Thea and Rodrigo’s wedding was an unforgettable journey spanning two stunning Arizona landscapes and blending heartfelt family moments with wild adventure. Their story began in Tucson, surrounded by family and the majestic saguaro-studded desert, and culminated in Sedona’s dramatic red rock vistas—a truly epic two-day celebration.
Day One: Saguaro National Park Wedding
The morning began at their vacation rental, where everyone could relax and prepare for the day together. Thea got ready downstairs and was helped by her mom, Rodrigo’s mom, and aunt. Rodrigo stayed upstairs where he shared a quiet moment with his mother and two daughters as he got ready.
After all the finishing touches were ready, the group made their way to Saguaro National Park. With towering saguaros and the Tucson Mountains as their backdrop, Rodrigo and the family set up the ceremony space. Thea in her glittering white dress and carrying a faux bouquet of vibrant pinks, reds, and purple-hued succulents, was escorted down the path by her mother, father, brother, and sister-in-law. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the desert, they exchanged heartfelt vows.
In a touching gesture, the couple invited family members to “warm” their rings with good wishes, and then Thea, Rodrigo, and Rodrigo’s two daughters participated in a glass-color vase fusion ceremony, blending blues, teals, blacks, and yellows—the girls’ favorite colors. After the glass beads will be sent off to be blown into a family vase with the colors swirled together. It was a beautiful unity ritual that symbolized the merging of their lives and their families. As they shared their first kiss as a married couple, bubbles filled the air—a joyful send-off into this new chapter.
The Reception
After family portraits and an intimate golden-hour session with the saguaros as their backdrop, they rejoined their loved ones at a private patio dinner at Coronet Restaurant. At the front was a beautiful cake adorned with two super unique cake toppers— two cheetahs Thea had hand-painted, inspired by the couple’s trip to Africa. Surrounded by friends and family, they shared dinner, listened to heartfelt speeches, cut the cake, and ended the evening under the sparkle of sparklers—a perfect close to an unforgettable day.
Day Two: Rock Climbing Adventure in Sedona
Their second day was a full-send adventure. We met in Sedona with plans for a tough hike followed by rock climbing. Mother Nature decided to keep life interesting by sending a freak rainstorm, drenching the red rocks and covering the landscape in clouds. Despite this potential setback, we brainstormed options as a group and decided to try our luck and continue. We embarked on a challenging hike through the mist, taking in the moody views as we climbed up cloud-laden canyons. The rugged conditions only added to the beauty of the experience.
Just as we reached the top vista, the clouds began to part, revealing pockets of blue sky and warm sunlight streaming through— pure magic. Thea changed into her wedding gown, and we captured some of the most stunning portraits, the transformed landscape mirroring the sense of adventure that defines their love.
When Ariel set up the climbing route, Thea changed into a specially designed climbing dress, complete with a slit to accommodate her harness. After completing their safety checks, Thea and Rodrigo began their descent from the top pitch, lowering themselves safely to the ledge below. With Evan and Ariel’s help, I captured every breathtaking moment while attached to a safety harness above them.
Slowly, they lowered down while enjoying the views of sweeping vistas around them as the sky continued its incredible display. When they reached the bottom, Ariel quickly gathered their rain gear and rappelled it down to them as another storm cell approached. Evan and I broke down the rest of the climbing supplies and hiked down to meet our group right as the rain started back up. We made our way off the mountain in the rain, thrilled to have had a successful adventure. Thea and Rodrigo celebrated with a champagne spray, marking the end of an epic adventure.
Thea & Rodrigo’s Vendors:
- Dress: Calle Blanche
- Suit: Giorgio Armani
- Florals: Etsy
- Venue: Coronet
- Cake: Coronet, Toppers by Thea
This day wouldn’t have been possible without the help and teamwork of Ariel, Evan, and the couple’s daring spirits. Together, we created memories that none of us will ever forget—this was not just a wedding, but a true journey.
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Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your ARizona 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 capture the golden-hour magic, we’re building more than just 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.
