Ryan & Demi [Windmill Winery Wedding in Florence, Arizona]

This job of photographing weddings started out as just something fun to photograph. All the pretty details, flowers of every shape and size, delightful dinner settings and oh, those wedding gowns. I loved the creativity each bride’s style brought to make the day unique. Over the years, and especially since Jon and I joined forces, weddings became more and more about the people and preserving their relationship on the day they say “forever” to a life together. Ryan and Demi embody this sentiment so well. They had so many special details, but what mattered most was their ceremony, pledging their lives to each other. Seeing the relaxed smile spread across Demi’s face as she walked down the aisle to her love, watching Ryan tear up and hearing the emotion in his voice, an indescribable feeling of joy raced through me. THIS is why we are wedding photographers, to capture these moments during the day so that years later, our couples can remember those feelings and use them as an anchor when life’s storms threaten.

If you have followed along for any bit of time, then you know just how much family legacies on a wedding day mean to us. Ryan, to honor his grandfather who passed had his boutonniere fixed in a shotgun casing from his grandfather and engraved with his name. He carried with him, his grandfather’s dog tags. Demi carried her grandmother’s cuff bracelet on her bouquet, and her blue flower embroidered, lace handkerchief. Delicate and touching mementos from people who shaped these two into who they are.

The Windmill Winery was a dream location, with it’s gorgeous white washed bridal cottage, green lawns and beautiful gardens. Demi and Ryan both were surrounded with friends who had stood by their sides for years, and the genuine camaraderie among them set the tone for a day filled with laughter and fun. And FUN was the word of the day. Planned for their guests in mind, their reception had activities galore for everyone to enjoy: lawn games and giant telescopes (I saw Saturn and it’s rings y’all!) interactive painting and of course, lots of dancing!

To pull of a wedding this focused on fun took an amazing vendor team:

MUAH: Heather Van Houten

Wedding Gown:  Martina Liana from Mariee Bridal

Venue: Windmill Winery

Venue Coordinator: Shauna Fadden

Florals and Event Coordination: Gina King Designs

Invitation Suit: Gina King Designs (ginakingdesigns@gmail.com)

Cake and Desserts: Lesley’s Creative Cakes

Hair & Make Up: Heather Van Houten Make Up & Hair

Catering: Whiskey Ranch BBQ

DJ: Gadger with Arizona’s DJ’s 

Assistant Photographer: Susannah Lynn 

Demi and Ryan, you day was so special to be apart of! We are honored to have been there and to capture your love. We pray that you look back on today and feel how loved and cherished you are.

xoxo,

Amber Lea (and Jon)