Jennifer Bowen Photography » Engagement, Wedding, Portrait & Family Photographer // Scottsdale, Phoenix Arizona

They are both so excited to finally be marrying each other this summer. They first met years ago in Iowa when they were next door neighbors and had their eye on each other. After finally meeting, they dated for one month (and Elissa told me she even “knew” then), but Ryan was then sent off to Marines Boot Camp and they had to say goodbye. Elissa thought that if it was meant to be, they would meet again. He spent four long years in Japan and just came back last July, where they met up again (now in Arizona) and it was quickly apparent that when you set someone free and they come back to you, it’s definitely meant to be.

Elissa is going to make an absolutely beautiful bride…

And Ryan a pretty handsome groom… (He reminds me of Ben Affleck)

I loved this moment. We were getting up from the stairs and Ryan just leaned down to rest his head on Elissa’s chest and held her for a moment. Her whole face just completely softened and she held him back. I almost felt bad taking a picture of their moment, but then I figured they might appreciate it :)

Thank you Ryan and Elissa! I can’t wait for your wedding this July!

Here are a handful more shots from Charlie and Kent’s wedding a couple weeks ago. These are more of the candid PJ shots from the prep time, ceremony, and reception…

I love this shot of Charlie and her dad

Sneaking a kiss before heading back into the Chapel to sign their marriage license…

I can’t help but love the look on Charlie’s sisters face here


I love these next two that Andy Delisle captured:

I think they are both saying: “Get me out of here!”

The first dance

Charlie and her dad sharing a dance.

One more that Andy took that I like…

There was the funniest little boy at their reception who kept taking his shirt off while stealing all the thunder on the dance floor. He was hilarious and had the whole place laughing with his — er, confidence. I think he might watch a lot of World Wrestling Entertainment on TV :)  (He is sucking in his stomach here, hence the rib cage sticking out so much.)

Congratulations Charlie and Kent!

Just in case you are wondering if I fell off the face of the earth, I haven’t. Right after I came home from Vegas, I caught that terrible 4-5 day flu bug that completely knocked me down. I don’t wish this virus on anyone — it’s complete with chills, migraines, major body aches, and fevers for several days. My client’s with whom I had to adjust some meetings and shoots have been very understanding, and I appreciate it. I’m finally back amongst the living and feeling much better! I have several blogs posts coming in the next 24-48 hours, so there will be lots of updates soon, I promise. I’ve also received a lot of emails from aspiring photographers in the past couple weeks and I will have another post for you guys soon too.

Just a quick post to say Happy Easter and let you know that I will have lots up this week. I hope you all had a nice Sunday! Stay tuned for the final round from Charlie and Kent’s Wedding, images from a super HOT engagement session, more kids and babies and another wedding…it’s officially busy season here!

…rarely stays only in Vegas.

I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning for Las Vegas and another fun year at the huge, annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers convention. I think it’s the largest in the industry, so there will be thousands and thousands of photographers descending upon the Paris and Bally’s Casinos & Hotels. There are tons of products and new equipment I want to check out, not to mention see lots of friends, so I’m excited. I’ll be posting and sharing from the road, as well as have full access to email, so I won’t be out of touch.