Michelle & Zach | Tucson Wedding at Bates Mansion | Tucson Wedding Photographer

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Michelle last fall when she hired me for her professional business headshots and absolutely fell in love with her story, sweet personality, and contagious smile. So of course I was thrilled when she reached out to me to photograph her wedding reception, as they had an intimate wedding ceremony atop a mountain in Phoenix last summer. She chose Bates Mansion for their English-garden themed outdoor reception venue because it is beautiful and she also used to perform fire and belly dancing there, how cool is that?!

Get ready for an overload of probably the most detail photos I’ve ever included in a blog post! Not only was their outdoor wedding venue naturally eye-catching and full of lush plants and cacti, they had tons of gorgeous details to really make the wedding their own. Each table centerpiece was unique with teacup candles placed atop handmade doilies crocheted by Michelle’s great great (and I think one more great.. ) aunt. And one of my favorite parts was the Pittsburg cookie table, a wedding tradition from his hometown in western Pennsylvania. With over 43 different kinds of cookies, almost every single delicious morsel was homemade by Zach’s mother as a gift of love. In Pittsburgh, people don’t wonder “how was the wedding?” but ask “were the cookies any good?” And I will personally vouch for them Why yes, yes they were very good. Every single one. 😉

Michelle and Zach, I am so happy that I got to be with you to celebrate your marriage and witness the fun and oh-so-natural love between you. What a fun group of friends and family you have, I know each and every one of them will be there to support you as you begin this adventure through life together. Cheers to many years of happiness!

Outdoor Wedding Reception Venue: Bates Mansion // Catering: Rincon Market // Wedding Dress: Maya Palace // Wedding Dress Designer: Allure Bridals // DJ: Che’ Wilson DJ and Entertainment, Jerry Sanchez // Photographer: Pure in Art Photography, Assistant: Regina Frausto