When I walked into the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix, I knew the wedding was going to be good.  Despite being in the middle of Phoenix, and in a desert at that, there is a little enclave with trees, bamboo, water falls, and gardens where you can go to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. And there is also a lake filled with tiny dogs that beg for food.  And by tiny dogs, I mean Koi fish. But whenever you approach the edge of the water to get a better look at the colorful fish, they are practically climbing on top of each other trying to steal some food from unsuspecting tourists. Luckily, Tarra and Andrew had some Koi food available for the guests for feed the silly fish after the ceremony.

Amidst the nature and fun, Tarra and Andrew had their ceremony.  In the backdrop was the water with a lovely waterfall.  I thought I may have accidentally arrived in Hawaii with how lush the gardens are.

Then as the sun was setting, it lit up the garden with a bright golden hue, and I had heart emojis popping out of my face because sunset portraits people! And with Tarra’s gorgeous retro inspired dress, I knew it was going to be evverrytthinggg.

Tarra and Andrew, I enjoyed working with you so much, and I loved how easy going, funny, and happy you both were on your special day.  It was a pleasure to capture you both!! It was truly a beautiful occasion to enjoy your closest friends and family and to prove to all out of towners that there is more to Phoenix then cactus!