Some wedding days just linger with you. They are the kind you replay in your mind on the drive home with a full heart. Courtney & Jeff’s Desert Botanical Garden wedding in Phoenix was 100% one of those days for me.
I actually worked with Courtney years ago when she booked business headshots with Memories by Candace for work, so when she reached out and asked me to photograph her wedding, it felt incredibly special. I love when clients come back for new chapters in their lives, it’s one of my favorite parts of being a Phoenix wedding photographer.
12 Years of Friendship Turned Forever
Their love story genuinely feels like it was guided with intention. Courtney and Jeff met over 12 years ago at a Bible study in Flagstaff. They were just friends at first, for almost a decade, before life slowly started shifting them toward something more. They lost touch for a few years when Courtney moved to the valley for work, but during the pandemic, life reconnected them again… and this time, it stuck.
Their first official date was at Phoenix Zoo Lights (honestly, could there be a more adorable and Arizona-perfect first date location?). It set the tone beautifully…simple, meaningful, and full of warmth.
Today, these two love spending time outdoors together camping, hiking, traveling, and exploring new places with their two dogs. Which made the Desert Botanical Garden such a natural, personal, and intentional choice for their wedding venue.
Why the Desert Botanical Garden Was Perfect for Their Day
There’s something so magical about a Desert Botanical Garden wedding in Phoenix. The venue is full of iconic cacti, colorful desert plants, and quiet paths that make it feel like a romantic escape right in the heart of Arizona. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding that blends elegance with nature, this venue is a gem.
I say this as a photographer and as someone who loves a good Arizona sunset… this venue photographs beautifully all day long, but especially in that golden hour glow.
A Wedding Day That Felt So Intentional
One of the things I adored most about Courtney & Jeff’s day was how present they were. Nothing felt rushed or forced. They didn’t just squeeze in photos. They made time for them, and it truly shows in their gallery.
Here’s how they structured their day (10/10 would recommend to any couple getting married here):
✨ A first look with space to breathe and enjoy
✨ Couples portraits before the ceremony while the gardens were calm
✨ Another round of portraits after the ceremony for a totally different vibe
The Desert Botanical Garden has so many tucked-away corners and scenic spots, and taking photos at different times gave us variety, light changes, and natural moments instead of posed, rushed ones.
As a photographer, this was a dream. As a human watching two people soak in their wedding day… it was beautiful.
Love, Faith, and the Sweetest Community
The tone of the day was warm, heartfelt, and full of deep connection. Their family and friends shared stories about their character, their kindness, and how their love was built on friendship first. It wasn’t loud excitement…it was that grounded, peaceful kind of love that feels steady and full of intention.
You could tell that everyone in attendance wasn’t just there for the wedding, they’ve been part of the journey. And I loved hearing about it all.
Thinking About a Desert Botanical Garden Wedding?
Here’s my honest photographer take if you’re planning your own Phoenix outdoor wedding:
Why I love photographing at the Desert Botanical Garden:
• Endless scenic photo locations
• Stunning desert landscape for guests & portraits
• Perfect golden hour lighting in the gardens
• Feels like a destination wedding without leaving Phoenix
Whether you’re a local or planning a wedding in Arizona from out of state, this venue gives such an iconic Sonoran Desert experience.
To Courtney & Jeff
Courtney & Jeff, thank you for trusting me to document this piece of your story. Being welcomed into such a meaningful day, especially after working with you back in your headshot season of life, meant more than you probably know. Your day reminded me exactly why I love what I do.