Since I wasn’t going to be spending the whole day with Leah and Andrew, I wanted to be sure I knew what their priorities were for their wedding day. While I do everything that I can to grab a large variety of images from different aspects of the day to tell my couples’ stories, I also want to ensure that their gallery is full of the photos that make them smile the most. Their wedding day at Saguaro Buttes venue featured Leah’s favorite colors: shades of lavender and purple with natural greens.
That Morning Inside the Venue
Anyone that knows me will tell you that I’m early for everything. If I show up “just on time,” I seriously feel like I’m running late! Well, the morning of Leah and Andrew’s wedding at Saguaro Buttes was no exception. While I unpacked my gear and waited for the bride and groom to arrive, I took a few moments to photograph the beautiful reception space that the venue team had already prepared. I knew that I wouldn’t be around when the reception kicked off, but I still wanted to document all the hard work and thought that was put into the space for their guests.
While Leah and her crew were getting glammed up, I styled a few of her bridal details. The variety of purples in her bouquet were beautiful and tied into the reception décor so well! Then the time came for Leah to put on her wedding dress. Her dress was handmade by a family member and had such a vintage feel to it. Leah also had a white sequence-covered cocktail dress waiting for her that she would change into later that night. I’m sure she absolutely freaking sparkled on the dance floor!
The Ceremony filled with Tradition
The flow of Leah and Andrew’s ceremony at Saguaro Buttes was so unique, incorporating several Jewish traditions. While at the alter, the two of them stood underneath a chuppah. Brides.com gives an amazing description of what the chuppah symbolizes: “A chuppah is a canopy under which a couple stands for the duration of their ceremony, traditionally joined by both sets of parents and the officiating rabbi. It represents the new home that the newlyweds will build together, symbolized by the cloth covering and four poles that outline the structure.”
Directly after the greeting from their officiant (a close friend of theirs), Leah and Andrew received blessings and well-wishes from several members of their families.
Andrew got overwhelmed with emotion as soon as he saw Leah turn the corner and head down the aisle towards him.
Just look at how Leah looked at her dad as he wished his daughter a happy marriage and amazing future. So sweet!
After their family members spoke, a close friend of Leah’s performed a beautiful song before the exchanging of rings and vows.
Andrew sure was excited to slide that ring on Leah’s finger!
The breaking of the glass at the ceremony’s end symbolizes the absolute finality of the marital covenant in Jewish wedding tradition. Andrew looks pretty dang content with that, don’t you think?
Sunset Portraits at Saguaro Buttes
After getting a ton of photos with family and friends, I took Leah and Andrew over to Saguaro Butte’s self-named “sunset point” area. They cooled down with a glass of wine and soaked up the last bit of sunlight. I love this spot on the venue property! I mean, it’s pretty easy to see why, right?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I gave them both a big hug and wishing them a super fun reception with everyone. I’ve been following along with Leah’s posts on Instagram and it looks like she and Andrew are living it up during their time in Maui! Congratulations, you two!
Want to see other weddings at Saguaro Buttes? Check out other couple’s wedding day stories here.
The Vendor Team
Venue | Saguaro Buttes Weddings & Events
Photographer | Christy Hunter Photography
Florist | Shellen Woolverton Barrios with Desert Blooms Flowers
Hair | friend of the bride, Pam
Makeup | Bride’s sister-in-law, Adrianne
Desserts | Mother of the bride, Deborah, and the bride’s aunt, Wendy
