Rachel and Victor's Boyce Thompson Arboretum Wedding

11 . 17. 2018

Living in Mesa, I made the hour drive up to the arboretum on a gorgeous Arizona fall day. Having walked the arboretum back in September in shorts and a tee shirt, it was nice to be able to embrace the cooler weather for their wedding. Once I arrived, I got to hang out with Rachel, her mom and three of her friends. We all chatted and laughed as she dove into her gown and stunned us with her wedding day glow. After she was ready, we headed out for the emotional first looks with her dad and younger brother. Never have I had such a privilege of capturing a first look, than I did with hers.

Once we finished with the first looks, I walked over to their enclosed outdoor ceremony space and waited with Victor. Rachels friend cued up the bluetooth speaker and music filled the small space. Walking her son down the aisle, Vic and his mom made their way to the front. Friends and family followed and took their seats, all eight of them, as they waited to see Rachel walk down with her father.

Having their friend officiate their wedding, they spoke vows and exchanged rings and sealed it all with a kiss and a dip. From their we witnessed their first dance, her father daughter dance and his mother son dance. Bottles of champagne were popped and the bridal photos began!

For someone who has lived in Arizona their entire life, I had never heard of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum before. That is, until I met Rachel and Victor. Originally from Ohio, these two lovebirds moved out to the valley of the sun in August and were seeking a wedding photographer for their intimate wedding. After meeting with them, I knew their wedding day was going to be one for the books, and I sure wasn't wrong.

Once family photos were taken, the three of us ventured around the arboretum having stunning backgrounds and many passerby congratulations!

To Rachel and Victor!