I was born in Minnesota. We moved to Arizona when I was seven years old. Growing up with so much lush green all around me, the brown of the desert was a shock to the system. I did not care for it. Sometime after high school, something changed for me. I really started to love Arizona and even the hues of the desert. I think it had something to do with finding my place in this state as well as Arizona evolving as a whole. And as I started studying film in school and picked up photography, I really fell in love with the terrain. To think it’s just brown and dead is limited thinking to me. First of all, the desert is teeming with life. Second, there is an epic, soft quality to the desert and its mountains and valleys. Third, it’s not always brown.

Mel and Charlie are Arizona die hards. They love Phoenix and the state as a whole. When we first met up at a mutual favorite local spot, we commiserated over the recent closing of another favorite downtown Phoenix haunt (RIP Desoto). They wanted their wedding to highlight the beauty of the state. They incorporated details in their decor to honor the five C’s of Arizona. Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. They had coasters made with the Phoenix skyline printed on it. We even made sure to hit a spot at their venue, Rio Salado Audubon Center, where we could see downtown Phoenix and include it in some pictures. It made me feel really connected to my home and it was an awesome way to celebrate them. It doesn’t hurt that both Mel and Charlie and their families are incredibly easy to be around.

In honor of the occasion, Arizona decided to show off for them. Fresh off of rains, the grounds were beaming with wildflowers (one of the truly special things you can find in spring around Arizona) and we had one of those sunsets that only this state can provide. I told you it’s not always brown here.

Here are some of my favorite photos from their Phoenix wedding.

Shot with: Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 5D Mk III

Lenses used: Canon 24mm 1.4L, Canon 50mm 1.2L, Canon 135 2.0L

Do you love Arizona as much as Mel and Charlie? I do too! I adore being an Arizona wedding photographer because it means I get to highlight the people and beauty of this state. Let’s show off your love in this beautiful desert of ours. Send me a message and let’s talk about how Arizona rocks and how we can highlight that and your love at your wedding.