One of the aspects I love about photographing weddings is getting the opportunity to witness and document a unique event each time. Yes, there are many wedding traditions that are the same from event to event, but what inevitably varies each time is the essence the couple brings to the feel of the day. As a photographer, while I may have a certain style or way of seeing things, I try to capture that unique essence a little differently each time.
Jeanette & Darren brought their own style and relationship to their wedding certainly, but what I also found neat was all the history and family heirlooms their incorporated to celebrate where they came from, and who they come from. Jeanette wore her mother’s wedding veil and her grandmother’s garter belt, while her flower girl wore Jeanette’s own first communion dress. Her personal Rosary was affixed to her bouquet (flowers and event coordination were provided by the talented Teonna Earp, owner of Teonna’s Floral Design Studio & Vallé de Fleur) and at the reception, personal stories about the couple were framed and placed on each table along with the florals and other decor.
Jeanette and Darren themselves are very, very sweet and very in love. Jeanette is the baby girl in her family of four children and they are all very, very close. It was so apparent throughout the day that Yvonne & Larry (her parents) have fostered a close-knit and very kind clan (the Wolf-Pack as they call themselves given their last name is Wolf). Likewise with Darren and his parents and siblings. It’s touching when there is so much love and support flowing palpably throughout the room.
The day started off at St. Bernard’s Catholic parish in north Scottsdale. And the weather was Arizona-spring-perfection.
Jeanette’s sisters helping her into her gown
While going through the images, I noticed that Jeanette, her Mom and her Mother-in-Law are all bent forward doing something while Reese, her flower girl, who had just taken in Jeanette and wanted to be near her, was standing tall. Initially I was focused on Jeanette and her flowergirl, but thought this ended up being a rather unique moment.
Jeanette and Darren opted not to see each other before their traditional full mass ceremony, and Darren was brought to tears upon seeing Jeanette walk down the aisle.
Loved this moment, especially
Classic!
Somebody had something she needed to address:
After the ceremony, we took a few portraits around the church grounds…
And then headed over to Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain, where their reception took place. I love shooting at Sanctuary, because there is so much color, the light is great and the views are amazing.
Some moments you can help set up
And some you cannot
Some candid bridal party moments
Reception details, including fresh cherry blossoms, white florals and gold decor
And Julia Baker of Julia Baker Confections outdid herself on this cake. Gorgeous!
There were several toasts that evening, including a very touching one by Jeanette’s girlfriend
A first dance moment
And a very touching father-daughter dance that had them both in tears
Jeanette’s sisters and girlfriends shared a dance with her
I laughed out load when I saw this. Of course it was staged but them, but oh. my. gosh. Funny!
To ensure the garter would be caught, they put it on the old pig-skin. And it was definitely caught and run throughout the room!
More silliness ensued outside.
Not complete without a sunset picture overlooking the camel’s head. Thank you Jeanette & Darren for allowing me to capture your wedding day!
Excellent vendors to note and thank:
Venue – Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Event Coordination – Teonna’s Floral Design Studio & Vallé de Fleur
Florals – Teonna’s Floral Design Studio & Vallé de Fleur
Cake – Julia Baker Confections
Videography – Serendipity Videography
DJ/Music – Ray the DJ
Wedding Gown – Tara Keely, purchased at Destiny’s Bride
Makeup – Christy Gentile
Also, special thanks to my team: my dear friend Andy Andrews, who is always amazing and to Omari Dickens who helped provide additional coverage at this large wedding. Thank you guys for being so great!
by jenjoaz
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