I knew when she said she was going to read a letter from her dad, that this wedding would be different. I have witnessed many weddings ‘up close and personal’ but this was the first time I ever had the pleasure to record a father sharing his written love for his daughter — it brought a sting of tears to my eyes before the day even began.
It would be a beautiful, intentional wedding. And not just because Carley and Pearl Miller (her incredible wedding coordinator) had spent countless hours planning every detail. But because Carley and Imoh were surrounded by deep, beautiful, intentional love.
The day was bountiful with special little moments. Like when Aniekan, Imoh’s father, blew a kiss to his new daughter during the dinner blessing or when Carley’s sisters gave a beautiful tag-team speech during the reception, or when Imoh’s ring bearer came up in the middle of the ceremony to deliver a handkerchief for our teary-eyed groom. And that was just a few of the priceless memories throughout the day.
Carley and Imoh, you were so kind every step of the way. Lena and I felt your sweetness so deeply, not only as you took time to acknowledge us in your beautiful speech during the reception but even in having our own name tents among honored guests with a custom meal selection. You not only love each other deeply, you love everyone around you fully. You are truly a special couple and I couldn’t be happier for you both!! Congratulations!! I hope you love your wedding film as much as I did. Your wedding was absolutely beautiful and now the best is yet to come!
If you had told me that my backyard was going to be the feature of my latest blog post this year, I would have laughed! Little did I know, it was destined for a beautiful moment.
Meet Josue.
My roommate, Josue, had been dreaming about how to best pop the question to his best friend in the whole world–his girlfriend Alicia.
Alicia is a kind, caring, kick-fire woman who is also a middle school teacher. She is willing to go the distance for her students, even if it means playing the messy game known as egg roulette!
Now Josue is often times like a little brother to me. Other times he is like an inter-dimensional clone of myself (that’s real life – people confuse us all the time). Anyways, he is a treasured friend.
What Alicia didn’t know is that Josue, my beloved roommate, had been diligently planning for months.
Josue’s first question – where to do it? It had to be just right! So where did he do it? Our own, humble backyard!!
His mission was to turn it into a secret garden. He spent two months trimming overgrown bushes, mowing the lawn multiple times for appropriate texture, checking sprinkler timing for appropriate water coverage, and administering plant food for appropriate greenness. He had to be sneaky though. When Alicia would come over, he would close the blinds exactly ¾ of the way or strategically leave giant piles of raked leaves so it looked like someone started a ‘house chore’ and didn’t finish.
After he nurtured our backyard to be all lush and beautiful, it was time to light up that garden like the stars from heaven came down to visit. He would buy lights and wrap them around the tree to test them. (The solar powered string was good but not bright enough so they were demoted to accenting the porch). Multiple options were researched and tested for the floating candles. (It was discovered that bedazzled jewels did not not have the same romantic effect as naked candles which would last a good 30 minutes to an hour – and they did pass the wind test too!) Every week he would come home with more lights. My favorite were the tiki torches and the string bulbs he borrowed from his mentor/boss at the Anchor House.
Finally, it was time for the test run to get the photographic lighting just right, which is why we have this picture of Josue proposing to our other roommate Cameron with his retainer case!! And yes, Cameron is right in the middle of playing X-Box.
Finally, on April 14, 2018 the day had come. After spending the entire day with Alicia, Josue treated her to an eight-course meal with a paired wine tasting for every course. (Yes, that is a real thing.) Meanwhile, I had just put in an 11-hour shift at work so I was excited to come home and get ready for the big moment. His amazing family had come that afternoon to finish cleaning up the backyard and string all the lights. The speakers were set for their first dance, the torches were ready to go, and all the tea candles were placed perfectly. Now, we just had to wait for the signal to light everything. Alicia’s closest friends came over and we all laughed and talked and waited and waited. And waited some more!! Five minutes felt like five hours!!
And then we got the signal!! It was all hands on deck. We literally ran around the yard, laying tea lights in the pool, lighting candles, shouting excitedly. (I was checking camera settings one last time). It was a beautiful mad dash. Here is one last picture I took of the set-up crew before we bolted upstairs to hide.
The next few minutes literally felt like a scene from friends. We had completed lighting the candles so efficiently, we had 15-20 minutes of waiting and hiding. We were all crouched, hushing each other, tapping our feet, and pacing. Every time a car passed down our street was a false alarm. “Is that them?! I think that’s them!! Oh, wait, that’s not them. Stupid Ford!”
And then they did come. (One of my dear new friends did light the tips of her hair on fire without realizing it for just a brief moment as we prepared our last candles). We walked in a circle around our beloved couple. Alicia’s family was dialed in through FaceTime so they could be there too. We cried and laughed and hugged and ate cake. And she said yes of course 😉
And here is the play-by-play video. I dare you to not tear up 😉
Each parent – four people total – gave a speech in a beautiful reception hall at Wedgewood Weddings in Mesa after the traditional speeches. Each had a dramatic pause while they regained their composure. Each one had shining drops in their eyes as they spoke from the heart, paused, and professed their love and happiness for their children. Watching Rachael and Aaron tear up brought a sting of tears to my eyes. It became clear in that moment that our gorgeous bride and groom were not only rooted in deep love for each other but also a deep love from their friends and family as well. And it was beautiful.
Every detail was a dream—a true fairy tale wedding. It was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, after all!! The beautiful rose bouquets designed by Maggie Waller, Aaron’s boss, the golden rose that was carried down the aisle by their adorable ring bearer, the beautiful shades of maroon and navy with hints of gold, the stemware that were candelabras, the gorgeous painting that was also a guest book, carefully chosen porcelain characters and picture frames, the beautifully layered wedding dress, the perfect princess shoes – everything was absolutely a dream! What better setting for this couple to profess their covenant of love before God, friends, and family!!
Rachael and Aaron, I was inspired all day by the beauty of you, your family, and your wedding. As a friend, I must say I am even more inspired by the beauty of your anchored faith, your steadfast love, and selfless passion for each other. This fairytale wedding is only the beginning; your future is bright and many adventures lie ahead.
The Creative Crew
Venue – Wedgwood Weddings | Bride’s Dress – Almond Tree Boutique | Bride’s Ring – Capri Jewelers | Bride’s Shoes – JC Penny | Accessories – Amazon | Bridesmaid’s Dresses – Amazon | Catering – Included with Wedgewood Venue | Floral Design – Maggie Waller – Aaron’s Boss | Groom’s Ring – Capri Jewelers | Groom’s/Groomsmen’s Tux & Shoes – Mr. Formal | Hair & Makeup – Amber Rose Makeup | Invitations – Included with Wedgewood Venue | Linens – Included with Wedgewood Venue | DJ – Randall Kellog Officiant – Palmcroft Baptist Church
What a beautiful Glendale wedding!! “I’m not going to cry,” Grace, Sarah’s mom started out the day saying. One look at her daughter in her dress and the water works started to flow. Seeing glistening drops in the corner of Marcus’s brothers eyes, watching the pride in their parents’ expressions, witnessing Sarah and Marcus’ pure delight in seeing each other for the first time—the entire event was full of shining faces that made the whole day beautiful.
The fun didn’t stop! With elegant touches of gold and black everywhere, all the details intentionally pointed toward a deep love in the midst of a fun and caring family. The Dragon Ball Z cake toppers made me smile. And the pictures of precious family members in the bouquet and the flower girl’s basket helped it feel like everyone was a part of this celebration. The dancing didn’t stop! And now I want to do a La Marcha dance at my wedding someday!!
Sarah & Marcus, you and your families inspire me. You bring each other so much joy and it makes me happy. You work hard for each other, demonstrate true commitment, and have endless fun together. I know the best adventures lie ahead and I am so excited to hear about them as they unfold in your vibrant, beautiful future!! To the Golden Garcias! Cheers!!
His sweaty hand clutched the object in his pocket. She thought it was just a styled shoot, but he had delivered hundreds of pizzas to surprise her. It was all about timing – the secret was to follow him around snapping photographs until he scouted the perfect location and gave the signal. Then he would ask the question that would change both their lives forever.
He had been saving up for months and she had no idea. The weather was beautiful, the trees were gorgeous, and the outfits perfectly fit their personalities. Now he just had to find the right spot and give me the sign. We traipsed through the woods, meeting people who congratulated them after seeing Kristyn’s styled white dress. They kept asking if they had been married today. “Not yet,” he thought.
After we circled through multiple locations – he wanted the spot to be just right – he settled on a field overlooking a breathtaking gorge. The rest is history. Their smiles were huge, gleaming, non-stop. And I don’t think those smiles will ever fade.
Kristyn and Kyler, I am blown away by the way you care for each other and the happiness you bring each other every day. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The best is yet to come!
Check out behind behind the scenes!
[arve url=”https://vimeo.com/255216238″ /]
Sarah and Marcus fell in love in high school. They have grown together for ten beautiful years and now they are getting married. What could be sweeter than doing their engagement shoot on the campus where they met on their ten-year relationship anniversary?!! It was like watching a movie unfold as they walked through their old stomping grounds, pointing out where they used to meet by her locker or hang out in the walkway beside the gym after class. It was funny to hear how Sarah would intentionally walk past Marcus at certain times to get his attention. These were all the beautiful places where their relationship started. And that was just the beginning!
What was even more beautiful were they joyful looks they gave each other, the genuine laughter, and the palpable love.
Sarah and Marcus, your relationship is beautiful. It is intentional. And it is strong. I love the thought that went into this engagement session that was also an anniversary session. Enjoy every moment of this special time. You’re only engaged once! I hope you had as much fun as I did and that these photographs remind you that you already have an amazing foundation. I can’t wait until we get to photograph your big day. It will be just the beginning again!
What a beautiful wedding I get to share!! I had a blast partnering with Cheryl from La Bella Vita Photography at the breath-taking Venue At The Grove. What I didn’t expect was to be overcome with emotion throughout this entire day as I got to better know Don and Rochelle and their precious families.
First, all the intentional details were awesome!! How cute to ‘Start the Adventure’ with a trail mix bar, show fun polaroid memories at every table, and display a completed puzzle with pictures from all their adventures. Plus there were fun stations to take photos or share date ideas and marriage advice. These are just a few of the well-thought-out details that made each moment special.
There was so much sweet love–it was tangible, like something you could breathe. It all started with Gary as he was overcome with emotion upon seeing his daughter for the first time and then continued with every moment that Don and Rochelle were with each other. When they held hands for a first touch, prayed together, saw each other for the first time, shared vows at the alter — these were tangible moments of love and joy. Don’s best friend teared up during the best man speech and Rochelle’s sister Crystal shared a special song that she wrote especially for her sister about growing up, looking up to her, and loving her completely. Needless to say, my own eyes burned throughout the day.
Don and Rochelle, you are a truly beautiful couple who know how to build a strong marriage. You both carry a lot of love in your hearts that exude bountiful quantities of joy. God brought you together from two different states for a reason and I feel honored to share in your big day with you. I hope you enjoy reliving each moment through this film.
All music licensed through the Music Bed.
I learned a lot from this engagement session. 1) Miracles do exist! You can find snow in the desert (even when it doesn’t rain)! 2) Aaron has diverse music tastes and is especially good at road trip playlists. 3) Rachael is one of the most thoughtful, intentional, and creative people of all time!
Needless to say, we had a blast. In case you can’t guess where she got her inspiration for the colors and theme of this day – it was definitely from one of Disney’s greatest love stories of all time, Beauty and the Beast. That was the inspiration for the delicate rose, the deep red cloak, the royal navy suit, and that fabulous gold dress! (And part of the reason we were on the hunt for that elusive desert snow.) I know right?! It’s literally the best ever!! And there was no better way to celebrate our successful photo shoot than Thai food on the way home! See, it was literally the best ever!
Rachael and Aaron, I enjoyed our time so much together. It was truly a great adventure. I had a blast catching up on life — you have so much to look forward to in your future. Whether it’s moving into a new place together after you are married, finishing school, growing your career and family, or even just watching fun television shows together, your future is SO bright. But what I loved the most was your deep love and natural joy with each other. It was a privilege to watch you care with such unintentional intentionality. (Yes, I know those words are opposites but it describes exactly what I saw.) Enjoy every moment because you only get this engagement once. And I don’t know about you, but I am sure getting excited for your wedding day. I hope you love your photos as much as I loved taking them. The best is yet to be!!
