Snowy Winter Wonderland Anniversary Shoot

Mix a blanket of perfect white snow, some sky-high trees, two people madly in love and a gorgeous intimate wedding anniversary celebration and the result is pictures that could come straight from a storybook. Vanessa and Wil held their dreamy winter-time party at a private residence in Arizona with their closest friends.

This couple have the most adorable story – they met when they were 11 and Wil was immediately smitten. Though Vanessa wasn’t quite on the same page, Wil waited patiently until five years ago when the pair realised they were meant to be together. They got married in March 2015 and their relationship as best friends and spouses continues to grow and grow.

The lovebirds wanted to make their anniversary special and I think it’s safe to say they achieved that. What a location to hold a dinner party! The colour palette of blue, grey and white was sublime, especially with the fresh florals and greenery. The wooden table with its soft fabric, blue wine goblets, flowers and patterned plates looks so cosy and inviting. I am in love with the cake too – a white and blue gemstone-looking masterpiece.

Thank you, Ryann Lindsey Wedding Photography, for sharing these wondrous images with us.

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER | Dusty blue with grey accents created a soft but romantic feeling for an anniversary session in a Winter Wonderland. Vanessa and Wil wanted to do something special for their anniversary. An intimate setting in the snow was the perfect fit for a small celebration with them and a few of their closest friends.

Vanessa wrote, “I met Wil Franklin Gilliland when we were 11. He was the boy that chased me around the playground and wrote me love notes on pieces of scratch paper. If you told me then that he was my future husband, I’d say, “You’re crazy”. Over the years, he became one of my best friends. He asked me to prom in high school and I shot him down (whoops). But, something changed five summers ago, when I realised that he was ‘The One’ all along. He never stopped pursuing me and genuinely loving me. We dated for three years, knowing that we would get married when we graduated college.

Sunday morning of May 4, 2014 I woke up to a knock on my door… Wil sent his friends to bring me a coffee, rose and a video of my best friend telling me “today’s the day” and she’d be over to help me get ready. It was the sweetest morning and ended at Papago Park where I met Wil. He said the most amazing things and then got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Our wedding was the best day of my life, literally. March 14, 2015 will forever be marked on our hearts. It was my dream come true for the ceremony, reception and our friends and family witnessing our vows. The best journey began as I took that walk with my dad down that aisle.

Marriage is truly incredible, such a gift that we get to walk out as best friends, husband and wife. ‘Incredible’ doesn’t mean easy, doesn’t mean perfect, doesn’t mean fairytale. It means being yourself daily, it means unforgettable real times. It means realisations, growth in every way, grace upon grace, big adjustments, selfless love, and strengthening each other in weaknesses. It’s been two years of our souls being well and hearts fuller than ever. What’s our favourite part of marriage? So far, it’s been discovering triumphs and trials through adventures that have allowed us to grow together and learn even more about each other. The daily life of living together is pretty great too; the fact that we get to share everything together and that we always know we are on the same team.”

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Photographer | Ryann Lindsey Photography

Top | Bella Lily Bridal

Skirt | House of Flynn

Cinema and Video | Cass and Co Films

Design and Decor | Confetti Studio

Invitation Designer | Lola Lee Invitations

Bakery | Sift Bakehouse

Makeup Artist | The Beauty Bar

Floral Designer | The Wildflower AZ

Envelopes | Flourish Handlettering

Ring Box | The Mrs Box

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Happy anniversary, Vanessa and Wil. I hope you enjoyed your beautiful day together and I’m sure that you will spend many more blissful years together. You have definitely inspired me for future anniversary dates… Abby xx