Phew! Where. Did. The. Time. Go? Too fast! That’s where. As we looked back on our 2016 while putting our best of weddings post together, we became overwhelmed. With gratitude. Because just a few years ago (okay maybe it just FEELS like just a few years ago!) when we were just two high school sweethearts, we never could’ve imagined this life. We never could’ve imagined putting a post like this together!
Even a few years later, when we were newlywed elementary school teachers in next-door classrooms, we’d sit criss-criss-applesauce on those colorful map rugs shaped like the United States, with kids circled all around us, and during that time of our life, it was so hard for us to imagine that we’d ever turn our dream of running a photography business into a reality.
Yet, almost six years after shooting our first wedding together, as we went through these photos, we were reminded this has become our reality. These are our clients (who we adore). This is the highlight reel we weren’t sure would ever be real for us. And you know what? It didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it involved more sleepless nights than we can count. Through a lot of stress, sweat and tears, we’re standing over a goal that we couldn’t have dreamed by our own hands or achieved without God’s: a business that’s about people and purpose. So, if you’re at the end of your year, in your first year, or somewhere in the thick of it, remember a few things: It won’t happen over night, but it can happen; and when it does, it won’t look like you expected it to; and that’s okay, because we’ve found God’s dreams are so much bigger and better than our own.
We feel fortunate that we got to photograph so many weddings at the Arizona wedding venues we love most, like the Four Seasons Scottsdale, a desert jewel; the always picturesque El Chorro; the lush Royal Palms; the beautiful backdrops at the Omni Montelucia; the unbeatable views of The Sanctuary; and the historic architecture of The Arizona Biltmore, along with so many more.
We feel equally blessed that we get to work with some of the most professional wedding teams anywhere, led by the talented creatives at Some Like It Classic, Outstanding Occasions, Ashley Gain Weddings, Imoni Events, Sassy Soirees, Andrea Leslie Weddings, Signature Events, Events by Stephanie Antoinette, LVL Weddings & Events and so many more! Thank you to the incredible planners, florists, stationers, cake artists, calligraphers, bands, DJs, rental companies, and everyone else who makes wedding days what they are: a beautiful pleasure to capture.
And last, but not least, a big hug and huge thank you to each and every one of our AJ Brides: We’ll never begin to be able to adequately thank you for the awesome responsibility and trust you’ve placed in us to be at your side on the most important day of your life. You are the reason this dream has become our reality, and we can’t thank you enough for being the most incredible couples we have the pleasure of serving. The people we’re privileged to call our friends.
2016 was an amazing year. So, without further ado, here’s our labor of love, a compilation of some of our favorite photographs from our real weddings and editorials this year. It was so hard to narrow down TENS OF THOUSANDS! But we did it! Here they are!! Over 200 images!! Enjoy!!
Did you miss yesterday’s post? You can catch up on all of our favorites here!
Best of Engagements & Anniversaries 2016
or take a look at
