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Elopement in Payson, Arizona

Sunrise Forest Elopement in Arizona

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Do you remember Genevie and Kory!?! These two had their sunrise engagement session in Sedona this past summer! Plans came together quickly for their wedding day since they knew from the start just what they wanted. They had a few minor changes due to covid, but the party was on. Myself and their videographer, Sean Michael Images, met them the evening before in Payson to see the spot they had chosen along the rim for their ceremony. The Mongollon Rim is quite long and has two sides. I like to tell couples to find the spot that feels right to them to share their vows with each other and these two had found just the spot when they came up for visits to Payson during the Summer! Then we headed to the reception location along the lake to pick the best spot that had room for the family, a picnic table and a location that would be somewhat private. As we parted ways Kory was off to camp with his boys out on the forest service land and Genevie back into town for a night with the girls.

I was first to arrive to the location in the morning, van life makes it easy to do that when you can camp a couple of minutes away!! It was quiet, there was a slight chill in the air, but it was so peaceful and beautiful! As family started to gather, they helped set up a place for each other to sit and watch these two tie the knot! Everyone was in their place as Genevie’s mom helped her get into her dress at a nearby over look and her dad began to walk her down the aisle once she was ready. Genevie and Kory shared emotional vows to each other on a rock cliff surrounded by pines overlooking the rolling mountains. There were tears, giggles and laughter before sealing the deal with a kiss! Following congratulations from the family, everyone packed up to head to the lake as Genevie and Kory stayed with us to take some photos and spend some alone time together along the rim.

As we arrived to the lake the family had set up up a beautiful charcuterie spread, a mimosa station and had a table for the beautiful cake! Genevie prepped to get into her second dress, one that was more flowy and easy to move around in for the reception. In Kory’s words one that was more her and had more sparkles! Her and Kory shared a first look, complete with a spin for the second dress, since the first dress he saw her in it for the first time as she walked down the aisle. So these two got the best of both worlds experiencing both together. They had their first dance on a large rock nestled right over the lake to the “Perfect Duet” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé. As they finished the dance with a grand dip kiss and everyone on the lake in their boats and along the shore clapped and cheered for them!! As they enjoyed time with their family they enjoyed the snacks and drinks as well. It came time for some of their group to leave, so they popped open the champagne and shared a toast with everyone! Their family blew bubbles in celebration for a beautiful morning becoming husband and wife. Kory and Genevie ended their day taking a boat ride together in a canoe along the lake. We said our goodbyes waving from ashore as they boated away.

The wedding day was relaxed, beautiful and everyone had a great time enjoying themselves. Since they got married in the morning they planned to spend the rest of the day with the friends and family out camping on the forest service for the rest of the weekend! I am so happy to have captured these two on their wedding day, big congrats Genevie and Kory!!!!!

“Literally the most amazing woman to work with! My partner and I have never taken photos together, and we are also camera shy. Traci came in and took our engagement photos earlier this year, she made it look like we belonged infront of the camera. She made us love taking photos, so for that we will forever be grateful!! This past weekend we got married and she was there to capture our day! I was an hour late and she was so sweet! When she says she more than a photographer, believe it. She literally kept everyone going and helped with the mishaps along the way! Could not have imagined another photographer capturing our day with as much grace as she had. We could go on and on!!! But most importantly, we cannot wait to work with her again!
Xoxoxo”
– The Pottorffs