Today’s featured wedding takes place in Watford City, featuring Kytzia and Martin. Their wedding was stunning in classic black and white, complemented by natural wooden details. Everything looks perfectly placed on the background of roses and lace.
Kytzia got ready for her big day in one of the beautiful suites at the Roosevelt Hotel in Watford City. It was a large three-bedroom that was perfect for the bride and family! Kytzia’s bridal effects added the perfect bit of sparkle to complement her lace dress.
Martin, the groom’s personal effects were natural leather and wood, to complement his sleek black attire. The cufflinks were a thoughtful gift from his bride to be.
The moment had arrived, and the bride was ready. After a couple heartfelt final touches from mom, Kytzia shares some precious time with her family.
Kytzia’s simple green and white bouquet completes her bridal ensemble, providing a pop of color.
Likewise, Martin’s mother adjusts his tie and boutonierre to make sure he is picture perfect for his bride.
Kytzia and Martin decided they wanted to be surprised at the ceremony so they didn’t do a first look. Instead, they stood back to back and shared a moment. Kytzia passed Martin a small wooden box containing a custom pair of cufflinks. The cufflinks had pictures of his loved ones to accompany him on this most important day.
Wedding Ceremony at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City
This was our first time shooting a wedding at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City and I loved how most of the chapel was white with stained glass windows, it made the most beautiful lighting for the ceremony. The simple black and white of the bride and groom’s attire looked perfectly suited in the elegant well-lit space.
Kytzia and Martin stand, fingers entwined with the anticipation of becoming man and wife.
Their excitement is palpable as they stand at the altar of the church in front of their loved ones.
The time to exchange rings and vows has arrived. Kytzia and Martin swear to spend their lives together in the beautiful glow of the church.
Martin kisses Kytzia’s hand as they take their seat, fingers grasped tightly.
Finally the big moment has arrived! Kytzia and Martin share their first kiss as man and wife, and maybe a couple more as they make their way down the aisle.
We paused for a moment to take more traditional bridal shots in the church before heading to Tourist Park for outdoor photos.
Portraits at Tourist Park
Tourist Park in Watford City was the perfect green background to take some wedding photos before meeting the rest of the guests at the reception.
Kytzia and Martin stand in the beauty of the park, the soft green glow of the leaves making the whole romance look like a scene from a fairy tale.
Martin lifts his bride and they share a genuine loving smile before returning to their wedding guests at the ceremony.
Wedding Reception at McKenzie County Ag Expo
The Ag Expo in Watford City is a relatively new addition to McKenzie County (added in 2023). And it has a beautiful room available for wedding receptions.
Like the ceremony, the reception was decorated in black and white with elegant natural details, like the gold platters and simple green adorning the cake and deserts.
Kytzia and Martin had a beautiful table full of amazing desserts but my favorite were the little boxes of Mexican wedding cakes “cookies” they had as wedding favors. By far the world’s best cookie.
All eyes were on the bride and groom as they made their grand entrance into the reception area.
Kytzia and Martin took the opportunity to raise a toast, and address their guests and each other. This was a perfect way to kick off the celebration of their love.
The happy couple shared their first dance of many that night, illuminated on the dance floor as the guests watched and shared in this joyous moment.
Then, it was time for Kytzia to share a dance with her father, and Martin with his mother.
Kytzia and Martin continued to dance with friends and family until it was time for something more traditional. Next, they would perform La Vibora de la Mar, a Mexican wedding tradition. During La Vibora de la Mar, which translates to The Sea Snake, the bride and groom stand on chairs, creating an arch with their hands. Guests pass under the arch while the traditional song plays.
It was time for the bouquet toss. Out of many hopeful girls, only one would take home Kytzia’s beautful bouquet of white roses.
La Vibora de la Mar symbolizes the ups and downs that Kytzia and Martin will face in their upcoming married life.
Just like the bouquet toss, only one lucky guest will get Kytzia’s lace and pearled garter. Martin swiftly retrieves the garter and tosses it into the crowd.
El Muertito
Another Mexican wedding tradition is El Muertito, where the male guests carry the groom and toss him into the air to symbolize the end of his bachelorhood. Look at how high Martin is tossed before his friends and family safely put him back on his feet.
Kytzia and Martin took a break from the excitement to cut their cake and raise another glass of champagne.
After traditional games and dances are concluded, the dance floor belongs to all of the guests who happily rose to the occasion to celebrate.
Before the night got too carried away, we made sure to get a picture of everyone who had come to celebrate Kytzia and Martin’s wedding.
The party continued into the night. The happy couple danced and laughed and partied with their guests. It was a beautiful celebration of shared days to come. We wish all the best to Kytzia and Martin, and had so much fun being a part of their special day.
xo, Jannelle and Jonathan
