Lori O'Toole Tucson Arizona Wedding Photographer

Heather and Brian met about an hour before their wedding ceremony at Saguaro Buttes on a beautiful day, with white puffy clouds just beginning to roll in before the storm that followed the next day.  Heather and Brian had never kissed each other on the lips until their wedding day.  As part of their Christian faith, they had decided to save that moment for their wedding.  This was a first for me and something I am so glad they didn’t tell me about until after that kiss, because I might have dropped my camera from the nervousness otherwise!  Luckily, I didn’t know, and their 1st kiss is forever recorded on the hill at Saguaro Buttes.   The amazing skies and perfectly cool windy weather seemed to make everyone lighthearted and ready for the fun of the day.  I asked Heather what her planning inspiration was for her wedding and her reply was “just my heart ♥”.  I think that says it perfectly.

Ceremony and Reception at Saguaro Buttes, Tucson, Arizona;  Video by Caleb Jackson;  Flowers by Lourdes Acciani

Reflections at the Buttes has a beautiful backdrop of the Pusch Ridge Mountains behind the ceremony location.  A lush tropical oasis with a dramatic desert background.  The first thing I noticed when I popped in to photograph Anthony and the guys before the wedding ceremony was the SHOES.  Now I hardly ever notice guys shoes – no one really does.  They are usually black and uncomfortable.  Not these!  Tan and white top-siders – boat shoes in the desert.  Not one groomsman was complaining about his shoes or his feet all day.  And they totally fit in with Michelle’s organic and rustic theme – with a little bit of Vineyard thrown in.  A rustic twig ring bearer pillow, bits of burlap style ribbon wrapped around the bouquets, muted shades of green and golds.  Michelle was one of the calmest brides ever…the only time I even saw a twinge of nervousness was just before she put the dress on.  And that disappeared as soon as she saw Anthony just a few minutes ever.  A beautiful couple, wonderful families, a perfect evening.

Ceremony and Reception at Reflections at the Buttes, Tucson, Arizona