Cara and Riley’s Romantic El Chorro Wedding

She had no idea he had a sweet surprise up his sleeve. She stood behind the door, her white dress cascading down her back, fitting like a glove as if it was made just for her. Her heart raced as the door opened, sunlight filling the intimate courtyard as her eyes focused on him. She could see the back of his deep blue suit, and even then the realization of what was happening didn’t seem to feel real. He looked down at the ground, tears welling up in his blue eyes, so ready to see his stunning bride for the first time that day. He wiped his cheeks and took a deep breath as he could feel her presence behind him. And just as she stepped through the small iron gate she heard it. The song “Speechless” playing as she walked, elevating this moment even more, something she never thought was possible. He had arranged for a speaker to be hidden while playing this special song for their first look, a song they had listened to so many times together, one that perfectly articulated how he would feel in the next moments to follow. He turned around, and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, his Cara, in her white wedding dress. She opened her mouth and smiled, and he couldn’t wrap his arms around her fast enough. They hugged and cried, repeating that they couldn’t believe it was finally here, it was happening! He kept telling her how amazing she looked, and she couldn’t get enough of how handsome he was in his suit, and it was completely impossible not to smile. And in my case, tear up too. These two, and everyone who was lucky enough to be present in this moment, will never, ever forget it.

Cara and Riley are so incredibly special to me for so many reasons. I’ll never forget meeting them a year ago when I was pregnant, and the moment they walked in the room, it just felt warmer (and in Arizona, that’s no easy task). They are so incredibly sweet, too incredibly beautiful together, and simply a pleasure to be around. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to wake up on a wedding day not nervous, but excited! And with good reason, this day was an absolute celebration by every definition, just as I knew it would be! Riley’s mom, Susie, and I actually met years ago in photography school, and from there we built a meaningful friendship and she started second shooting with me! She talks about her three boys so highly, so capturing her middle son’s wedding was such an incredible honor and such a blessing. Walking into it, I felt like I already knew both their whole families, and it really seemed as though we were all old friends. This group is so welcoming, sweet, and FUN! I truly had the best time, and even got to dance after with the ladies (my knees hated me the next day, worth it)! And don’t even get me started on the beautiful details of this day! Fluffy blush florals, dripping candles, and romantic greenery amidst the backdrop of Camelback Mountain…unreal. Cara and BTS Event Management knocked it out of the park! I could talk about this day forever, but I’ll end with this: Cara and Riley, I’m so extremely elated to have been a part of this memory with you, but even more honored to have been able to preserve it. You two are breathtaking together, and I can’t wait to see what’s in the future for the newest Mr. and Mrs. Stelzer. And when a wedding day is so wonderful it leaves me Speechless, I can only imagine what the rest of your marriage will look like! Congratulations you two, never stop having fun together and always hold each other as tight as you did on this day! Cheers! #rileyrocks