When I met Amanda for coffee to discuss the wedding, a million ideas were flowing about the much anticipated wedding. The long time high school sweethearts had finally decided to tie the knot. The dress, the flowers, the location... everything was an exciting adventure. Amanda is one of those girls that makes you feel like a friend the minute you meet. We talked about dresses... ideas... and life. I simply loved being around her. When I met Kyle at the engagement shoot last October, I could see why they fell so deeply in love with each other. Kyle's sweet spirit and heart was so easy to see. I saw more than love between the two, I saw a strong friendship.
The wedding was held at The Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale. A PERFECT venue for their personalities. There is just something about Amanda that I cannot quite describe. An elegance that is hard to find in so many people. The way she looked at Kyle, her demeanor, and her kind hearted spirit. I felt so honored to have been apart of their wedding. From the flowers, to the venue, to the families, the wedding was simply adorable. When I got to the wedding, Amanda handed me the rings and asked me to do a quick ring shot of the "other" special ring in the relationship. Amanda was a part of the 2008 ASU softball national championship team. A strong left handed pitcher to be exact.... What an amazing accomplishment to remember in your college years. To see a slideshow of the day, click HERE
One thing I really appreciated about Kyle and Amanda, were their willingness to have FUN. They weren't afraid to share their ideas.
The reception was seriously a blast. Just about everyone busted a move on the dance floor... Even Amanda's Grandma got her groove on for a bit.
It was a simple hello that brought these two University of Arizona med school students together. After being introduced by a mutual friend, Kevin and Bethzaida met again at an 80's "Lets get physical, physical" dance party. While being inspired by Olivia Newton John's hot spandex and sweat bands, Kevin and Bethzaida were keeping an eye on each other. A few days earlier, Kevin overheard Bethzaida and her friends chat about maybe setting up a fog machine at the dance party. The girls decided that the price seemed to be a little too expensive for misty fog and the party would be fine without it. A few days later, the 80's party began and Kevin walked through the door with his fog machine in hand. Bethzaida said hello and glanced down at his arm while he held the so desired fog machine. She expressed to Kevin how excited she was about the gloomy fog... but failed to tell him that she was actually thinking "ok... thats it. i'm going to marry this guy." Finally, the party was ending and Kevin said goodbye. After walking through the door, he turned around and realized he didn't have this cute girls number. Before he got the chance the ask, Bethzaida handed him her number. "That was easy" Kevin thought.
Stephen and I had the opportunity to drive to Tucson and document their engagement session where it all happened. We had such a blast exploring neighborhoods and shooting such vibrant colors. We strolled through the U of A campus to end the shoot. If any of you know Kevin and Bethzaida, you would know that they might be one of the most inspiring yet funniest couples you will ever meet. You cant help but just catch a bit of their contagious humor. Their personalities are so perfect for each other. After the shoot, we enjoyed Mexican food at El Charro, a Tucson favorite. We enjoyed getting to know each other a bit better and reminiscing about past stories together. I cant wait to be apart of their wedding in October.
The shoot would not be complete without some cheerleading for U of A. It was perfect timing with March Madness in the running. Again, I can't help but laugh through my lens with them.
In honor of Bethzaida and Kevin, make sure you watch the lets get physical video: Lets get physical
This past weekend was refreshing for more reasons then one. I got to spend the day with one of the most unique couples I have ever met. Their story is powerful and a true testimony of faith. I want to share a quick summary of how Sean and Emily met because it is simply a romantic novel to a "T"..... or simply a cute french movie that I so wish I was a character in... or even just a fly on the wall watching it all happen. Reguardless, two genuine people are now happily in love and I am absolutely ecstatic for the both of them. This is how I know the story.... Sean spent a few months in France working with some friends to share the gospel of Christ. He was challenged, strengthened and encouraged to serve Jesus for the rest of his life. As Sean was packing to leave France, his friend Darrin mentioned there would be a girl renting the same flat just two weeks after Sean was headed back to Australia. Darrin was sure to mention that she was cute, loved Jesus and spoke French. The kind man that Sean is, decided he just had to leave behind a few necessary items that would make her stay a bit more pleasant :) A coffee press, water kettle and his bus pass. After time passed, Sean returned to Australia and checked in with Darrin every once in a while. Darrin encouraged Sean to e-mail this cute girl in the flat and ask her how she was doing. After two weeks of mustering up some courage, Sean decided to e-mail Emily. (Little did Sean know, this was the best decision of his life!) The e-mails continued for months and phone conversations lasted for hours until Emily and Sean decided it was time to finally meet. Six months had flown by and they both were ready to meet face to face. It obviously worked out :) I feel so blessed to have been apart this joyful day. I met Emily in college and was first of all blown away by how absolutely STUNNING she is.. but secondly how incredibly humble and sweet her heart is. It is of course destiny that she would meet someone that is JUST like her! Sean is such a sweetheart and I LOVE that these two found each other. I had the absolute wonderful pleasure of shooting the very first wedding at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, which is now being rented as a wedding venue. If you haven't checked it out, you MUST. I returned home yesterday feeling so refreshed and full of energy again. I felt encouraged on both ends of the spectrum. As a photographer, I find so much joy watching people come together to celebrate something that is true and pure. It is a true testimony of love. This is what we are here for.... to simply LOVE those around us. I felt just that. Not only did Stephen and I feel encouraged in our faith, but we felt encouraged and confident in our business. We caught up with another fellow inspiring photographer (David Jay) at the wedding. If you only know David as a photographer, you should also know that he has a heart of gold. We felt so blessed to have been able to share in his wisdom and simply talk about life. If there is one thing I have learned thus far in this business, it is being sure to invest genuine time in other people. This entire wedding was a reflection of just that and I feel honored to have been able to document it. I left feeling inspired.
I simply adored all the details Emily and Sean used... the flowers were OUTSTANDING. Modern Day Design did a FABULOUS job.
You go girl! Ha!
I always love the bouquet toss.... girls get all crazy and stuff :)
They sat next to each other in biology class at Wheaton College. They chatted about their commonalities about Ecuador, and most importantly, they shared a love for Arizona. It was destiny. Both smart, talented, and not to mention beautiful, Joey and Sara have decided to pursue their dreams of a ministry together. There is something about Sara and Joey that is unlike most couples. Their spirits are gentle and kind but their hearts have a deep yearning to help people. I asked Sara and Joey to bring something to the engagement shoot that represented them. Something about how they met, or simply something that describes their personality. After thinking back on their dating history, they felt it was most important to bring with them a vital part of the engagement. A dairy queen blizzard. Yes.. thats right.. a chocolaty blizzard! My mouth was literally salivating as I watched them through my lens. Joey snuck Sara's ring in the blizzard before she could gather any hints of his discrete demeanor.
I am so proud of Sara for all she has accomplished and it has been so fun getting to know the man that will be by her side for the rest of her life. After our shoot, Sara's sister Janelle invited us over for an amazing chili dinner. It was so fun spending time with friends for a warm and cozy classic Arizona meal. I can't wait to shoot their wedding in December! Before I end, I do have to mention the dogs that joined us for the feast. First, is the smallest and cutest maltese I have EVER seen.......
This is Rex. Its pretty safe to say that Rex thinks he is a big dog... or at least he wishes he was one. Little rex is maybe about 2 1/2 pounds and holds his small head high around the larger dogs... He was bitten by a brown recluse which in turn, stunted his growth. He is an amazing little fellow.... and I loved holding his tiny tush the whole night :) Although he is adorable, he definitely holds his grounds with the other dogs.
This may be PG-13 but I just couldn't resist it. Rex was definitely gettin' his groove on.. (come on... you've gotta laugh at this one!)
Hello to all my fabulous blog readers. I have been considering creating a contest for all my blog readers and a fabulous prize following :) I have sat here for about a week or so, trying my best think of some GREAT contest idea but I have nothing. SO, this is where YOU all come in. I would like all of YOU to comment with your best contest idea and whoever I think has the most creative idea, will have their idea posted as this month's contest. The winner will win a nice prize!! I know you're all DYING to know what the prize will be... but you'll have to wait for the real contest. If no-one decides to comment.. I will be sad and probably feel like a loser. Don't let me down! :) I would like this contest to be applicable to everyone... not just photographers. It can involve photos, stories anything. ANYTHING. Im crossing my fingers that you all will comment :) Sound good? I came across this video and think its so funny... best video anyone?
