Lauren & Steve: Married!

The Marriott at McDowell Mountain in Scottsdale was the setting for the wedding of Lauren Bird and Steve Burdorf this past weekend. It was, I believe, the first day of the year that the temps reached 100 degrees here in Phoenix, but I don't think the day could have been any more beautiful.
Lauren was relaxed and happy as she got ready:

Steve and his groomsmen were looking sharp:


The ceremony was held out on the lawn, under a beautiful, flowering tree:

The ceremony site had beautiful light streaming through the tree-tops, which made it the perfect spot for portraits:

Cocktail hour was held outside on the patio:




I adored the place cards and reception decor:


Their first dance was sweet:



And they danced the night away:

Lauren and Steve, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your day for you!

Alison & Andrew

Ali and Andy-Engagement Session in Gilbert, AZ

I don't mind the Arizona heat at all. In fact, I love it...because It's a Dry Heat. Really, once you have lived in the humidity of South Texas, this is nothing. I went back to San Antonio a few weeks ago and absolutely couldn't take the 90-degree-but-somewhere-around-100%-humidity.

So this past weekend, I had an engagement shoot on a typical 102 degree afternoon, and I barely broke a sweat. It was warm, but it was also a bit breezy, and the hazy sun really inspired me to capture the warmth and glow of Arizona.

Ali and Andy are getting married this fall here in the East Valley at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. I'm sure they are hoping for cooler weather by then (if only slightly), but I know that no matter what we get, these two will look great!

We went to the neighborhood park of our old house in The Islands, which is also happens to be the neighborhood of Ali's mom, who was one of my first friends when we moved here. Ali showed up for our session in a gorgeous summer dress and looking absolutely beautiful:

Andy's eyes are amazing:


Alison, you are beautiful:

In this shot, they are praticing their "wedding dance." I think they will do just fine!

Toward the end of the session, Ali and Andy's kids joined us. This is Andy's son, Jackson, and Ali's two-Taytum and Talon. A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

The girls:

The boys:

Remember what I said about being inspired by the glowing, Arizona sun?


Just like her mom, Taytum is a beauty:


Just before the sun was gone for the day, we drove to Gilbert town square, where there is a little splash pad under the historic water tower. The kids quickly changed into swimsuits and we grabbed a few fun shots:

This image is a bit blurry, but I love Talon's attitude!


Ali and Andy, I absolutely can't wait for your wedding this October. It is going to be beautiful and fun, just like all of you!