April 8, 2025
One month since this perfect spring wedding!
Rachel found me through her aunt, who is also a photographer-her aunt had posted in a Facebook group looking for local photographers for Rachel’s wedding, with a gorgeous spring wedding moodboard attached. I sent her my website, and Rachel reached out a few days later! I’m so grateful to social media for connecting Rachel and I, because it was such a wonderful fit. It felt like I had known Rachel, Cade, and their families for years. Everyone was so kind and welcoming that it made saying goodbye at the end of the night so hard!
The Temple
A few days before Rachel and Cade’s wedding in Gilbert, the weather forecast took a turn and showed rain all day, which was a shock for March in Arizona! The family came prepared with clear umbrellas, blankets, and coats for after the ceremony. It was chilly and raining during the family formals, but the rain let up just in time for the bridal portraits, and the clouds created the most beautiful light. We were the only ones at the temple grounds, so we just ran around and played with light and capturing that newlywed bliss!
One of the highlights of the day was Cade’s family surprising Rachel with their getaway car! Cade had told me privately about their plans, so I was able to capture her reaction. They were truly some of my favorite moments from their day!
The Reception
After the temple exit and portraits, it was a quick 2 minute drive to Cade’s aunt’s home, which had been beautifully set up for the reception. When the weather forecast changed, Cade and Rachel had to make some quick adjustments, but friends and family showed up and saved the day with classy white tents! There was a soda bar, a delicious dessert bar, and street tacos. The warm food was perfect for the slight chill outside. The flowers and cake perfectly aligned with Rachel’s vision, and I loved capturing their reactions when they arrived!
Another highlight of the day was documenting Cade & Rachel making their sodas for the night! They had darling “Mr. and Mrs.” aprons they donned, and danced along to their playlist as they got behind the bar.
After dinner, there was a brief welcoming line before the reception events. They played “the shoe game”, cut their cake together, had first dances, and then led into an epic dance party! Rachel also had a fun twist on the bouquet toss- she had ribbons attached to her bouquet, and the ladies grabbed a ribbon and started walking in a circle around her, while she cut the ribbons one at a time until only one was left!
Rachel and Cade had a last dance as well as a first, which I would recommend to every couple! They enjoyed a few romantic minutes alone while the guest lined up for the sparkler sendoff. Then they exited the reception in the sporty red Porsche from earlier! It was a day full of joy from start to finish, and I couldn’t have been more honored to document it.
