Photography

The glow. It’s what makes weddings so special. Glowing faces full of joy, glowing interactions ripe with emotion, and glowing symbolism in every moment. That’s why I like to call my company The Moment– it’s all about capturing those glow moments. And this day was absolutely full of them.

 

Rachel‘s eyes glistened with joyful tears as she got ready with her mother and then again when she did a first look with her father. (For all brides – you know those tears are beautiful – but you have to dab them away quickly because the makeup is still fresh early in the day!) There was definitely a gigantic glow on Gabriel‘s face as he saw his bride coming down the aisle. When Rachel‘s beautiful smile met his, I think he was literally about to burst out of his body! There was a beautiful glow in the soft moments where Rachel and Gabriel would sneak a cuddle with their faces and just enjoy being together, being married. The glow was in the sound of laughter that filled the air. This was a magnificent time of celebration! So much glow all day long!!

 

This day was also about incredible love and commitment. Not only did Rachel and Gabriel pledge their undying love to each other, but their friends and family committed to them as a couple as well. It was beautiful to see Rachel‘s maid of honor over Face Time. She wasn’t able to be there in person because as a nurse she was on the front lines fighting the pandemic. So what did she do? She got her dress and makeup on right along with the girls virtually! (And we made sure to get a bridesmaid photo with her and the bride together of course!) It was incredible to see the support of one of Rachel‘s good friends and Gabriel‘s older brother who customized the cake toppers with special masks. Totally priceless! They came out perfect!! The commitment and support was palpable. It came from the friends and family who were live streaming from afar and from those sitting right there in the church. Yes, this was a very special day.

 

Rachel and Gabe, you are a phenomenal couple. Your day was full of so many tender, beautiful moments. You also have an awesome streak of crazy good fun! I am so excited for your future together. May these photographs help you remember just how truly special your wonderful day was. Congratulations!!

 

 

 

 

Special thanks to the most excellent hosts at Arrowhead Country Club. And of course we had to take a few mask shots too 😉

 

 

 

Wedding | Rachel & Gabriel

Photography, Wedding

Oh my goodness!! This wedding was already so super special before I even started snapping one photograph because Michael was a freshman in my Young Life Leader Training program during his freshman year at ASU. I am so incredibly proud of the man that he has become, the leader that he steps out to be every day and the husband that he now is. Then I met Jaime and everything just got even better!! She is full of life and energy and love. She may not realize this but she is also Michael‘s dream come true from everything he used to say that he was looking for in a wife (and so much more) during his college days! This would be more than enough to make this entire day a treasure to behold in and of itself, but literally every detail was beautiful, thoughtful and intentional and so fun to capture. I am so excited to show you these photographs!!

 

But before I do I have to show you this one photo first! It was my first ever slow-motion-robes-pillow-fight-moment-with-bridesmaids!! And I love this photo because you can see exactly how much fun every person was in this beautiful wedding! The entire wedding party and their family and friends were exactly like this – so fun and supportive throughout every moment!!

 

Of course if you saw Jamie and Michael’s super cute engagement session with Mickey Mouse ears, how could you doubt that this couple’s big day was going to be beyond super fun?! Michael was a total stud during the wedding and Jamie was absolutely breathtaking. She had this joy that would erupt into spontaneous laughter throughout the day. And there were so many beautiful details!! The flowers, the rings, the roses in the fountain, the Mexican-Dutch hot chocolate favors. Of course my favorite part of the day was all the little people moments. Like when Jamie and Michael locked eyes on her way down the aisle. Or when the family from out of town and even out of the country would give them a big hug. Or when Jamie’s mom kept crying tears of joy and then laughing them away through each special moment. Literally, the entire day was a wonder to cherish!

 

Jamie and Michael you are truly a special, stunning and loving couple. I know your marriage will be blessed and your future is beyond bright. Enjoy every moment and may these photographs always remind you of the incredible treasure that you have in each other and the wonderful community around you!!

 

 

The Creative Team

Venue: Villa Sienna  Makeup: Danika Christine Hair: Candy Lorenson Flowers: Flowers by Jodi Dress: David’s Bridal Cake: Piece of Cake Ring: Kay Jewelers DJ: Ray the DJ Officiant: Josh Morgan

 

Mesa Wedding | Jamie & Michael

Photography, Wedding

Because we did a destination photo shoot for Antoinette and Adrian’s engagement session in Sedona, I had the pleasure of re-counting stories with this very precious couple on our adventurous road trip. I’ve known them both since they were freshman in college through Young Life. (Actually I had the pleasure of knowing them individually before they even knew each other.) Needless to say weddings like this are extra special. Antoinette likes to say that they grew up together and it is really true – if you watch their relationship, the way they communicate with each other and the way they love everyone around them, this pair of total opposites complement each other better than peanut butter and jelly. And I love peanut butter and jelly a lot!

 

This day had so many precious moments. I think my favorite part was watching their family and friends–you could see the palpable love when the corner of their eyes would glisten with tears. You could see it when Antoinette’s uncle and brother accompanied her and her mom down the aisle. You could see it as Adrian‘s brothers next to him watched his reaction as his beautiful bride walked down the aisle to greet him. You could see it as just about every member of the bridal party cuddled Antoinette’s baby niece, Madison Grace. (And she is so cute in absolutely every photograph—she’s in a lot!) You could see it in the whole-hearted dancing of this joyous community. And the Arabic tradition of dancing under the bride and groom as they are lifted up on chairs is just plain fun. The only thing better was watching Adrian and Antoinette lock eyes on each other. They have this ability to release a special magnetic energy with each other. The entire day was a special memory—a true joy to capture. I can only hope to ever dance as good as this Latin and Arabic crowd one day!

 

Nettie and Adrian, you always have a very special place in my heart. I love your wedding but I already love your marriage even more. Keep enjoying each other, investing in your family and following God‘s plan for you day-by-day. Your wedding was amazing! Many more beautiful adventures lie straight ahead for the both of you! Enjoy every moment! Cheers!!

 

 

 

Phoenix Wedding | Antoinette & Adrian

Cinema, Photography, Wedding

This wedding has some of my favorite pictures ever taken–expressions of joy in preparation, tears of happiness as beautiful gifts were exchanged, a glorious walking-down-the-aisle moment, an intentional communion during the ceremony, a crazy fun bridal party and a beer burro!! The entire day was joy-filled and beautiful from beginning to end—such a delight to photograph.

 

If I had to choose one favorite moment of all these amazing moments it would actually be something so simple it could be easily missed. It was on our way to do sunset photos. Tori and Andrew had just been married. The ceremony had been beautiful. Their family and friends were full of happiness, hugs and tears. This was their first moments away from everyone, together as husband and wife. In the middle of all of this Andrew took a few minutes to ask meaningful questions to get to know my assistant whom he had just met. It speaks to this couple’s character and their caring heart for others. In the middle of their beautiful day, they took a moment to put the spotlight on a stranger and show a genuine interest in her life. When people take good care of my assistants, I feel like they are taking good care of me. Be clear – this couple knows how to party and they know how to love deep. This means the world to me.

 

Andrew and Tori, I should have known after our epic, multi-location engagement portrait adventure that of course this day would be so incredibly special. I was blessed to be a part. You were intentional from beginning to end. Every little detail had meaning. You wanted to honor Jesus, each other, family and friends and then celebrate with a big back-yard, barn party. And you did just that. It was simply beautiful. Congratulations and many blessings on your wonderful adventure ahead!!

 

 

Phoenix Wedding | Victoria & Andrew

Photography, Wedding

The music started. Fred was poised to begin his father-daughter dance with his beautiful daughter. She had just married the man of her dreams. The Elton John song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” was about to play. The voice that sang out of the speakers was actually Megan’s dad—Fred! He had recorded his own personal rendition of the song with his own voice for their special dance. The dance was beautiful and eyes were moist around the room. This is how the entire day felt–-sweet, full and beautiful.

Jeremy had proposed at the beach with a beautiful ring in a specially made clam shell. Now they were getting married! Megan and Jeremy were surrounded by incredible friends and family who supported them, laughed with them and encouraged them throughout the entire day. The event was full of sentimental, intentional moments too. Like when Jeremy and Megan exchanged shoes during their first touch, having signed the bottoms of each other’s footwear. Or when they shared their meaningful, beautiful vows with each other during the ceremony. It was difficult to not find tears in my own eyes as this beautiful couple confessed their love for each other and demonstrated it throughout the entire day.

Megan and Jeremy, it was such a wonderful joy to capture this magnificent day. I know your relationship is already built on an incredible foundation. You are an amazing couple! Thank you for letting me capture these beautiful moments for you!! The entire day was so special from beginning to end!!

 

 

Phoenix Wedding | Megan & Jeremy

Cinema, Photography, Wedding

They embraced hands from around the corner but they couldn’t see each other yet. It was a special first touch before the ceremony. A first touch is what couples sometimes decide to do when they don’t want to see each other before the ceremony but want to have a few quality moments alone together. It’s very sweet and romantic.

 

“How are you feeling?” He asked. They realized they both were nervous and he had a brilliant idea—on the count of three, they screamed as loud as they possibly could to get all the nerves out!! And somehow it seemed to work perfectly for these two free spirits. Surrounded by incredible friends and family, they committed their lives to each other amongst tears of joy, beautiful smiles, and lots of laughter!! It was a truly magnificent moment, a truly joyous day and a truly special blessing to remember.

 

I had already gotten to see the beauty of their love on the day of their proposal and their gorgeous engagement session. Today was a whole other level. Courtney looked like a princess in her stunning dress and shoes. Her veil flowed majestically behind her. Surrounded by roses and chandeliers, the beautiful Wedgewood estate was made to be the perfect location for this beautiful day. The wedding ring was exquisite-it shone with a fiery red color to always remind these two of their love for each other. Every little detail was beautiful and perfect!

 

Of course what made the whole day most special was love. First of all their love for each other–Courtney and Tate literally couldn’t keep their eyes off of each other! Also their families and friends were so full of support, celebration and care–love literally flowed through every moment. What a special day from beginning to end!! Courtney and Tate this day was beyond special and I loved capturing every moment of it!! Many blessings to you on the wonderful adventures that lie ahead!!

 

 

 

Wedding Venue: Wedgewood Weddings Lindsay Grove

Arizona Wedding | Courtney & Tate

Cinema, Photography, Wedding

Oh my goodness!! What a sweet and beautiful wedding to capture!! It was literally a delight from beginning to end!! First of all, I already know that Julia is one of the finest human beings on the face of the planet because she helps me photograph weddings. Yes, that’s right! This was extra special because I had the opportunity to photograph one of our very own Moment Team as a Moment Bride!!

 

Of course it got even better when I met the Austinn Hallman. As I heard their love story and photographed their engagement session I soon came to realize that Austinn was also one of the finest human beings on the planet. But that would only make sense right?! (I think Julia may be the very first bride in human history to receive a coupon for a proposal several months later as part of an elaborate Christmas present!!) Together they radiate love, intentionality, and fun with every interaction – it’s truly a gift to know them both.

 

This special wedding day was the perfect representation of Julia and Austinn.  We laughed. We cried. It was beautiful. For the first time ever I saw a couple eat a unity sandwich, heard their epic love story before their first dance, and watched a beautiful snowball grand finale exit. Both of their families were filled with love and laughter. Seeing Julia and Austinn’s joyous expressions as they experienced their first look and knowing that they have found their perfect complement completely fills my heart with joy and brings a smile to my face.

 

Julia and Austinn, you are a truly special couple. This day captured so beautifully the many dynamic aspects of your personality and relationship. I hope you know what a joy it was to capture all of these memories. May you always look back on this special day with the greatest of joy, peace, and celebratory wonder. A wedding is a starting line and that means the wonderful adventure now lies straight ahead. May these photographs always remind you how truly special and perfectly brilliant your starting line was. Know that these photos come with much love and happiness. To your forever and always! Cheers!!

 

 

 

Phoenix Wedding | Julia & Austinn

Cinema, Photography, Wedding

He hadn’t seen her all day. He told me just before that he was feeling nervous. He walked down to the front with his officiant and then welcomed his bridal party as they came down the center aisle. He turned his back away from where she would come walking down the aisle. The sun gleamed hot on the crowd. The music started and then she revealed herself to the audience as she walked to the top of the aisle. I’m sure Kevin was trying to imagine what his beautiful bride would look like. Then at just the right moment, his brother and best man tapped his shoulder and he turned around.

 

The vision that met his eyes must have made him ecstatically happy because he doubled over, grinned from ear-to-ear, and cried all at the same time. Best groom reaction ever!! (I was so excited to license their walking-down-the-aisle song for their wedding film.) This was just one of many powerful and touching moments. The entire day was precious and meaningful! So many little touches were absolutely beautiful – the flowers, the floral crown, the long train, the beautiful veil, the glorious cake – so many — all completely stunning. But of course nothing was so beautiful as our lovely bride and the love this couple showed for each other.

 

Rebecca and Kevin, there was so much I absolutely adored about your special day. It was wonderful the way you invited fathers and daughters, mothers and sons to join you for your special dances on the dance floor. I love how you professed public vows in front of everybody and also shared private vows for just the other person to hear. I love the colors, the mountains and the trees; literally everything about this day was so sweet, so tender, and so beautiful. May your marriage be rich with happiness and adventure. And may these memories always remind you of this beautiful day of love, family, and friends. Much joy to you both!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I Choose You”
Written & Composed by Ryann Darling
www.ryanndarling.com

Forest Wedding | Rebecca & Kevin

Photography, Wedding

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

Arizona Wedding | Danielle & Josh

Cinema, Photography, Wedding

A moment alone, where they could just talk and be themselves, where everything felt right with the world, that would make them completely ready for their big moment. I first heard this phenomenon when Josh described his lunch with Whitney right before the night he proposed. Something about being together–their united presence, her warm smile, their special chemistry–gave him strength and made him ready for the proposal.

I saw it again when we went to the woods for their engagement session. They locked eyes, laughed, enjoyed life, and found strength to explore undiscovered territory. There is something special about the way they are…just together with each other

“I feel nervous,” he said right before the first look. He could feel his heart palpitating. She had spent all morning getting ready and they had both had a crazy week before. First looks are a truly special time. Sometimes it may be the only time the bride and groom get to enjoy each other by themselves all day long. This moment was absolutely special with no exception. They locked eyes, laughed, embraced each other, and gripped their partner tightly. Their faces showed waves of peace and love and strength. They truly are stronger together than they are apart.

Whittney and Josh! Everything about your day was so special. Getting ready in the beautiful home of a family friend, incredibly rich florals which were the loving handiwork of a brother and sister, bouquets from a family friend, a beautiful backyard paradise curated by an intentional family. So many contributions and demonstrations of love and support!! There was laughter, enthusiastic dancing, and hugs–oh so many hugs!! Your entire event was truly a special time of family and friends showcasing their undying support. One thing is for sure. With Christ at the center, you will always be a source of strength for each other, an anchor for your partner in the most difficult of times, and a testament to the power of unity that can change the world around you. Congratulations!! May these captured memories remind you of these precious truths for the rest of your lives!! The best is yet to come!!

 

Creative Team
Venue: Scottsdale Bible & Stefanski Resort | Floral Design – Sam Stefanski | Bouquets – Tammi Plummer | Coordination – Simply Beautiful Weddings | DJ – Rock Around The Clock

Scottsdale Wedding | Whitney & Josh

Photography, Wedding

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