the knot. Imagine waiting 21 years to marry your soulmate. These two did just that. But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. The two of them worked together in Portland, OR, and bickered enough that their coworkers wished they would just go on a date and get it over with. Sean eventually moved to Vegas and they kept in touch, but he didn’t want a long distance relationship.

Fast forward to 2014 when some major life events turned Whitney’s world upside down. Sean was the first person to contact her and ask what she needed and how he could support her. The two grew closer until Whitney eventually made a trip to Vegas just to clear her head. The rest, as they say, is history.

Many frequent flier miles and FaceTimes later, she moved to Vegas in 2018. They built a house, sold both of their single-life homes, got engaged around Christmas 2019, and finally became the #SinCitySmileys. She told me they originally planned to get married in November 2021, “but like Tom Petty says: the waiting is the hardest part. And we’re impatient.”

The day finally came, and Mother Nature wanted to put on a little show before the ceremony. The sky grew dark and a few rain drops fell – but you know rain on the wedding day is good luck. The winds cleared the storm, and the two were able to have their beautiful first look near the Green Valley Ranch Resort vineyards. Even though they had just been hanging out while Whitney was getting glammed up, the big reveal moment is still always so sweet.

We made the decision to move the ceremony inside so that a certain guest wouldn’t fly away (keep scrolling to see what I’m talking about), but thankfully we were still able to do some lovely outdoor photos. The ceremony was safe, socially distant, and oh so intimate. Only the select few were invited to this shindig!

We toasted, danced, and dined until the sun was put to bed. Then we broke out the sparklers for some magical after-dark photos to top of the incredible day! This wedding was so full of inside jokes and personal touches that I truly felt like I was a part of their friend-group. I’m so happy for these two to finally be the #SinCitySmileys. Here’s to a lifetime of love!

Are you planning your own intimate wedding at Green Valley Ranch Resort? Get in touch to get on my calendar!

Photography: Amber Garrett Photography
Videography: Cydne Robinson Films
Venue and nourishment: Green Valley Ranch Resort Casino & Spa
Planning: With Love by Tara Marie
Florals: Flourish LV
Beauty: Makeup in the 702
Officiant: Elegant Vegas Weddings
DJ: All Night Long Entertainment
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Menswear: Friar Tux
Jewelry: MJ Christensen Diamonds
Paper Products: Zola