Mindy & Jon | Flagstaff Wedding
Newlyweds Mindy and Jon have a long history of knowing one another— they were acquainted for over 20 years but came together just 5 years ago. They met through Jon’s brother and ever since then the couple has enjoyed long road trips, watching crime documentaries, and snacking on avocado toast, among other things. When asked what their dream life together looks like, the couple responded that it consisted of getting married (check!), owning a home, adopting two dogs, and traveling the country.
Mindy and Jon’s wedding day was simple and sweet. Family is extremely important to the couple and was an integral part of this wedding. Mindy prepared for the ceremony in the company of her mother, who watched with misty eyes as her beautiful daughter prepared to start a new chapter of her life, and her sisters. Her twin sister held the position of maid of honor, and much of the rest of the bridal party consisted of her nieces and other close family members. Jon’s father, someone who struck me as extremely kind and goofy, kept Jon company while he got ready, helping him to straighten his tie and don his other wedding accessories.
Jon and Mindy’s ceremony was held on a crisp, perfect late-fall day in November and the sun shone down on them and their loved ones as they said their vows. Jon’s first time seeing Mindy in her beautiful wedding dress was as her father escorted her down the aisle. The ceremony was performed by Mike of Love is Love events, a graceful and passionate officiant who always knows exactly how to put a couple’s love for one another into words. The couple exchanged rings, had their first kiss as husband and wife, and were showered in dried flowers by their family and friends as they made their way back down the aisle.
After signing their marriage certificate in the Gardens at Violas and greeting guests plenty of time was spent perfecting the couple’s group shots, and they absolutely came out reflecting the love that this couple has for their family. The photo session was full of love, laughter, and an array of gorgeous fall colors that served as a backdrop for their unforgettable day.
Mindy and Jon’s sweetheart photo session came next. The couple was able to take a break from socializing to spend some quiet time together, out of the spotlight of their big day. As much as I direct the couple in terms of poses I also like to step back and give them time to soak everything in together before I return them back to the wedding party, which I know is the most important part of the day for them.
The couple was formally introduced to the wedding reception, and after dinner, the couple enjoyed some beautiful toasts by their best man and maid of honor. Mindy’s twin sister, her maid of honor, began the toast but because she was so excited and emotional Mindy’s older sister took over and finished reading the speech— an unplanned but very special moment between the three sisters. The couple graciously thanked their loved ones for attending their big day, and then shared their first dance together as husband and wife. Mindy then shared a dance with her father, and Jon with his mother, before the dance floor exploded into a party. Mindy was an angel, dancing the whole night long, and pulling Jon onto the dance floor many a time throughout the night. The couple was able to socialize while dancing the night away and getting down to all of their favorite songs.
The couple cut the cake while their family looked on, and (mostly) kindly shoved the first slice into each other's mouths. Mindy performed the traditional bouquet toss, which was caught by her youngest niece, and the garter toss, which was caught by the youngest nephew— so it looks like this family may be waiting a while before the next wedding!
Finally, as the night wound to a close, Mindy asked me to join them as the couple stepped away for another quiet moment together in the moonlight. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day for a couple that seemed absolutely meant to be.
