A Colorful November Wedding at The Farm at South Mountain | Nick & Shawna
There's something to be said for a couple who puts so much thought into their wedding day, and then, when the day finally comes, lets themselves get completely swept up in it. Nick and Shawna were exactly that kind of couple.
Their November wedding at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, was filled with colorful florals, thoughtful details, and an intimate outdoor celebration beneath the trees. But as beautiful as everything was, the two of them were easily the best part.
They were completely, wonderfully, and totally “in it” together, which is worth mentioning these days!
A Wedding Day With Room to Actually Enjoy It
Nick and Shawna are both relatively quiet, down-to-earth people. Thoughtful, sentimental, and genuinely concerned with making everyone around them feel welcome. There were nerves, of course, but whenever they were together or surrounded by their people, they settled right into themselves.
One of the smartest decisions they made for their personal priorities was scheduling a first look before their ceremony. I don’t mean for the photographs, but because they wanted to spend cocktail hour actually at cocktail hour.
They weren't worried about what every photograph should look like or whether the day was unfolding exactly on schedule. They trusted their team, spent time with their guests, and let themselves enjoy the celebration they'd worked so hard to plan.
The wedding came first. The photographs followed.
An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Beneath the Trees
For couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Phoenix, The Farm at South Mountain offers something pretty special: a lush, garden-like setting that feels tucked away from the surrounding city.
Nick and Shawna exchanged vows between enormous trees, with guests seated on wooden benches and a colorful floral installation framing the ceremony. Beyond the flowers, layers of greenery created beautiful depth, while the afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees from the west.
Their wedding design complemented the natural setting. Bright, expressive florals, delicate candlelight, and thoughtful details brought personality to the space without making anything feel overly formal.
And Shawna's embroidered floral veil? A personal favorite. No really… I ended up wearing the same veil on my own wedding day.
When November Rain Changes the Plans
Even the most thoughtfully planned outdoor wedding can throw you a curveball. Shortly after their ceremony, an unexpected rainstorm rolled through The Farm at South Mountain. In Phoenix. In November. Not exactly what anyone had on the itinerary...
Thankfully, the venue team had a backup plan ready, and Nick and Shawna took everything in stride. Their guests were taken care of, the celebration continued, and as soon as the rain cleared, the team moved the dinner tables back outside just in time for everyone to enjoy their reception beneath the trees.
By evening, the tables were glowing with candlelight, string lights illuminated the garden, and the whole place felt as inviting as ever.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people you trust and let the day unfold.
More Than a Beautiful Wedding
I could go on about the flowers, the gorgeous outdoor reception, or all the little details that made their wedding so visually interesting. But it was impossible to take your eyes off Nick and Shawna.
Shawna was also about three months pregnant, making their wedding the beginning of an especially meaningful season for their growing family. There was something magnetic about the two of them. They weren't putting on a show. They were simply happy to be married, surrounded by their favorite people, and enjoying every bit of it.
And as it turns out, their wedding wasn't the last time I got to photograph them.
We loved working together so much that they invited me back for maternity photos, and again for family photographs after their son was born.
From wedding photographs to their first family portraits, getting to see their story continue has been one of my favorite parts of knowing them.
Planning a wedding at The Farm at South Mountain or another meaningful spot in Arizona?
I photograph weddings with a mix of documentary instinct and editorial taste, paying attention to the moments unfolding around you so you can spend more time actually living them.