Month: February 2017

This was one magical wedding.

It took place in Sedona, AZ. This was my first visit to Sedona and to say I was in awe would be an understatement! This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. When I woke up that next morning in my Airbnb and stepped outside I literally got chills looking at the massive landscape. It was like looking into a postcard. The reds, oranges, yellows and pale greens were stunning. I felt really small looking at the expanse.

So, when I broke out of my landscape daze I drove over to L’Auberge de Sedona. A beautiful luxury resort where the wedding would take place. I found Kim in her room. Her mom, grandmother and aunt were helping with her hair when I arrived. The room was bright and airy with beautiful clean modern decor that somehow still worked with the rugged, outdoorsy surroundings. Kim applied her own makeup beautifully with a little help from the magic of Youtube. 🙂 Penn State played in the background above the fireplace.

While Kim was applying her make up I went to take a look around the resort grounds. There was a beautiful stream running through the property. Large boulders clustered on the banks overlooking the rushing blue waters. The green trees hung overhead with sunlight peeking through the leaves. It was November in Sedona and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.

I found Tom near the restaurant of the resort. His suit was a light brown tweed with a deep red pocket square accent. The boutonniere was made of succulents. We walked around the resort grounds exploring a bit more. I took some shots of Tom while we anticipated the first look with Kim.

I met back up in Kim’s room to find her stepping into her dress. Her mother, Marianne, helped to lace her up. The dress was a gorgeous David Tutera design. The full skirt had an almost a peachy shade of tulle underneath the white lace. She wore cowboy boots with white knee high socks. The boots even had little hearts on the backs.

The first look was fast approaching. Tom waited for Kim down the steps in the grassy area above the stream. His back was to her as she made her way down the steps to him. Kim’s emotions began to show as the gap closed between her and the groom. Her eyes teared up as she approached Tom to tap him on the shoulder. They turned to face each other with smiles and kisses. I snapped pictures as they told jokes and laughed at one another under the green trees.

Kim shared a first look with her father, Don. He met her at the bottom of the stairs to see his daughter before she walked down the aisle. The father of the bride was dressed in his finest western wear. Complete with Texas star bolo tie.

The both sides of the family came down to meet and greet their new family members. Hugh, Linda, Marianne and Don all looked thrilled and proud of their children. Tom’s mother, Linda, gave Kim a beautiful keepsake box with a silver bracelet inside that said “Family” on it. Along with a cream colored shawl perfect for the cool Sedona nights.

Friends Ari, Kibs arrived on the scene to share some laughs with the bride and groom before we all headed to the ceremony.

It was time for the ceremony and we climbed the steps to the overlook on the resort grounds. The view over Sedona was breathtaking. The Reverand Sterling waited as the wedding guests took their seats. Marianne and her mother, Ruth, walked in first, arm in arm. Next, Tom escorted his mother to her seat next to Tom’s father, Hugh. Tom then took his place next to Rev. Sterling. Everyone stood as the stunning bride was escorted down the aisle by her father.

Tom and Kim exchanged vows that they had personally written to each other. When it was time to exchange rings they were passed through friends and family to be blessed with loving thoughts and prayers for a long happy marriage. The rings were attached to a handmade crocheted pillow made by the bride.

Instead to the typical unity candle or sand mixing, they painted a canvas with garnet and gold (Florida State colors, of course). The canvas had a silhouette of the couple that would be peeled off when the paint dried.

The bride and groom shared their first kiss as a married couple and the bubbles started blowing! The newlyweds turned and marched back down the aisle as husband and wife.

For Tom and Kim’s pictures together as a married couple, we had to go big. You can’t get married in Sedona without taking pictures in nature and in one of the many vortexes. So driven by Don in the Jeep, we headed to picturesque location number one. The sky was a pale blue, the mountains and plateaus behind the bride and groom almost looked like a fake background. It was surreal. On the way to the vortex, we saw a glimpse of a partial rainbow!

Once we arrived at location number 2, we climbed the steep rock stairs to the top of the Airport Vortex. We had 360-degree views of the city and the great landscape that stretched out on the opposite side. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any magical powers at the top of the Airport vortex, but we did take some unbelievable pictures!

Friends and family were all gathered and waiting once the bride, groom and photo crew arrived back at L’Auberge. It was a beautiful nighttime setting with a long table where everyone sat under a rustic chandelier of Edison bulbs.

Toasts were made to the newlyweds and dinner was served. The filet at dinner was delicious.

Guests took turns writing words of wisdom to the new couple inside the silhouette on the canvas from the ceremony. We all laughed, told stories and chatted over dinner. Tom and Kim cut the cake and of course smashed a little in each others’ faces…gently!

This whole evening took place on the eve of the largest supermoon since 1948. The moon was amazing as it peaked through the trees above. It was a beautiful ending to the start of hopefully a long and happy marriage. What a time to be alive!

Please take a look at photos from the Williams’ special day.

See the rest of this picturesque wedding here.

Venue: L’Auberge de Sedona
Florist: Bliss Floral
Officiant: Rev. Sterling -Sterling Weddings of Sedona
Cake: Sedona Cakes
Dress: Brilliant Bridal – designed by David Tutera