Intimate & Intentional Backyard Wedding in Tucson, Arizona

One of the best parts of my job as a wedding and elopement photographer is getting to see couples get married in so many different ways. Sometimes weddings are huge, multi-day productions with a large vendor team in an extraordinary space. Other times, they are intimate, personal, and down-to-earth celebrations that take place in the presence of immediate family only. Robbie and Lauren’s intimate backyard wedding in Tucson was the latter. There’s something magical about intimate weddings - especially when special, symbolic gestures of love and unity are woven throughout. Take a closer look at their sweet wedding day (and pre-wedding day) that took place in Tucson, Arizona in the blog post below. It was a heartfelt celebration of love, intentionality, and the merging of two families. From the serenity of a labyrinth to the symbolic gestures that marked their union, their wedding weekend was an unforgettable testament to their lifelong partnership.

The day before their wedding, as the sun rose from the desert landscape, Robbie and Lauren walked through Sanctuary Cove in Tucson. I captured their love among the golden, desert landscape before any of the wedding festivities officially began. The photos above were captured in film, giving them a timeless and warm feel.

In addition to the gorgeous desert surroundings, Sanctuary Cove also contains a mystical labyrinth. With intention in their hearts, Robbie and Lauren ventured through the winding paths, hand in hand, allowing the labyrinth to guide their thoughts and emotions. The labyrinth, an ancient symbol of self-reflection and contemplation, provided a sacred space for the couple to connect on a deeper level and set their intentions for their upcoming wedding.

The next day was Robbie and Lauren’s wedding day. Joined by only their immediate families, they held their intimate celebration of love in Robbie’s mother’s backyard in Tucson. Their wedding day was joyful, heartfelt, and full of meaningful symbolism. The atmosphere was filled with an overwhelming sense of intimacy and love. 

Robbie and Lauren ensured that every element of their wedding was infused with profound meaning. As a representation of hope and happiness, they had a vibrant paper crane hanging art piece, adorned with the colors of the rainbow. This intricate origami creation served as a symbol of their shared dreams and the colorful journey they were embarking upon together.

One symbolic gesture that I especially loved during their wedding ceremony was when everyone participated in a ribbon braiding ceremony. Each member of the family took hold of the ribbons, intertwining it with others as a symbol of their families coming together and the unity that their marriage would foster. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and support that surrounded Robbie and Lauren as they began their new chapter.

Additionally, they planted a fig tree during the ceremony as a symbol of their growing relationship and its roots taking hold. This act signified their commitment to nurture and cultivate their love, just as they would care for the tree.

After the ceremony, I managed to steal Robbie and Lauren away for a few moments, capturing them as they relished in their first few minutes as newlyweds. I always recommend doing this right after the ceremony, so that the couple can enjoy a few special moments alone, together. Wedding days tend to go by so quickly, so it’s important to take pause and to be present throughout small pockets of the day.

Robbie and Lauren's backyard wedding in Tucson was a testament to the power of intentionality and the beauty of simplicity. From the labyrinth's embrace to the symbolic gestures woven throughout their celebration, every element resonated with meaning and love. It was an occasion where two souls merged, families intertwined, and the desert bore witness to their love story.

If you’re planning on having a backyard wedding in Arizona, I’d love to capture it. Send me a message and let’s talk about your wedding day dreams, hopes, and desires.