Meet Tara & Ray-they came all the way from Minneapolis for their AZ destination wedding. Why you ask? Well because their favorite Phoenix wedding photographers are here! Okay not really but we can’t help but feel that way. Here is our 1st email we received from Tara when she was looking for phoenix wedding photographers.
“PS–You two are brilliant! TRULY! We live in Minneapolis, MN. I am a native and not the typical passive aggressive Scandinavian. I have shot weddings myself and was terribly fearful of not finding anyone that could capture our wedding in a creative manner. I am a heavily inked, neo-eco hippie, almost 42 year old, first time bride. My fiance and I work in the airline industry and would have no issue with zipping on down to AZ to meet the two of you. I should warn you that I loathe having my photo taken which is why I probably picked up a camera so many years ago. If you can make me at ease and not look like a dork (which I typically do since I am always so stiff in photos) that would RULE. Affectionately, Tara”
And here we are today…..after many phone calls, a Skype session or two, a trip to MPLS to shoot their E-Sesh….a vogue shoot in AZ….and now a wedding, you can say we are eternally connected!
Lenea Sadler of Lenea Sadler Makeup is one of our preferred MUA’s. We have always been blown away by her work but she seriously worked it this time on Tara.
Tara’s MOH Jennifer, is the sweetest, kindest, most gentle person you will ever meet. Her energy when she walked in our house was electric and she kept Tara calm all day…..whenever Tara would turn to look at Jennifer, she would start balling because Tara looked so amazing.
And here’s Ray and his best man Erick. Hi.
Tara is a self proclaimed shoe nazi. She stalks shoes on Pinterest! Check out these super unique, amazingly off the hook gold shoes she chose for her big day.
Our favorite part of the day…the 1st look. I have not had one couple regret doing it. In fact, immediately after the 1st look our bride always looks at us and says that they feel so much better and are glad they did it. Seriously people, it is the best!
SEXY!!! Look at that hair, beautiful smile…they are just smokin’
Alright, here’s the back story. We were walking in downtown Mesa to do a walking shot (see below) and these ladies from a Elderly residence home were outside for some air. They saw us walking down and the lady on the left started whistling at Ray. Like a come here hunky man, whistle. She kept trying to get our attention, “you know who taught me how to whistle?” She continued on to inform us that her pet cockatiel up in her room taught her how to whistle. LOL! I love elderly people. They speak their minds and are so abrupt. XOXO
T & R were married at “Inside the Bungalow”. What an incredible Mesa wedding venue this was. It had nooks and crannies of goodness for us to shoot in. In addition, it’s right in the middle of downtown Mesa, which is great because we love the urban diversity!
Ray cried the whole time. Yes, I know I am outing you Ray but you cried when Tara walked down the aisle, when you said your vows, when you walked back down the aisle, during the toast, the first dance…Ill stop there. He is the sweetest man that the universe has ever created.
Stunning!
This was the only time Tara cried and I am so glad we captured it. Erick, the best man, was toasting them and mentioned Tara’s nature of fighting for the underdog. Those that can’t fight for themselves, are the minority or are considered not equal. It brought tears to her eyes to know that Tara’s kindness was visible to others. She is a major R2 supporter for marriage equality and has changed our world with her outspoken support!
Alright, truth be told we were quite worried that T & R were not going to be dancing. We basically begged them to dance for 5 minutes so we had some shots to put in their album. Well, once they got up there we couldn’t get them down until Tara’s dress fell down….and here’s what happened next in photos.
Their smiles, their love for one another and their kindness is contagious. Many of our R2 families have had the pleasure of meeting Tara & Ray in person-if you haven’t yet, we hope this blog conveys what they mean to R2.
MPLS hasn’t seen the last of R2 as we plan to visit quite often…..And with that we leave another wedding having made amazing friends and lasting memories.
XOXO
R&R
Amazing Vendors involved in Tara & Ray’s wedding-
The R2 Studio– Phoenix Wedding Photographers
Venue- Inside The Bungalow
MUA- Lenea Sadler Make-up
Hair- Yani Rodriguez
Officiant- Reverend Scott Carter
DJ- Scott Carter
Bride’s Dress-Andrea’s Vintage Bridal (MPLS)
Caterer- Cucina di Vita
Flowers- Zuzu’s Petals