Tempe Center for the Arts Wedding • Phoenix Wedding Photographer

Tempe Center for the Arts Wedding • Shelly & Dan • Phoenix, Arizona

The past couple of months have been a rush of busyness with a wild Europe trip, getting sick (twice!!), my brother’s wedding, funerals, and everything in between. After being so focused on my own life, I was reminded yet again what an honor it is to photograph weddings. Of spending an entire weekend putting other people first. To be invited into someone else’s special day- some might even say the most important day of their life. I can’t even put into words how special Shelly and Dan’s Tempe Center for the Arts wedding was to me. After three consecutive, wild days with them, I fell in love with their culture, their families, and their love for each other.

What I remember most about this wedding- besides the fact that EVERY one of my brides should opt for a red wedding dress, is their emphasis on family. Every aspect of Shelly and Dan’s Tempe wedding focused on family. Shelly’s mom and dad led them through their entire day. They held a traditional bracelet ceremony at the beginning of the day with mom and dad by Shelly’s side. They both walked her down the aisle. Grandma was the “ring bearer” and one of the witnesses that signed the marriage license. This is so unique and shows how much of an emphasis on how important their immediate family was. They all ate their cake and served each other. They dance, laughed, and celebrated-together.

I had family members coming up to me all throughout the three days just to check on me. They made sure that I was having fun, that I was fed, and asked if I needed anything. They welcomed me into their family and I had such a hard time saying goodbye at the end of the wedding celebration!

Shelly & Dan,

Shelly and Dan, I will never forget our first meeting at starbucks last year. I had literally come red faced and sweaty from photographing a two year old’s birthday party and had no wedding photos to show for myself. You were so excited to tell me your love story and what you had planned for your wedding. And most of all, you trusted me with your day and allowed me to grow before your wedding. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I loved every second of your three day celebration. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the both of you!