We met Cassandra for the first time over coffee at Starbucks. We sat outside on the patio. It was a chillier day than any of us expected. We all wished we would’ve worn jackets –– which isn’t something you typically need in Arizona! Within minutes of talking, we were struck by the same thing that must’ve caught Ryan’s attention the first time he met Cassandra, too: her absolutely joyous laugh. It was infectious and contagious. The only thing maybe sweeter than her smile, is the story of how they fell in love. If you don’t know their story –– and haven’t see their dreamy desert engagement session photos yet –– click here to check it out!

Something that we love and respect so much about Cassandra and Ryan is how they’ve handled this season of setbacks and disappointments. Their wedding was originally scheduled for Spring 2020, but due to COVID, they had to cancel the plans they’d spent over a year putting into place, and take on rescheduling everything for a new date — all the while not knowing whether or not the wedding would actually happen… because 2020. Through it all, every time we talked to Cassandra, every time there was another change, or cancellation, or unmet expectation, she handled it with grace and rolled with the punches. She reminded herself (and everyone around her) that everything happens for a reason, and whenever her wedding happened, however it happened, that’s the way it was supposed to happen all along. There’s so much peace that comes from that type of positive thinking.

Cassandra and Ryan, we are so happy that you finally, after everything you’ve been through, got to walk down the aisle and say, “I do.” On your wedding day, you told us that the most important thing was getting to marry your best friend. You are so right about that! Even though weddings are beautiful, and a blessing, and such a fun way to celebrate your love and new life together, you two know the secret: this is just the tip of the iceberg. Your marriage, not the wedding, is actually the best part. Thank you for trusting us with capturing the most important day of your life. Even though it wasn’t the wedding you originally planned, we truly believe it was exactly the wedding you were supposed to have. Thank you for not flinching when we asked you to take your husband and wife portraits in the back alley by all the dumpsters and work trucks. THE LIGHT WAS JUST SO PRETTY! We’re so glad you agreed! You two look positively stunning together in your portraits. We can’t think of a better way to end 2020. We love you both and hope you love seeing yourselves (and your love) through our lens as much as we loved creating them!