The Metropolitan Imageworks 2011 Wedding Season kicked off on Saturday in Payson, AZ at the Tonto Natural Bridge – believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Congratulations Edy and Earl, it was the most gorgeous Spring day with sunshine, blue skies and temps in the 90′s. I’ve been to the Tonto Natural Bridge before, as a tourist, and it’s a pretty amazing site with lots of trails and obscene elevation changes. Thankfully we only hit a small, rugged trail to get to a waterfall with the wedding party AFTER the ceremony.
Edy and Earl were married against the backdrop of a rustic cabin right next to the lodge. Their sweet and tender ceremony was officiated by Edy’s uncle Edgar, which was such a personalized touch. After their vows and ring exchange, everyone regrouped for a round of family and wedding party photos. Then most of the women changed their shoes into more suitable hiking footwear and we headed out to hike down the Waterfall Trail. Let me just remind you that going down is so much easier than coming back up! But it was well worth it for a series of photos with the waterfall as a scenic backdrop. As I huffed and puffed up the 300 steps with 20 lbs of camera gear, I was glad the hard part was almost over. As a group we then made our way to scenic viewpoints 1, 3 and 4 for more photo ops and then caravaned back into Payson for a reception at Mojoes with toasts and more celebration for the newlyweds!
One awesome detail I noticed all day and evening – Edy is so genuinely vibrant and has an amazing laugh! She was such a happy bride and I loved watching her laughter exude over and over again! Earl can be pretty funny himself, too. As a visual artist and one whose job it is to watch and capture moments on the wedding day, it’s just so fun to work with a happy and carefree couple. I say carefree because Edy took even the littlest hiccups in stride. Don’t have something blue? No problem, as her sister applied a final coat of Moisturizer Chapstick in a blue tube and had Edy tuck it into the top of her dress! Forgot to grab earrings? No problem, as a dear relative (and mother of the flower girl) took out her diamond studs and handed them off to Edy! Can’t find the bouquets you and the girls worked hard on assembling in the days prior to the wedding? No problem, Mom has this one covered! (Disclaimer, it’s not recommended to “borrow” flowers at a State Park but if you’re stealthy it can work!) Groom dripped chocolate from the chocolate fountain onto his shirt and speeches are about to start? No problem, he’ll run out and buy a new one and be back in 10 minutes. Actually I think he was back in 9 minutes, it was that fast!
Edy and Earl, I am wishing you both a lifetime of laughter!
Here are some of my favorite images from the day:
My love of shoes continues
Yet another reason why I love weddings – it’s the special moments I capture between the special people.
Bride’s dad and mom
Groom’s grandma and grandpa
