Ali + Nolan | A Rough Creek Lodge Wedding in Glen Rose Texas

Ali and Nolan’s wedding day at Rough Creek Lodge started bright and early. With a noon ceremony on the schedule, Ali was in the hair and makeup chair around 5:30 in the morning, and we arrived at 7:00 ready to kick off the day. Despite the early start, the whole day had such a relaxed feel to it. There was no rushing around or frantic energy—just everyone enjoying the morning, soaking in the excitement, and taking in every moment as the day unfolded.

If you’ve never been to Rough Creek Lodge, it’s easy to see why couples love it. Tucked away in the Texas countryside, the property is full of beautiful views, cozy luxury, and so many amazing spots for a wedding day. Their chapel sits just across the little road from the reception space, making everything feel close and intimate while still giving each part of the day its own atmosphere.

After some absolutely crazy rain the night before, we all woke up grateful for dry weather. The skies stayed cloudy most of the day, but somehow it was still incredibly bright outside. Honestly, it made for some really beautiful light.

The morning started with everyone getting ready over at the lodge. Ali spent the morning with her mom and her twin sister. Things got especially emotional when it was time for Ali to put on her dress. Her sister was so overcome with emotion that it had me tearing up right along with her. Those are always the moments that get me.

Meanwhile, Nolan and the guys were getting ready on the opposite side of the lodge and everything was going smoothly… Until one of the buttons on Nolan’s suit decided it had other plans! Thankfully, the team at Rough Creek Lodge jumped into action and quickly found someone who could sew it back on. Even better, Ali had thoughtfully packed Nolan an emergency kit, complete with a threaded needle ready to go. Crisis averted! Thanks to some quick thinking and an amazing venue staff, Nolan was looking sharp and ready to marry his bride.

One of my favorite moments of the entire day was Ali and Nolan’s first look inside the chapel. As soon as they saw each other, they both started crying happy tears, which naturally had me trying very hard to keep it together behind the camera. It was one of the sweetest first looks and such a beautiful reminder of what the day was really all about.

Ali also shared a first look with her dad, while her mom and Nolan watched nearby. It was such a sweet moment and another reminder that there was definitely no shortage of emotions on this wedding day.

Their ceremony inside the chapel was absolutely beautiful. The huge windows flooded the room with gorgeous natural light as they exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends. And after officially becoming husband and wife, they made their way back down the aisle through a shower of rose petals from their guests, sharing a kiss along the way.

Before we headed off for portraits, Ali and Nolan took a quiet moment together in the entryway of the chapel and practiced their first dance. It wasn’t something anyone planned, but just the two of them, soaking it all in before the festivities really kicked off.

Cocktail hour took place just outside the reception space, where guests enjoyed signature cocktails and had a blast with the mobile photo booth. It was the perfect setup for everyone to relax and mingle while we snuck away for a few portraits.

Once Ali and Nolan made their grand entrance, the reception was officially underway. They shared their first dance, enjoyed a plated dinner with family and friends, danced, cut the cake, shared toasts, and spent the evening mingling with everyone who came to celebrate with them.

And can we talk about the band for a second? They brought such a fun vibe to the evening. The jazzy sound paired with their singer’s voice gave major Zooey Deschanel vibes, and it fit the atmosphere perfectly.

To end the day, friends and family gathered outside and sent the newlyweds off through a sea of bubbles before they drove away in their convertible corvette, looking happier than ever.

Ali and Nolan are just so sweet together, and it was such an honor to document the start of this new chapter for them. Their day was full of genuine joy, so many happy tears, and countless little moments that made it uniquely theirs.

Congratulations, Ali and Nolan! I loved getting to celebrate with you both, and I can’t wait to see all that the future has in store for you two!