Flagstaff Micro Wedding
This Flagstaff Micro Wedding is what Flagstaff fall dreams are made of.
I’m so excited to be sharing more from C + D’s elopement 🙂 This one was something special, for so many reasons. It’s always special when I get to photograph an elopement or micro wedding in Flagstaff- it’s a place that’s often overlooked but (as evidenced as the fact it is my home) I love it more than words can say.
C had been following me for a long while, and I remember when we first talked last year her being soooo excited that their Autumn elopement dream would work with my schedule this year 🙂 I was stoked too- I don’t work a ton in Flagstaff, but when I do it’s always so special. We all got along right away- C + D are self proclaimed nerds, and I am too, so we immediately bonded over all manner of nerdy things. C + D actually met at a Dr. Who convention, and there were lots of little nods to that fandom over the course of their day (not to mention that D *truly* looks like David Tennant).
And while the scenery was amazing and the nerd references were flying fast, the thing that stuck out to me the most during their day was how excited C + D were to be married. How much they adore each other was so abundantly clear from the moment I set up their first look, all the way to the end of the day as the light faded from the sky, and I left C + D for a few private moments after the lantern photos they were so excited for.
The day started early (but not too early! C + D were firm in the fact they were NOT up for sunrise. Which, in a place like Flagstaff, is no big deal) where we met up at one of my favorite spots outside of town in a gorgeous grove of yellow aspens. C + D had the sweetest first look, and then we wandered around for a bit, taking photos and chatting, before finding a little area for C + D to share some private vows.
I tucked myself behind some aspens, using my long lens to get the close up shots. It was such a tender and intimate moment- the love was so so obvious. I loved that C + D started their Flagstaff Micro Wedding this way- just the two of them and the trees.
Afterwards they enjoyed a little picnic and reading letters from friends, before we took a little break before meeting up at *another* favorite spot outside town, this time with friends in tow for their official ceremony. C + D’s friends did an incredible job officiating their ceremony, which was again so emotional and meainingful. Afterwards, we ran down a dirt road to get the last of the golden hour photos, and then C + D hung some string lights and had a super sweet first dance. We ended the day with lantern photos in the trees, looking like something straight out of a Lord Huron music video.
I felt, and still feel, so so lucky to have been a part of it all. So much congrats to you C + D. It was such a treat to make a guest appearance in your story 🙂
My husband and I knew we wanted a low-key adventure elopement in some of our favorite mountains, but above all wanted a day that was intentional, private, and stress-free. I worried that our idea of an adventure wedding wasn’t “cool” enough – especially while looking at all the elopement options! All roads led back to Aimee though – not just because of her beautiful portfolio, or warm and wonderful personality that shines through the screen, but her EARNEST and heartfelt dedication to the mentality of “do what makes YOU stoked,” that the only thing that matters is what makes YOU as couple truly happy, whatever that looks like. Reaching out and getting a call with her was the start of something magical.
From the MINUTE my husband and I started talking with Aimee, it felt so EASY – like catching up with an old friend even though we’d never met. She understood our hopes for the day and vision perfectly, and went above and beyond to make it a reality. Where we had rough ideas, Aimee had specific ideas for spots to explore. Where we felt stuck on obstacles, Aimee thought outside the box and solved them. When we had major changes in our plans leading up to the big day that brought unexpected stress, Aimee was incredibly compassionate and made us feel so genuinely cared for – no matter what, the joy for making the day wonderful stayed bright and true.
Aimee literally took all the stress out of the planning with her incredible wealth of expertise, knowledge, and positive outlook. No matter what happened, we knew the day would be excellent because Aimee has built and EARNED that trust – and oh my gosh, the DAY!!!
Looking back on our actual wedding day, the best thing I can say is how much we just wish we could do it all over again. My husband and I are NOT morning people, and right from the start of the day our getting-ready time on the mountainside was slower than we planned – but true to everything we’d talked about, Aimee reassured us that we had plenty of time, things were flexible, and that she’d make sure we wouldn’t get too far off track so we could still do everything we wanted to. I never dreamed that my wedding day would start with talking about nerd culture and comic conventions (some of my favorite things) with my photographer in the freezing cold, and I am SO GLAD I can say that it did! On top of all the above, Aimee is just a really cool and fun person!!
Throughout our entire day, Aimee cut the perfect balance of engaging with us for photos when we did something sweet, while also giving us plenty of space and quiet to soak in the moment and spend dedicated time with each other. Her candid, journalistic style is bar-none; we have been blown away by how well she captured emotions in tiny moments we didn’t even realize were happening. Being able to have a first look, private vows, a small ceremony, a first dance, AND hiking and adventuring all in the woods was quite simply a dream come true! The day is, in my opinion, best summed up by when a perfect ray of sun showed up along the path in the woods, and we all looked at each other and said “we can do this!” – and everyone ran as fast as we could to catch the light before it faded, laughing the entire way. THAT is the kind of spontaneous, wonderful magic that Aimee not only leaves room for, but makes happen by having fun WITH you!
The photos we received so soon after our magical day (Aimee really goes above and beyond, y’all!), and have been awestruck ever since. Aimee’s experience crafting a perfect day mattered just as much to us about having wonderful photo memories, but holy wow — these are truly the most gorgeous works of art we could have ever hoped for from our day. Everyone we share them with agrees that they radiate the joy and wonder that we were truly feeling at the time, because that’s what Aimee does best, is capturing the feelings that matter and that you’ll always cherish.
If you have ANY hesitation, don’t – this is your sign. Aimee is simply the best, all around, and we have been so, so lucky to spend our best day ever with her!
— Ryan + Styhiln
I’m also a storyteller. Your storyteller. And while I'm here for the epic, magazine-cover-worthy, totally bananas moments, I'm also here (and to be totally honest, live for) those goofy, silly, unexpected moments that adventure always seems to bring. I'm here to tell your story in the honest and epic fashion it deserves.
