Ashley + Jason's Album

Ashley + Jason had a gorgeous wedding at the Westward Look Resort in Tucson. Their wedding was on a wonderful day: my due date (this is Heather, not JT, lol) on September 12th. I ended up delivering a day early, but it's still a special day in my book. Here is the album design showing all our favorite pictures from the wedding. Looks like they had a blast.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Ashley + Jason's Album

Tori + Dustin's Album Design

Congratulations to Tori and Dustin on the recent marriage! We were so happy to be a part of it. Their gorgeous wedding took place at Stonebridge Manor in Mesa, AZ on Halloween! What a fun day! See the highlights of their big day here, in their album design.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Tori + Dustin's Album Design

Ashley and Jason's Wedding at Westward Look Resort in Tucson, AZ

I had the pleasure of photographing a local photographer's wedding. It's always a blast to work with another photographer because they're willing to let me do what I love to do, just be creative. Jason Swift is a wedding photographer based in Tucson, AZ.

Check out their slideshow.

Ashley's Dress was beautiful!


Ashley's bride's maids helping to get the dress all buttoned up.


The Rings


Ashley and Jason's first meeting. I always love this moment.






I couldn't help but to get a saguaro cactus in at least one photo.




Ashley looked stunning!


The desert labyrinth at Westward Look.


The entire bridal party.


Congratulations to the newly married couple!

Check out the slideshow here ---> Ashley and Jason's Wedding at Westward Look Resort in Tucson, AZ

Mighty Mud Mania - Scottsdale, AZ

Today was the annual Mighty Mud Mania at Chaparral Park in Scottsdale, AZ. The entire event is about MUD and kids.
The main event was the obstacle course with a line over an hour long of kids waiting to race each other and get covered in mud.







The last dive into the mud pool was the best part to watch. They would come up entirely covered in mud.
One tip: If you plan on diving into a mud pool, be sure you have ear plugs in.


Here's just half of the waiting line for the obstacle course.


There's nothing like a nice mud bath in the morning.




They also had a huge soap slide down one of the hill in the park.



I wish they allowed adults to participate. It would have been a blast to try.

More photos and prints available in
Online Gallery.

Espresso 101 at Liberty Market

I was at Liberty Market a couple months ago when they held their first ever Espresso 101 class. It was a full class of 10 at the E61 espresso bar inside Liberty Market.

Joe and Teresa were busy teaching everyone about the art of making espresso drinks.





Jess Harter covered the story well on his blog.

Bethany + Casey Wedding - Brophy Chapel & Montelucia Resort Phoenix, AZ

Bethany and Casey had such a fun wedding. I knew these families would be a blast to work with.
Be sure the check out their SLIDESHOW.

The ceremony was held at Brophy Chapel and the reception was at the new Montelucia Resort in Phoenix.



Bethany and Casey were so excited that this day was finally here.




Here are all of the girls, most of whom are sisters to Bethany, including Allison who's wedding I photographed previously.


Casey and all of his guys were looking sharp.






Patty & Patty at I Do, I Do Wedding Specialists were making sure everything went smoothly while Ray the DJ kept everyone busy on the dance floor.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Bethany + Casey Wedding - Brophy Chapel & Montelucia Resort Phoenix, AZ

Gilbert Water Tower Park

I loved this new park located under the Gilbert water tower in downtown.



The water makes it super fun for the kids.

Bethany + Casey Wedding Album

Bethany + Casey were married in May. Their wedding was beautiful and JT was able to get some stunning shots that I absolutely love. It's always a surprise for me when I get the images. I love it. Hope you enjoy the design.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Bethany + Casey Wedding Album

Morgan + Andrew Wedding Album

I found myself smiling while designing this album! Morgan + Andrew are such a fun, energetic couple and you can tell that just by looking at their pictures. Enjoy the design and congrats go out to the newlyweds.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Morgan + Andrew Wedding Album

Free Lunch and Dinner at Joe's BBQ

Today is Customer Appreciation Day at Joe's BBQ in Gilbert, AZ. Be sure to check it out if you have the time. I'm sure the evening will be packed with tons of families waiting in line. The free meal includes a beef or pork bbq sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw and a drink. Enjoy, I DID!

Cubbies Game

Here's our second to last spring training game at the Cubs field. It was a great day out but sad knowing that the heat would be rolling in and outdoor baseball would be gone for another year.

Christie + David Album Design

Here is another album design for your enjoyment. Christie + David's wedding took place at the Pointe Tapatio Cliffs in November. The wedding was gorgeous. Just like the bride. Hope you enjoy the design.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Christie + David Album Design

Weddings at the Royal Palms Resort Website

Check out my most recent site featuring weddings I have photographed at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, AZ.

Flash Required to view this area.

And to view it on a full web page visit http://www.weddingsatroyalpalms.com

Liberty Market - Gilbert, AZ

Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert, Arizona has been my latest hangouts while I go without an office since moving back to AZ. They have a nice espresso bar that I can sit at with my laptop as I work throughout the day.


The location has been neighborhood market since 1935 and was recently renovated in 2008 to also include a restaurant. Joe Johnston, a staple restaurateur in the Phoenix market (Joe's Real BBQ and Joe's Farm Grill) has teamed up with chef David Traina (Delux, Café Terra Cotta) to provide a hip Americana style eatery.



I love the vintage 1890 Edison bulbs that emit a style perfect for this eatery. This bouquet of lights sits above a family size table in the dining area.


My favorite location in the market is the coffee bar. It's vintage 1965 espresso machine came from Italy, although I'm sure it enjoys its new American home.



Even the restrooms are uniquely decorated with one of them containing photos and handwritten instructions on how to prepare many of the dishes available. You can find recipes to their Liberty Joe ("sloppy joe done right") or their handmade Chipotle Vinaigrette dressing.


If you decide to check Liberty Market, be sure to look for my friend Jason. He might just be making your Italia (pressed) sandwich. And I would suggest trying the Roasted Sweet Potato Salad as your side. It's the Best!

Charron Vineyard - Senoita, AZ

On our way back home from Kartchner Caverns, Ashley and I decided to swing by a vineyard that wasn't too far off the highway. We have been interested in checking out a few of the local Arizona vineyards but haven't taken the time to plan a trip yet.


Charron Vineyards was 6 miles off of Interstate 10 on an exit heading towards Senoita, AZ. We pulled up to a small vineyard surrounding a house but noticed the gate was closed. It was around 5:30 and tasting time had passed for the day. We stopped on the dirt road to take a look at the hibernating vines on the 5 acre lot.

Just then the gate started opening as though it were inviting us to come in. We weren't sure what to make of it. There wasn't a car leaving but then we noticed a woman standing on the porch of the house looking out at us. So I decided we should drive in and see if they would offer any taste of their wine. The woman invited us onto their back porch to give their 2008 White Merlot a taste.

What a strange surprise to see a white merlot wine?! But I guess if you are competing against traditional wine country such as Sonoma and Napa that it would be smart to offer a wine that would be less traditional. It had a surprisingly sweet, yet not too sweet taste to it. It would pair perfectly with a grilled fish on a summer day.

Leo Cox was telling us about his wine and many of his life stories. He was definitely an entertaining guy.


We headed out just after sunset. It was a perfect little detour on our day trip.

The New Phoenix Convention Center

The new Phoenix Convention Center is very impressive. I attended Imaging USA photography conference last month and was so surprised to see such a great building in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix is Growing Up...Kind Of

Phoenix has finally joined the ranks or San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Portland with the new addition of light-rail to their public transit system. Its been years in the making but the trains are finally moving around the city. It has yet to become as popular as the systems used in other cities but they are working on fine tuning everything.


The stations definitely have a modern feel to them, although I am not too excited to see how these tiny shades perform during the summer time. Did they honestly think that it was smart to hire a designer from another state?


It's definitely nice to have another option on getting around town. I use it with my friends to visit the First Friday event each month in downtown Phoenix. The only issue that we have is that the last train leaves the station at 11pm which is way too early for a weekend. You would have figured with the strong enforcement on drunk drivers that they would keep the rail running at least until last call on the weekends so that these people won't be driving, but you would be mistaken. For now they will only extend the hours for special events, but even then they don't broadcast the hours properly so you don't have a clue when the light-rail stops running.

So until they start extending the hours, I can only use the rail for certain events. Hopefully they will open weekend hours soon, before they loose their chance to gain weekend users.

Four Peaks Brewery- Best Brewery

Four Peaks Brewery has officially won JT's Best Brewery of All Time Award! It's my favorite place to grab a cold brew and hang with friends. Plus they have stellar food to go along with a great brew like their Kiltlifer Ale.

First Fridays - Nov

Here are a couple more photos from a First Fridays event in November.


This guy is out here every First Friday working on this mural that includes The Wizard of Oz.
It's so neat to see it progress each month.

First Fridays

Phoenix's First Friday Art Walk has become the largest monthly art walk in the nation which is surprising because downtown Phoenix doesn't have much to offer on a regular basis. Here is a photo from a previous trip down there. This last Friday was packed. It is amazing how this even has grown over the years.

Royal Palms Resort

The Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix is just amazing. It quickly became one of my favorite places to photograph at. Here are just a few photos of the unique resort that offers my vote for the best romantic getaway in Arizona.

A wonderful view of Camelback Mountain


There are so many tiny nooks around the resort that help you get away from everything.




The fountains illuminate the outdoor patio just outside of the banquet rooms.

My Baby Sister Anna Marie

I was finally back to Phoenix a few weeks ago and had some time to photograph my baby sister, Anna Marie. It was definitely an interesting challenge photographing a newborn baby. But she's just so dang cute.


She didn't care for lying in the the bucket that we had.


The cutest little feet.




After a break my dad showed up and was able to help calm her down a bit so that we could take a few more photos.


Here is my dad holding her.

Sandra + Eric Wedding - Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North

Sandra and Eric were married on August 31 at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North, surrounded by a crowd of close friends and family. The couple had a great morning prepping for everything and the day turned out to be wonderful considering it was in the middle of the summer in Arizona.

Their beautiful wedding slideshow is available for viewing on their Client Lounge.

The Four Seasons Troon North is a beautiful resort surrounded by huge boulders and saguaro cactus in the desert.




Sandra got ready with all of her girlfriends around her.


She looked amazing in her dress




Her dad couldn't wait to give her a hug after seeing his beautiful daughter.


We found a nice couch at the entrance to one of the restaurants at the resort.


Their first meeting






Sandra's friends enjoyed their entire time at the wedding


What a view looking into the Phoenix valley!








The desert sunsets are always beautiful.


We all had a wonderful time at the wedding. Thanks again to my wonderful assistant Josh for helping me out.


Their beautiful wedding slideshow is available for viewing on their Client Lounge.

Veronica + Stephen Wedding Album

I (Heather) am not there with JT on the wedding days so it's always fun for me to see the photos when I start designing the album, and with this wedding, I loved how much fun all the guys had. Check out the rest of Veronica + Stephen's wedding album design from the link below.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Veronica + Stephen Wedding Album

Gayle + Pat's Wedding Album

Here's the album design for Gayle + Pat's wedding from May. Their lovely wedding took place at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Gayle + Pat's Wedding Album

Veronica + Stephen Wedding - Ashley Castle - Chandler, AZ

I've been looking forward to Veronica and Stephen's wedding for a while now. Both of them have been working at my favorite coffee shop Goldbar for years and we've always talked about photos way before they were ever engaged. Our big adventure was going over to California for a weekend for some fun photo in San Juan Capistrano and Newport Beach.



But it was finally time for them to get married!

Veronica's amazing dress


Veronica!




Her bouquet was done beautifully.


Stephen is just hilarious in front of the camera and he never runs out of ideas.


It's almost time to make it official at their morning ceremony.


Veronica and her girls. Two of her sisters were in the wedding.


Stephen is protected by his four brothers and two great friends.


The Bridal Party


Veronica and her father






The whole bridal party in front of Ashley Castle.


Of course the only single brother now gets teased by all of the married guys.


Their wedding was so beautiful and a ton of fun, thanks guys!

Erica + Casey's Wedding

Erica and Casey had a beautiful wedding in Scottsdale, AZ.




Erica started got ready at their home and I loved their original 50's style kitchen.


Then we headed over to their friend's home where the ceremony and reception were being held. We planned for Erica and Casey's first meeting to be on this beautiful property.



After their first meeting we headed into Old Town Scottsdale for some fun photos.




Their ceremony was great with all of their close family and friends gathering around them.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Erica + Casey's Wedding

Erin + Scot's Wedding Album Design

Here's the album design for Erin + Scot's beautiful March wedding. Enjoy!

Check out the slideshow here ---> Erin + Scot's Wedding Album Design

Erin + Scot Wedding - Pointe Tapatio Cliffs - Phoenix, AZ

Erin and Scot's wedding was a blast! A bunch of their friends from out of state showed up to celebrate and we all had a wonderful time.



Erin knew that I love to photograph shoes so she made sure to have some that would stand out.




Erin giving her surprise gift to Scot.






What a beautiful day!






A Different Pointe of View is a chic location with funky reds everywhere and an amazing view of the Phoenix skyline.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Erin + Scot Wedding - Pointe Tapatio Cliffs - Phoenix, AZ

Jessica + Tim's Wedding Album Design

Jessica + Tim had a beautiful wedding this month. JT took some fantastic pictures which made it so much fun designing their album. Enjoy the slideshow.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Jessica + Tim's Wedding Album Design

Jocie + Trever Wedding Album Design

On February 29th Jocie + Trever were married in a beautiful ceremony at Sassi in Scottsdale, AZ. Please check out their finished album design.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Jocie + Trever Wedding Album Design

Jessica + Tim Wedding at Villa Siena

Jessica and Tim's wedding was amazing! I've known Jessica for a number of years now and it was so cool to be able to photograph her wedding. I was just about in tears as her dad was walking her down the aisle. Check out their slideshow linked at the bottom of the post.


Tim is such a stud and a super nice guy. Jessica and him are on their way to Australia where he'll play a season for the National Basketball League.



Jessica looked stunning in her Amy Michelson dress.


Their first meeting of the day








Jessica's father







Let Them Eat Cake created their tasty cake.


We did this old school style photo as well. It just seems so fitting to have it printed as a huge canvas print with a gaudy frame above the fireplace mantle. They had a heck of a time holding a serious face for it.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Jessica + Tim Wedding at Villa Siena

Jocie + Trever Wedding at Sassi in Scottsdale, AZ

Jocie getting ready at Zethina salon in Glendale, AZ.


Mom and sister


Jocie's beautiful dress!


Trever + Jocie






Their ceremony was so beautiful right at sunset.







Table Tops Etc and Sassi did an amazing job setting up the reception for the party.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Jocie + Trever Wedding at Sassi in Scottsdale, AZ

Wedding Chronicle - Best of 2007

I totally forgot to mention that the Wedding Chronicle featured Jennifer and Dominic's wedding in their Best of 2007 issue. I was excited to hear that they wanted to feature it in this issue. We also have another wedding that will be featured in their next March/April issue.

Tracy + Paul's Wedding Album

Tracy + Paul's wedding was beautiful and we made an album that will help them show it off. Check it out!

Check out the slideshow here ---> Tracy + Paul's Wedding Album

Tracy + Paul's Wedding at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, AZ

This last weekend I had my first wedding of the year. Tracy and Paul were back in town from Pennsylvania where they now live. I had a wonderful time with their family and friends who flew many miles to celebrate with the couple.

Paul sent a nice note along with Tracy's wedding day gift.


Tracy was all smiles while getting ready


The dress


Tracy is heading to see Paul for their First Meeting


Paul was happy to see his radiant bride.


Shannon, Tracy's sister and John, Paul's brother were in the bridal party.


It was a beautiful Arizona day out


Tracy and Paul are married!




Heading out.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Tracy + Paul's Wedding at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, AZ

Uptown Bridal

I teamed up with Uptown Bridal last year to create their advertising campaign. They have done a wonderful job and I loved how the images came out. This is one of their recent fliers and everyone has fallen in love with the store mascot.

The store is located in downtown Chandler which is a great place to grab a glass of wine or a tea at one of the local shops before you begin your pursuit of the perfect dress.

Kelly + Brett Album

What a cute couple! They had a wonderful wedding the weekend before Christmas in Chandler, Arizona. Check out the slideshow of their album.

And don't forget that their album will be much larger in size at 10"x 10".

Check out the slideshow here ---> Kelly + Brett Album

Kelly + Brett - Tempe, AZ

I know that Kelly has been waiting so patiently for me to post some of her wedding photos on my blog. The holidays slowed me down and I definitely wanted to take the time to show off some amazing photos from her wedding day. Kelly looked stunning and as you can see below Brett looked very dignified.

Kelly's veil was a beautiful touch


Kelly and Brett meet before the wedding as always


The girls all had smiles on Kelly's wedding day!


Kelly's dress


Kelly + Brett


Brett watching Kelly taking photos


The GUYS. Gotta love the flask!

I love how all of the guests were served Crown Royal for toasts instead of champagne.



The Bridal Party


More photos on the slideshow and even more coming on their wedding album.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Kelly + Brett - Tempe, AZ

Heidy's Quinceañera

Heidy's quinceañera was held on a beautiful December day at Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Phoenix with the reception being held at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch. This was my first time photographing a quinceañera and I was surprise how similar it is to a wedding day.

The entire family and close friends showed up.


Heidy's shoes and one of two dresses for the day.


Heidy at the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch


All of the girls


At the church


Communion


All of the friends


Happy Birthday Heidy!

Check out the slideshow here ---> Heidy's Quinceañera

Kristin + Brett Wedding - Seville Country Club - Gilbert, AZ

Kristin and Brett's wedding was amazing! It was held at Seville Country Club in Gilbert, AZ with the beautiful San Tan Mountains in the background.



Kristin and Brett


I have so many favorites that it was hard to trim down for the blog. Be sure to check out their slideshow.

Kristin getting ready for their first meeting


What a beautiful dress.


Kristin and the girls


I LOVE this black and white


The ceremony


Kristin's dad


And a beautiful sunset to end the wonderful day.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Kristin + Brett Wedding - Seville Country Club - Gilbert, AZ

Erin + Jared - Orange Tree Golf Resort - Scottsdale, AZ

Erin and Jared's wedding was beautiful! It was held at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

Jared & Erin






She needed a bit of a boost to see the couple




They're Married!


The true stud.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Erin + Jared - Orange Tree Golf Resort - Scottsdale, AZ

Tracy + Paul Guestbook

Here's a guestbook design we just finished for Tracy + Paul. They're such a fun couple.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Tracy + Paul Guestbook

Kristin + Brett Album

We just finished this wonderful designs of Kristin and Brett's November wedding at Seville Country Club in Gilbert, AZ.

Check out the slideshow here ---> Kristin + Brett Album

Thanksgiving Recap

Well, here are some of the fun photos from my Thanksgiving weekend up in Alpine, AZ. I have yet to receive photos with me in them, but here are the ones I took.

I spent the weekend with my friend Troy and his family.

His niece Kaylee whom there are many photos of.

Ryan carving the Turkey


The Emeneckers


Kaylee and Grandpa


Taking a swing

You Wanna Know?

You Wanna Know?, originally uploaded by Jefferson Todd Pals.

You didn't think I would actually tell you what it is did you? It was well worth the $1

Rachel + Eli Wedding in Prescott, AZ

Rachel waiting to meet Eli for their first meeting


The ceremony at Goldwater Lake, what a great location!


Rachel and Eli committing their lives to each other


In the streets of downtown Prescott, AZ


Rachel was so happy this day was here


I loved this old building


The bridal party out by the lake


Eli and Rachel had a wonderful day and were totally ready to get married

Check out the slideshow here ---> Rachel + Eli Wedding in Prescott, AZ

Jennifer + Travis Wedding at Four Seasons Troon North

Jennifer and Travis had an amazing wedding at the Four Seasons Troon North in Scottsdale, AZ.

Jennifer


Jennifer and Travis both looked incredible.


They both had a blast hanging out with friends and family


Travis and the guys all had cigars hand rolled during the cocktail hour


The beautiful Arizona location


A stunning Arizona sunset with Pinnacle Peak in the background!

Check out the slideshow here ---> Jennifer + Travis Wedding at Four Seasons Troon North