Carrie and Andrew’s romance seriously brought the heat at their Rustic Forest Wedding in Flagstaff. Not only was their chemistry something straight out of a movie, but every single detail of their day was on point and perfectly reflected who they are as a couple. From the stunning venue that showed off their love of the outdoors, to the many personalized touches they incorporated (and one BIG surprise), to their beautiful community that rallied around them, it was an unforgettable day from start to finish.
Nature-Inspired Elegance
As big nature lovers, Carrie and Andrew wanted their wedding to have an outdoorsy, yet elegant feel. It was important to them that they could enjoy the beautiful Arizona scenery while still having all the modern conveniences and accommodations to keep their guests comfortable. And they found that and so much more at Aldea Wedding in the Woods – which just happens to also be one of my all-time favorite venues!
After photographing countless weddings there, I can tell you firsthand that the event staff is AMAZING and completely dedicated to giving couples the best experience possible. Plus, when it comes to photo backdrops, the options are endless! From the customizable ceremony space among the trees to the rolling meadows and open-air reception area, you’re guaranteed to get gorgeous, cinematic photos of your big day that you’ll cherish forever.
So, I couldn’t have been more excited when Carrie and Andrew shared their choice with me. It was a perfect fit for their style (and even reminded them of their cabin south of Sedona!), and I couldn’t wait to return to one of my favorite spots to capture their unforgettable day.
Want to learn even more about this venue? Check out my blog Forest Wedding Venues in Arizona – Aldea Wedding in the Woods for a full rundown of all the details, accommodations, and more!
Love in Every Detail
But the venue wasn’t the only personalized touch the couple added to their day. While Carrie and Andrew were all about embracing those traditional wedding elements, they also wanted to make their celebration their own. And as a photographer who’s all about embracing what makes my couples unique, I couldn’t get enough of all the thoughtful details they added throughout the day.
From the wedding party rocking cowboy boots and hats, to the ranch-style decor, to the framed family portraits displayed around the venue, every element was a perfect reflection of their style and personalities.
Another cool element? They chose to do a branding unity ceremony, where they used a customized brand to burn their combined initials into a piece of wood. It was such a cool tribute to Andrew’s rancher roots that symbolized their two lives becoming one AND created a one-of-a-kind keepsake that they’ll have for years to come.
And we can’t forget the biggest surprise of the evening – a firetruck rolling up to the reception! Since Carrie is a dispatcher with a long family history of firefighting, and Andrew is a firefighter himself, it was the perfect ending to their day, celebrating their special bond and shared community roots. Plus, it gave them the perfect excuse to sneak away and enjoy some quality time together while we took portraits against the truck’s glow. The entire day was uniquely THEM and such a perfect celebration of their story.
Community and Connection
But the magic of Carrie and Andrew’s day wasn’t just in the beautiful venue or the carefully laid details—it was in the overwhelming presence of love and the involvement from their community.
From first looks with their parents ahead of the ceremony, to moving toasts, to the happy tears and group hugs throughout the day, the entire day was so full of meaning and emotion. And when it came time to celebrate at the reception? Everyone brought that energy out onto the dance floor, laughing and making memories until it was time to send Carrie and Andrew off into the night with a romantic bubble exit.
As a photographer who deeply values family and community, capturing these incredible moments was an absolute blast for me. While I’ll always be here to document what your decor and shoes looked like, my main goal is to capture the raw emotion and connection between the people who mean the most to my couples. And Carrie and Andrew’s friends and family couldn’t have made that easier!
As the night wrapped up, it was clear that Carrie and Andrew’s rustic forest wedding in Flagstaff was about more than just celebrating their love. It was a beautiful reflection of their background, shared journey, and connections with their community. They created a wedding day that was truly authentic to them, and I felt incredibly honored to capture every moment of it.
Planning your own Arizona wedding and feeling a bit overwhelmed? No worries! with over a decade of experience as an Arizona wedding photographer, I’ve got your back! Head over to my blog, The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist & Vendor List, for a step-by-step guide on planning your dream day, along with a list of my favorite venues in Arizona!
Vendor Credits
Venue: Aldea Weddings at the Woods
Hair and Makeup: Lexi McDonald at Luxx Bridal Co.
Florist: Flowers by Roxan
Catering: Into the Fire Pizza and Catering
Desserts: Sweet and Divine
Dress: Forever Bridal
