Arizona Private Estate Wedding
This weekend, I brought our wedding season to a close with a private estate wedding for Scarlett and George, a sweet couple I now consider part of my family. Over the last few months, we have bonded through tears, laughter, and the most important day of their lives. I am truly honored to have shared this experience with them, and I am just as honored to share their adorable love story leading up to their wedding day!
How they met
As Scarlett scrolled through the list of available guys on their dating site over eight years ago, she came across George. She was immediately drawn to his profile because it described how much he loved his dog, Dude, and how being a dog lover was a non-negotiable for George.
“If you don’t like Dude, this isn’t going to work!”
–George Long’s Dating Profile
After seeing his love for Dude and that his profile picture was in front of a winery, Scarlett (or Gail depending on how you know her!) decided to reach out. Loving Dude wasn’t the only stipulation, you see… Scarlett wanted to make sure that all of their animals got along, so for their first date, they met in a dog park. Before ever seeing George, Scarlett saw Dude running through the park and instantly recognized him from his profile picture! She was curious, however, whether or not George was going to look anything like his. She was pleasantly surprised to notice this handsome man, who looked just like George’s profile photo, approaching her.
So there they were… George and Dude, and Scarlett and one of her dogs, George. Yes, you got that right… no typos here! Her dog’s name was George, and as this new guy, George was throwing a ball for Dude and they were chatting like they had known each other for a lifetime, Scarlett’s George immediately tried to show her that he approved of her new human by peeing right on his shoe. Scarlett couldn’t believe he had done that, but now they have this running joke that Scarlett and her puppy clearly chose George and Dude to be their forever, but George still tries to take credit for this sweet love story.
After all this time…
Scarlett and George have been together for eight years, cherishing and exploring their love, friendship, comedic banter, and affection for dogs. Since their first dog park date, this sweet couple has their one and only baby, Summer and she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of her humans’ celebration! She ran around joyfully, wearing her sunflower collar and a big puppy smile across her face! She frolicked and jumped into the water surrounding the private estate and welcomed all of their closest family and friends to celebrate their life together.
However, even more than the celebration of their love, Scarlett and George wanted to focus their energy and wedding day on showing their gratitude for their friends and family. It was truly what was most important to both of them. In recent months, Scarlett’s mom has been challenged with hospital stays and the uncertainty of whether or not she would be able to witness her only daughter marry her forever soulmate.
The Top Ten
Scarlett’s dream came true, and so did her mom’s. She walked down the aisle in her wedding gown, wearing her mother’s pearls, arm and arm with her dad, and her mother in front, as her brother, Mark, her man of honor, waited anxiously at the end of the aisle. George stood next to his dad (also his best man), smiling from ear to ear as they all approached him. As they shared their vows to each other, tears of joy ran down their cheeks and in true Scarlett and George fashion laughter filled the air. And of course, Summer, their furbaby was close by.
It was… PERFECT.
During multiple occasions throughout the day, I myself wiped tears of joy from my eyes. Seeing this dream come to fruition… watching this love bring such joyful people together and witnessing so many interactions of affection just filled my heart. Here are a few of my favorites moments from Scarlett and George’s wedding day.
my top ten…The Top Ten
- Hugging Scarlett as soon as I walked in, before their first look, after their ceremony, and many more times throughout the day. Her hugs are full of strength, warmth, and love…
- Seeing the expression on Scarlett’s face when her dog, Summer, came running into the bridal suite to give her kisses.
- Watching Scarlett greet her mom and dad, with tears in her eyes
- Witnessing Scarlett and George’s first look, as Scarlett called George’s name and he turned around briskly walking to her with open arms
- Patiently waiting as tears filled my eyes and Scarlett assisted her mom out of her wheelchair so that she could stand by her side for a beautiful portrait together
- Capturing George choke up as he vowed his love to Scarlett
- The hilarious jokes and comic relief filling the outdoor patio with laughter
- Scarlett and her dad dancing together as her brother Mark lifted him their mom to special dance alongside them
- “I can’t say enough about you, you are amazing! I promise to give you a three-star review on Yelp!” -George Long
- George fishing my flash out of one of the ponds – it is currently in a bag of rice!
Scarlett and George, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your love, your sweet family, and such a momentous day in your lives. I love you always. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and thanksgiving.
creative team
ceremony location: Private Estate in Chandler, AZ
catering: Los Sombreros
flowers: Bobbie’s Flowers
rentals: Y-Knot Party Rentals
officiant: Family Friend
photography: MaeWood Photography – Jes
Check out some of our other weddings for inspiration and love stories!
No. 1 | A Fall Wedding at Winding Creek Farm
No. 2 | What to Really Ask Your Wedding Photographer
No. 3 | Waterfront Wedding at Weatherly Farm
No. 4 | Lavendar Engagement
No. 5 | Lover’s Knoll Elopement
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