The Love Story: Built at Work, Strengthened at Home

Tori and Devin are living proof that true love can bloom even in the fluorescent lights of a workday. These two met at work and quickly discovered that even after long shifts together, they still wanted to spend their evenings side by side. As Tori put it, "If we could enjoy each other's company after spending all day at work AND all evening at home together, we must be falling in love." And fall in love they did—hard, fast, and forever.

When asked what moments they’d relive over and over again, their answers were instant classics: their first kiss and the very first time they two-stepped together. Both moments were simple, sweet, and the perfect preview of the life they were building.

The Venue: Love at First Sight with The Madelyn

Before flowers, dresses, or even a guest list—Tori and Devin had one thing figured out: their venue. The Madelyn Wedding Venue stole their hearts from the start. Tucked away in the heart of North Texas, The Madelyn offers the perfect blend of upscale Southern charm and modern luxury. With its expansive grounds, gorgeous indoor/outdoor options, and that killer golden hour lighting, it was the obvious choice. No second-guessing, no hesitation—just a bold, confident "YES."

First Look Feels: Tears, Laughter, and All the Vibes

Tori and Devin saw each other for the first time on their wedding day as she walked down the aisle—a moment full of emotion and raw joy. "We were both trying to avoid crying," Tori said. "Honestly wasn’t expecting Devin to puddle up like he did, but I was surprised! I also was impressed that I withheld my tears even though I saw him tearing up. Plus, we both thought that we looked beautiful and handsome."

Though they saved their big reveal for the aisle, Tori shared several beautiful and emotional first looks earlier in the day. She had a heartfelt first look with her father, a joyful reveal with her two matrons of honor, and a hilarious, high-energy moment with her flower men—two of her lifelong guy best friends who brought the fun and flair.

the bride stands on the rustic staircase as her matrons of honor see her for the first time

the bride laughs as her father sees her for the first time as they have their first look on the rustic staircase of the madelyn

a sweet photo of the father of the bride seeing her for the first time on her wedding day

a gorgeous black and white photo of the bride and her father walking up the stairs at their rustic wedding venue

High Energy, Editorial-Style Wedding Vibes

This wedding was anything but ordinary. With a carefully curated editorial style and a high-energy guest list, Tori and Devin’s big day felt more like a fashion-forward party than a formal affair. Think bold florals, personalized details, and a whole lot of dancing. The aesthetic? Rustic meets Luxe. Romantic meets rebellious. And every detail was a reflection of them.

Personal Touches That Stole the Show

If there was one thing that made this day deeply personal, it was the way Tori and Devin honored their fur babies. From a custom cake topper featuring their pets to drink cups adorned with furry likenesses, their pets were VIP guests in spirit. These thoughtful, heartwarming touches reminded everyone that weddings are about more than two people—they’re about creating a family.

Before the big day, we had the absolute joy of capturing their engagement photos—fur babies included! The connection between them and their pets was so genuine and sweet, it set the tone perfectly for their wedding photography. Getting to know them during their engagement session made photographing their wedding day all the more meaningful.

the bride opens a love letter from her groom on their wedding day

the groom opens his love letter from the bride on his wedding day

Vendor Shoutouts: The Dream Team Who Brought It All to Life

Wedding Coordinator: Guest List Events

Talk about next-level organization and calm-in-the-chaos vibes. Guest List Events ran the show seamlessly, ensuring everything from the ceremony to the sparkler send-off went off without a hitch. Their team was a powerhouse of timelines, creativity, and smiles.

gorgeous black and white photo of the groom smiling at this bride with tears in his eyes as she walks down the aisle at their rustic wedding

Bride holding bouquet at altar under barn pavilion as she walks down the aisle with her father

Bride walking down the aisle under wooden beam pavilion

the groom laughs and smiles as his bride and her father walk down the aisle

Florist: Pink Lady Faux Designs

Tori's bouquet? A literal work of art. Pink Lady Faux Designs created show-stopping arrangements with faux florals so realistic, even the bees were fooled. These blooms brought bold color and long-lasting beauty to the celebration.

Bakery: Dixieland Designs

Dixieland Designs nailed the sweet stuff! A dreamy 3-tier naked cake dressed in vintage trim, boho blooms, and seeded eucalyptus made the perfect centerpiece—but wait for it—topped with tiny figurines of their fur babies caught mid-cake attack 🐾 And for the groom? A full-on Darth Vader cake that totally stole the dark side of the dessert table.

Outdoor wedding ceremony under rustic barn pavilion at The Madelyn

romantic black and white photo of bride and groom dipping and kissing after their wedding ceremony

beautiful black and white photo of groom dipping his bride after their wedding ceremony for their first kiss

Hair and Makeup: Tease to Please

Tori was glowing all day thanks to the glam squad at Tease to Please. Her soft curls, flawless makeup, and touch of bridal drama were just the right combo of elegant and fierce. Devin looked polished and camera-ready thanks to their men’s grooming services.

Golden hour light shining on bride and groom as they kiss under their veil in front of The Madelyn wedding venue

Bride and groom posed for formal photo with North Texas wedding venue backdrop

Romantic black and white photo of bride and groom at The Madelyn barn

Full-length bridal portrait with groom and rustic Texas barn

Bride holding bouquet beside groom in front of The Madelyn barn

Elegant wedding couple in front of modern farmhouse-style venue

Wedding day portrait at The Madelyn’s iconic black barn entrance

DJ: DJ Connection

Let’s talk PARTY. DJ Connection brought the beats, the energy, and the unforgettable dance floor moments. From the first dance to the last call, this crew kept the vibes sky-high.

Chic wedding couple photo with farmhouse barn doors behind

Top Wedding Day Tips Inspired by Victoria & Devin

Pick Your Venue First – If you know, you know. The venue sets the entire tone for your wedding style, so choose the one that feels like you.
Make It Personal – From custom cake toppers to signature drinks, don’t be afraid to include personal details that reflect your love story.
Trust Your Vendors – A pro vendor team = peace of mind. Trust them to handle the logistics so you can stay present.
Plan First Looks – Their emotional, grounding, and gives you a private moment before the whirlwind of your wedding day.
Bring the Energy – Choose music, décor, and people who bring joy and high vibes. This is YOUR party.

High-energy wedding party cheering with arms raised at The Madelyn

Stylish groom with groomsmen in matching suits at The Madelyn

Must-Have Moments to Capture

The look on Devin’s face during when Tori walked down the aisle
Their pets represented in cake and cups
The two of them two-stepping during golden hour
Editorial-style portraits on The Madelyn’s grand staircase
The dance floor when DJ Connection turned up the heat

Why The Madelyn Is a North Texas Wedding Gem

Still deciding on your wedding venue? Let’s make it easy. The Madelyn offers:

Scenic indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Elegant bridal and groom suites
Gorgeous photo ops (including that iconic staircase!)
Vendor flexibility and welcoming staff

Check out The Madelyn’s website for more details, availability, and venue tours.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand through golden Texas field at sunset

A newly married couple poses in Collinsville for their wedding photos taken by april pinto photography

Let’s Make Magic Together

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who captures real emotion, authentic moments, and all the in-between beauty, I’d love to tell your story. From first look tears to twirls under twinkle lights, I’m here for it all.

Victoria and Devin trusted me, April Pinto Photography, to capture both their engagement and wedding day—and it was an honor to document their love from start to finish.