Riley + Dante’s Tropical Celebration

A Moment = Stone of Remembrance

Let me begin, about 17 years ago last summer; Robin and David Ziegler did something no one else had ever done before. They trusted me, a budding photographer with photographing their wedding. I believed that I was ready, but soon found out I was simply incredibly scared and unprepared. As the typical new wedding photographer, I made tons of mistakes. I could barely hold my camera steady in full sunlight, but I somehow managed to get some decent photos, and even a few great ones. I was working with a Nikon D50 at the time and I only had a kit lens. Half of my photos were blurry but I knew deep down I wanted to take pictures of the special moments of her day, not just posed images. My goal was to learn how to take candid photos that really shared those special moments no one wanted to forget but didn’t realize till later were special. I wanted to be the National Geographic of Wedding Photographers.

In the process of photographing their wedding I realized that as long as I was telling a story with my images, I would be beyond blessed. Robin and David never once complained over the years about my low grade work, in fact they reached out to me for multiple sessions. And their extended family also put their trust in me. Now I work hard and I believe a do above average work. Truly this family has poured into me and I have been humbled by their patience and inspiration, as I developed into the photographer I am today. Everyone has to start somewhere and in many ways the Ziegler family is linked to my origins as a photographer. Because of their faith in me I had the courage to start a business without any real gear other than a camera. I didn’t even own a tripod yet.

And I am sure by now you are wondering where this is all going, who is Robin and David, and why am I spending so much time on them when this is supposed to be about Riley and Dante. This past fall I received a phone call that I could not have anticipated from Robin and David’s oldest daughter, Riley. Seven years had passed since last seeing Riley and it was hard to imagine her so grown up. It didn’t take long to realize she was wise beyond her years and no longer a little girl but now a young woman. A confident woman who was ready to build a life with the man God had prepared for her. I was overjoyed to be asked to photograph their wedding!

Something Old, Something New

To start off the images you will find some photos of Robin and David’s wedding and other family pictures I have taken of them over the years. Trust me, I have left a lot out due to a lack of time to hunt all the sessions down. But I think over the years there have been multiple family sessions and weddings within the Ziegler family.

There were some funny similarities with the two weddings, like the candy table, the color of some of the dresses, and the way both Riley & Robin seemed to lean into green.

She was so polite to use the scoop every time!

This was such a great idea. This table was set up early so that anyone helping to decorate, anyone getting ready, and guests as they arrived could indulge themselves while waiting. Sweet Vivi had never seen so much candy. Cole saw her mesmerized and came over to surprise her.

Vivi and Cole

The Delamater House was perfect for Riley and Dante’s tropical wedding. Everywhere you turned there was great spots to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. And for those curious, everywhere you looked there were stunning backdrops for photos. The staff was great to work with, which made the day so easy and laid back for Riley and Dante.

The girls were so sweet! They honestly reminded me of Riley, Kyla, and Paisley all those years ago.

The ceremony was simply beautiful, uncomplicated, and full of love.

Please Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dante Watson!

Quick shout out to Rachel who really was one of the best wedding coordinator’s I have had the privilege to work with. She really did look out for Riley and Dante in ways they never knew.

Everyone thought cutting the cake was going to be a messy affair, but these guys surprised us all with more giggles than anything else.

I loved this moment. Riley and Dante are so sweet! This little guy wanted some cake so bad and they stopped in the middle of the traditions just to let him indulge.

Moments of Humor

By the time the formal dances ended, almost everyone got out on the dance floor. So much fun!

Moments of Joy

Moments of Gratitude

Moments of Tenderness

Dante & Riley,

As you walk this road together God will help you. You aren’t just depending on each other, you are depending on Him. Remember that everyone’s story has unique and pivotal moments, such as your wedding. Moments not solely to be cherished in your memories, but moments that will open doors for you into the next great chapter of your life.

Much like the Israelites crossing the Jordan and leaving stones of remembrance, we can all go back to key moments in time with photographs to see just how God parted the waters for us. I pray these images do that for you. Because we all know that life is full of ups and downs, but we can be confident in the one thing that never changes, Jesus. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Practice listening for His voice in the good times, and obey quickly. I promise if you do this, the hard times will not break you but build you. I pray your confidence in Jesus will never be shaken. Your friend and photographer, Rebecca Grennan

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “The Lord is faithful, He will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” Congratulations Riley and Dante on the establishment of your new life together this March 16th, 2025.

Click on the image below to play the slideshow.