I arrived at the Phoenician Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, completely giddy because well… we were doing bridal portraits at the Phoenician.  For those of you who haven’t been there, go please. They have beautiful areas with waterfalls, flowers, lit up cactus’, and marble steps that have equally as marvelous names like Orchid Springs, Palace Steps, and things of that nature.  Okay, I’m making the last part up, but they did have ridiculous names like that I swear.

And when I knocked on the door and entered Kylie’s room I saw her dress.  And I was like, yaaass girl yas! Because it was a sequined bustier top with a gorgeous flowing skirt.  It had me delirious with heart emojis.  And then there were Justin’s Grandmother’s pearls, her bejeweled garter, the flowers with deep maroon and white and cream and I could have just dropped dead.  Luckily I didn’t because I mean I still had to photograph the entire day.

But just when you thought this supermodel could not be rivaled, there was Justin in his full air force dress.  And as lovely and gorgeous as this couple is, there hearts are just as amazing.  Justin is a F 35 pilot in the Air Force and I know first hand how strong a person has to be to marry and dedicate her life to a military man.  Although my husband’s own army career was brief before we even met, I know from my mother in law and sister in law (also married to a pilot in the Air force) that it is hard work.  But worth it.  And you can tell it’s worth it the way that Justin looks at Kylie.  And the way Kylie gazes back at him, and makes him laugh.  Oh you guys, I have so many pictures of Kylie and Justin laughing together.  And as a married veteran myself (see what I did there with that military pun?), laughing is what gets us through the hard days, trust me on that one.

The ceremony and reception took place at a restaurant dear to the family’s heart, Tomasso’s, in Phoenix. Can everyone say delicious Italian food? If you are in the biltmore area, go to this place.  I’ll need to do a separate blog on how good just their bread was.  (you all know I love my carbs!) It was an intimate group of the couple’s closest family and friends who watched the ceremony then shared one table together share a celebratory meal together. Kylie’s maid of honor was her sister and Justin’s groomsmen was his brother (a navy man himself).  And listening to the bridal party’s speeches, you could tell exactly how amazing and loved Kylie and Justin were by their friends and family. Derek’s speech contained words about how Justin inspired him to work hard and to strive to be the best at everything he does.  Tiffany’s speech was about the love she shared for her younger sister and how special it was to watch her grow into such a beautiful woman inside and out.  And when Max, Kylie’s younger brother, stood up on a chair to thank Kylie for being such a great older sister and always looking out for him and helping him when he needed it, my heart grew two sizes.  Then Kylie’s Mother toasted the couple giving a heartfelt speech about how happy she was to have Justin in her family and how much she valued the woman Kylie  has become, followed by the Groom’s Father who shared his love and joy for the couple.  But when Kylie’s Father’s eyes became laced with tears as he spoke about the woman before him, I knew I was basically about to cry myself.  Because when you are surrounded by that much love in one space it is such a blessed thing to experience.

I enjoyed being a part of your day so much, and I know that there are great things in store for you both, no matter where in the world Justin flies you both too! (see that, another pun! I’m so clever I know…) Cheers to you both and your utter fabulousness!

\