Rebekah Paul Photography
- Jun 23, 2023
- 3 min read

Camino Real Ranch | Madeleine & Joel's Cowboy Cocktail Texas Wedding

Madeleine and Joel got married on what was probably the last cool spring day of the year in 2023 (lucky them) out at Camino Real Ranch.

Madeleine gets ready in Camino Reals bridal house with her party and family while Joel does the same in the groom suite. Joel and Madeleine honored their parents in a unique way. Madeleine chose to wear her mothers wedding jewelry (photographed in her mothers hands) and Joel wore his fathers suit he wore on his wedding day.

Madeleine had a emotional first look with her party and father as her sister and mother watched from the other side of the room.

One of my favorite things about Madeleine and Joels wedding was how they included the children. I remember Madeleine mentioning on their initial zoom call that the majority of their friends and family had children and didn't see it fit to encourage them to find sitters but instead, embraced and welcomed their kids and even involved them to participate in the fun.

With adults and children watching, Madeleine and Joel tied the knot in front of Camino Real's pond.

Their wedding was full of custom designed created by Joel himself as a surprise to Madeleine. For the many months of planning Madeleine knew Joel was working on a "project" but that project wasn't revealed till closer to the wedding. His designs were the engraving on the metal ring box the seating/welcome charts, the koozies (quotes based on a couple of inside jokes) and the kids activity sheet that complete with word searches and characters to color in.

Madeleine and Joel wanted a very documentary approach which is exactly what I sell. Documentary coverage is a classic, timeless way to capture an event like a wedding. As you know, there are few times in life where both the couples closest friend and family all gather under one roof and celebrate. Their couples photos were minimally prompted with the exception of their request to do a couple of "American Gothic" style portraits. I love working with couples whose values and approach to wedding documentation matches what comes naturally to me.

Camio Real's Q-hut is one of my favorite indoor locations to do a few couples portraits. That long skylight is a show stopper and every couple I have the honor of photographing here, always requests a photograph (or two) under the skylight.

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With the weather mild it was easy for couples to mingle outside after getting drinks at the open bar. Camino Real's layout is perfect for a enjoyable cocktail hour for your guests.

Their grand entrance was so fun to capture and the look on Madeleines face was absolutely precious.

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Festivities were kicked off after the cake was cut and the dance floor opened with a handful of songs for the children which included the Hokey Pokey and Baby Shark.

The couples send off was fantastic and simple with a sparkler exit under the stringed lights that decorate the area between Camino Real's reception hall and Q-hut.

Madeleine and Joels wedding has been and still is easily one of my favorites I've photographed at Camino Real Ranch.