contact@toristantonphotography.com

connect with me

Rainbows, Ranch Roots, and a Love Built to Last

When I first met Sage and James, it was clear their story wasn’t your average romance. They met in college, where they initially tried to deny their chemistry, dodging each other’s glances and pretending they weren’t curious. But their dogs had other plans. “Play dates” turned into real dates, and soon enough, Sage and James were inseparable. Over the years, they didn’t just grow closer—they built businesses, dreams, and a life together, hand in hand.

For their wedding, they chose the Graeagle Corner Barn, a tucked-away gem in Northern California surrounded by towering pines and rustic charm. It was the perfect reflection of them: unpretentious, warm, and rooted in love. Sage, a proud multigenerational Nevadan with a family turquoise jewelry business, wanted their day to feel Western, deeply personal, and undeniably fun. From the white barn perfect for swing dancing to the forested ceremony site, it was everything they dreamed of—and more.

I knew how much Sage and her family had poured into every detail, so I made it my mission to honor that. I arrived early to scout the perfect spot for their first look and private vows. Just down the road from their AirBnB, I found an open field that felt like a scene from a movie—wild, quiet, and perfectly them. When it came to sunset portraits, we stumbled on another field with sweeping views that felt like they were made for this moment.

Sage’s bridal details were a treasure trove of personality and heritage. From her turquoise jewelry—handcrafted by her family—to her personalized leather guest book and worn-in cowboy boots, everything told a story. I spent the morning styling flat lays that showcased these heirlooms because I knew they’d want to look back on those little touches as much as the big moments.

And then, there was the weather. The rain started just as we began sunset portraits, and while some brides might panic, Sage just laughed. Her hair and dress soaked through, she held onto James, kissed him in the downpour, and embraced every second of the chaos. The sky rewarded her with a double rainbow—a breathtaking moment I’ll never forget. We ended the portraits by the train tracks bordering the venue, with the rain still falling lightly, capturing photos that felt raw, cinematic, and undeniably them.
When it came time to celebrate, Sage and James knew how to throw a party. Their reception was packed with swing dancing, laughter, and even a few lifts that left the room cheering. Watching them on the dance floor, it was impossible not to smile—they were completely in their element, surrounded by their closest people, living their best day.

Sage and James trusted me to capture their story in its entirety, from the tiniest turquoise details to the epic rain-soaked moments. It’s couples like them that remind me why I do this—not for the pretty photos (though we definitely got those!) but for the chance to preserve the heart of who they are. Because these? These are the good old days.

Testimonial

“We really enjoyed working with Tori. One of her wedding packages included the engagement photos, which was a huge plus! It was a fun way to get to know her before the actual wedding as well. She was very communicative the entire process and made the day of the wedding a breeze. She worked flawlessly with the other vendors, and even after she delivered the phenomenal gallery, she was very responsive to anything else that I needed after that! 10/10 recommend Tori.”