rachel leintz
- Jan 7, 2019
- 2 min read

whimsy and grace - the story of ashley and steve

To say that I've been planning and dreaming about shooting Ashley and Steve's wedding is a bit of an understatement. Ever since we met up at the Royal Palms to chat about the big day, I've been obsessed. Mainly because Ashley was fabulous and Steve was so charming :) But also because they were planning on getting ready at the Princess and having the ceremony and the reception at Desert Foothills! Hazzah! Two spectacular venues. And that's exactly how it ended up. Spectacular!

Ashley and I chatted a bit about the bridesmaid gowns and the color that would play the best with desert backdrop. Ashley went with an amazing peacock blue that was stunning for detail shot backgrounds and on all her beautiful bridesmaids. Her gown was pretty much EVERYTHING. The Galatea by Willowby by Waters looked like it was designed just for Ashley. Oversized Dalia motifs cover the back of this gown and made for such dramatic portraits! Nothing dampened the romantic whimsy and spirt of the day...even when Ashley twisted her ankle and had to replace one of her Bella Belle kitten heels with a boot!

Steve, looked dashing as ever, in a classic black tux and white tie combination. He and the boys pow-wowed before the big day, then I got to spirit him off to the Princess for their first look.

Most of you know that shooting at the Princess is one of the highlights of my year! And the couples portraits around the resort for Steve and Ashley were no exception! I was finally able to create the dramatic portraits I've been envisioning in the Burbon Steak hallway!

The ceremony in the desert was styled perfection, which the huge Saguaro in the background and delicate floral details on the ceremonial archway. A stagecoach even wandered into my shot while the bridal party was headed down the aisle! And of course, we were blessed with an epic Arizona Sunset for the post ceremony couple's shots! Joined by the adorable beer burro, Mia :)

The couple's friends and family celebrated their union under a canopy of chandeliers and fairy lights and danced the night away. Ashley and Steve shared an embrace at the end of a magical sparkler send off and I convinced them to pose for more final desert portrait at the end! Congrats you guys! The day was epic, the night was spectacular and I couldn't be happier for you guys!