When Helena reached out to me about her Rancho Guejito wedding, it already felt like we knew each other. She had been following my work on Instagram for quite a while, and when she and Deven got engaged, she reached out right away. I was so excited when she told me they wanted me to be part of both their engagement photos and wedding day.
At the time, they were living in California, but they actually flew out to Colorado for their engagement session with me. Then a few months later, I packed my bags and headed to San Diego to document their wedding day.
One of the things that made this celebration especially meaningful was that Helena and Deven had already legally gotten married about a year earlier. While they were already husband and wife, this day was about finally standing surrounded by their family and friends, sharing their vows, and celebrating their marriage with the people who mean the most to them.
A Warm Summer Rancho Guejito Wedding Ceremony
Rancho Guejito couldn’t have been a more beautiful setting for their wedding day. Surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and endless California sunshine, the entire celebration felt warm, intimate, and relaxed.
As guests gathered for the outdoor ceremony, there was such a sweet sense of anticipation in the air. I have to talk about the ring bearers for a second, because Deven’s little brothers absolutely stole the show. Their tiny cowboy-inspired outfits were easily one of my favorite details from the entire day. It was the perfect little glimpse into the Western touches that would show up throughout the celebration.
There were tears, laughter, and so many meaningful moments woven throughout their vows. Watching them finally share that experience with all their family and friends felt incredibly special. It was one of those ceremonies that remind you weddings aren’t really about the details. They’re about the people gathered together and the stories that brought them there.
Cowboy Hats, Outfit Changes & the Best Kind of Celebration
As gorgeous as the ceremony was, Helena and Deven had another moment they had been looking forward to all day: their outfit change. After the formal portion of the wedding, they traded their classic wedding looks for something that felt much more like themselves. Cowboy hats, boots, western-inspired style—the whole vibe instantly shifted, and honestly, it fit them perfectly.
I don’t think anyone was more excited about this moment than Deven. From the beginning, he had been talking about the outfit change and the dance party that would follow, and seeing his excitement finally come to life was so fun. Once the hats and boots came out, it felt like everyone relaxed even more and fully settled into celebration mode.
We spent some time wandering through the vineyard rows for portraits, and some of my favorite images from the entire day came from this part of the evening. To tell their story, I documented the day using a mix of digital and film photography, as well as Super 8. I love combining all three because each medium captures a different feeling. The digital images preserve every detail, film adds that nostalgic softness, and Super 8 brings movement and emotion that instantly transport you back to the day. Read more about combining 35mm film, digital, and Super 8 here!
As the sun set and the dance floor filled, the celebration became exactly what Helena and Deven had hoped for: a joyful gathering centered on family, friendship, and finally sharing this milestone with everyone they love.
A Love Letter From the Couple
“Sam was absolutely amazing from the booking process to our engagements and wedding day, and through the delivery of our photos! Working with Sam was so easy and enjoyable – even my now husband (who always complains when I ask to take photos lol) loved taking photos with Sam. She has a way of making the process feel fun and easy through her direction, knowledge, and kindness. And regarding the photos we got back, absolutely stunning. We are so incredibly happy with both our engagements and wedding photos, and they will be a treasure to us for the rest of our lives!”
Vendors
Photography & Super 8 | Samantha Ruscher Photo
Assistant Photographer | Lexi Truesdale Photos
Venue | Rancho Guejito
Florals | Jean Bloom
Bar | Crafty Swig
Signage | For Love & Forever
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