A Gates Pass Anniversary Session

Arranging an Anniversary Session

Erin reached out to me just a few weeks ago inquiring about setting up a photo session. She and her husband Myron are approaching their second wedding anniversary. They were going to be flying in from wintery, cold Indiana to visit family for the holidays in Tucson. I asked Erin if she had any locations in mind for their anniversary session and her only request was that their photos feature the unique Arizona desert landscape. She sent me a few photos from a recent engagement session I photographed that she really loved. I told her that was the Gates Pass area of Tucson Mountain Park and that we could absolutely have her session there!

There is one tricky part when it comes to arranging a photo session in Gates Pass— and that’s where to meet up. There are tons of scenic lookouts and rest stops throughout the park! But there’s one weird fluke: how do you know exactly where to go since it’s in a park? Well, the easy answer would be to just put the trail marker (since most are named) into your phone’s GPS/map app. But noooOooo! Android maps (Google) and Apple Maps apparently consider certain trail heads to be in completely different spots! Note to self: don’t put so much trust into smartphones! Now I’ll be sending screenshots and GPS coordinates…

Their Anniversary Session in Gates Pass

The weather in Tucson was absolutely beautiful! I’m still trying to get used to Arizona in the wintertime. The wind gets very chilly at times, but overall it’s pretty comfortable. I don’t miss the Tennessee wind chills and icy roads! Erin and Myron’s anniversary session in Gates Pass still had a little winter/Christmas vibe with Erin’s deep red dress!

These two sweethearts will be building their first home together soon on their own piece of land they bought in Indiana. I am so so excited for them! Myron proposed to Erin in such a thoughtful way at Erin’s grandparents’ home. It has been in their family for over 100 years! He filled the home with a trail of notes reflecting back on all the big memories they had made together over the years. Then, at the end of the trail, Myron was waiting for Erin on one knee!!! I can only image how many more memories they will be making with this new home of their own.

Thank you both so much for spending some time with me while you were here in Tucson! I hope these photos add a cozy, romantic feel to your new home!