As a photographer, there are moments when you head into a wedding weekend and instantly know it’s going to be something special. That’s exactly how I felt when I arrived at The Gather Estate in Mesa, Arizona, to capture Elizabeth + Jake’s perfect wedding day. I captured their engagement session in North Carolina last summer, so it was so wonderful to see them again!
The setting was breathtaking – an intimate backyard setting in the soft glow of the Arizona sun. My lens eagerly soaked in every detail: the organic white florals adorning the venue, the custom matchboxes and hand-written signage adding personal touches at every turn.
As the day progressed, I found myself effortlessly drawn into the rhythm of the celebration. With each click of my camera, I sought to capture the essence of the day – the laughter, the tears, the unforgettable joy that filled the air. From the tender moments shared between the couple to the infectious energy of their guests, every frame told a story of love in its purest form.
And then, as the sun began its graceful descent, casting a warm golden hue over the lawn, the atmosphere shifted. Underneath a canopy of bistro lights, the dance floor came alive with movement and laughter.
But the magic didn’t end there. As night fell, the festivities continued, illuminated by the soft glow of twinkling lights. Guests flocked to the vintage-inspired photo booth bus, eager to capture memories of the day. And what wedding would be complete without a sweet treat? The homemade ice cream cart provided the perfect indulgence, adding an extra layer of delight to an already sweet evening.
As I packed up my gear at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful – grateful to have been a part of such a beautiful celebration of love, and grateful for the opportunity to capture moments that would be cherished for a lifetime. The Gather Estate had provided the perfect backdrop for a love story to unfold, and I was honored to have played a small role in preserving its magic for generations to come.
I captured the day in both digital and film formats. Here is a collection of 35mm film photos from the day.
Vendor Team:
Venue: The Gather Estate – @gatherestate
Planning: Kim Horn – @kimhorn_az
Photography: Stephanie Wolf Photo – @stephaniewolfphotos
Floral: Daisy Head Floral – @daisyheadfloralco
Makeup: Makeup by Velvet – @makeupby_velvet
Catering: Freak Brothers – @freakweddings @freakbrospizza
Desert: Craft and Pedal – @craftandpedal
Photobooth: The Fotobooth Bus @thefotoboothbus
Bridal Attire: Lovely Bride – @lovelybridephoenix @sarahseven
DJ: Varsity Events – @varsityeventsaz
