There’s something magical about stumbling upon a location that just fits a family’s energy perfectly and that’s exactly what happened during this session in Scottsdale. Mom had a connection to the owner of this private, tree-lined road, and she was able to snag special permission for us to shoot there.
Honestly, the moment I drove up, I knew it was going to be one of those sessions that sticks with me. Soft light peeking through the trees lining the road, long lines of green in the midst of Arizona… it felt peaceful and intentional, which matched their story beautifully.
This session wasn’t just about getting updated family photos. It was layered with meaning. Mom and dad were celebrating 20 years of marriage, and she really wanted that milestone to be woven into the session. And I loved that. Twenty years is no small thing. The highs, the lows, the curveballs… they’ve walked through all of it together. And the best part? They’ve made it a tradition to dance at every photoshoot.
I’m obsessed with that.
Like, what a beautiful way to say, “We still choose joy. We still choose each other.”
So yes…the dancing had to happen. And when they stepped into each other’s arms with the lined trees behind them, all dressed in their formal outfits, it felt like we pressed pause on real life. Ellie smiled watching her parents sway, and it was just this incredibly intimate moment that felt so true to who they are as a family.
Speaking of Ellie, she was absolutely precious. She has special needs, and mom and dad are absolute rock stars at meeting her where she’s at, giving her space, and filling the session with patience. You can tell that love is the driving force in their home. Mom stays home, keeping the kids on track, which honestly is a full-time job in itself, while dad works in finance. They’ve built this life where everyone has their role, and everyone pours into each other.
And then… the champagne moment.
At the end of the shoot, mom and dad popped a bottle to celebrate their 20 years. Arizona sunset dipping down, bubbles flying, both of them laughing…it felt like we bottled up a memory they’ll look back on years from now and feel all those emotions again.
This session was classic, intentional, a little bit formal, and completely heart-centered. Families grow, change, evolve, but moments like this show the deep roots beneath it all.