Chad and Hannah's Trash the Dress Session Payson, Arizona

Chad and Hannah were married in May at Ashley Manor in Chandler.  Knowing that Hannah was from Payson we had always talked about the possibility of returning to that area to do some extra photos.  It all came to be a reality with our schedules working out and meeting up on the Rim.  We started out with a variety of scenic locations - from a field lined with Aspen trees to the edge of the Mogollan Rim on a rock outcropping.  We dodged thunder showers and dealt with some strong winds.  Chad and Hannah were real troopers, standing right near the edge of the Rim in the gusting wind.  As the sun was setting we ventured down to a waterfall that was our primary "trash the dress" site.  Both Chad and Hannah took the plunge and got into a not so warm mountain creek.  After dark candles provided illumination for some artsy photos of Hannah.  Even with the weather issues we thoroughly enjoyed this creative outing with this great couple.

Ryan and Kaira's Engagement Session

With the threat of summer thunderstorms we headed to Blackstone Country Club for Ryan and Kaira's engagement photos.  We arrived there with beautiful thunder clouds just to the north of us, that later would play into some nice sunset photos.  Blackstone is gorgeous - it has everything thing - stone architecture, pillars, fountains and hill top views.  We look forward to coming back to photograph their wedding here in the spring. 

Sadiq and Rahila's Wedding at The Castle at Ashley Manor, August 7, 2010

When Sadiq and Rahila came over to meet with us we were excited to hear about all of the wedding plans for their Pakastani ceremony.  The wedding was to be traditional and the ornate Castle at Ashley Manor fit right in with the details and decor of the day.  Rahila was a beautiful bride, dressed in a beaded Pakistani wedding dress and all of the accompanying jewelry.  The bride and groom spent most of the evening sitting in their ceremony area in chairs while the celebration and events were brought up to them.  At one part of the ceremony the bride's family steals the groom's shoe and he has to negotiate and pay for it's return - the Joota Chorai ceremony.  While Sadiq's shoe was still missing they fed each other honey.  Finally the shoe was paid for and returned :)  After Rahila tossed her bouquet the newlyweds left to a traditional farewell (the Ruksati).  Congrats to Sadiq and Rahila!

A special thanks to:

The staff at the Castle at Ashley Manor events@ashleymanorweddings.com

Arizona Wedding Video (Roger@azweddingvideo.com)

AIRC Carriage

Copper Kettle Catering

Little Maddox

Today we did photos for baby Maddox.  Such a little cutie!!  Also featured in the photos is big brother Cody.  Last time we saw Cody he was a ring bearer now he is a big brother.

Brian and Laura's Wedding at Ashley Manor, Chandler, Arizona July 30, 2010

Brian and Laura lucked out with the weather - it rained the day before their wedding and the day after, but their day was wonderful.  Laura's cute little neice was the flower girl.  She kept everyone laughing all day with her antics.  Check out the last photos of her dancing at the reception.  Earlier in the day, after their romantic ceremony, Brian and Laura wanted to do a fun photo with the whole wedding party.  The guys were to hold up Laura and the girls were to hold up Brian, then bring them together for a kiss.  As you can see the girls had a difficult time with their part of the photo, but managed to get it right and pick Brian up.  We were able to get the kiss shot.  Everyone was laughing so hard it is a wonder they didn't drop the bride and groom!  We finished up Brian and Laura's photos all the way up to a beautiful sunset.  The happy couple then went into their reception while some of their crazy guests decided they wanted to pose for their own sunset shot.  What can we say the bar was outside... Brian and Laura should just be getting back from their honeymoon - hope they had a great time.  Congrats to Brian and Laura!

A special thanks to their wonderful vendors:

The staff at the at Ashley Manor events@ashleymanorweddings.com

Cake by a Piece of Cake 602-628-4194

DJ Jeff Nelson of Unforgettable Entertainment

Officiant Matt Nathanson married@firstofficiant.com

 

 

Cody and Amy's Engagement photos

Cody and Amy live out of state and made plans to do their engagement photos while they were here in town to finalize some of their wedding plans.  The evening we were supposed to do their photos it was pouring rain.  Working on limited time we decided to reconnect the following morning.  We looked out the window first thing in the morning - it was raining!  It did seem to die down a bit so we went ahead with plans to still meet and do the photos.  Once we arrived at Ocotillo Golf Resort the sun came out and we were able to take a bunch of photos!  So it all worked out for them while they were here in Arizona.

Brian and Nicole's Engagement Photos at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort

Brian and Nicole's wedding will be at the Montelucia.  They love the site and thought it would also be great for their engagement session as well.  We had a great time doing these photos with them and can't wait for their wedding to do even more!