Alyssa Gaddis & Jared Welker

Married

Jun 7, 2025
Tulsa , Oklahoma

Photo Credit

Chandler Coale

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Whimsical

Season

Summer

The Proposal

In 2020, Alyssa and Jared met through friends on the roof of Alyssa’s old Upper East Side apartment. A few months later, during a trip with friends to Lake Tahoe, the two hit it off. Although Jared had moved back to California, they maintained a long-distance relationship for a year before he returned to New York City. They have been together ever since.

On November 11, 2023, Jared told Alyssa they were going to brunch with friends in Long Island City. However, after taking a detour for a walk through a park, Alyssa started to feel a bit suspicious. She even jokingly patted Jared’s pocket, asking if he was about to propose. Spoiler alert: he was! The engagement was both funny and wonderfully imperfect. Jared surprised Alyssa by flying her family in and hosting a stunning engagement party later that night, complete with thoughtful details.

Alyssa Gaddis & Jared Welker Invitations

In Preparation

Planning for the big day was both exciting and stressful for Alyssa and Jared. Alyssa, an Art Director, made the creative aspect of the planning deeply personal. Meanwhile, Jared, a lover of food, wine, and hosting, contributed his passion to the process. With the support of their families and their talented wedding planner, Annie Brady, the newly engaged couple began to dream big. They chose the stunning Philbrook Museum of Art as their wedding venue, which served as a perfect middle ground for guests traveling from both coasts to celebrate with them.

Alyssa Gaddis & Jared Welker Bridesmaids

Alyssa Gaddis & Jared Welker Tables 2

Alyssa Gaddis & Jared Welker Centerpiece

The Big Day

Alyssa Gaddis and Jared Walker were married on Saturday, June 7, 2025, surrounded by their loved ones. The ceremony was officiated by close friends Kyle and Michelle Long, adding a special touch to the day. Alyssa’s mother, a professional violinist, had her closest friends perform as part of a string quartet, creating a beautiful atmosphere for the celebration.

Guests were then invited to cocktail hour on the terrace, where they enjoyed delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres. At the center of attention was an art piece made from old love letters exchanged between the couple’s grandparents. The night then transitioned seamlessly into dinner, which took place on the entire south lawn of the property. Gorgeous floral arrangements adorned the venue, making it a true work of art.

The guests danced the night away, enjoying every moment on the dance floor. As the night came to a close, they played “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, a tribute to the couple’s life back in the big city.

The entire day was threaded together perfectly giving Chandler Rae a beautiful backdrop to capture. From the seating chart to the “Walktails” to the articulate florals, to the color palette, it was a photographer’s dream. Chandler was able to document the day as it flowed taking advantage of stylistic editorial moments in every corner. Her photos highlighted the whimsical feel but also the intentionality behind the curated elements.

Chandler Rae is a destination wedding photographer based in Oklahoma City. Her take on wedding days is to stay true to the flow of the event through collaboration with vendors and documenting the day through candid raw moments paired with elevated styling. She is booking 2026-2027 weddings at chandlerrae.com.