Colorful Sedona Wedding

9am Friday morning, I found myself driving two hours north to the picturesque city of Sedona, AZ. This was my first wedding of Autumn and I was super excited to get out of the 100 degree Valley of the Sun. Although it wasn't cold by any means, and I managed to get a sun burn (no surprise there) the fresh air was very much welcomed.

The day of the wedding was actually my first time meeting the bride and groom! After emailing back and forth for almost six months, I was finally able to put a face to all the letters and sentences!

The gorgeous bride Michelle was comfortably sat in her makeup chair as I walked through the door. I was welcomed by her very kind and accommodating family. Although there was a pretty large language barrier, I still felt right at home as everyone was getting ready.

After a few anxious hours of prepping, it was finally time to head to the ceremony site. It was a short hike that opened up onto an incredibly view where the couple said their vows.

Once the numerous family photos had come to a close, it was time for us to head out into the wilderness! The couple and myself spent over an hour exploring the scenic trails around Cathedral Rock. We were searching for a stream that we could hear, but spoiler alert, never found.

Michelle, with her heavy dress, braved the canyons in the hunt of the perfect photo spot! They were willing to do anything and go anywhere which is a dream for a photographer! After a little while of hiking down and around the red rock, we came across a little (and by little I mean HUGE)surprise. We walked around the corner and saw this...

A field of wildflowers that were being watched over by an enormous red guardian. I had been to Sedona on numerous occasions, but never came across a view like this.

After a few moments of shear awe, we decided it was time to head back to the cars. We need to do some slight clean up after our hike.

The reception was held at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Named after a colorful Mexican city, the word "Tlaquepaque" is actually from the Nahuatl Native Indian language, the ancient language of the Aztecs, and means the “best of everything.”. You can definitely see where they were going with that one! The streets of this artist community are full of treasures and stores you can get lost in.

Finally the the dinner area was set up and ready to be devoured! They chose a personal favorite of mine and catered gourmet wood fired pizza. For dessert, there was a gorgeous cake, decorated by family members. As a matter of fact, their two families came together and did ALL of the decorations. It was an absolutely beautiful affair and I am so happy I had the honor to photograph it. This was a wedding for the books!