Royal Palms Engagement Session | Kelly and Ruben

Its always the couples that arrive to the session and say "We aren't good at taking photos together!", that end up being the best session! Such was the case when Ruby and Kelly showed up at Royal Palms looking stunning!

I think people may have this perception when they look at our Instagram or website, that everyone is like a model, or at least they are really comfortable in front of the camera! This could not be farther from the truth! I would say 95% percent of our couples arrive to their session and feel nervous or tell me how not photogenic they are!

We do get that random super outgoing groom, or ex-model bride that just eats up the camera and knows exactly what to do--- but for the most part its just normal people that have never been photographed professionally together, ever! So this is part of the reason we love the engagement session SO much! It is vital to gaining that level of comfort while being photographed! Plus it is so fun and we learn how you guys interact as a couple, and you guys learn our style and get a feel for what the wedding day photos will be like!

Ruben and Kelly were absolutely adorable together and it was so fun as we all walked around together snapping and chatting about their wedding plans as we went! These two are so comfortable together and when i got back their answers it made even more excited for their wedding day in February! Cannot wait you guys! Thanks for a killer session together!

“I knew I was in love with Ruben 6 months into our relationship. We were in the parking lot of his apartment saying goodbye. He gave me a hug and a kiss and I was overcome with this feeling. I felt relief and happiness. It was true comfort. It was something I haven't felt in past relationships. I just remember feeling really happy and I had this huge smile on my face. At that moment I knew that is what is feels like to love someone.”- Kelly

“Our first kiss was on top of a big hill at the Waste Management Golf Tournament. If you have ever been to the tournament you know there are thousands of people. We had the hill all to ourselves and all of the sudden Ruben kissed me. I was surprised and I wasn't expecting him to do that. I have never been big with PDA, but when he kissed me I didn't care where we were.”- Kelly

“I had no idea that he was going to propose. It was the first weekend of my spring break and Ruben wanted to take a day trip. He suggested we go to Antelope Canyon. We were in a group with a tour guide taking us through the canyon. There were a lot of groups going through so we were moving through pretty quick. We made it through the canyon and we had to go back the same way to get out. Our guide said we couldn't stop on the way back because we didn't have a lot of time. Ruben and I were at the front of the group walking back and all of the sudden Ruben stops and steps aside. I was telling him that we have to keep moving and we didn't have time to take a picture. He told me that he wanted to get one more picture. The tour guide came up and grabbed Ruben's phone and all of the sudden Ruben was pulling something out of his pocket. I remember thinking this is not really happening. I knew right away what he was doing. He got down on one knee in the canyon and asked me to marry him. It was such a surreal moment and I couldn't believe it was happening. The tour guide knew the whole time that he was going to propose so he was ready to take pictures.”- Kelly

“ The first time I said I love you to Kelly was when I was going through a tough time in my life. It was about 6 months into our relationship. She actually said it first when we were in my room late at night after a very rough day. At that moment I knew that she was the one who would be there for me thick and thin. It meant a lot to me that she comforted me while we pulled an all nighter talking about life.” - Ruben

“One of my favorite things about Kelly is that she makes up these silly songs about anything and everything. We can be cleaning up the house and she will sing a song about mopping the floor. They always make me feel special since I am the only one who gets to hear them. She has always been rather shy in public so it makes me happy when I am serenaded at home!” - Ruben

View more and book your session at www.jenn-wagner.com

Romanitc Wedding at the Historical Arizona Biltmore Resort

From the moment we stepped onto the Arizona Biltmore property  for Jenna and Bryan's wedding, it was like we were watching a wedding dream unfold in front of our eyes (and camera)! And I don't say that lightly!

Now let me just step back, and take a moment here to explain the wedding day chain reaction. 

You see, from a vendors perspective, there are many factors that play into how a wedding day goes down. Some you can control and others you can't. From the weather, to the family relationships, to the decor and how on- time (or late) each vendor is; they all impact each other!

For example even if the bride and groom has the coolest wedding party, if two people show up late, it can throw off the makeup schedule, which can make bridal portraits rushed and family photos late - which makes grandma grumpy she's standing outside. This is just one tiny example of how the wedding day chain reaction can impact the entire day. From our perspective, the wedding day truly is a summation of all the little interactions that add up to the entire experience of the day. With so many contributing factors, they all play into each other and easily can persuade the mood,  look and overall experience of everyone for the day. 

I say all of this just to bring it home in how amazing each factor of Bryan and Jenna's wedding was. From our perspective, (and having photographed over 120 weddings) everything cam together seamlessly for a stress-free, fun and stunning wedding day! The wedding party was crazy cool (and all showed up early!), the decor, the florals and overall ambiance was stunning. The way her dress followed her with this beautiful swish, and the way his custom suit fit him just so; together they were a power couple!

Then of course the best part; Jenna and Bryan are a bride and groom have this amazing natural chemistry together. They needed very little directing at all and just held each other with these smiles that truly made each and every photo full of joy and genuine emotion. It truly was a dream wedding, from execution, rooftop sunset photos! The reception was full of memorable speeches, sweet toasts and crazy fun dancing. 

We were so thankful to be a part of capturing this amazing wedding day designed and executed perfectly by Sarrah at Imoni Events and we are so excited to showcase this day!

Jenn and Bryan we are so happy for you guys and wish you all the best in marriage and in this journey of life together. - All our best, 

Jenn and the Studio Girls

Thanks so much to these INCREDIBLE vendors for putting together such a flawless day! The design and execution came together perfectly and it was so great working with you all!  
Coordinator: Sarrah from Imoni Events
Venue:  Arizona Biltmore Resort

Dress Shop: Mariee Bridal Boutique

Shoes: Kate Spade

Florals: Carte Blanche Floral

Rings: John Yourk

Grooms Outfitting: Canali

Paper Goods: Minted
Linens: Event Rents

Cake: Ruze Cake House

DJ: Groove Mobile DJ

Makeup: Artistry by Azure

Hair: Pin and Primp
Photographers: Jenn Wagner Studio

"I wish I could re-live all the hours of the day! Everything from spending time with my bridesmaids, walking dow the aisle, and of course our first look and first dance! But, honestly if I had to choose one it would have been the breakfast I had that morning with my brother and sister. It was such a big day and to start it off with them just made it perfect. They are the ones that keep me grounded and I just loved that precious time we were able to spend together before such a big moment."- Jenna 

"Her smile was beaming. She looked so happy." -Bryan

"My advice to anyone getting married? - Have fun, relax, enjoy the moment." -Bryan

"My advice would be to GET A WEDDING PLANNER!! They are absolutely wonderful and make everything so easy! You also have to remember that it's just another day. Things will go wrong, but it's more about having joy in the moment. If you have true joy and are focused on the love and happiness that such a special day brings, then things like forgetting to wear your garter (haha sorry Sarrah.. she had to do some serious improvising with a hair tie when it came to tossing the garter) won't even matter. In fact, they will only make the day and memories more memorable and special!" -Jenna 

"My dad talking. I think the whole ceremony was a bit of a blur but having my dad marrying us was very special. Jenna was also very emotional during the ceremony which was touching." -Bryan 

"When choosing all the details, I really just felt that I wanted it to be sweet and romantic, but also not overly Bridal. Nothing over the top. Just simple. I also love lighting! So that was important to me. Lots of candles and bistro lighting." -Jenna 

"Biltmore was an easy choice for us. Classic and romantic is what we wanted and that is exactly what the Biltmore is. I love the grey brick and greenery. I've always loved the Biltmore! We didn't even look at any other venues!" -Jenna 

"The reception with all of the friends and family. It was amazing to be around so many people we love and care about." -Bryan

See more at www.jenn-wagner.com