Emily & Skeeter’s Cathedral Rock portrait adventure
As we planned their Cathedral Rock portrait session, E told me she and S had lived in Arizona their entire lives but had never been to Sedona. I knew we had to rectify that immediately! I was a bit nervous because we were already hitting triple digits regularly, and they are not avid hikers. Coming from Phoenix, I knew they were used to the heat, but many people underestimate the toll the elevation takes on their ability to breath while doing strenuous activities.
I planned a pre-hike day to go up on my own and video the more difficult portions to send over for them to make their final decision. Bonus of hiking Cathedral Rock during the middle of the week in August? Barely any company! After watching the videos and talking through prep and backup plans, they decided it was still the place they wanted to go.
Armed with plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats for shade, we took our time and let them enjoy every moment of the spectacular views on the way up. At the top, they changed into their wedding attire and we squeezed as much out of the remaining daylight as a breeze made E’s dress take off. The song “Send me an Angel” goes through my head every time I look back at the images of her flowy dress enveloping her. If you haven’t chosen an adventure wedding dress yet, definitely keep in mind how the elements can affect it, both good and bad.
After a last dance at the sky turned to dusk, E and S changed into their hiking clothes and we made our way down the mountain with headlamps in the dark and the sound of the full moon drummers who gather on the lower ledge. Their Cathedral Rock portrait adventure had come to a close as we hugged and said our farewells!
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
