KRISTA AND RYAN WEDDING - SASSI, SCOTTSDALE

This past weekend I (Tina) photographed Krista and Ryan's wedding at Sassi in Scottsdale. I absolutely fell in love with this venue! It is so charming and the architecture is incredible - a photographer's dream. On top of all that, I had a beautiful couple to go along with it ... can't get much more perfect than that, and it was a cool 110 degrees to boot - ahhhh ;-)!

There were two very touching moments that I have to mention. The first was Ryan's gift to Krista - a stunning deep blue Tanzanite necklace (my favorite colored stone by the way) ... her reaction was priceless. The second moment was when Krista first saw her mother. She brought with her Krista's "something borrowed" which was an elegant strand of pearls that had been given to her by her husband on their wedding day. Krista wore it as a bracelet ... the symbolism was touching and on many levels it meant more than words could ever express to both mother and daughter.

Krista, your dress was amazing and you looked radiant in it!!!! To both Krista and Ryan, I am so glad that everything worked out so we were able to work together ... you are both so sweet! I would also like to thank Michael Chansley, my second shooter, for all your hard work and also for all the help with making our blog images larger (I finally got it - yeah), and Joyce Day, our wonderful assistant, for doing so much - as usual. It was also a pleasure working with Ray the D.J. and Jeff and Taryn of Serendipity Videography.

Have a great time in Hawaii guys and I hope you enjoy the sneak peak :-)!

MELANIE AND JASON WEDDING - MULLIGAN'S ON THE GREEN, SEDONA

This past weekend I (Kevin) photographed Melanie and Jason's wedding at Mulligan's On The Green in Sedona. The wedding was an intimate affair with close friends and family in attendance. It was a beautiful day with beautiful weather, making for a charming celebration!

Thank you both for having me ... it was a pleasure working with you! I also want to thank Michael Bielecki for assisting me and for doing such a great job!

CYNTHIA AND DANIEL WEDDING - LOS ABRIGADOS, SEDONA

Saturday we headed back to Sedona for Cynthia and Daniel's wedding at Los Abrigados. This is one of our favorite couples!! We photographed their engagement shoot back in the fall in the Superstition Mountains and we just fell instantly in love with them. They were so much fun to work with and after several hours of shooting followed by dinner and good conversation, we felt like we had known them forever. This rolled right over into the wedding day and we had just as much fun!

Cynthia, we have to say that you made a stunning bride and your dress could not have been more perfect for you! Daniel, you were quite dapper yourself :-). The wedding was beautiful and we had an amazing time. We also want to say a special thank you to the couple's officiant, Rev. Andrew Murphy of Heart of Sedona Weddings. We have worked with Andrew many times now and it is always a pleasure!

We hope you guys love the wedding photos as much as your engagement photos :-). Cynthia, have a great time in Mexico (she is there for three months on a study program) and Daniel, enjoy it when you visit for your belated honeymoon. You two make a wonderful couple and is was a privilege for us to be a part of the whole experience :-)!

CYNTHIA AND DANIEL - REHEARSAL DINNER

Last Friday we photographed Cynthia and Daniel's Rehearsal Dinner at Red Rock BBQ in Sedona. We had a great time and enjoyed fabulous down-home cooking. One of the most touching moments for us was near the end of the dinner when Cynthia's father presented her with a beautiful bracelet. More on this couple in the next post ... thanks guys!

HEATHER AND MATT - DAY AFTER SESSION, FLAGSTAFF

This is one that Kevin got of me shooting ... cinders aren't very comfortable :-).

On Monday we picked back up with Heather and Matt for their Day-After Shoot. We headed back up to Snowbowl again, and again it was another picture-perfect day! The irises are in full bloom and made for wonderful props. I have to admit though, as we were walking around the meadow I bit it hard ... that's right, I totally fell into a giant animal hole. Matt was so nice as he ran over to see if I was OK. Aside from a fist size bruised lump on my leg and a bloody, torn up palm, my ego took the biggest blow ... gotta feel like an idiot when you do something like that :-). Luckily, Heather and Matt feel more like friends now than clients, so I was able to overcome my embarrassment quickly.

After shooting at Snowbowl we headed over to Sunset Crater (we locals call it "The Cinders".) We have always wanted to do a shoot at this rugged spot and finally came across the right clients for it. Heather and Matt love the outdoors and are adventurous, so it worked out perfectly. The amazing sunset and the nearly full moon didn't hurt either. Thanks for trusting us on that one guys!

Heather and Matt, we have to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We not only enjoyed photographing all your special moments this past weekend, but we really just enjoyed hanging out with you. You are definitely two people after our own hearts. We had a great time at dinner after the shoot and we can't thank you enough for the gift basket you made for us - unbelievably thoughtful! Have a great time in Fiji and Australia and we hope to see you again soon to share more good times!

OLIVIA AND ASHLEY - ENGAGEMENT SESSION

On Sunday we photographer Olivia and Ashley's engagement shoot up at Snowbowl. They are getting married next June in Sedona and though they live in the valley now, Ashley grew up in Flagstaff and they thought it was a good time of year to take advantage of our enviable weather.

They were right and the shoot went great. With perfect weather, wildflowers in bloom and such a wonderful couple to work with, we couldn't go wrong. Olivia has the greatest laugh and as you might glean from the photographs, the two have a lot of fun together.

We had such a good time getting to know you both. Ashley, we wish you a speedy and full recovery (he was just coming off of having pneumonia) and we are excited to be working with you ... seems like a long way off now, but the wedding will be here before you know it. See you then, if not before :-)!

HEATHER AND MATT WEDDING - FOREST HIGHLANDS, FLAGSTAFF

Look closely at this photo. We love the little ground squirrel checking out the action :-).

Heather and Matt had their wedding last Saturday at Forest Highlands in Flagstaff. Flagstaff weddings in the summer are the best ... cool breezes, plenty of sunshine and fragrant wildflowers ... you couldn't ask for anything more!

The day was picture perfect as was their wedding. For her walk down the aisle, Heather was brought in on a golf cart - very fitting - to the melodic sounds of bagpipes. During the ceremony Matt surprised Heather with the wedding ring he presented her - it turned out to be a little different than what she thought she was getting. Her expression was priceless.

The reception was just as beautiful and everyone had a great time cutting up on the dance floor. Thank you to Matt and Heather as well as both of their families for making us feel so welcomed! It was a pleasure!

HEATHER AND MATT - REHEARSAL DINNER

Last Friday we attended and photographed a rehearsal dinner for Heather and Matt. We met these two this past winter and have been really excited about being a part of their big day. They have been so nice from the start and welcomed us in like friends. Their party took place in Munds Park and was so much fun. One of the highlights was the pinata that wouldn't die. It took many, many hits before it finally gave in. Thanks guys ... we had so much fun!

JOSEFIN AND MIKAEL WEDDING - SEDONA

On Wednesday we went to Jerome to meet with Josefin and Mikael for their engagement shoot and on Thursday we went to Sedona for their wedding. They came here from Sweden to elope and we had a great day following them all over Sedona for photographs. They enjoyed a charming lunch at McDonald's before heading to Red Rock Crossing, where they found out how friendly we Americans can be. Deciding to cross the creek to get back to the opposite side, a few very nice people offered them their shoes to make the crossing in (so they wouldn't slip on the slick algae-covered rocks) and then walked over to retrieve the shoes. One kind man even helped me across so I didn't dump all my camera equipment in the water. A special thank to all those folks :-)!!!

The ceremony took place at Courthouse Butte Vista and made for a spectacular setting. Afterwards, we gave Josefin and Mikael time to take in all the beauty surrounding them on their special day before we, and a mountainside full of hikers, burst out in cheers of congratulations - it was beautiful (or as I have taught Josefin to say ... it was awesome and cool)!

Josefin and Mikael, we had the best time with you both! It was a pleasure getting to know you in person and to share our culture - and slang - with you and in turn learn about yours. Thank you too, for having us to dinner with you on your special day. Enjoy the rest of your trip to the US and have many great adventures along the way! Perhaps we will visit you in Sweden one day :-).

JOSEFIN AND MIKAEL - ENGAGEMENT SESSION

On Wednesday we met up with Josefin and Mikael in the historical mining town of Jerome for their engagement shoot. The couple live in Sweden and decided to have a destination wedding in Sedona (more on that in the next posting.) We have been in contact for about a year now by way of email and it was so great to finally meet them in person!

We started off having lunch at The Haunted Hamburger (a really cool little place to eat) and then wandered around town taking in the sights and grabbing photos as we went along. Some of our favorites were in the old jail (love the phrase spay painted in red on the wall) and we just couldn't resist posting a couple of shots from this spot (thanks for going along with our ideas guys.) We also loved the one with Pedro, the donkey - so cute :-). To be honest everything in this town is cool. We have always wanted to do a shoot there because there are so many unique opportunities - luckily, Josefin and Mikael shared our vision :-).

ANGIE AND MARK WEDDING - WHITE MOUNTAINS

This past Saturday we found ourselves in the White Mountains (specifically Snowflake and Taylor) for Angie and Mark's wedding. We have known Mark and his family for some time now and it was so wonderful to be a part of this celebration.

The two families really came together to create the perfect day for their children. The ceremony was held at Angie's parent's home and the reception was held at Mark's parent's home. We loved all aspects of this wedding including all the animals that made themselves a part of the action in one way or another. Another unique aspect of this wedding included Mark and Angie's departure from the ceremony site on the back of a fire engine, courtesy of the Snowflake Fire Department. Mark is a fire fighter and the SFD was where he got his start ... he has since moved on to working wildfires ... and we just thought it was such a wonderful experience for them to include in their wedding day.

One final aspect we wanted to mention occurred during the toasts. Only weeks before the wedding, Angie's father had a heart attack. Happily he came through it and was able to attend the wedding. During his toast speech, he said that while he was in the hospital a nurse asked him when his daughter's wedding would be and all he could think of was that he had to make it through this so he could walk his little girl down the aisle. There was not a dry eye in the house ... it was a very tender moment.

Thanks guys ... we had a fantastic time and we hope you enjoy the sneak peak!

TINA'S 38TH BIRTHDAY - ONE DAY BELATED

Happy Birthday to me! That's right, another year has passed and I am now another year older - 38 this time around. My birthday was actually yesterday and it was relatively uneventful, though Kevin and I rounded up the dog and headed out for a late afternoon drive in the back country. Unfortunately we got a flat and hobbled back into town where we could call for help (we decided not to bring cell phones so that we could enjoy some uninterrupted family time - that worked out well) - the tire mind you was completely shredded by this point. Our very nice neighbor kindly came out and helped us out of our predicament. After that we just played it safe and sat at home watching a movie. Not too exciting and not a big bash, but good enough for me :-)!

KRISTEN AND NGHI - ENGAGEMENT SESSION

On Tuesday we headed back to Sedona yet again - maybe we should consider moving there :-). This time we went to Merry-Go-Round Rock from the north side of Schnebly Hill Road to photograph Kristen and Nghi's engagement session. Their wedding will take place in November at the Secret Garden in Phoenix.

We had a great time doing the shoot and getting to know Kristen and Nghi better. They had seen the photos on our blog of people on the famous Merry-Go-Round Rock outcroppings and wanted some photos done at that location. Once there however, they found them to be a little harrowing in the dizzying height department, but they were troopers and climbed out on them anyway - good job guys :-)! We also stopped by a lovey wash with large boulders and pretty flowering trees on the way back up. Apparently though we were in a notorious area known for its myriad mojavi green rattlesnakes, or so we were warned by every jeep tour operator that passed by. We especially liked the driver that looked as though he just stepped off the set of an old western, long white beard, old-timers hat and all :-). We just watched our step and kept our ears open for any rattling noises - ultimately everyone made it out without a bite - ahhh, the adventures we take our clients on :-).

We had a great time guys and we can't wait until your wedding rolls around! See you then!

KIMBERLY AND MATT WEDDING - SEDONA GOLF RESORT

On Sunday we headed back to Sedona to photograph the wedding of Kimberly and Matt. It was held at the Sedona Golf Resort. This was actually our first meeting with the bride and groom and they were both wonderful to work with!

The wedding was beautiful as was Kimberly ... everyone kept telling her she looked like a barbie doll. Funny thing is, the place she purchased her dress from had a barbie doll dressed in the same dress - needless to say, that barbie doll now resides at her home. The kids were great in this wedding also. Kimberly has the cutest little boy - man, can he dance - and Matt's son did a great joy as the Jr. Groomsman. The flower girl wore a replica of Kimberly's dress and was so adorable.

Thank you to everyone - we had a great time! We also want to extend our thanks to the videographers, Kendra and Christa, of Taken Video and Chad Trapeur of All American DJ (with whom we have worked a few times) for their hard work and professionalism - you were all a joy to be with! Kimberly and Matt, we hope you enjoy the sneak peak and have a great cruise to Alaska!

TAMARA AND TIM WEDDING - CREEKSIDE INN, SEDONA

This past Saturday we had the pleasure of photographing Tamara and Tim's wedding at Creekside Inn in Sedona. It was a lovely day and a lovely property and made for a beautiful wedding! It also happened to be one of Tim's sister's birthday. To mark the occasion a pinata was erected to which she quickly made short work of ... there is nothing worse than the site of a dead pinata, as the photo below should attest.

We have gotten to know Tamara and Tim pretty well over the past month, as we did their engagement shoot so close to their wedding and we have to say that we find them to be pretty inspirational people. They certainly know how to follow their hearts and dreams. Tamara was a professional ballet dancer for the better part of a decade, the two lived on a boat for a while, as well as in Greece, New York and New Orleans, where Hurricane Katrina forced them out for good finally sending them to Phoenix - like we said ... inspirational!

Tamara and Tim, it was a pleasure getting to know you both and we hope to know you better in the future. definitely give us a call when you are in the area and we will go hiking :-). Have a great time in Peru!