Kim & Nick got engaged early winter and began planning a wedding day that was equally as beautiful as it was simple. When brainstorming places to serve as backdrop for their most important day, their hearts kept coming back to Arizona where her and Nick had visited just a year prior. Kim recalls how during their Sedona travels, they imagined how incredible it would be to get married in a place such as this. Red rocks. Lush greens. Rock formations that blow your mind they are so breathtaking. When I got the inquiry from Kim it felt like the stars were aligned. Alex and I were already planning on visiting Sedona in March during our 5 month road trip. It was too perfect!

Although they were choosing an elopement / destination wedding, Kim & Nick felt it so important to have the closest people in their lives present. The day prior to their wedding, 30 of their guests flew in and joined up for a night of relaxation and fun at the hotel patio with epic Sedona views. Many of their guests were able to make an extended vacation out of this, and the atmosphere was filled full with joy & excitement – it was the best! I walked into the bridal suite the next morning to meet Kim – the most calm bride. Being a wedding photographer herself, throughout the day she kept saying how surreal it felt for her being on the other side of it all. Seeing wedding after wedding, she already knew how fast the day goes and how easy it is to be consumed by all the little details. From the get-go she made the present moment her only focus, and never lost sight of what really mattered. I was actually taken back during our planning because I must have sent her like 15 different trails/backdrop options/ideas while scoping out spots for their photos – expecting her to want to take control of that aspect. But every time she would respond “Whatever you think is best – I trust you!” This couple was truly a joy to work with, the wedding day and all the days leading up and beyond.

I gathered all her details, and just ADORED how she included vintage Arizona-themed postcards and stamps. So fitting!

Nick looked classy in Black while Kim slipped into her stunning embellished gown with the flowiest, most magical skirt! Sedona Fine Art of Flowers crafted a romantic overflowing bouquet for Kim, with pops of blush and ivory to match her vision. As they continued to get ready, I watched the love pour through while Kim’s mother helped her into her dress, all the way through her and her father’s sweet First Look. She took the time to gift her parents with mementos, creating another special shared moment between them. The anticipation was building as the two prepared for their First look, taking a moment to privately exchanged their own written letters and wedding gifts to one another.

With the ceremony not taking place until sunset, we had time to play around and explore Sedona. I came across Cathedral Rock Trail during my research and after scoping it out I knew it was the PERFECT location for Kim & Nick’s romantic portraits. We were able to get right up close – in a short amount of time – without requiring a jeep rental or having to actually CLIMB on all fours! (More on climbing to the top of Cathedral Rock later, we did it the next day and it was CRAZY!) If you’re traveling through or if you’re getting married in Sedona, Cathedral Rock is a must stop!

As the sun was starting to set we made our way to the ceremony location, a remote picnic site with walking trails along the river and the iconic Cathedral Rock as the backdrop. It was a completely raw set up, “aisles” were decorated with nothing except loved ones and the beauty of the surrounds. It was so different than any wedding I’ve seen or been a part of, and the simplicity and understated beauty of this moment is one that I’ll always take with me.

With 15 minutes left before dark we quick finished up at the ceremony site before heading to this nearby overlook. Pro tip to brides – always squeeze in sunset photos, even if it’s just 10 short minutes. You’d be SO surprised how much we can accomplish in little time and the extra variety it offers to your gallery! These turned out to be some of my favorite photos. How beautiful and glowing are these two? It’s like they just got married or somethin!

Congratulations on ONE MONTH marriage, Mr. & Mrs. Iossi! It was truly an honor to be a part of your day.

VENDOR LOVE:

Photography: Meghan Lee Harris // Videography: Character D Films // Event Planner: Weddings in Sedona // Dress: // White Dress Bridal Boutique // Hair/Makeup: Sedona Beauty Team // Florals: Sedona Fine Art of Flowers // Guitarist: Brian David