A micro-wedding with family in Sedona, AZ
Madison and Charlie flew in from Michigan for their February Sedona elopement. Like many destination weddings, there were a few twists and turns along the way to creating the perfect day.
The start of 2023 sure had a mind of its own! The winters in Sedona are usually windy but overall mild. This one was especially wet and cold!
Originally, we had planned to head to a popular off-road location for the couple’s portraits after their intimate ceremony with their loved ones. But nature threw us a curveball! The road to our first pick was closed, so we decided to roll with it and chose a different, easier-access spot.
Getting Ready
We began the day at their vacation rental for getting ready and detail shots. And let’s talk about those details… Madison worked with the Sedona Mountain High Florist team to create one of the most vibrant and spectacular bouquets I have ever seen! An eclectic mix of desert cacti combined with bold pink and peach florals made her florals a jaw dropping addition to their wedding day.
For attire Madison went with a gorgeous beaded gown with pockets, white ankle boots with a special note from her grandma who couldn’t be there, a killer braided updo, and family heirloom pearls. Charlie opted for a navy suit with brown accessories which always looks nice out in the red rocks.
We planned first looks with both Madison’s dad and with Charlie out on the rustic covered patio. I always love being able to be here for these emotional moments, even on elopement days.
Ceremony & Sunset Portraits
We caravanned down to one of my favorite gentle access ceremony locations for their intimate ceremony. Their original plan was to have Charlie’s brother perform their ceremony. But a last minute flu had taken him out of the game. Luckily Charlie’s dad quickly stepped in like a pro, and the ceremony was perfect.
After a quick celebration and pictures with their loved ones, we said our quick goodbyes so Charlie, Madison and I could go on our sunset adventurous portrait session. The three of us explored one of my favorite sunset locations that takes mild-moderate hiking, especially when the wintery wind is whipping around.
They both took the day’s hiccups in stride, and we romped around the red rocks laughing and creating some seriously fun stories to reminisce about when they look back on their wedding day.
As the sun set and the night grew cold, we drove over to meet their family at Steakhouse89 for a nice wedding day dinner in one of their private seating areas.
Vendors for their February Sedona elopement:
- Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
- Suit: Mr. Sams
- Jewelry: Family heirlooms
- Bouquet: Mountain High Flowershttps://www.sedonamountainhighflowers.com/
- Hair and Makeup: Sonoran Desert Bridal
- Getting Ready Location: Air BnB
- Dinner: Steakhouse89
Interested in a Sedona Elopement?
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Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Sedona 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.
