Even though Nessa and Scott’s April 7th Pleasanton backyard wedding had been six years in the making, they had less than four months to actually plan for it. Nessa always knew that Scott would ask her to marry him, she just didn’t know when.  After all, she is his Goose and he is her Mav—references to a 1986 movie about a naval weapons fighter school, Top Gun, (in case you just crawled out from under a rock). They always operate as pilot and co-pilot—an indefectible team.

The proposal happened like this.

A week before Christmas, Nessa busily wrapped presents. She was on a deadline. Scott watched. As soon as Nessa would finish putting the final touches on a present, Scott would ask for a hug or kiss. He was anxious to share something, but Nessa was oblivious. Nessa would reach for another present to wrap. Scott was patient, but he was growing increasingly antsy.

Scott finally started in on his spiel. In Nessa’s own words, “He started going on and on about not knowing what the plans are that God had for me after selling my business, but he knew that God wanted me to do whatever it is, as his wife. Then he said, ‘So, I’m going to ask you to marry me.'”

Nonchalantly, Nessa smiled and responded with an okay and kept wrapping Christmas presents. They had frequently discussed marriage and the future, and Scott often referred to Nessa as FMS—Future Mrs. Smoot. 

It wasn’t until Scott continued with, “And I’m going to ask you right now,” that Nessa realized this conversation was different.

Scott had bought the ring a week earlier but could not keep this to himself any longer. He had sat here the whole time Nessa wrapped presents with the ring sitting under his ball cap waiting for the most opportune moment to reveal it. Nessa had almost put the cap away a few times, but for whatever reasons (fate, destiny, love, chance), she unknowingly left it there for Scott to reveal the surprise on his own terms.

Nessa & Scott’s Pleasanton Backyard Wedding

Nessa and Scott decided to have the wedding in their own backyard. After all, it’s a beautiful place. It’s blanketed by oak trees and a beautiful sunset and it’s practically a hummingbird sanctuary. It’s peaceful, intimate and serene.

The only thing, and I do mean the only thing, that was minutely indifferent about this sacred day was the weather. It was freakishly cold on this April day. Other than that, this day was perfectly tailored for Nessa and Scott.

Here are a few of my favorite images from Nessa and Scott’s wedding day!

If you’d like to see more images from this fantastic backyard wedding, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD.

The incredible team of creatives who helped to put this amazing wedding day together are:

Flowers — Vintage Lace, Tiffiney Willmon, Pleasanton, TX
Photography – Ata-Girl Photography, Jourdanton & San Antonio, TX 
Second Shooter – David Constante, San Antonio, TX
Band – Bryan Anderson & The Cowboy Fellowship Band, Jourdanton, TX
Bridal Boutique/Designer — David’s Bridal (Galina), San Antonio, TX
Furniture — Peerless Events & Tents, San Antonio, TX
Caterer (BBQ Brisket)  – McBee’s Bar-B-Q, Jourdanton, TX
Officiant – Scotty Smith, Pleasanton, TX

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.

The post, Nessa & Scott’s Pleasanton Backyard Wedding, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.