Christine and Chris | Sedona Elopement
Savannah Chandler Photography | Destination Wedding Photographer

I met Christine online, through a photographer’s forum called Shoot & Share. Based out of New York, she photographs newborns and families and is a phenomenal photographer. When we started talking about photographing her Sedona wedding last November, I was beyond ecstatic to head back to the land of amazing rock formations and general awesomeness. Sedona is known for it’s Vortexes, which are said by the locals to generate great mystical powers. One of the first things I noticed about the town its self was all of the gem and Tarot shops.

My amazing partner in crime (and fabulous photographer), Jenae, joined me in leaving the mountains and flying out to the desert to capture Chris and Christine’s elopement.

The ceremony was held at Tlaquepaque, which is an arts and crafts village in the heart of Sedona. We met up with the bride and groom just as they saw each other for the first time. Christine was so elated to see her groom to be, she was simply grinning from ear to ear. Since their ceremony was held right after the sun set, I was so glad to hear that they’d be doing a first look so we could get some couple’s portraits before the light was completely gone. During their couple’s portraits, Chris was signing to Christine about how lovely she looked. She is hearing impaired, and those are some of my very favorite images.

After their ceremony, we headed to another area of Tlaquepaque for their stunning reception. The tablescapes screamed southwest elegance, Melissa and her team from Moelleux Events did an absolutely fantastic job on the decor and feel of the space. Plus Melissa was just an awesome person in general. If you’re getting married in Arizona, she’s the best planner around.

We ended the night with a sparkler exit and a drink or two. Well, a drink or two for us, as Christine was 24 weeks pregnant with their first child! Which we would come to find out a few weeks later was a BOY! He’s now a little man who’s earth side, and super cute. But he joined mom and dad at their wedding – so the rest of the wedding party made sure to drink in celebration for the bride and mom-to-be.

One of the great things about photographing another photographer is that they are always willing to take more pictures. At the crack of dawn. As high as is safely allowed during pregnancy. 🙂 We met at the Arabella around 5:30AM and headed to watch the sun rise over the beautiful town of Sedona. We made another stop at Rachel’s Knoll – which is one of the 3 Vortexes. Our tour guide informed us that you can tell a vortex by the twisted Juniper trees. Which were in no short supply up at the Knoll.

Thank you again for inviting me to be a part of your incredibly beautiful intimate elopement, Christine and Chris. It was truly an honor.

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