Wow! If you were to hear Danielle and Josh‘s wedding vows to each other – you would understand how beautifully heartfelt and genuine their love for each other is. As the sun approached sunset, we beheld a breathtaking mountainous golf course view. The bridal party had just walked down to glorious violin music and our bride and groom were surrounded by their closest friends and family. The sweetness of their relationship was demonstrated as they shared their hearts with each other before an entire crowd of witnesses; they expressed appreciation for the other person as a divine answer to prayer, poured out their hopes and dreams, and committed the rest of their lives to each other. Everyone’s eyes watered.

Wow! The dance floor was hopping! Friends and families, cousins and grandmas, the entire wedding party – everyone wanted to celebrate with joyous dancing and non-stop fun. Josh even found himself hoisted on his groomsmen’s shoulders at one point. Laughter rang through the air – nobody held back. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The beauty and sheer fun of the day cemented the strength of this amazing couple and their community.

Danielle and Josh, I cannot fully express what an honor it was to capture your special day. This was all the fun of our amazing Sedona Adventure times one million!! Your powerful love for each other inspired me; your complete joy and whole-hearted happiness was thoroughly worth celebrating. May these memories always be some of the very most important ones in your life and may these photos be a blessing for generations to come!! I’m so excited for the adventure ahead!! Congratulations my friends!!

Much love,
Josiah

I had to be quiet with my feet because they would echo through the entire church as I carefully walked from camera to camera. Jennifer had said that she was greatly looking forward to the ceremony so I was very excited to watch the process unfold. The entire experience was rich with tradition and you could feel the holiness of the moment as the two of them exchanged vows and pledged their love forever. There was a sweetness on every face–their loved ones, friends, and family watching every moment with appreciation, encouragement, and support.

When I asked Jen what she was most looking forward to before the big day began, she said she was excited to see all her friends and family together having fun. It speaks volumes when someone is most excited to see other people happy when it comes to their celebration. Ricky was all smiles as he watched his bride come down the aisle, exchanged rings, and walked through the entire day. His eyes reflected respect and love, devotion courage. It is clear that this is one very special union. Whether it was their special pins to remember the University of Arizona and celebrate where they first met in grad school or the way their entire family danced with joy throughout the night, this day was a special event to behold.

Jen and Ricky, it was such an honor to be with you on your special day. These memories are priceless and I hope you enjoy watching and reliving them just as much as I enjoyed capturing each and every special moment. The best is yet to come!! Here is to you and all the wonderful adventures that lie ahead!!

 

 

“My favorite part of the entire ceremony was actually being married to him at the end!!” Both the bride and the groom were squished into the back seat of my Honda Civic after the ceremony. We were on our way to get their first photographs as husband and wife in the nearby desert. The first thing I needed to do was feed my selfless roommate and his new wife so I grabbed a granola bar from my emergency wedding-day stash. As we pulled up to the site, they babbled excitedly to each other as if they had been best friends their whole lives. They literally leapt through the desert, joy radiating off their faces. They were so happy to have a little time alone with each other during their private husband and wife photo shoot. They braved the desert trail, Josue pulled her nice and tight, they made each other laugh and got lost in each other‘s eyes. I was excited for the dreamy, glowing light that wrapped around my two clients. And I sighed with contentment to see my two dear friends so in love with each other.

This was an especially wonderful wedding for me. It was beautiful to watch you propose and take your engagement photographs. This was the very first wedding I have ever photographed and filmed while being the best man!! Right away I have to give a huge shout out to my exceptional team—Thomas Lamca, Lena Landgraf, Julia Blackman, and Jake Kershinar! Thank you so much for making it possible for me to serve my roomie and his wife this way!!

Josue and Alicia, I loved every moment of this special day. It was fun to be with friends and family, to laugh together, pray together, and play musical chairs!! (I really thought I had a chance at that game!) Some of my favorite moments actually occurred after the wedding when I got to hear some of YOUR favorite moments. I absolutely love hearing you be excited about musical chairs because you wanted your guests to have fun and feel like they were at a big party; you wanted to bridge cultures together. I love that you just loved hanging out with your groomsmen and your bridesmaids because it shows your heart for your friends and your family.

My other favorite part of this special day was when you washed each other‘s feet and worshipped in both English and Spanish as part of your ceremony. I suspect that many years from now  when we are laughing and looking back at your successful marriage, we will see that this component of faith is the anchor that made everything work.

I am excited to be on this journey with you both. I am privileged and honored that you trusted me to capture your memories for the day. I hope you love each photograph and treasure them just as much as I do!! Remember you have an awesome community that is dedicated to supporting you!! And the best is truly yet to come!!

Lots of love,

Josiah

 

Venue: Hope Barn & Gardens |  Dress: David’s Bridal

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!

 

 

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!!

 

 

 

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.