A timeless intimate wedding in Flagstaff, Arizona

Wedding

Flagstaff has always been one of my favorite places to visit ever since I was little. Now, being able to capture couples in one my favorite places is so nostalgic to me.

Jess and Jacob had a timeless intimate wedding in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was nostalgic, moody, and and so romantic. Another photographer friend referred them to me, and I’m honestly so happy she thought of me! These two were a breath of fresh air to be around.

Jess and I first met months before their big day at a coffee shop to talk through their overall wedding vision, photography priorities, and timeline for the day.

The ceremony wasn’t at your typical wedding venue.

Instead, their day took place at Jacob’s grandparent’s house, a treasured property that has been lovingly passed down through their family. The backyard looks directly out to the highest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak, giving the ceremony backdrop a beautifully dramatic and emotional presence.

And that’s not all… this home held meaning times two.

It’s where Jacob proposed one year prior.
It’s a home full of memories, handwritten legacy, and deep roots.
It was prepped by family for an entire year, all to help bring their love story full circle.

What I love most about weddings like this is the hearts behind it- when the people watching the vows are the same people who have supported and shaped the journey.

Over the next 12 months, they cleaned the property, organized the garage, tended to the surrounding land, and prepared every detail to reflect Jess & Jacob’s timeless romantic vibe.

You could feel the weight of love in the preparation alone.

Day of their wedding was super chill. Jess and Jacob got ready down the road from each other. I started my day with details and getting ready photos. Next, I did bridal party photos of the girls then drove down to Jacob’s to take that photos. Probably about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony it started to pour. We could tell on the radar it was going to pass quick. We waited for the storm to pass, and the sky rewarded us with a stunning rainbow.

Finally the rest of the night was spent celebrating these two and their love.

Intimate weddings just hold a certain kind of magic for me, and I love getting to document what makes them so meaningful. But don’t get me wrong, I’m a forever fan of traditional weddings too. Big celebrations have their own energy, joy, and beauty, and there’s something incredible about a packed dance floor and a room buzzing with love.

What I appreciate most about intimate weddings isn’t that they’re the opposite of traditional. It’s that they lean so heavily into intention. When a couple chooses a smaller celebration, they give themselves space to savor every second, connect deeply with the people around them, and build a day that feels true to them without distraction. The moments breathe a little longer. The emotions show up unfiltered.

The connections feel extra personal because the guest list is filled with the people who’ve walked alongside them long before the wedding day. It’s a reminder that weddings aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re love stories shaped by personality, community, history, and the places that matter most. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration full of tradition, what makes a wedding unforgettable is the same every time: presence, connection, honesty, and a whole lot of love. And I’ll always feel grateful to capture it in any form it takes.

Vendors-

Planner: Marissa – @rissanell

Dress: @schaffersbridalaz

Suit: @tuxandtails

HMUA: @mayra.beeauty

Tan: @lianaxbronze

Catering: Gracy Catering

Photo x Film: @danamarunaphoto

DJ: @djcarma.love