jen

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stonebridge manor arizona wedding | dallas + emily

there are certain weddings that I've had the privilege of photographing that seem almost magical...I don't know if it was Dallas + Emily's love, or the masterful orchestration of the day by Mike + the people at Stonebridge Manor,but THIS day...this unbelievably magical day is one that will forever go down in my professional + personal book as being one to remember.it was if the day has it's own cinematic sound track that gently heightened moods, emotions, colors + sounds,the soundtrack of the day was gentle as Dallas + Emily individually quietly read their hand written notes declaring their love for each other,then the days music became slightly bittersweet as Mike turned around to look at his daughter for the first time...Emily was full in her beautiful bridal glory...you could hear his breath catchI found myself unable to hold back tears seeing him so amazed at the woman he was looking so adoringly at...the bittersweet music of the day continued for a few minutes more as an accidental moment happened in Gloria passing by her eldest son...she straightened his tie once more and then he pulled her into his arms  - squeezing her only as large grown sons can do - and simply said "I love you, mom."it was a perfect moment.the days soundtrack shifted to sweet again as the matriarch's + patriarch's of the family made their way down the aislefollowed by the unbelievably gorgeous bridal party close behind,the days soundtrack became slightly amused in it's sweetness at this point as the ring bearer hesitated coming down the aisle...he was enticed with cars and the crowd had a momentary release in comedy amidst heightened anticipation in seeing the bride walk down the aisle.and walk she did...oh my goodness her face...her most expressive and happy beautiful face literally glowed as she stood at the foot of the aisle arm + arm with her dad...I love that she and Mike paused...taking the moment in, listening to the days soundtrack as William Joseph expertly cresendo-ed on the piano making that single moment literally seem frozen in time,as I momentarily peeled my lens from her face, my breath caught in seeing Dallas' face...he couldn't hold back tears or his pride as seeing his beautiful glowing bride walk towards him,turning back to her, I found myself taken with Mike's face...it was similar to Dallas'...taken with his daughter's radiance, but also had a mix of bittersweet sadness knowing that he soon was to let go of his daughter's hand...it was an extraordinarily beautiful moment that actors in Hollywood would struggle to recreate...the soundtrack of the day came to a breath taking crescendo as Dallas' grandfather pronounced them husband and wife...I'm smiling as I type this because this moment was just so adorable...Emily literally squealed with happiness at the proclamation at being Dallas' wife...her fists balled up in an attempt to control her joy and then in the next moment, as Dallas reached for her to kiss her,she enthusiastically wrapped her arms around her new husband as they kissed for the fist time as Mr. + Mrs. Whitlow...this first special moment continued as talented musician's: David Foster, Fraser Walters + Kelly Levesque serenaded the couple as they signed their marriage license...I told you, the day was extraordinarily magical...Dallas + Emily...I cannot think of a couple more deserving of this extraordinary magical day than the two of you...thank you SO much for allowing Elizabeth + I a front seat to this most magical + beautiful day! kreatid photography | elizabeth ann photographyvenue | stonebridge manorbride’s dress | wtoobride’s shoes | vince camutogroom’s attire | perry ellisjewelry | martin katzflorals | zuzu’s petals + fresh view eventscake + desserts | caketinimake up artists | melissa defer + cassandra ravenhillhair stylist | ciera denleyvideography | MG filmsevent coordination | mike ravenhill + Rowan Pickering of Event Team, Inc.musicians | david foster, fraser walters, kelly levesque, william joseph, daniel schwartz + dora lim