Do you know when you feel a huge spark of creativity and excitement? That’s defiantly how I felt about photographing Gizelle and Weston’s bridal session at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Lost Dutchman State Park is one of my favorite places to photograph. When Gizelle and Weston told me they wanted somewhere with an amazing desert landscape I knew this was the perfect place to take them. The park has various trails that are all easily accessible with stunning views of the iconic Superstition Mountains.

One important thing for me is continuing to learn and grow in my work. I recently invested in a new course called the Art of Adventure Weddings and Elopements and it really sparked some new creativity. It’s done just that! As my session with Gizelle and Weston was approaching I was getting more and more excited to get creative and step outside of my comfort zone!

I love being inspired by my clients and their love story so I can photograph them in a way that feels personal and genuine. One thing that Gizelle told me in her pre-session questionnaire is that she wanted the photos to feel calm, gentle, and a little sad. She said to think “old Death Cab for Cutie vibes” and I knew this was going to be one great session. As I prepared for the session, I listened to a few of Gizelle and Weston’s favorite songs and watched some old DCFC music videos to get into that moody feel, and MAN did it take me back! In high school, I was a little obsessed with DFCF with their poetic and beautiful lyrics and couldn’t wait to pull inspiration from this!

We fully embraced the moody sad vibes that Gizelle and Weston were looking for. It felt so amazing to try something new and work with a couple that was all about creating art together.

Gizelle and Weston were married the day before our session in a small intimate ceremony at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum so they were still in all their newlywed feels. I loved hanging out with them and before we left they gave me a Liquid Death! It was my first time trying this sparking water (and I’ve already bought a bunch since their session) and I loved it! The three of us bonded over our love of sparkling water, our pets, and Death Cab for Cutie and made some incredible art together.

Come and relive this calm and moody day with us!