Some weddings just stand out. The ones where every detail feels intentional, the energy is unbeatable, and you almost feel like part of the family by the end of the night. That was Leyna and Derek’s wedding. Leyna found me through Instagram, drawn to my moodier, candid style, and we clicked from our first consultation call. Their wedding at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame was easily one of my favorites of the year. The October weather was perfect—warm enough for golden hour cocktails and cool enough to keep everyone comfortable (fall wedding jackpot). But beyond the great weather and stunning venue, the day felt like them—thoughtful, stylish, and just the right mix of classic and fun.

A Moment for Leyna & Derek’s Love Story

Derek grew up in Oklahoma, but it wasn’t until he moved to New York that he met Leyna. Their relationship is the perfect balance of grounded and adventurous. Now, they’ve built a life together in NYC.

One of my favorite parts of photographing weddings is getting to know my couples more deeply—understanding who they are together and why. In my pre-wedding questionnaire, I ask each person what they love most about their partner, and Derek and Leyna’s answers were gold.

Derek described Leyna as someone thoughtful to her core—always considering how the people around her feel and ensuring they’re happy and cared for. He loves how she’s up for anything, whether a spontaneous dinner or a quiet night watching football. And maybe my favorite part is that he knows he can trust her completely, whether she’s offering support or telling him the hard truth. She’s the kind of person you always want in your corner.

Leyna, on the other hand, couldn’t say enough about Derek’s drive. She’s watched him throw himself into his work, his family, and their relationship with the same passion and dedication, and she admires him for it. You can feel how he looks at her like she’s the best decision he’s ever made. Their wedding at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame reflected all of this—the depth of their connection and their care for the people in their lives.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Ceremony, Private Vows, and the Reception

Some moments are best shared in private, and Leyna and Derek’s vows were exactly that. Their October wedding day was the kind you hope for but don’t expect in Oklahoma—perfect weather and golden light filtering through the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. After their vows, their portraits carried that same intimate, effortless energy. The venue’s backdrop added a classic, editorial feel, but how they fully embraced the moment made the photos stand out.

Their reception was just as memorable. Candlelight flickered over their beautifully set tables, creating an elegant and energetic atmosphere. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, but the real highlights may have been the saxophone player setting the vibe, a cereal bar as the ultimate late-night snack, and a limbo game that somehow escalated into using napkins as the bar. Their reception was truly a party and hard to beat. It was the perfect mix of stylish and completely unfiltered fun—just like them.

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Oklahoma Wedding Photographer | Wild Thistle Photo

Some weddings stick with you—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they feel like the couple. It’s special when every detail reflects who they are and their love.

I love photographing weddings because they allow me to capture the real moments, personality, and energy of the day. So, if you’re looking for a photographer who will embrace the chaos and magic and document your day in a way that actually feels like you—let’s talk. I’d love to help you tell your story.

Vendors

Venue | Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Planning | SSY Events

Florals | Calliopsis Flowers

Catering | Kams Kookery

Cake | OKC Sweets

Rentals | Mood Events & Lexi’s Rentals

DJ | FCM Entertainment

Content | Day of By Juls