I know that I say some of the same adjectives in trying to describe the beauty that I get to photograph often.in saying them as often as I do, you'd think that those words would become common to me...it's quite the opposite really.in getting to photograph such meaningful days, like the one I'm about to show you,I'm amazed at the beauty, the emotion, the detail that brides like today's wedding.those common words that I use are anything but common...if anything they become more profound, have more depth because of the memories and visuals that come to mindin describing days like today's wedding.there are many beautiful memories I'd like to try and convey to you from this gorgeous wedding day...but I'll shorten my list to only four memories from anthony + heather's day that have stuck out to me as memorable. :)the first memory started as soon as elizabeth and I walked into the girls getting ready suite at the scottsdale resort,immediately we were enthusiastically greeted with one of the brides best friendswho also happened to be one of our brides from the previous year.she greeted us as old friends (which we consider her to be thanks to being able to keep up on social media!)she excitedly ushered us into where heather was getting ready in one of the beautiful back rooms that overlooked the resort...heather was calmly sitting in the middle of having her face and hair made up but the ridiculously talented stephaniebut immediately stopped what she was doing and excitedly rushed to give us hugs welcoming us into her day.taking note of the room it was apparent of the reason that she had a larger bridal party...every.single.girl. that surrounded heather in that room had known her for decades.that says a lot about a woman's character and loyalty and faithfulness to the people she chooses to love.not only were each of these girls were excited for elizabeth and I to join into their joy at seeing their friend get marriedbut they also looked for opportunities to help us throughout the entire day.why this stood out to me?because unfortunately for a lot of brides, sometimes the women they surround themselves lose focus on what the day is aboutand let the busyness of the day steal their attention from the bride.not these girls.heather was the friend of the day to celebrate and have all of their energy and effort directed at.the second memory that stood out to me was one that has become somewhat familiar to me and I've begun to anticipate it at each wedding I photograph.great care goes into preparing the bride as she beautifies herself to see her husband for the first time...typically a mother is at the center of these preparations...readying her daughter to become a wife.the brides hair is intricately tied up to accentuate her face in a romantic fashion,her makeup is applied to enhance her already beautiful features,jewelry is chosen to add sparkle to draw attention to feminine wrists and collarbones,her incredibly detailed gown is carefully fastened and zipped...and then one of my favorite moments happens:the mother...in her exquisite mother of the bride dress, with her flawless makeup and hairlowers herself and serves her daughter by helping her put on her princess-like shoes one last time.I'm not sure why this triggers emotions for me other than the fact that I am a motherand seeing that single act of service one last time for your daughter tugs at my emotions...this is the same mother who decades earlier labored over teaching her sweet daughter how to:"go 'round the rabbit ears, through the hole...twist and whallah!"and that same mother, although years later, is the last to help her with her shoes moments before she now is to be another's wife.it's just a beautiful mom moment that I love getting to witness...seeing Debbie fully engaged in readying her daughter to become a wife was a beautiful memory that I loved watching.upon arriving to the church, elizabeth and I gasped at the beauty of the la casa de cristo.the walls were lined with crazy amazing stained glass art and then,through the many glass doors was one of THE largest pipe organs I have seen to date.I know what you're thinking...um, it's an organ.yes.  it was an organ.the musician in me was absolutely amazed at the ginormous gold and silver pipes that lined the front of the church.when heather was about to enter the church to walk to meet anthony at the front,my heart literally stirred when the Bridal Chorus began...the beautiful music absolutely filled the room.it literally was like a Princess Diana marrying Prince Charles almost perfect Disney-princess-like moment...I would have not been surprised to see doves flying in celebration in the air as Heather walked down the aisle.again, I know what you're thinking...um, Jen that's a little over the top.nope.no, it simply isn't an-over-the-top description.it was a mostincredible moment to listen/see.the final memory I want to share with you about this day is actually what happened as elizabeth and I left.heather's friend and coordinator hand us two envelopes with our names on them.in it was a hand-written genuine note of thanks from anthony + heather.why does this stand out to me?well, in a world of emails/texts + messages...heather took the time to hand write thanks to not only me...but to both elizabeth and I.that simple gesture is rare.that simple gesture is full of class and grace...and so appreciated.all of this to say,this day was beautiful.this day was magical.common words to describe a most uncommon incredible day filled withuncommonly kind and generous people that were a privilege to spend the day with photographing their memories.congratulations, anthony + heather! :)

photography | k

reatid photography

+

Elizabeth Ann Photography

venue, catering + cake |

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch

church | La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church

dress |

Alfred Angelo Bridal

brides shoes |

Badgley Mischka

bridesmaids dresses |

Bill Levkoff

grooms suit |

Vitale Barberis Canonico

grooms shoes |

Calvin Klein

groomswear |

Men’s Wearhouse

makeup artist |

Snmakeupandbeauty

hair | by april

wedding coordinator | Lisa Klarich

florals | Gene Arteca

cinematography |

Serendipity Cinematographyphoto booth | Crazy Shotz Photobooth

trolley | Ollie the Trolley