La Mariposa Resort, Tucson Arizona | Jacob and Lauren

It was the day after their wedding and a text message came up on my phone, from Lauren. I thought something was wrong or they needed something but instead it was simply a message pouring out their gratitude for Savanna and I  being their photographers at their wedding and how so many of their guests mentioned how impressed they were with us. What?! Go enjoy your honeymoon!! - but oh my gosh thank you for taking the time to even think about us after you JUST got married. 

But honestly; that's just the kind of people they are. I responded and told Lauren and Jacob that (selfishly) I wish we would have been lifelong friends or buddies from college or something so that I could have *attended* it as a guest. It was seriously that amazing and the best word I can think of to describe it was, affectionate. And maybe that is a strange word to describe a wedding, but these two set this beautiful, warmhearted tone through out the whole day that left everyone feeling included and a key part of something intimate. Come to think of it, I think I'm more than honored to have been the fly on the wall capturing all these memories happen in front of me. 

Thank you Jacob, and Lauren. 
For your hospitality, your candor and for sharing your love so graciously. 

All our best, 

Jenn and the Studio girls

Such a beautiful day thanks to these sweet vendors! 

Venue: Mariposa Resort, Tucson

Florals: Bridals by Mary Bartok

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Bridal Shop: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique

Photography: Jenn Wagner Studio

Cake: Cakes by Genevieve

Brand of Shoes: Steve Madden 

Invitations: Berrryberrysweet

Linens and Chairs: Mariposa Resort, Tucson

Grooms Outfitting: Combatant Gentlement

Ring: Master Creations Jewelry

"I loved my dress! I found it at Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique in Gilbert when I was shopping with my mom and sisters. My favorite part about it was the way the lace bodice transitioned into a tulle skirt. I wasn’t sure if I wanted more of a classic lace dress or one with a fun tulle skirt, and with this dress I didn’t have to choose! I also loved my veil. It was special because my mom and my sister picked it out for me." - Lauren

"Jacob gave me the sweetest gifts on our wedding day – As if getting to marry him wasn’t enough of a present! Before the wedding Jacob sent my brother, one of his groomsman, up to the bridal suite with a few wrapped packages. One of my most vivid memories from our wedding day is sliding the ribbon off the first box before I realized that the gift was addressed to “My Favorite New Mom.” I immediately handed the box to my mom, who was standing next to me and was just as caught off guard as I was. Inside the box was the cutest key chain that read “Thank you for raising the woman of my dreams.” I was so moved by this incredibly thoughtful and unexpected gesture. Jacob also gave me a pair of comfy Crocs shoes (his signature style item, much to my chagrin) in case my feet hurt during the wedding and a rose gold necklace that matches his wedding band. I put on the necklace for the wedding and haven’t taken it off since. Oh, and I did cave and wear the Crocs!" - Lauren

The First Look

"Jacob and I opened our gifts to one another right before the first look. I couldn’t wait to see him and tell him how much I loved my necklace, and how moved I was by his gift to my mom. The past week had been so full of running errands and visiting with friends and family that we hadn’t had much time for just the two of us. It was so refreshing to have those few minutes just to be with each other. We ended up laughing a lot!" - Lauren

"If I could re-live one hour of the day, I would go back to the pre-ceremony and ceremony.  Getting married was such a surreal and powerful experience, and it all felt like the perfect dream coming true.  Our pre-ceremony involved our close family and officiant in a small closed off room.  We had selected a beautiful additional document to sign which stated our wedding vows in two languages, and also had our marriage certificate.  Both were signed and our officiant, parents, siblings, and closest friends all gave us blessings, their support and words of encouragement.  Our officiant signed both documents and then so did we." - Jacob

The Wedding Ceremony

"We looked at a lot of venues. Jacob and I knew we wanted to have the ceremony outside, surrounded by friends and family, but weren’t quite sure what else we were looking for. At the time we were both living in Tucson were I was finishing graduate school. We considered having the wedding in Phoenix where most of our family lives and even looked into some more exotic destinations. Nothing seemed like the perfect fit. One day we were driving through our neighborhood in east Tucson talking about how pretty the desert was in the spring and how we loved being close to the mountains and it came to us; this is where we should get married! I immediately got on my phone to start looking online, and lo and behold, there was a venue right down the street. The moment we walked onto the grounds of La Mariposa Resort we knew - This was our venue. We were taken by its expansive green lawn, beautiful mountain views, and welcoming patio lights. We immediately clicked with La Mariposa’s owner and director, and everything just felt right. Who would have guessed that by the time our April wedding date came around we would be living 2,200 miles from La Mariposa rather than right down the street? When a job offer spurred our relocation to North Carolina, our wedding ended up being a destination wedding not only for most of our guests, but also for us! La Mariposa and their vendors were incredibly understanding and easy to work with, fielding our calls and questions any day of the week. Despite having to do a lot of the planning long-distance, our wedding day could not have been more perfect. From the intimate ceremony in front of the gazebo to the night spent dancing under the stars, the experience wasn’t what we expected – It was better!" - Lauren

"We had visited many places, but when we went to La Mariposa, I instantly knew it was the right place.  It's hard to really even put it into words, but as we looked at the venue inside and out, it really just sort of clicked.  I felt kind of funny like someone from the tv show "Say Yes to the Dress", where they are really evaluating things and end up making a major decision and saying "I can totally see myself getting married in this dress", except I felt myself confidently feeling "I feel like this is the place where we should get married!"- Jacob

"Everything from the weather to my wife was beautiful and perfect at the ceremony.  The groomsmen and I followed the officiant out to our places, and then we got to watch as our family, the bridesmaids, and finally my beautiful wife and her father walked down the aisle.  Each moment something happened all I could do was smile and think about how lucky I am.  The ceremony included singing, and many wise words.  It was powerful, and then we were married.  I'd like to re-live that hour every day, and in many ways think back to it still and continue to appreciate how great our life is together as husband and wife." - Jacob

The Reception

"Another vivid memory from our wedding day is the dancing. Jacob and I had so much fun practicing our first dance. I thought I would feel nervous when it came time to get up in front of our guests, but standing next to Jacob I immediately felt comfortable. We ended up having a blast! We added glow sticks to our dance party after dinner, and they were even more of a hit than we had anticipated. One thing the wedding confirmed – My husband has some sweet dance moves!"- Lauren

"I would like to repeat and re-live many portions, but my favorite part to tell people about is definitely the dancing.  Lauren and I had taken some professional dance lessons and had a rumba dance fully choreographed.  To be honest, executing our first dance perfectly in front of all of our friends and family was what I was most nervous about of anything in the whole wedding.  We nailed our first dance, and it was super special.  Watching Lauren dance with her father was special, and dancing with my mother was fun too." - Jacob 

"After dinner, the DJ started cranking out tunes from our playlist, and everybody hit the dance floor.  Lauren and I danced and had fun and socialized with just about every guest at the wedding, on the dance floor that night.  My grandpa remarked "Jacob! This is the kind of thing everybody wants at their wedding but it never happens... Look at all the tables, not one has anybody sitting at it!"  I was astonished when I realized he was right, and we were truly having an awesome moment living it up on the dance floor." - Jacob

 Lauren and Jacob, I can't help but smile when I think about your day. I wish you both the very tip top absolute best as you navigate this crazy life, as hubby and wife.

All my best, 

Jenn and the Studio girls

Book your wedding today at www.jenn.wagner.com

Justin & Valerie | Engagement Session | Scottsdale Arizona

We laughed through the entire session together; and even though it felt like we had just arrived, time flew so fast as they walked hand in hand, giving each other spontaneous kissing and laughing as we strolled. It was over so quickly, too quickly and it only made me so much more excited for their wedding later this year. Justing and Val, I told you the first time how special you guys are and I truly mean it. Your connection and bond to each other makes it seems like you're almost married. Is that weird? It sounds crazy but its true. So happy for you guys and can't wait to click my camera on your big day! 

All my best,
Jenn 

"Even though I did all I could to not kiss him on the first date, it happened within 30 minutes of the date starting.  I honestly do not even know who initiated it. I am pretty sure it was me... After the hug we shared after not seeing each other in years, I pretty much tossed that idea out the window.  I was so incredibly nervous.  We talked for a while, catching up, and the next thing I knew, my lips were on his.  The kiss was amazing.  His lips are perfect." _ Valerie

"So the first time I said those words... I was actually in between two college courses, calling her just to chat :) There was a big build up, and the second before I said it the first time, my phone died, and Val didn't get to hear me say it to her for another 10 minutes!! It was the most inconvenient thing at the most inconvenient time. Obviously, everything worked out :). " - Justin

"I first knew I was in love with him when  we had not seen each other in over two years and had only recently really started talking more seriously about possibly dating (we had been friends for almost three years at this point).  We decided it was time to see each other in person to see how we felt. We chose El Paso, a great driving half way point, plus my brother was stationed there at the time. I told him I would be in El Paso on this date, and if he made his way out there, great! Having a little girl to look out for, I did not want to get my hopes up too high. I knew he was into me, but I was not entirely convinced he was ready to join an instant family.  The last time he had seen me, he was in the Air Force and I was a cute little bartender that bought him $1 cans of PBRs for positive survey reviews.  I was terrified he would not be that into the mommy version of myself. He surprised me by showing up earlier than expected.  I remember that my hotel was a suite and the entrance was glass French doors with transparent white curtains covering the glass. When I heard his knock and looked up, I could just see his silhouette.  He was leaning against the railing waiting for me to answer the door.  When I opened it, we had a slightly awkward moment and I invited him in and then we hugged.  I swear, and I know it is so cliché, the world stopped turning and all I could hear was my heart beat pounding. He smelled amazing, he looked oh so sexy with his long hair pulled back, and so down to earth in his dirty cowboy boots.  He had the sweetest smile on his gorgeous lips and his sea blue eyes were incredibly honest and intense. I knew in that moment. I had never wanted to kiss someone so badly in my life and we literally only hugged for seconds, not minutes as it seemed. I have never felt so completely safe and adored in my life. I fell hard in that moment but did not tell him until he told me weeks later" - Valerie

"It's very difficult to pick one favorite thing about Val...but if I were to choose one thing, it would be her level of empathy. Val connects with everyone, and she strives to make a difference; not for personal gains, but because she feels what everyone else is going through. Val is a feeler. " - Justin

"The ring.  Funny story.  He will probably kill me for telling the truth.  I refused to help him pick it out.  I had picked out rings in two previous relationships and nothing ever came from it... so I now considered it bad luck.  I told him I did not care what he got me, it could be a plain sterling silver ring, just as long as he picked it out.  I did not want anyone influencing him.  One day, however, he randomly called and asked me to please answer one question.  He said, "What do you think of square cut diamonds?"  I agreed to answer this one because I actually had a strong opinion about them.  I said simply that I did not like solitaire square cut diamonds. He agreed, and that made me happy.  You can imagine my surprise at the proposal when a square cut diamond flashed in my face.  I ended up asking him a few days later why he bought me this style when I had originally told him I did not like it.  He said, "I just saw it and knew it was your ring."  I adore my ring. It is absolutely stunning.  However, I love it more so that he bought it based on how it made him feel.  He bought it because out of all the rings he had to choose from, he felt when he saw that ring, the one ring I said I was least likely to like, that it was the one for me.  That is my favorite thing about it.  The story behind it." - Valerie

"I am really, really looking forward to the overall experience of being married. Val and I actively help each other grow. I am better because of her, and she is better because of me. It's really awesome in that I'm not just getting a wife...I'm going to have a life long partner :)." - Justin

Cannot wait for your big day in December!

Book your session at www.jenn-wagner.com