You wanna know blown away? It’s having a friend call you on the phone and say her daughter likes your photos and then ask you to fly across the country.
I always liked Meg before her wedding. She was a fun, creative, intelligent woman with a crazy, wacky side I could totally relate to. Preparing to take her photos though? I grew to love her more than ever. And I began to look forward to taking the pictures of her special day because I just knew she’d be loads of fun.
We talked about where to shoot pictures at, and we finally decided to use the Mesa LDS Temple grounds. Colton and Meg did not get married there last year but this year they were sealed for their first anniversary. Rock on you, two. This is for you for eternity!
Because they weren’t getting married there, we decided we didn’t want to make the photographs Temple-centric which meant we needed to get real creative. After arriving, I realized there was no creativity needed. The Temple grounds are like this amazing park. So much beauty everywhere you turn. I hope I get to go back out there for pictures again.
We started out by a reflecting pool. The fun thing here was we were working around some sweet 16 portraits. Now let me tell you, I never thought to do Sweet 16 at a Temple, but it rocks to me! And these kids? Oh man were they just totally beautiful all dolled up. We tried to stay out of their way and I let Colton and Meg just be the sweet newlyweds of five minutes that they were.
I wanted to make sure they had something with the Temple in the background, but we also wanted to remain honest. I thought looking through the gate made it speak towards their goal to get inside someday. From the reaction of the guy just inside the gate, I’m not so sure many people take pictures on this side of the gate. It only took me standing in the middle of the street, so I’m not sure what the problem was!
Now you can’t go to Arizona and not get some cactus pictures. OK, well I can’t. I happen to think cacti are cool plants. They have a beauty that is unique. Maybe it’s just because I miss living in Arizona. Of course, going into this little patch, poor Meg got attacked by one of the prickly suckers! Ooops!
We found a nice bench for the two to take a break on. Meg just resting on her beloved. I love the look in his eyes!
Letting the two rest in the shade in the cool grass brought about some very tender moments. It was only about 108 and blazing hot under the harsh Arizona sun. Yeah, and she’s wearing that giant white gown and he’s in a full tux. I love a summery wedding and all, but do you ever wonder why it is we actually CHOOSE to subject ourselves to such fancy clothes in such heat? Love it but man do you start to want to melt!
But after taking a break, we decided to walk around to the back side of the Temple.
Me? I like to see newlyweds kiss. And kiss. And REALLY kiss!
Cause you are married now. So go for it!
We found this bench and I let them have some more time while I plotted. You see… a little birdie filled me in. Oh yes.
And so I asked them. With a chuckle they nodded and we decided to go for it.
The first time we failed, but it made for a really wonderful photo. But in the end…
Oh yeah. Colton can benchpress his bride. Even with the crazy heavy dress throwing off her center of balance. Now you tell me that guy isn’t hiding a cape under that tux? You know he is. Colton, you are obviously Superman! That so rocks!
I know. That’s cool. Right?
And did you see their shoes? I love it. Saddle shoes and wingtips. I told you. I love this couple!
Ahhh, young love. It’s so precious. You can look at their faces and see that unconditional love as well as the hopes and dreams of where their life will lead. With every couple I watch get married, I just hope that they can find a way to keep that. To hold on to it. To never ever let it go.
Hopefully I’ll get to go out to Arizona again sometime. I had so much fun! And I’d LOVE to be able to see Meg and Colton and everyone else again.
Meg, Colton? I love you two crazy kids. You two rock! Thanks for letting me share in your special day. And for about the zillionth time, congrats on your recent first anniversary and your trip to the Temple. If ever anyone deserves eternity? It’s you! Oh and btw, I love reading your blog and looking at pictures at your dogs! How about some new pix going up soon so I can show my dog?
–Have Camera, Will Travel
JS
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