Wedding photographers alike, however different in style and approach, all share one common fear. Missing a wedding. It's such a common fear that if you ask any wedding photographer, I can guarantee you they've had nightmares around it!

The day before these two love birds said I do, my worst nightmare as a wedding professional almost came true! I had just shot a wedding in Minneapolis, and I was supposed to fly back out to Phoenix the following morning to be back in time for Allie and Justin's nuptials the next day at the Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear Arizona. Supposed to being the operative word in this story because I didn't make it on that morning flight. Instead, I slept through three alarm clocks, woke up late, and arrived at the airport precisely two minutes before my flight departed.

I had missed my flight out that morning, and the only other Sun Country flight flying back to Arizona the rest of the day was completely booked. I panicked. And after the initial shock wore off, I was able to regain my composure at the check-in terminal and sweet talk my way onto that last flight.

I'm so thankful that I was able to make it back because Allie and Justin's wedding was one for the books.

Allie and Justin first reached out to me for an engagement session. They knew from my blog that I loved all things travel and adventure and wanted a destination adventure engagement session at Buffalo State Park in Flagstaff, Arizona. (You can see their engagement session here.) At this point, I had never been to Flagstaff before, so I was super stoked to experience this gorgeous place with this adorable couple for the first time.

A few emails into our initial conversation, I got an email with the subject line, "Is it even possible?" from Allie. And immediately, I clicked on that email because, as anyone knows, that kind of subject line is such good clickbait 🤣.

That was when I learned that Allie wanted to know if I thought it was crazy to include their pet bird as part of their engagement and wedding photos.

Was it crazy? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I replied in all caps. And just like their engagement session, Viridian, their green-cheeked parakeet, was also part of their intimate wedding.

Allie married Justin at the Palm Valley Golf Club, and we decided on a first look spot with palm trees and the mountains in the background. Allie wore a flower crown and the elegant wallflower, savored the moment as she walked up behind Justin. He turned and stood there, stunned, taking in her beauty. She lowered her bouquet to let him see her dress, and he started crying before wrapping her up in a big hug.

The day was cold and rainy, but what I love about Allie and Justin was the way they just embraced it, taking time to cuddle and intentionally soaking in every drop of the experience. The unique tone of their story carried throughout the day. They were happy just to be where they were rain and all. They were in their own perfect world, inviting me in.

Allie and Justin, thank you for inviting me into your lives and your love. I'm so happy that our paths crossed and that I made my flight and was able to witness you both as you promised forever to each other. I wish you the best as you make Arizona home. You deserve nothing but happiness!

Allie’s something blue was a feather from one of her and Justin’s green-cheeked parakeets. (They have three!)

The beauty of seeing each other beforehand is that the bride and groom can enjoy a private moment on their wedding day to simply be and enjoy…

Allie was a radiant bride…

The couple set aside ample time for wedding photos and the beautiful grounds of the Palm Valley Golf Club made for a gorgeous backdrop!

The couple surrounded themselves with the most genuine bunch of people who withstood the rain to support their best friends as they vowed forever.

Allie and Justin brought with them a sense of how to live in the moment and think about the future. What I mean is they had a peace about them, an understanding and wisdom that comes from their love. Justin explains it as balance, saying they are both opposites who complement each other.

I loved the shot out with their personalized ceremony sign to their guests

Even though it down poured right before the ceremony and the couple had to bring their nuptials inside, Allie was all smiles as she walked down the aisle towards Justin.

Officially Mr. and Mrs…

I’m obsessed with how these shots of Viridian turned out and I’m so glad Allie and Justin decided to be true to themselves by including their beloved bird.

An all white, classic reception? Yes, please.

Guests dined around round tables filled with aromatic fresh flowers, personalized jars of honey, and decadent bottles of wine…

The toasts were hilarious and sentimental and spoke to the kind of people Allie and Justin are. After the opening speeches, the DJ opened the mic up to anyone who wanted to wish the happy couple congratulations. In all my time shooting weddings, I've never seen so many guests stand up to talk about just how special two people are, as I witnessed at Allie and Justin's wedding.

Their first dance under the chandelier was magical and when Allie’s mother stepped in to dance the mother son dance impromptu with Justin when his family couldn’t be present, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, myself included.

The dance floor was packed the entire night…

I’ll end on this note because the couple spent their first night as husband and wife surrounded by those they love the most: friends and family…

CEREMONY VENUE: Palm Valley Golf Club

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Smak

DJ: Beluvid Entertainment

FLORIST: Blooming Bouquets

DRESS SHOP/DESIGNER: Brilliant Bridal

SUITS & TUXEDOS: Mens Warehouse

JEWELRY: Facets and Karats

CATERER: Wedgewood Weddings