Attending a friend’s wedding 2 months postpartum is not a great idea. Shooting a friend’s wedding 2 months postpartum might be an even worse idea. Unless you like bawling your eyes out in the middle of the ceremony and wiping them away in between shots. That was me at Holly and Sean’s Flagstaff wedding at Fort Tuthill. I normally cry at weddings but since Holly and Sean are friends of ours, the tears were really coming down this time. This was how this amazing couple’s wedding day was though – so many emotionally charged moments filled with tears, laughter, and happiness. From the silly giggles exchanged while Holly was getting ready that sunny-filled morning to the moments holding back tears during vows exchanged at the ceremony, every minute was precious. I felt so blessed to be there.
I arrived at the getting ready location in hustle mode with limited time to capture details and Holly getting into her dress. So, I didn’t really absorb the moments and collect my thoughts until the first look. Thank goodness this sweet couple did a first look. It was the perfect time to break and slow down a busy morning and replace that go-go-go feeling with full love and sweet, still moments. When I arrived at the ceremony site before the couple did, I had a quick moment to look around and witness all the attendees. I realized how amazing it was that so many people love Holly and Sean. It was a large wedding and everyone there was fully prepared to love on them and bless their marriage.
After their beautiful ceremony, that perfect, golden light peeked out for us and allowed us to take some gorgeous bride and groom photos. Holly and Sean are fun and silly, so it was a blast capturing them on their special day. I also really enjoyed their wedding day details. They are both Grand Canyon river guides, so they had boats at the back of their ceremony for extra guests after the chair seating ran out (because that’s how many people were there) and boats with drinks in them at the reception. Speaking of the reception, it was probably one of the most fun receptions we’ve ever photographed. Most people we shoot have guests in attendance who are reserved and not super ready to party at Flagstaff’s high elevation. Well, Sean and Holly’s people were ready to party. And did they ever until the early hours of the morning because most of their guests were staying at the wedding site and simply had a short walk to where they were staying.
Overall, I feel so lucky to have been there and even more lucky to have captured this beautiful couple. Holly and Sean, you guys are gems. You know how much we love you and now, we’re so excited to witness a wonderful marriage between the two of you. 🙂
Wedding couldn’t have happened without these amazing vendors:
Flagstaff wedding ceremony and reception venue: Fort Tuthill County Park
Dress designer: Martina Liana purchased from The Bridal Collection
Hair and makeup artist: Beth Greenrock
Florist: DIY with flowers from Sam’s Club and Trader Joe’s
DJ Entertainment: Nehemiah Clark from VOX DJs
Videographer: Kathryn Majic from Blnk Films
Cake Artist: Lauren McDade
Catering: Wil’s Grill
Bridesmaid’s Attire: 1000love
Jewelry art and bolo ties: Amanda Klebanoff
Invitations: VineWedding
Guest favors: Koozies from Discount Mugs
Rental equipment: Verve Events and Tents
Second photographer: Madison Nelson
