It was a typical day at work. No makeup, no shower, and smelling a bit like the dairy she had come from, Kayla had just returned to the veterinary clinic from her early morning herd check. I was pretty much a hot mess, she recalls. But with her afternoon appointments looming, she quickly began prepping for her upcoming rounds at the clinic…and then he arrived. 
 
Like her, Alex had come from a dairy, the one where he works, and showed up for his appointment in his work boots and traces of dairy in his scent. Kayla recounts nothing other than noticing his general hotness at the time, and tried her best to maintain her cool as she examined his beloved pitbull, Lacey. Kayla said Lacey would be needing surgery and would have to stay the night, but assured Alex all would be fine and said she would call the next day to let him know she was okay. She did as promised and kindly offered to help when he mentioned Domino, a dog he had that was in need of a home.  
 
A few days later, Kayla found herself at Alex’s work place taking pictures of Domino. Maybe it was her helpful heart or their shared love for animals, but Alex knew then he couldn’t let this gorgeous girl leave without asking her out. Before she even made it out of the driveway, her phone was ringing and a first date set. And the rest, they say, is history… 

Just a year after dating, Alex asked Kayla to be his with this stunning sparkler! Isn’t her ring gorgeous?!? 
 

The beautiful bride with her sweet mama getting ready!

Alex and Kayla opted to see each other before their ceremony to allow for plenty of time for photos and celebrating. This is just moments before Alex saw his bride for the first time…

Probably the sweetest first look EVER!

A sweet moment of the bride and groom sharing a prayer together…

Love!

Oh Kayla, you are SO gorgeous friend!!!

Following portraits, we headed to Madera, where their closest friends and family gathered together to witness them making their love official!

Little man holdin’ his own with the big boys!

I adore this photo of their happiness just after being pronounced husband and wife!

Those smiles say it all!!!!

Following the ceremony, guests mingled outside for cocktail hour and enjoyed the company of a few furry friends nearby, one being a ZEBRA! How sweet is that?

Later guests, headed into the barn to enjoy a delicious meal and more celebrating!!!

The night was perfectly orchestrated and coordinated by the fabulous Lori Cole Events, and the beautiful flowers were arranged by Terri.

The bride and groom snuck away for a few pictures at sunset at an orchard nearby…

There happiness that day was contagious!

My absolute favorite from the day!

Prior to the wedding, some girlfriends and I had a shower for Kayla and had asked her what her favorite physical trait of Alex was. She answered: his hands. She loves his hands because they are calloused and worn and show signs of a hard worker.  
 
I had to end with these two…a perfect display of their happiness, wrapped in each other arms…