Adam and Mariah had a joyous, beautiful spring wedding at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon this weekend, with a huge outpouring of love from both families. There were tons of wonderful moments set against a stunning Catalina mountain backdrop – who could ask for more? The last wedding I shot here at the Lodge happened to be during a fierce monsoon, so I was deeply grateful for the perfect weather and gorgeous light.

I hit it off so well with these two every time we get together that I knew we’d have a great time and make some really sweet photos. They’re as kind and thoughtful of a couple as I’ve met, with a playful streak and a warm sense of humor. They laugh and smile easily and often. And in a small-town-Tucson moment, we figured out Mariah and my fiance Sarah had been pals in elementary school, with some really funny stories from their friendship.

We arranged for a first meeting between Adam and Mariah early in the afternoon, to give us some relaxed time to make lots of great photos around the Lodge before guests arrived. They’d both worked there as employees years ago, and wanted some shots that really captured the feel of the place, with its gorgeous flower beds in front and mesquite grove/mountain views in back. I think we got it! The B/W infrared shot (from my trusty LifePixel 20D conversion) was a big crowd pleaser during the reception slide show –  the stark dark sky against the pop of the “white” grass and trees is pretty spectacular.

The evening included a relaxed sunset outdoor cocktail hour, followed by heartfelt toasts, great wisecracks from the bridesmaids and dancing, dancing dancing!

It was amazing to see my good friend and florist extraordinaire Ferial Malaika of Nature’s Art Florists, who really loves each and every flower like they were her own children. She came back to the reception just to make sure the flowers were all still happy! Grant Hunker was there all day making video, doing a great job with the DSLR style footage like a video ninja. And of course, a tip of the cap to Tucson’s one and only DJ Tony G, who lit up the place like a laser light show, kept the hits coming all night, and ended the evening with the Looney Tunes theme music “That’s All Folks!”

Family and guests can register to see the wedding photos when they’re up (and score a nifty print gift certificate) by going here -http://www.pictage.com/1244986