They say life is a series of ‘firsts’. Your first steps, your first adventure, your first kiss…. And as you move through life, those ‘firsts’ come less frequently. On this beautifully warm early fall day, in the midst of a peach grove outside the lovely Farmhouse at Schnepf Farms, I had another first. Surrounded by their loved ones, Ashley + Jordan did something I had never seen done before.
They created a new tradition. One that I hope, on one hand (coming from the crazy romantic inside me), will remain unique to them…. And on the other hand, will actually catch on, because it was so incredibly sweet, so beautiful and creative. They branded a piece of wood. A round slice from a tree, raw and unfinished, perfect in it’s imperfection.
And as I watched them lift the iron from the fire, and press it to the wood, I thought to myself, and could hear their guests whisper as well… “That is really cool.” But when their officiant lifted the newly branded piece of wood, held it up for everyone to see, and spoke these words…. I was in complete awe.
“Today, Jordan and Ashley are starting a new tradition. As a sign of their love for each other, the intertwining of their lives, and the fire that burns within their souls for each other, gathered together among friends and family, they will brand this piece of wood. This brand will be on permanent display in their home to show their devotion to each other, today, tomorrow and the rest of their lives. To help them find their way back home, if ever lost in the turbulent storms of life. To remind them of the love and support that each of you have given them today and that you continue to give each and every day. As this brand cannot be undone, so shall their promise to each other stand the test of time.”
For each wedding, each engagement, each couple, I try my best to describe in words their love, their relationship, their experience. But for this wedding, for this couple… my words fail me. Not for lack of inspiration. Quite the contrary. For the simple reason that my words could never come close to better describing the love that they share than those that were already spoken on their wedding day. And so, I hope that I’ve been able to describe this amazing love, this amazing wedding, this amazing experience, in photos.
Ashley+Jordan, thank you for allowing me the honor of documenting your wedding, your love, and your new tradition. I wish you so much happiness and joy, my friends. And I wish you a marriage filled with ‘firsts’, and also ‘forevers’. Like the rings of a tree, may your love grow through the years, weathering all that life brings, shifting and changing ever so slightly, yet remaining encircled, becoming stronger and stronger every day. 💕 ©Mindy Deluca
If you liked their wedding, check out Ashley+Jordan’s Engagement story! To see more wedding photos, follow my blog!
The CREATIVE TEAM who made this wedding so beautiful:
- Bride’s Dress: Almond Tree Boutique
- Bride’s Shoes: Laredo
- Bride’s Ring: James Allan
- Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff
- Cake: Lia’s Sweet Treats
- Caterer: Can’t Stop Smokin’ Bar-B-Q
- DJ: Gold Ring Entertainment
- Florals: Bloom & Blueprint
- Groom’s Attire: Scully
- Groom’s Shoes: Boot Barn
- Hair: Rochelle Decker
- Makeup: Jamie Kouri
- Officiant: Kevin Kosberg
- Photos: Mindy DeLuca Photography
- Venue: Schnepf Farms
- Videography: White Locket Films
The GEAR used for this Wedding:
Nikon D750, Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, Nikon 35mm f/1.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 60mm f/2.8, Nikon 85mm f/1.8, Yongnuou 560iv Speedlights, Yongnuou 560-tx and 622nll Controllers, MagMod Grids, Gels, and Sphere
Amanda says
Absolutely love the details you’ve captured here! Are you in Phoenix, AZ? I have a friend there looking for a Wedding photographer
Mindy says
Thank you Amanda! Yes, I am in Phoenix! Send your friend my way, I would love to help them!
Michele says
These are gorgeous, Mindy! Isn’t it wonderful to have so much connection to your couples? You do an incredible job!
Mindy says
Awe, thank you so much Michele! My couples are amazing, and I am so fortunate to be a part of their lives!!
Rebecca says
You are easily one of the most talented wedding photographers in Phoenix! This couple and wedding was gorgeous!
Mindy says
Oh, that is so kind of you, Rebecca! Thank you so much! And yes, they are gorgeous, and their wedding was amazing!! 🙂
Britney says
So sweet! Love that last shot of the groom picking up his new bride!
Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro says
Enjoyed the photos. Like the new tradition.
Candy says
The bride is my cousins daughter. These are some of the BEST pictures. You have captured the love, commitment, respect and fun of this young couple.
Mindy says
Thank you so very much, Candy!! They are an amazing couple and I absolutely adore them!
Kim Estes Spehar says
Beautiful, brought me to tears! Thank you Mindy!
Mindy says
Oh Yay! I’m so glad you’re happy, Kim! You have a wonderful family!!
Melissa says
These are stunning. Makes me want to move to Phoenix and get married all over again! Wow… You need to submit these for publication on the wedding photographer blogs.
Mindy says
Oh, that is incredibly kind! Thank you Melissa!
Valerie says
I LOVE all of these photos! And her dress is amazing!
Christie says
I’m so glad I found you in my search for a Phoenix Wedding Photographer!!
Olivia says
These are amazing! Phoenix is lucky to have such an amazing wedding photographer! I’ll be referring all of my friends to you for sure!
Kate says
These are stunning! You work as one of Phoenix AZ’s Wedding Photographer is absolutely knock out stunning.
And that sparkler exit!!!!
Mindy says
Thank you Kate, that is so kind!
Amber B says
Absolutely beautiful! I am looking for a wedding photographer in Phoenix, AZ. sending you an email now!
Mindy says
Thank you Amber! Would love to help and am looking forward to hearing all about your wedding!