From Handfasting to Pizza: A Red Rock Canyon Wedding
Handfasting cords, friendship bracelets, and stacks of pizza boxes set the tone for Kiernan (she/they) and Ryn’s (they/them) Red Rock Canyon wedding. They kept it simple – vows in the canyon, cider and cake at a queer-affirming space, and late-night dancing still in their wedding clothes. With Wild Nona Photography hiking through the mud to capture it all, the day was a mix of earthy styling and easy celebration that couldn’t have been more true to them.
How did you two meet and eventually get engaged?
We met a couple of years ago playing roller derby. Kiernan didn’t exactly like Ryn at first, thanks to some legal but cheap hits at scrimmage. Toward the end of 2023, we became closer as friends and started hooking up casually. That casual plan turned into real feelings pretty quickly, though we still debate who caught feelings first.
We said “I love you” on a Valentine’s trip to Dallas. Later, we took a trip to Broken Bow where Ryn planned a beautiful hike. On the trail we both proposed to each other, officially exchanged rings from Newado Jewel on Etsy that we had already been wearing for weeks, and then celebrated by frolicking in the rain.
How long were you engaged before the wedding?
About three months. We knew pretty early on that we wanted to get married, so a long engagement didn’t feel necessary. We had already given each other our rings before our engagement trip just because we couldn’t wait.
What was planning like?
We kept it simple since we had both been married before and didn’t want another big, traditional wedding. Ryn is the phone call person and handled vendors while Kiernan focused on flowers, accessories, and decor. We delegated based on our strengths, which is how we handle most things in life.
What led you to choose Red Rock Canyon for your ceremony and OK Cider Co for your reception?
We wanted a place that matched the earthy, laid-back vibe we envisioned. Red Rock Canyon has such beautiful rock walls, and it felt right for our outdoor ceremony.
For the reception, we went with OK Cider Co because we already loved spending time there. They always have pride flags and affirming decor, and we knew they’d welcome a queer wedding. The atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly, which made it perfect for what we wanted.
Did you add any personal or DIY touches to the day?
So many! We made our own handfasting cord with materials that represented us and matched our style. Ryn did Kiernan’s makeup since they used to be a makeup artist, and we even have a photo of Ryn touching up lipstick before the ceremony.
Our favors were milkweed seed packets from Kiernan’s pollinator garden, plus a friendship bracelet station that everyone loved. We also set up coloring books for the kids, and Ryn made their own bolo tie with a stone they found at a metaphysical shop.
Tell us about your ceremony.
We actually had two. For our legal wedding, we had a small ceremony at Kiernan’s job, a queer-focused primary care clinic. One of Kiernan’s coworkers is ordained, so he officiated, and two nurse practitioners signed as our witnesses.
For the Red Rock Canyon ceremony, we wrote our own vows and read them in front of our small wedding party, which included our son. We tied three knots during the handfasting: one for Ryn’s love for Kiernan, one for Kiernan’s love for Ryn, and one for our love for our son.
What did the rest of the day look like?
After the canyon ceremony, we had lunch with Kiernan’s family, then changed back into our wedding outfits and headed to OK Cider Co. We decorated, set out the cake, and Kiernan’s parents picked up pizza from Sauced on Paseo for everyone. Guests came and went throughout the night, which gave us plenty of time to actually talk to everyone.
When the reception wrapped, we went out to a local gay bar still in our wedding clothes and danced until the night was done.
Any favorite moments that stand out?
The veil portraits in Red Rock Canyon were incredible. Our friend helped catch the wind just right so the veil flowed dramatically in the photos. Another favorite was seeing our guests actually sit down to make friendship bracelets, which became one of the most talked-about parts of the night.
Which vendors stood out?
Wild Nona Photography went above and beyond. She drove out to the canyon, hiked through mud and cold, and made sure we got every shot we wanted.
OK Cider Co was amazing and even offered to make us a wedding cider. And our friend who baked the earl grey lavender cake gave us the perfect sweet finish.
When it came to attire, Kiernan found their dress at David’s Bridal, while their flowers came from Hitomi Gift on Etsy. For rings, the couple wore bands from Pandora, which paired beautifully with their engagement rings from Newado Jewel on Etsy.
Photography by Wild Nona Photography
Caterer Sauced on Paseo
Celebrant Ryan Ochsner
Dress Boutique David’s Bridal
Florist Hitomi Gift
Rings Newado Jewel & Pandora
Venue OK Cider Co
