Tayler and Cory’s elegant Mesa wedding at Aldea Weddings at the Landmark was unforgettable for so many reasons. They were one of those couples I connected with right way, like we had known each other for years! Our initial consultation went on twice as long because we got so caught up chatting about our shared interests and love of community! From that first call, I could tell their vision, personalized details, and plans to include their loved ones throughout the day would make their wedding a dream to photograph. And I couldn’t have been more right!
A Picture-Perfect Venue
Tayler and Cory picked one of my very favorite venues in Mesa for their big day – Aldea Weddings at the Landmark! This historic building perfectly blends vintage charm with modern amenities. Plus, the staff is amazing and goes above and beyond to make your day exactly how you imagined it. It’s no wonder they have perfect 5-star ratings on The Wedding Wire AND The Knot.
And the best part? The venue offers a variety of indoor AND outdoor spaces to fit your taste and preferences!
They chose an indoor ceremony and reception – decorating with an elegant neutral palette, pops of jewel tones, tons of greenery, and rustic wooden accents. They also made the most of the venue’s outdoor spaces, using the romantic gazebo for private vow ceremony and the lush gardens for their portraits. It was absolutely perfect for their sophisticated yet inviting style and made for photo backdrops as special as the couple themselves.
Making the Day Their Own
But the magic of Tayler and Cory’s day went beyond the venue and decor—it was also in the unique touches they added at every turn! From napkins printed with fun facts about the couple, to serving their signature spicy margarita, and personalized prop newspapers, the entire day felt so authentically THEM. They also made sure the environment matched their fun energy by bringing disposable cameras and an interactive photobooth to kick the party up a notch.
But one of the sweetest details was Cory’s big surprise for Tayler. He customized his suit so that the vest and inside of his jacket were lined with photos of the couple! He revealed it during their first look, creating such a special moment for them to revisit old memories and reflect on their journey together. It was the perfect way to kick off their day and lead right into their private vow ceremony, another unique twist they added to make the day their own. Every element was so special and perfectly told their love story. I felt honored to capture it all!
An Unforgettable Community Celebration
As a wedding photographer, my goal goes beyond documenting what your hair or cake looked like. I’m here to capture the essence and raw emotion of those special moments throughout your day, especially the ones shared with your loved ones. And let me tell you, Tayler and Cory made sure that their wedding was absolutely filled with them!
From the officiating judge being a close family friend, to the hilarious and sweet toasts made by their loved ones, and even the couple celebrating Cory’s grandpa’s birthday, their wedding all about honoring those community bonds.
And that sense of togetherness really shone through when the reception kicked off! Everyone was ready to celebrate together on the dance floor, swapping their formal shoes for comfy sneakers and slides. Tayler and her bridesmaids even changed into matching Air Force Ones – a stylish AND practical way to switch gears to party mode. The energy was amazing, and I had so much fun dancing with their friends and family while capturing every candid moment!
Those genuine connections and moments of shared celebration are what it’s all about, and I loved getting to work with a couple who values community as much as I do.
A Day to Remember
Above all, Tayler and Cory’s Elegant Mesa Wedding at Aldea Weddings at the Landmark was an incredibly fun and meaningful day. Between the stunning venue, their personal touches, and the way they involved their amazing community – it was one for the books! The whole wedding summed up what I love most about being a photographer: capturing the unique details that define each couple and telling the story of their community. I’m so grateful for the chance to capture all those special moments and create memories they’ll cherish for years to come!
Planning your own Arizona wedding and feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry! With over a decade of experience as an Arizona wedding photographer, I’m here to help. Head over to my blog, The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist & Vendor List, for a step-by-step guide to planning your dream day, plus a list of my favorite venues in Arizona!
Vendor Credits
Florist: Lace & A Barn
Venue: Aldea Weddings at the Landmark
Hair and Makeup: Lindsay Mikhel
Catering: Santis
DJ: 24-7 DJ
Photobooth: Fruity Boothy
Photography: Maya Papaya Photography
Wedding Dress: Mariee Bridal
Groom Suit: Nick Men’s Warehouse
