Krystal and Elvin are described by their friends and family as shy and incredibly kind. We had a great time last summer at their engagement session getting to know each other. The bright greens and soft pinks and blues from their photos at Sweetwater Wetlands popped up again at their spring wedding at Saguaro Buttes.
Speaking of being shy, I recently shared on Instagram that I’m definitely an introvert. If I can go a whole week without leaving the house, I’m in heaven and totally content. But my job as a wedding photographer makes me be extroverted and I’m grateful for that challenge. It helps me to grow and step outside my comfort zone. Spending a day with a more quiet couple like Elvin and Krystal is a great counterbalance to all of the excitement throughout the day. I feel like I can put more effort into being creative and helpful instead of trying to maintain the higher energy that more extroverted couples need.
A Spring Wedding with Rich and Romantic Colors
In the past couple of weeks, it seems as if Mother Nature turned up the heat in Tucson. After being outside for just a few minutes, everyone started to feel a bit warm, especially the guys in their suits. Luckily, this spring wedding had a steady breeze almost the entire day to help keep us cool. And since Saguaro Buttes is on the south end of Tucson, it’s usually a few degrees cooler than the rest of the city; every little bit helps, right?
This outdoor Spring wedding featured shades of burgundy, blush, and white. Krystal said she’s always been a fan of burgundy and wanted that to be the primary wedding color. She added in touches of blush and white for a lighter and brighter vibe.
Jaline, Krystal’s niece and flower girl, wanted to be just as helpful as the bridesmaids were in getting her aunt ready for the big day.
When I asked them why they chose Saguaro Buttes as their wedding venue, Krystal said it just had “the wedding feel” to it. The white drapery in the reception space has a romantic and elegant vibe. And the panoramic desert views seen threw the big windows are tough to beat! Another major selling point to them was the venue’s grounds; there are easily five or more distinctly different locations available for portraits. And we used every single option on their wedding day!
Each of Krystal’s bridesmaids wore matching necklaces and earrings made by Krystal’s mom.
The Emotional Ceremony
Krystal and Elvin both shed quite a few happy tears on their wedding day. As soon as Krystal started to get emotional reading her vows during the ceremony, Elvin stepped forward to hold her hand while she finished speaking. They are so connected, anticipating each other’s needs and providing support whenever possible.
Huge saguaro cacti as far as the eye can see! Definitely a classic Arizona desert view for your wedding day.
Husband and Wife Portraits all around Saguaro Buttes
Krystal and Elvin built their wedding day timeline with me in a way that allowed for lots of portraits together. Being able to explore all of Saguaro Buttes and the unique settings it offers was a top priority for them. This portrait time, right before sunset, is one of my favorite parts of the whole day. The light is gorgeous, all the nerves leading up to the ceremony are gone, and I get to photograph my couples’ first photos together as husband and wife.
I remember being so pumped for this moment. I said, “Ok, you two. It’s time for the photo I’ve been looking forward to all day… Let’s make that veil fly!”
A Fun Reception and a Nighttime Portrait
A couple of weeks before the wedding, Elvin, Krystal, and I were emailing back and forth on some final wedding details. In one of the questions I asked, they mentioned that they would be performing a choreographed dance together during the reception. I love when couples surprise their guests with a performance like this! So I immediately replied back with enthusiasm haha. “We are still practicing and are unsure if we will actually go through with it,” Elvin admitted. But as we left Sunset Point and walked back towards the venue, they gave me the best news. The show was on! None of their guests expected these two shy and quiet lovebirds to put on a special dance and were literally oohing and aahing.
Elvin’s mom was so happy for her son and was holding back tears during their whole Mother-Son dance together.
Angel, Krystal’s sister and Maid of Honor, was having a hard time pushing through her tears during her toast. So Krystal got up from her table, walked up to Angel, and stood by her side as she finished her speech.
This is one game at receptions that I always love to see on the itinerary: the Shoe Game! The bride and groom hold one of each of their shoes. The DJ will then ask them questions– like “Who is the better driver?” for example. Then they hold up that person’s shoe. They can’t see each other’s answers since they’re sitting back-to-back, but the guests can. Definitely makes for good laughs all around!
Before I left these two to party with their guests, they wanted to go back outside one more time. Not many couples ask for nighttime photos because that means sneaking away from the reception for a few minutes. But I think this photo by the pond definitely adds something special to their wedding gallery!
Even though they tend to be a bit more reserved, Elvin and Krystal also enjoy being adventurous! They love to travel and try different things together. They’ll get to do both of those things during their honeymoon that’s only a short week away. I’m sure they can hear the call of the beaches in Bora Bora already!
WEDDING VENDORS FROM THIS SPRING WEDDING
Wedding Venue | Saguaro Buttes
Venue Coordinator | Sarah Patten
Dress Shop | David’s Bridal
Invitation Designer | Shutterfly
Save the Date Cards | Zola
Florist | DIY by the bride and her family!
Hair | About Me Hair Studio
Makeup Artist | Audrey Blackburn with Makeup by Audree
Cake Shop | Village Bakehouse
Groom’s Suit | Suhail Ahmad with Apex Tailoring Studio
Groomsmen Attire | Nick’s Menswear
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Azazie
Caterer | Edge Catering
