The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is seriously one of my FAVORITE places in Arizona. And as a born and raised Arizonian obsessed with everything our state has to offer, that’s saying a LOT.
But the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden isn’t just a place to enjoy Arizona’s beauty; it’s an amazing wedding venue too! When Jess and Greg revealed it as their choice for their big day, I was so excited to get right to work.
Blossoming Beauty in the Desert
If you think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds, think again! Desert Botanical Garden is home to 55 lush acres of desert vegetation, including thousands of cacti, trees and flowers. It’s like a little slice of Arizonian heaven! Jess and Greg have been frequent visitors throughout their relationship (fun fact: Greg’s favorite plant is the Old Man Cactus!). So it wasn’t just a breathtaking venue for their wedding, but also a place filled with special significance.
And the best part? The venue offers tons of different spaces, so no matter what your style is, there’s a backdrop perfect just for you! Whether you’re into the charming Spanish architecture or the winding nature paths with their diverse plant life and cool art installations, there’s something here for everyone.
After their private vows in the venue’s lovely gardens, Jess and Greg officially tied the knot on the Ullman Terrace with the stunning desert landscape behind them. Then, we went on a photo adventure along some of the nature trails, snapping shots among towering cacti and colorful desert blooms. As a photographer dedicated to showcasing each couple’s unique style, it was a blast to offer Jess and Greg such a variety of backdrop options in one place.
And as the reception kicked off on a patio beneath the terrace, we were treated to a mesmerizing purple-orange sunset. The entire scene was Arizona flaunting its very finest!
Personalized Perfection
But the magic of the day extended beyond the venue itself – Jess and Greg also added their own unique touches everywhere you looked.
They opted for a dreamy color palette of soft coral, lilac, and white, with pops of metallic gold that perfectly complemented the desert backdrop. Their decorations had a blend of romantic charm, with plenty of flowers, rose petals, and floating candles. They also added playful touches, like personalized guitar picks with their photos, customized welcome signs, and so. many. cupcakes.
The venue’s twinkling string lights and dance floor under the trees beautifully tied the warm and welcoming vibe together, creating a seamless ambiance. Their personal style radiated from every corner, and it felt so authentically THEM.
Surrounded by Community
My personal goal as a wedding photographer goes beyond just snapping pictures of your day’s events. I’m here to capture the essence of your special moments, including those shared with your loved ones. And let me tell you, Jess and Greg’s wedding was packed with them!
From the exciting moments of getting ready, to the emotional ceremony, to the ecstatic sendoff down the aisle, every single moment was so meaningful. The air was filled with so much love and happiness for these two on their big day, and that sense of community truly shines through in every photo!
As the reception started, everyone was eager to unwind and party, trading their formal shoes for cozy sneakers and slides. The energy was contagious, and I had a blast dancing along with their lively crew. When it was time to say goodbye, they gave the happy couple a magical sendoff with bubbles, showering them in love and laughter as they headed off into the night. I’m so honored to have captured every moment with their amazing community, preserving memories that they can look back on for years to come!
Jess and Greg’s Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden wedding was such a special day. From the breathtaking venue, to their added personal touches, to their amazing community who came together to celebrate them, it was definitely a love story for the books! I’m so grateful to have been there to capture every moment in one of my absolute favorite places.
Are you here looking for some wedding inspiration of your own? Make sure to check out my blog Top Ten Best Arizona Wedding Venues with a View! With more than 10 years experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve practically seen it all, and am here to break down the best spots across our amazing state!
Vendor Credits
Wedding Planner – meant2beevents.com
Venue – Desert Botanical Gardens
Makeup – Kensington Makeup
Catering/Cupcakes/Cake – Fresh from the Kitchen
Florist – Chasing Bliss Design
Entertainment – Valley Mix Entertainment
Officiant – Minister John Fuchigami
Videography – Lee Media
Rentals – Material Girls, Cr8ive Events, Beautiful Things Event Rentals
