“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

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!!