A Joyful Dance Party Wedding at the Triple S Ranch

Couple walking down path on their way to ceremony at Triple S Ranch wedding.

Julia and Lenny’s Triple S Ranch Wedding and Kickin’ Dance Party

This Triple S Ranch wedding was so much fun. I met Julia in 2017 when I was photographing her sister’s wedding at Beltane Ranch in Glen Ellen. When Julia contacted me about photographing her wedding, I was stoked to have the chance to work with this amazing family again. Triple S Ranch in Sonoma County is a gorgeous venue. I have shot there a handful of times, and every time I go back, there are more beautiful nooks and crannies to explore.

Getting Ready

When I arrived at the main Victorian at Triple S Ranch, I went upstairs to find Julia and Lenny getting ready together. I kind of love it when couples get ready together. It just feels so natural. Kristen Marie, a wonderful person and talented hair and makeup artist whom I have worked with for years, was just finishing up Julia’s makeup. Julia’s sister helped her into her wedding dress. Then Julia helped Lenny into his wedding attire. Such a great, intimate part of the day.

Family and Couple Portraits Around the Ranch

Daylight was limited in December, so we made the most of our pre-ceremony time. We found a great spot for family photos under the giant pine next to the Victorian—the brick walkway made it easy for folks in heels. With no wedding party, we jumped into couple portraits: a green couch in a half-constructed room called to us, so we answered. We hit the ancient walnut tree and the edge of the property for some vista shots before wrapping up to get ready for the ceremony.

Ceremony Under the Walnut Tree

At Triple S Ranch, the ceremony site is anchored by an old walnut tree—massive, majestic, and full of character. It’s the kind of tree that feels like it’s seen a thousand stories, and it’s where most couples choose to say their vows. Julia and Lenny walked down the aisle together beneath its branches, hand in hand. I always love it when couples choose to enter the ceremony side by side—it’s such a powerful symbol of partnership and equality, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Their ceremony was one of those rare combinations: laugh-out-loud funny, deeply sweet, and genuinely moving. You could feel the connection between them, and their guests were right there with them, laughing, crying, and soaking in every moment under that incredible tree.

Cocktails and Dinner

By the end of the ceremony, my hands were cold—thankfully, I’d stashed hand warmers in my pocket. When I saw how chilly Julia and Lenny were, I passed mine to them and grabbed extras from my bag. Cocktail hour unfolded in the barn’s basement and back patio. As the sky darkened and fog rolled in, I was glad we’d done portraits earlier. Dinner and toasts were lovely, and they were held outdoors. Heat lamps, great food, and wine kept everyone warm. During dinner, I realized that there was another couple, Cindy and Ben, whose SF City Hall and Presidio wedding I photographed in 2019. So fun.


One Kickin’ Dance Party

This crew tore it up on the dance floor. I sure love a good dance party. When your friends give you knee pads for a wedding gift, you know you must have chops on the dance floor. Guests were sweating up a storm, dancing on the bar, and having a grand old time. Late-night snacks came in from Oakland. Winky Dinky Dogs were slinging super delicious homemade links. This wedding was such a delight to be a part of.

If you want to check out another Triple S Ranch wedding I photographed a few years ago, check out Noelle and Fred’s rainy wedding from 2019.

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