I love exploring new locations! Arizona is such a beautiful state, and while some may see the desert for what it is (dry and desolate), I see so much beauty in it! I love when my clients want to embrace the desert and the cacti! When Leslie mentioned that she’d love her engagement photos to be in the desert, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to try out a new spot at the Wind Caves Trail in Mesa! As my husband (aka assistant for the day) and I drove back through a long winding road, I knew this was going to be a good one! The mountains, desert shrubbery, and the tall looming cacti all around just makes for the perfect backdrop.

Only one slight issue…

The month is July, and the state is Arizona. HOLY HOT! I love that Zach & Leslie were willing to brave the heat for their summer engagement session! And let’s just say, they brought the heat… to the heat! They absolutely rocked their outfit game – I always love those long flowy dresses! They must have really taken my Style Guide (the online magazine-style gift that I give all my clients when they book with me!) to heart! 😉 Also, I think this session makes it on the list of one of the only desert sessions where I haven’t been attacked by a cholla cactus. HA. (Pro tip – bring a pair of tweezers to handle those precious ring shots! It makes ALL the difference!)

To Zach and Leslie,
Thank you so much for braving the heat and trusting me with a new location! You two are the sweetest couple with such fun personalities, and not to mention A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! Leslie, you are such a rockstar for following all my cues through the desert on a sprained ankle AND wearing heels! You are the real MVP!! And Zach, the way you took her by the hand to help her and lead her was so sweet.  I know your destination wedding in Cabo is going to be nothing short of amazing! Just remember to take time over the next few months to soak it all in – you’ll only be each other’s fiances once, right?!

See other recent engagement sessions by clicking here and here!