After meeting Emma and Jacob for their engagement session just days before their big day, I knew their wedding was going to be something special. The connection they shared was undeniable, and capturing their love was such a joy. Their October wedding day at the Phoenix Zoo’s Ruby House venue was absolutely perfect, filled with laughter, love, and some unexpected magic.
The Perfect First Look at Papago Park
Before the ceremony, we met at Papago Park in Phoenix for an intimate first look. This moment was one of my favorite parts of the day. Emma and Jacob had clearly taken to heart the tips I shared during their engagement session, allowing them to naturally fall into their moments together without me needing to direct them. It was such a joy to see them fully present with each other, and because they were so comfortable, I was able to capture everything without interruption.
Even though it was 2:45 in the afternoon—usually a time with harsh lighting in the desert landscape—we still made magic happen! Papago Park’s rugged beauty served as the perfect backdrop, and their natural connection shone through every shot. I’m so glad they gave me time before the ceremony to really focus on them and capture those quiet, intimate moments.
Sunflowers and a Beautiful Breezy Wedding Day
October is a beautiful time for weddings in Phoenix, and Emma and Jacob’s wedding day was no exception. The sunflower theme they chose matched perfectly with the venue, and the weather gifted us a gentle breeze—a welcome break from the Arizona heat. The ceremony at the Phoenix Zoo’s Ruby House was small and intimate, and the golden sunlight shining through as they said their vows created an almost ethereal atmosphere.
One of my favorite parts of their wedding day was seeing the pure excitement in their faces—even during the simple act of signing their marriage certificate. The joy on their faces was contagious, and it was clear that every moment, no matter how big or small, was special to them. It’s these genuine, candid moments that I love capturing most—moments that tell the story of a love that’s deeply rooted and meant to last.
Right before the ceremony, I caught a beautiful moment of Emma and Jacob practicing their first dance on the back porch of Ruby’s House. They were so caught up in the moment, completely unaware that I was quietly sneaking a shot through the window. It was a tender, intimate preview of the love and connection they would carry throughout the day—a moment just between the two of them, full of quiet excitement before the celebration officially began.
One of the things that really stood out was how perfectly their family members seemed to coordinate with the sunflowers! The shades of colors they wore blended seamlessly with the theme, making the family portraits absolutely stunning. It was almost as if they had planned it all along.
Exploring the Zoo for Even More Photos
After the ceremony, we hopped into a cart and explored the Phoenix Zoo for more wedding photos of just the couple. I love that Emma and Jacob prioritized giving me time to capture even more moments together. It’s these photos—the ones where the couple gets to step away from the hustle and bustle of the day—that often become the ones you’ll cherish forever.
As we wandered the zoo’s paths, their love was palpable. From candid laughter to sweet glances, every moment felt authentic, and I was thrilled to capture their story in such a unique setting. It was clear that this couple’s love for each other and the life they’re building together is something truly special.
Emma and Jacob’s wedding day was nothing short of magical. From their Papago Park first look to their intimate ceremony at the Phoenix Zoo, every moment felt deeply personal and perfectly reflective of who they are as a couple. I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey, capturing memories that I know they’ll treasure forever.
