When Hillary and Michael shared their dream of having an at-home wedding at Michael’s family house in Scottsdale, I was completely on board. How cool is it to get married in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by everything that’s most special to you? Plus I’m all about bringing each couple’s unique vision to life, so I couldn’t wait to help make their dream day a reality.
But when I arrived at the house, I understood even more why they wanted to host their big day there. The property was absolutely gorgeous–from the sprawling balconies to the charming Spanish tile roof, and breathtaking desert views, it was like stepping into the essence of Arizona. And being in their own space gave Hillary and Michael the freedom to infuse their wedding with their own personal touches.
They were seriously radiant in front of the camera, and you could feel the love and serenity shining through every single photo. It’s amazing how being in a place you know and surrounded by all your favorite things can make those wedding butterflies disappear and get everyone ready to party!
Elegance in Every Detail
Hillary and Michael went all out to create the Sonoran Desert wedding of their dreams. They added wildflowers and greenery in every corner, which brought pops of color and life to the already stunning scene. And outside, those huge cacti formations in the yard were like a salute to the amazing Arizona desert right beyond. Their elegant decor completely reflected their style, with a mix of gold metal, wooden accents, and muted colors that complimented the natural beauty all around.
The backyard where they exchanged vows was seriously stunning, decked out in flowers and serenaded by a string quartet. It was pure magic as Hillary made her entrance, descending down the balcony stairs to walk down the aisle.
When it was time to kick off the party, the couple had everything set up just right. They arranged a beautiful seating area on another part of the property for guests to dine and toast to the newlyweds. But let me tell you, the dance floor was where the real magic happened. With those giant sparklers illuminating the night sky during their first dance, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie.
“We waited a really long time for this. Party accordingly.”
Hillary and Michael made sure their wedding was a true reflection of their personalities, starting right at the entrance. A sign greeted guests with a cheeky message: “We waited a really long time for this (10+ years to be specific). Party accordingly.” It instantly set the tone for the rager that was around the corner. And speaking of fun surprises, their adorable dog made a special appearance, walking down the aisle with them and posing next to the happy couple. Yet another perk of having your wedding at home!
One of the coolest parts of their setup was the dance floor being situated next to the family’s horse barn. It brought such a special, rustic feel to the party atmosphere that perfectly reflected their style, especially since Michael’s mother is all about horses and had a barn filled with ribbons and trophies to show for it. Guests really got into the spirit by wearing sequin cowboy hats and having a blast in the western-themed photobooth, laughing and taking pictures all night long.
Family Love and Celebration
But what made Hillary and Michael’s wedding day extraordinary wasn’t just the decor or the personalized details. It the overwhelming presence of love and the involvement of their family.
Throughout the day, there was such an outpouring of love for the couple – from emotional speeches by the wedding party to those small, sweet moments shared between the couple and their loved ones. And once the reception kicked off, guests of all ages hit the dance floor, dancing together to the music and making memories that would last for years to come. As a photographer who values connection and community, capturing these incredible moments was an absolute blast for me, and I had a great time snapping up those moments.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that Hillary and Michael’s at-home wedding was about way more than just celebrating their love. It was a beautiful showcase of family bonds, friendships, and personal flair. With their unique vision and the incredible backing of their community, they created a wedding day that was authentically theirs, and I couldn’t have been more honored to capture it.
Did you come here for wedding inspiration but are overwhelmed at the thought of starting your own planning? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Check out my Best Wedding Planning Checklist and Vendor List. I’ve put together a thorough guide for everything wedding from A to Z plus a referral list for all the best vendors in Arizona. And if you find yourself with more questions than answers, simply send an email to maya@mayapapayapictures.com — I’d love to lend a hand!
Vendor Credits
Wedding Planner – Justine Fritz
