Arizona Desert Engagement Session | Sarah + Matt
 

Recently, I spent a warm summer evening in the desert with these two sweet loves. Sarah + Matt were visiting family from New York and really wanted a perfect Arizona setting for their engagements. When we first arrived, our original spot was closed due to a local brush fire, so we decided to venture out and explore the surrounding areas. We stumbled across this gorgeous hidden gem covered in tall saguaros and lush greens. We danced around the desert until the sun dipped behind the mountains and had the absolute best time!!

 
Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain Paradise Valley Wedding | Maryssa + Gunner
 

Photographer: Saje Photography

Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab

Planner: BTS Event Management

Makeup: Court Montes

Venue: Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain

Floral Designer: Lux Florist

Dress Designer: Berta 

Furniture Rentals: Bright Event Rentals

Invitations: Shine Weddings

Tux: Suit Supply

 
French Countryside Wedding | The Farm at South Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona
 

Photographer: Saje Photography

Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

Floral Designer: Array Designs

Pies + Desserts: Bear and the Honey

Dress Designer:  Anna Campbell 

Makeup + Hair: Makeup Artistry by Natalie

Furniture: Event Rents

Ring: Trumpet & Horn

Tabletop: The Confetti Studio  

Tux: Nick's Menswear

Paper + Stationary: Curved & Co

Venue: The Farm at South Mountain

Shoes: Bella Belle

Veil: The Veiled Beauty

Hairpiece: Saint Signora

 
Greece | Santorini + Milos Travel Guide
 

We went to GREECE! Of course life has changed quite a bit since our Greek adventure but I have been working on sharing all of our travels and what they entailed. And what better time to start then now, while everyone is stuck at home secretly planning for their next future getaway. 

Traveling has become such a huge foundation for how we live and raise our children. A few years ago, when the travel bug bit me hard, I reached out to our closest family members and invited them on a wild journey - traveling in a group of  25+ people across the world. Being the control freak that I am (self-awareness at it’s finest, am I right?), I volunteered to take the reins on all things planning. That included, but was not limited to: booking airfare, finding the perfect vacation home, coordinating all excursions and creating an itinerary. Planning for a group of this size wasn’t easy, but I knew it would be well worth it. We embarked on our first journey to Alaska that year and haven’t looked back since!

While traveling, we have been asked β€œare you all family?” more times than I can count. It might sound hectic, and sometimes it is, but the memories my children are creating and being able to share that with their cousins is THE best feeling in the world. 

Greece was always at the top of the list of our dreamiest destinations! The stunning calderas, amazing greek food and turquoise waters pretty much sealed the deal for us. Although the travel planning process was tough, we finally touched down in the magical Greek islands and it was the trip of a lifetime.

 
 

Our first stop was Santorini. We rented a couple of huge Airbnbs for us all to share near Perissa Beach (black sand beach). Our hosts were some of our favorite people! Fresh baked goods were at our door every morning and they arranged rental cars for a day trip to Oia and quads for us to explore around the island. We travel with family members of all ages so getting to watch Eddie’s aunts and my mom learning to ride a four-wheeler was THE most hilarious thing!

We came across the most adorable gelato shop in Oia, Lolita’s Gelato Shop. With all of the kiddos in our group, stopping for treats is a must. Oia is pretty much where all the magic happens (aka: romance & picturesque blue-roofed houses galore)! It was surreal finally standing in one of the most photographed destinations in the world. I loved browsing through the cute shops and stopping along the alleyways for the perfect photo backdrops.

Our time in Santorini flew by! Even though the island is small, we had the best time exploring all there was to offer. A major trip highlight was when we took a Greek cooking class with Petra Kouzina! Not only was it the BEST food, hands down, that we had during our entire trip, the couple that owns it are the sweetest people - even the kids had a blast. A few nights later some of the adults in our group went on a Winery Tour which ended with the most stunning sunset views. That might have been my favorite night - probably because wine. ;)

Milos - it was UNREAL! We took a ferry ride over and rented yet another insanely beautiful Airbnb. The island of Milos is tiny but it is the most stunning place. The waters were crystal clear but slightly freezing. That didn’t stop us from jumping off the cliffs of Sarakiniko or swimming near the caves during our yacht tour with Milos Adventures. Milos is a quiet, less touristy island so there was so much β€˜untouched’ land we were able to explore.

Watch our film

I still can’t believe we are fortunate enough to experience these adventures into different countries and cultures. I’m convinced we need to be sponsored y’all.

Other top recommendations:

Yacht Cruise around Santorini: Spiridakos Sailing Cruises

Milos Restaurants: O! Hamos! Tavern, Gyros of Milos

Santorini Restaurants: La Maison, Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Ouzeri

Milos Beaches: Papafragas Beach and Caves, Tsigrado

 
Four Seasons Scottsdale Wedding | Lynne + Eric
 

As featured on Carats & Cake.

Photographer: Saje Photography

Film Lab: Photovision

Stylist / Planner: Imoni Events

Venue: The Four Seasons Scottsdale

Floral Designer: Moonchild Floral Co

Dress Designer: Mariee Bridal 

DJ: Got You Covered

Video: eMotion Cinematography

Cotton Candy: Sweet Wool Co  

 Bridesmaids: Azazie

Tux: Indochino

 
Soft, Neutral Villa Siena, Arizona Wedding | Kylene + Austin
 

Photographer: Saje Photography

Film Lab: Photovision

Venue: Villa Siena

Floral Designer: Bloom Events

Dress Designer: Bella Lily Bridal 

DJ: Power Now Entertainment

Video: White Locket Films 

 Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids

Tux: Men's Wearhouse

Cake: Piece of Cake

 
Muted Blue Romantic Scottsdale Wedding
 

Photographer: Saje Photography

Film Lab: Photovision

Floral Designer: The Floral Theory

Dress Designer:  Rue de Seine with Lovely Bride

Makeup + Hair: Makeup Artistry by Natalie

Rentals + Tabletop: The Confetti Studio  

Tux: Nick's Menswear

 
San Juan Capistrano | Jaylee + Michael
 

When I was younger, my dad used to love to visit missions all over the world. He was so inspired by the beautiful architecture and the humbling feeling that overcame him while exploring the grounds. We spent a lot of time at the stunning Mission in San Juan Capistrano so naturally this place has always been near and dear to my heart.

When we we began planning for Jaylee + Michael's session I knew this location would be perfect. These two paired so beautifully together. I watched as she melted into his arms with ease and I was so inspired by the way they moved so naturally together. I am so honored to have been able to capture such sweet souls in love at such a meaningful place.

 
 
 
Superstition Mountains Engagement | Nicole + Brad
 

Nicole and her sweet fiance Brad traveled to Arizona to avoid the cold and snow in Connecticut for their engagements. They were serious troopers and opted for a sunrise session to catch the dreamiest light. We had the entire place to ourselves and spent the morning wandering around the desert. I cannot wait to photograph their wedding day!

 
 
 
Sanctuary at Camelback Wedding | Elizabeth + Walter
 

I have been so fortunate to capture the most beautiful day for so many amazing couples, which is the main reason I love what I do so very much. The day Elizabeth inquired with me, I just knew we were the perfect fit. Sometimes in life you get to meet the most beautiful humans. These two are exactly that, inside and out. They traveled to Arizona from Chicago for their engagement session and we explored the desert while getting to know each other. The day of their wedding I was SO excited to see them again and to share such a special, perfect day with them. Andrea with Andrea Leslie Weddings helped design the dreamiest wedding for them and made sure everything went so smoothly. I felt so connected to every sweet, soft moment that was shared on their wedding day! I am forever grateful to share these images.

 
 

Their stunning wedding film by the amazing White Locket Films below.