Okay, Kelsey and Joshua’s day is the perfect example of why wedding details are so important on your big day. If you’re anything like me… You don’t want your wedding to feel like a performance. You want it to feel real, and grounded, and as an Arizona wedding photographer, I know that those are the kinds of days that feel the best and photograph the best. Let’s get into why the smallest details will make the biggest difference in how you experience your wedding day! 

Why Wedding Details Add Intention to Your Day

If you’re sitting there during wedding planning, thinking that you’ll just choose everything based on what looks the nicest and move on to the next box on the checklist, let’s pause for a sec. Because that’s gonna land you in a situation on your wedding day where you’re looking around thinking, “Ummm… None of this feels like me.” And that’s never what we want.

When you choose every tiny thing with intention, it shows, because the meaning behind every wedding detail comes together in a way that not only makes your wedding day feel super special and sentimental, but also in a way that your guests will never forget. This applies to everything, big and small. I’m talking about your venue, your color scheme, your decor, and even the little snuggly-alone-time moments you add into your timeline! Even if it’s a pizza box you saved from your first date, I’m so here for it. 

Wedding Details from Kelsey and Joshua’s Wedding That Made the Day Feel So Them

Kelsey and Joshua wanted their day to be all about the in-between moments, and it shows. The focus was all about how the day felt, and when that’s the priority, the day always ends up looking stunning!

They were intentional about every single detail and how each thing would affect their presence and their guests’ presence. And that’s the best way to plan a wedding. 

Here are a few of the small wedding details that they incorporated that I seriously can’t stop thinking about. 

Their Arizona Wedding Venue, Saguaro Guest Lake Ranch

Saguaro Guest Lake Ranch was the place for a wedding like this. The mountains are Kelsey and Joshua’s happy place, so of course, a venue with views like this just felt right! 

It was also super important to these two that they had plenty of room and never felt crammed. And I mean… who can blame them? So, yeah, the wide-open spaces at Saguaro Guest Lake Ranch held all of their happy moments really well, from hugs with childhood friends to teary-eyed vows. 

If this venue has your dream wedding venue energy… Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about it: 

• Max capacity is 200, so you can have all of your favorite people celebrating you in an epic dance floor situation. 
• This venue offers wedding weekends, which are always my jam. The on-site cabins can hold up to 60 guests over the weekend, and that’s the kind of small wedding detail that makes a big deal. 
• They don’t offer weddings year-round here, just in March through April, then September through December, so dates book up fast. Be sure to snag your date as soon as you have it in mind! 

Whether you choose this venue or another one, here’s my guide on how to make your wedding venue feel like you! 

Thrifted Wedding Details + Decor

Kelsey knows the way to my heart… AKA, she loves thrifting. 

She thrifted a ton of pieces that she and Joshua used as decor, which is a detail I always love. And I mean, what’s a better engaged era date night than going wedding decor thrifting together?! 

My favorite part of it all, though, is that they used some thrifted furniture at the wedding that they’re repurposing as decor in their new home. Having pieces in your home from the day you started your forever is a little thing that means so much! 

Meaningful Wedding Details + Decor

Something old, something new, something… Meaningful? 

Having decor that holds meaning is one of those things that really makes a difference in how your day feels. For example, Kelsey’s dad made a cross arch before he passed away, and that’s what these two said “I do” in front of. Knowing that there was a piece of him in the day is something that they’ll cherish forever, and that’s exactly why I say that the small wedding details matter the absolute most. 

A Bright Wedding Color Palette

Their bright color scheme is still living rent-free in my head. The mismatched bridesmaid dresses with bouquets that matched each one? The floral wedding invites? The blue shoes? This is your sign: if you want color… Do it. 

One of my favorite wedding ideas that I’ve seen is to take each of your favorite colors and make those the base of your wedding color palette. That’s the kind of stuff that makes things special! 

A Wedding Party That Knew the Vibes

The amount of love that Kelsey and Joshua were surrounded with really could make me cry just thinking about it. They had a large wedding party, and you could really feel the love radiating from them. So many hugs, so many happy tears, so much presence. It’s the kind of day that I dream about for every wedding, as an Arizona wedding photographer. 

A Day-of Wedding Timeline That Encourages Presence

No matter how intentional your wedding details are, your day just won’t feel how you want it to without a good plan. My top tip? Include small moments to be together throughout the day. Maybe it’s taking a minute to do private vows after your first look. Maybe it’s 15 minutes to say, “Hey, we really just did this!!” after your ceremony. 

Whatever it is, as an Arizona wedding photographer, I’ve seen how adding in these small moments changes the pace of the day and really makes a difference in how grounded and present my couples feel. So, yeah, I’ll always recommend doing that. 

While we’re on timelines… Check out my guide to planning a timeline that gets you the best golden hour photos! 

Their Vendor Dream Team

Again, your plan is what’s always gonna impact your day the most! And yes, that includes choosing vendors that you know will just get you. The ones that feel right. 

Kelsey and Joshua’s team? Incredible, no notes. 

Makeup: Makeup by Velvet

Florist: Milner Floral Co.

Planner: Untamed and Bridal

Caterer: Aioli Burger

DJ: AZ Mix Masters

Wedding Dress: Wedding Belles

Suit: The Grotto

Rentals: Captivate Rentals

Bonus: Why You Should Prioritize Wedding Detail Photos (And What You Actually Need For Them)

When wedding details are this important to your day, they obviously have to be photographed. I mean, I may be biased since I’m an Arizona wedding photographer, but I think that the full story of your day is never complete without a good flat lay. 

Here’s what I always tell my couples to keep to the side for wedding detail photos!:

• Rings
• Shoes
• Veils
• Invitations
• Ring boxes
• Vow books
• Florals
• Jewelry
• Perfumes
• Anything else sentimental

Kali M Photos | Arizona Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a day like this (full of intention, full of presence), I’d love to be a part of your team. I’m someone who knows the weight of the little things, and if that aligns with who you are, let’s connect. You can reach out about booking me right here!