This romantic Butcher Jones Engagement Session in Arizona was the perfect blend of whimsical and romantic. A lot of my couples come to me looking for that vintage, whimsical, romantic vibe and that is exactly what Kelley and Wes wanted.
A lot of my couples come to me drawn to that vintage, soft, storytelling feeling, and that’s exactly what Kelley and Wes were envisioning from the start.
Kelley told me she wanted that “running through the fields” kind of vibe- something playful, a little nostalgic, and completely natural. And honestly… I feel like we captured that so effortlessly. The way they moved and laughed together- it all felt so true to them.
Kelley and Wes are getting married this summer at Nordic Village in Flagstaff (which I am SO excited about), so this felt like the perfect beginning to their story. I already know their wedding day is going to be just as intentional and full of life.
One of my favorite parts of this session was incorporating a blend of digital and film photography throughout.
There’s something about film that just feels different there is a softness, a depth, a kind of nostalgia that you can’t fully replicate. It adds another layer to the story, especially in moments like these that already feel so natural and full of emotion.
I always include film in my engagement sessions for this exact reason. It allows me to document your story in a way that feels both timeless and true to the moment.
One of my favorite things about shooting at Butcher Jones is how versatile it is. You still get that classic Arizona landscape, but it offers something a little different too- pockets of greenery, tall trees, and softer textures that you don’t always find in the desert.
If you catch it at the right time of year, typically late February through April. You can even find beautiful wildflowers scattered throughout the area. It really just depends on the rain we get, but when everything aligns, it creates such a dreamy, almost unexpected backdrop.
Butcher Jones is located in the Tonto National Forest near Saguaro Lake, just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Making it an easily accessible spot for couples who want a mix of desert and greenery for their engagement photos.





























If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels natural, a little nostalgic, and true to you, Butcher Jones is such a beautiful option and I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.
D
Dana Maruna is a wedding photographer based in Sedona and Phoenix Arizona, documenting love on digital, film, and Super 8
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