Dos Palomas Ranch Wedding and Reception – Gisel and Justin
Gisel and Justin’s wedding day at Dos Palomas Ranch had a calm vibe from the start. The ranch sits just outside San Antonio, but it feels a world away. Wide fields. Strong oak trees. Quiet views that stretch out over the Hill Country. Their day felt warm, bright, and full of life, and each part of the ranch played a role in that story.
We’ve shot many weddings over the years, but this one stands out. Not because of anything wild or over the top. It stands out because it felt real. The love between them. The joy of their families. The way each moment seemed to land right where it should. That’s what we love most about this work.
Getting Ready at the Ranch
A calm start to the day
The bridal suite at Dos Palomas Ranch has soft light that makes getting-ready photos easy. Gisel and her bridesmaids were all smiles when we arrived. Hair spray floated in the air. Dresses hung neatly. Music played from a small speaker on the table. Everyone looked relaxed, which always sets the tone for the day.
We’ve seen some setups that turn into clutter storms. Bags on the floor. Clothes everywhere. Coffee cups in shots. But Gisel’s group kept things clean. This helped us move fast and catch real moments as they happened.
The guys and their jokes
Justin and his groomsmen got ready in a smaller room near the main hall. It was a simple space, but it worked well. Guys tend to get ready at the speed of light. One minute they’re still in street clothes. Five minutes later they’re dressed and giving each other a hard time. That’s how it went here too.
Justin kept the mood light. He cracked jokes and kept checking the time like he didn’t want to miss a thing. Small moments like that show how much a groom cares.
The Bluff Ceremony Beside the Guadalupe River
A perfect spot for a vow exchange
Dos Palomas Ranch has many spots for a ceremony, but The Bluff may be the best of them. It sits beside the Guadalupe River and gives a wide view of the water below. The breeze carries through the trees. Sunlight peeks through the branches. It feels open, quiet, and peaceful.
Gisel walked down the aisle with her eyes locked on Justin. He looked like he forgot the whole world for a moment. Family and friends leaned in as the music played. It felt like time slowed just a bit.
A ceremony filled with heart
Their officiant spoke with warmth. Tears ran down a few cheeks in the front rows. A few laughs broke up the emotion. The river below added a soft sound to the moment. Some couples need big décor to feel grand. Gisel and Justin only needed the view and the people they love.
We have shot many ceremonies in many settings. The Bluff is near the top of our list. The light works well. The view gives depth to every photo. And there’s enough room to move without being in the way.
Couple’s Portraits by the River
Peaceful paths and soft light
After the ceremony, we headed down a small path to the river for portraits. The riverbank area at Dos Palomas Ranch has tall trees that filter the sun in a clean, soft way. This made each shot feel warm and close.
We gave simple prompts. Walk together. Hold hands. Lean in. Look at each other. These are the moments where a couple forgets the camera. Justin kept whispering things that made Gisel laugh. Those were the shots that felt most true.
A note on timing
River portraits work best when the sun dips lower. The light bounces off the water just right. If you plan a wedding here, save at least 15-20 minutes for this. The photos are worth it.
Wedding Party Photos
Fun, quick, and full of life
The wedding party was ready to celebrate from the start. They cheered the couple as we set up the first group shot. Some threw jokes. Some tried to pose like runway models. We moved through the photos fast, which kept everyone happy.
The ranch has open fields that make great backgrounds. These fields look clean in wide shots. They also let big groups spread out without feeling cramped. Simple poses work best here. We keep things loose and fun to help real smiles show up.
Reception at the Main Hall
A warm and lively space
The main hall at Dos Palomas Ranch glows at night. String lights. Wood tones. Clean lines. It has a welcoming feel. Guests walked in ready to enjoy themselves.
Gisel and Justin added their own touches to the décor. Soft greens. Warm tones. Clean table setups. It all fit the space well.
Toasts and family love
The toasts hit the heart. One of Gisel’s family members shared a story from when she was young. Justin’s best man told a story that made the room crack up. Moments like these always show the depth of a relationship. They also give us great chances for candid shots.
First Dances on a Cloud
A sweet highlight of the night
Gisel and Justin had a cloud first dance. The fog drifted low across the floor and stayed around their feet. It created a soft look without taking attention away from them. The two of them held each other close as guests watched with wide smiles.
After their dance together, they shared first dances with their parents. These moments bring out raw emotion. A small tear. A squeeze of the hand. A slow breath. Each detail matters.
We love first dances because they slow the night down for a moment. Even with lights, music, and noise, the couple feels alone in their own world.
The La Víbora de la Mar – Snake Dance
A lively tradition that brought the room to life
The snake dance never fails to wake up a room, and this one had strong energy. Guests linked hands behind the couple and ran around the space in a winding line. Laughter filled the room. A few people ran a bit too fast. A few tried to steer the line like they were racing. It was loud, funny, and full of joy.
We moved fast to keep up. This tradition always brings out great expressions. Surprise. Fun. Wild joy. It’s one of the moments guests talk about long after the wedding.
Bouquet Toss and the Night Fun
Short, sweet, and full of laughs
The bouquet toss took place near the center of the hall. The group lined up with high energy. A few tried to stand closer than they should. Gisel gave a playful fake-out toss before the real one. The room burst into laughs when the bouquet went flying into the hands of someone who looked shocked to catch it.
These small traditions keep the reception fun. They break up the night and give a new spark every time.
Light Wand Exit
A bright send-off to end the night
Gisel and Justin ended their night with a light wand exit. Guests held glowing wands overhead as the couple walked through the tunnel of lights. The colors bounced off the couple as they cheered and kissed in the middle.
Light wand exits have become more common, and we enjoy them each time. They work well indoors and out. They also give a clean look without smoke or sparks.
The couple hugged family members after the exit. Then they shared one last kiss before stepping away into the night. A calm end to a full day.
Why We Love Shooting at Dos Palomas Ranch
A venue with range and strong views
As photographers, we look for light, space, and comfort. Dos Palomas Ranch checks each box.
The Bluff gives a clear and beautiful ceremony scene.
The river adds depth and peace to portraits.
The hall handles large groups well.
The grounds have many quick spots for portraits.
The light stays clean through most of the day.
We always appreciate venues that make the couple feel relaxed. This ranch does that well. There’s room to breathe. There’s space to spread out. And there’s a natural calm that settles in as the day goes on.
Tips for Couples Planning a Wedding at Dos Palomas Ranch
A Great Planer is a Must
Weddings can take on a list of their own, so having a great planner is crucial to a stress-free day. Someone like My Forever by Nikki can keep everything on track and running smoothly, exactly what she did for Gisel and Justin.
Plan for the sun
Check sunset times. The ceremony start time will affect your light for portraits. If you want soft light at the river, leave a 15-20 minute window after the ceremony.
Use the grounds
The ranch is large. Explore it. Plan a few simple photos in two or three spots. You don’t need more.
Keep the rooms tidy
This helps with getting-ready shots. A few minutes of cleanup makes a big difference.
Bring comfy shoes
You’ll walk a bit, especially if you want river portraits.
Final Thoughts
Gisel and Justin’s wedding at Dos Palomas Ranch was warm, joyful, and full of great moments. From the river ceremony to the cloud dance and the bright exit, each part of the day felt right for them. We loved capturing each moment and being part of their story.
If you’re planning a wedding at Dos Palomas Ranch and want photos that feel real and warm, we’d love to help you plan out your day. Let’s talk through your ideas and see how we can bring them to life.
