How it Started

Every wedding tells a story.  Being a wedding photographer, these stories come alive through the camera lens. It captures fleeting moments of joy, love, and celebration. 

On February 28th, I had the privilege of joining a group of talented wedding photographers gathered for an exquisite content shoot with a handful of amazing models. 

This event was hosted by the fantastic wedding planner Kailoha and one of Arizona’s amazing photographers, Kj Madison. 

Found widely advertised on Instagram, it was the perfect opportunity to dive into the sophisticated world of high-end weddings without actually dealing with a function in full swing! 

 It was no short of luxury and elegance, and I loved every second of it.. Here’s how it went!

A Lucky Gathering of Talented Artists

From the get-go you could feel the crowd was a mix of passion, artistry, and creativity from several individuals coming together to capture beautiful moments. 

We were all united by a shared goal: to create something extraordinary with our own personal touches. 

The venue itself, a breathtaking palace, left us in awe. Its architecture offered countless photographic opportunities. 

Courtyards with blooming flowers, charming archways, lavish ballrooms, and winding staircases. Each corner was a welcoming canvas waiting to be transformed into a timeless piece of art for the perfect wedding album gallery.

We were all so excited to get shooting. 

Setting the Stage: A Vision of Elegance and Romance

The venue was amazing by itself, but the wedding details are truly where the elegance and sophistication side of things shine. 

Prior to arrival, the set up team aimed to create an ambiance of elegance and romance, crafting a setting with intricate floral arrangements, delicate lace details, and natural lighting. 

The few table arrangements varied  from the classic all-white table setting adorned with white flowers and greenery to a bolder, darker, black and gold setup when we headed inside. 

 Each scene truly encapsulated that high-elegance and timeless wedding for this Phoenix, Arizona based venue. 

We wouldnʻt have been able to do this without our lovely models!

The bride and groom models were the epitome of grace and charm. We had the privilege of working with two sets of couples, as well as brides and bridesmaid models. The brides’ flowing gown, adorned with lace, and the groom’s tailored suit exuded sophistication. 

Huge shoutout to Carolina, Isaiah, Ashley, Kyle, Sara, Tiffany, Kennedy, Teal, Hay, and Michajah for making this possible. 

It was so fun working with everyone as we got to know each other while each of our creative outlooks were flowing!

The Photographer’s Creative Process: A Look at Lighting Techniques

Stepping into a new venue is both exciting and daunting. This was my first time at this venue, and the first glance always makes my mind race with all the possibilities to come!

Walking through the venue, I was immediately captivated by the play of light and shadow, the architecture, and the historical allure. 

There were countless brick walls with rusted accents, great windows meshed with dark corners, and crazy archways providing exceptional detail for this vast venue. 

Navigating the scene, I always make note of where the natural lighting sparks. It is everything and more when shooting; it can save me tons of time editing down the line too.

Natural lighting is key when capturing the best meaningful moments, like a sudden gust of wind adding whimsy to the bride’s veil, so I’m always on the lookout! 

Expert Tips to Transform Your Wedding Day Experience (From a Photographerʻs POV)

While a content photoshoot is extremely different compared to real wedding day activities, I always strive to ensure the bride and groom are set for their special day. 

For brides-and-grooms-to-be dreaming of their perfect day, here are some invaluable tips with my experience of 3+ years as a wedding and elopement photographer:

1. Communicate Your Vision: Sharing your dreams and inspirations with your photographer through an open dialogue is vital for capturing your most meaningful moments! If you have a vision of a certain shot, make sure to share it with me so I can capture it effortlessly. 
2. Embrace Natural Light: Golden hour adds an ethereal quality to photos and is one of my favorite times to shoot! When booking with me, we will take advantage of this and soft natural lighting to make this time even more magical. 
3. Be Present in the Moment: Allowing yourself to fully engage in the joy and happiness of the day makes for breathtaking images.  Be present, and you wonʻt even notice the capturing of your most genuine moments.  While posed photographs are undoubtedly beautiful, candid shots capture these spontaneous moments that make your wedding truly memorable. 
4. Trust your Photographer: Fostering trust in your wedding photographer is crucial so they can work creatively and efficiently. Of course, communicating your preferences beforehand is important, but chances are they have handled many weddings before yours and know how to navigate various challenges to deliver your stunning images. You hired them and their style for a reason!

Summing Up the Abbey on Monroe

Photographing at the Abbey on Monroe was surreal. 

This venue, with its rich history and architectural splendor, was inspiring. Although this was not a full-fledged wedding, the creative process was meticulous. 

From scouting perfect spots to setting up each model in a different corner of this amazing venue, every detail was carefully considered. The final images were nothing short of spectacular.

As you search for the perfect wedding photographer, I hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse has inspired you. 

Whether you’re a bride-to-be dreaming of your fairy tale wedding or a budding photographer seeking inspiration, I’m happy you joined us in celebrating the beauty and magic of love with this content shoot in Arizona.  

Stay tuned for more tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks into the enchanting world of wedding photography. 

Your dream wedding awaits, and I can’t wait to capture every unforgettable moment.

Got inspired and are curious about booking with me? 

Head here for my inquiry form and letʻs get chatting! You can also view my standard rates and packages here. 

Keep up with me on my latest galleries + more behind the scenes on my Instagram! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

-Kenzie