Horse & Rider Portrait Session | A Summer Evening with Jaksen, Nova, and a Touch of Bridal Magic
There’s something incredibly special about photographing a woman with her heart horse… but there’s a different kind of magic when that same session blends into a bridal portrait experience with the person who stands beside her in life. Jaksen’s portrait session was exactly that kind of magic.
We met just outside of Wausau, surrounded by the quiet hum of summer and tall, golden grass swaying in the breeze. Her mare, Nova, is the steady, gentle soul who has been part of her life through so many seasons. The moment Nova stepped into the field, she softened—ears relaxed, eyes calm—like she knew this evening was hers.
The Story of Jaksen & Nova
Before we brought out the dress, we let Jaksen and Nova just be together. Those quiet, unscripted moments ended up becoming some of my favorites of the entire session.
Jaksen slipped onto Nova’s back bareback, settling in like it was second nature. There was this genuine, joyful ease between them—Jaksen melting into Nova’s stride, Nova carrying her like she’d done it a thousand times. The softness of the sun, the tall grass, and the quiet surrounding us all came together to create a feeling of nostalgia and home.
As we moved toward the tree line and the familiar gravel road, Nova’s confidence and presence filled every frame. She stood tall and proud, the kind of mare who clearly knows she’s loved. And Jaksen glowed right next to her—barefoot in the grass or curled beneath Nova’s belly, completely content in the moment.
These portraits weren’t just “pretty pictures”—they were memories in the making.
Bringing in the Bridal Portraits
After celebrating the bond between Jaksen and Nova, we shifted into part two of the evening: elegant, relaxed bridal portraits with her husband, Josh.
Jaksen changed into her stunning white gown, and the entire feel of the session transformed. Josh stepped in, Nova stayed close, and suddenly this quiet gravel road became the perfect setting for something timeless and romantic.
Josh is the kind of husband who very clearly adores his wife. Every time he looked at her, the whole scene softened. One of my favorite moments was when we framed the couple through Nova’s reins—Josh pulling her in for a kiss, the late-day light behind them, Nova patiently waiting like the world’s sweetest wedding guest.
These portraits blended their love story seamlessly: girl meets horse; girl meets boy; everyone ends up exactly where they belong.
Closing Thoughts
This session was everything I love about photographing horse & rider portraits—connection, emotion, and the quiet in-between moments that tell the real story.
Jaksen, thank you for trusting me with these memories. Nova is a treasure, and seeing the three of you together—horse, bride, and groom—was something I’ll never forget. I hope these portraits fill your home with the warmth and love you brought to this beautiful evening.
If you’re looking to create storytelling portraits with your horse or a blend of equestrian and bridal photography, I would love to help you bring that vision to life. Contact me to schedule your custom portrait session.
