Last weekend I got to shoot at a new venue for me in Scottsdale, AZ! The wedding took place in Old Town Scottsdale right behind the Saguaro Hotel and the reception was done at Clayton on the Park, a very cool new event venue. You’ll see!
The best part was that it was my cousin Matt’s wedding. And it was also an honor that he asked me to also be IN the wedding. It was a first, but I played the role of groomsman and photographer in a single wedding. It actually worked out OK! The only time I couldn’t shoot was during the ceremony and of course some wedding party pics. But I had good backup. My good friend Jim Kennedy of Jim Kennedy Photographers in Orange County came out to shoot with me and I even had some help from my sister, Gina, who took up photography herself a few years ago and has been doing amazing things.
As usual, I’m not going to waste any time. I always like to start each post by introducing you to the couple. Meet Matt and Angela. This photo, taken at the Saguaro in front of an orange wall is appropriate to me, because they have been going to this workout class called Orange Theory to get ripped for their wedding.
So now we’ll rewind a tad. I decided I might as well post a few shots from the rehearsal dinner…
This is my Uncle Lee and Aunt Peggy. It’s hard to get a candid shot of Aunt Peggy. She has some sort of camera radar and she spots me every time I’m pointed at her.
We had some great mexican food. And of course, Margaritas ay ay ay!
Bride?
Angela has experience posing. I saw for myself, she was featured in a photo in a magazine called “SOOO SCOTTSDALE”. It looked similar to this.
Some of Angela’s cousins were enjoying themselves.
It was a fun evening but I know you want to see some wedding pics, right? Let’s do it. As per usual, when I arrive, the girls are all getting their hair and makeup did.
Brides are loving these new custom hangers and I am too. I never like photographing dresses hanging from a plastic hanger. That’s a big ‘tsk tsk’ in my book!
Guess who’s from Wisconsin?
The Saguaro is an awesome place for getting ready photos. As you can see, colors everywhere. Love it. The shoes aren’t bad, either. 😉
Matt asked me what he should get the bride as a wedding day gift. Jokingly, I said “something shiny”. He got this necklace that matches Angela’s ring. A real nice gift to say the least!
Angela had more “props” than any bride I think I’ve ever met. Makes the shooting a lot of fun!
Angela’s niece with the incredible eyes.
There was a lot of facebooking going on….
She likes what she sees!
Ta-dahhhh!
Bridesmaid also approves.
So, what were the guys up to? You guessed it!
I couldn’t resist. Notice he’s driving away from cool. Yep. Just a random shot outside the Clayton. There were a million segway riders cruising around. Watch out!
We did a first look before the wedding and I think the Saguaro had some nice unique scenery for that. Here’s Matt, looking cool and ready to see his woman.
Another shot from the Saquaro.
Angela loved the quirky artwork, especially the Twinkies / DingDongs art. 🙂
Matt has a secret to tell Angela… “Hey Angela, Knock knock…”
“who’s there?
“Little old lady”
“Little old lady who?”
“Gee, I didn’t know you could yodel!”
OK, enough with the posey stuff. Time for a wedding! Everyone waited for the big walk inside the Clayton. Including me! Thanks again for Jim Kennedy and Gina for getting my back!
The Clayton on the Park offers a really unique environment for shooting A photographer’s dream come true.
It’s Granny.
Showtime.
Best man, Russ and Maid of Honor, Serena.
The Bro’s
The Mitchell guys…
The light was pretty awesome in between the Saguaro and the Clayton.
Nothing Bunt Cakes!
Props to the catering! Being a cousin of the groom, I was allowed to dig in and the food was UH-MAZIN
These cupcakes were awesome. Chocolate, Red Velvet and Cinnamon.
Moscow Mules for everyone with copper mugs you got to bring home with you!
I had to take this photo. Everyone at this wedding loved Fireball.
Clayton on the Park makes for an incredible reception.
More of that good food. Why not!
Here they come!
First Dance
Angela’s Stepfather
Matt’s father
Had to throw this in: Aunt Peggy, my mom, Granny, Uncle Tom
Serena, toasting away…
My mom and Aunt Peggy are giggling quite a bit after that champagne.
My cousin Russ’ toast was in my opinion: perfect. Short, personal, and a touch of good humor. Well done, Russ.
“So uh, what do you have going on later tonight?”
“I’m married, creep!”
Look, it’s two pregnant ladies. Michelle on the left and my wife, LK on the right! Both due about the same time!
…and this is pretty much how it ended.
4 Comments
AMAZING!!! I felt like I got to see the wedding from a whole new perspective! Beautiful work Mark, as always! And that was one fabulous wedding!!!
Wow! I can’t stop looking at this. What a talent! We will all be able to relive and enjoy this happy day, forever, thanks to you!
Beautiful! These are going to be wonderful memories.
Gorgeous photos and awesome wedding!!!!