Goodness, where do I begin?!

Last December, Carmen and Joe reached out to me after connecting with a wedding group online and receiving a recommendation of my work… Let me tell you, I am forever grateful for that bride group! As soon as they contacted me, I knew they were my people, and I was praying we would be able to work together. Those prayers were answered and led not only to an incredible wedding day and Grand Canyon visit but also a lifetime friendship with these two.

Carmen and Joe met a few years ago while working at Nordstrom in Ohio. These two fell in love quickly and after trying to date long distance when Joe moved for his job, they decided to take on an adventure together and Carmen moved states away to be with Joe. Now, these two work and live in the Washington D.C. area with their little guy Milo. And he is THE cutest thing, that’s for sure!

And oh I love their proposal story! In September, Carmen, Joe, and Milo were in Chicagoland visiting family when Joe proposed on the Navy Pier ferris wheel… He waited until they were at the top and got down on one knee asking Carmen to be his wife!

These two started planning their wedding day right away and when they shared the details with me, I was in LOVE! They have impeccable taste and style – just wait until you see Carmen’s wedding gown below! Then, about six months before their wedding day, Carmen and Joe decided to go on an adventure and toss the traditional wedding idea… They decided to elope to the Grand Canyon! I love and adore these two for their excitement for life and adventure and exploration together. Their joy and happiness is so contagious! So, of course, when they asked Kyle and I to come along on one of their adventures, we were all in for the opportunity to travel with these two and their immediate families for their Grand Canyon wedding day.

Their wedding day became so much more about the memorable experience and adventure that they would be sharing with each other, Milo, their family, and close friends. I love these two for that! As everyone traveled to the Grand Canyon and gathered a couple days before the wedding, Kyle and I were welcomed with open arms by their loved ones. We enjoyed dinner and drinks and laughs and truly got to know their most favorite people in their lives… We loved it so!

And when their wedding day finally arrived, the day started of slowly and relaxing with everyone getting ready for their biggest adventure yet – becoming husband and wife overlooking the Grand Canyon! Carmen and Joe had beautiful details incorporated into their wedding day, so there is was shortage of those details being documented! And before we knew it, it was time to travel to the ceremony site – Shoshone Point – for their first look, ceremony, picnic with their sweet family and close friends, and sunset overlooking the canyon.

Their first look was breathtaking and had me teary eyed behind my camera, especially once Milo joined Carmen and Joe for hugs and kisses. The ceremony was unique in its own way as it overlooked the incredible canyon. Their vows to each other and Milo were so touching. And of course, after the ceremony, the happy tears, laughs, and tender embraces between the couple and their loved ones pulled at my heart strings. I wish I simply could have bottled up the joy and happiness from those moments for these two! It brought Kyle and I great joy to witness and be able to document their adventure.

In these moments on this wedding day and throughout our trip to the Grand Canyon with these kind people, Kyle and I were constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness and presence in our life together… Bringing opportunities and people like Carmen and Joe into our life. The Grand Canyon is so vast and magnificent that it is impossible not to feel Him. We pray Carmen and Joe have a beautiful married life together!

This wedding day was absolutely one for the books – the people, the adventure, the scenery, and so much more. At the end of the day, Carmen and Joe celebrated with those that they love and care about the most. Their future together is going to be so beautiful with the love for each other.

Carmen + Joe – Thank you isn’t enough, but we are so thankful for the adventure and friendship we gained through this exciting time in your life! We can’t wait to see your love grow and visit next time you’re in Chicago! Sending so much love your way!

Bride’s Attire: Atelier Pronovias at Nordstrom | Groom’s Attire: Ted Baker at Nordstrom | Hair + Makeup: The Bride | Ceremony: Shoshone Point at Grand Canyon National Park – Grand Canyon Village, AZ | Invitations + Paper Goods: Suzanne Gentilhomme