Intimate weddings and vow renewals are always extra special. By definition they are a small, close knit group of family members, or friends, brought together to celebrate a very special day, oftentimes in an exotic or favorite destination wedding location. Gretchen and Nick brought their young family, and a few family members and friends, to Sedona for exactly that! Their preparation and first meeting took place at L’Auberge de Sedona, the ceremony at Tlaqupaque, and their romantic portraits at a gorgeous red rock location just minutes away.

L’Auberge de Sedona offers what is perhaps the most diverse selection of scenery. From serene creek views along Oak Creek, to lush green lawns just off the creek, to incredible red rock views higher up along the foothill. The cabins, or cottages, are spread throughout the lower elevation of the property just off the creek, and offer a luxurious yet rustic feel. It was the perfect setting for this family group to prepare for this wedding!

After preparation was complete it was time for Gretchen and Nick to have their first meeting, staged right on Oak Creek. Obviously, it was love at first sight all over again as these two got to spend a moment seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony that day.

Then it was off to Tlaquepaque for the ceremony. Tlaquepaque is more or less a replica of a Colonial-Mexican settlement located in Mexico. The décor and ambiance is stucco and stonework, wrought-iron, tile flooring, clay tiled roofs, fountains and water features, a large bell tower, chapel, large and ornate oak doors, and beautiful canopies of trees all around the property. The chapel is old-world and looks like it’s taken right out of 18th century Mexico. It was the perfect romantic place for Gretchen and Nick to share their love with their children, family, and friends.

Not surprisingly, Tlaquepauqe also served as an incredible location for beginning the romantic portraits after the ceremony, before heading out to the red rocks. Once out to the red rocks the backdrop is only more enhanced by this gorgeous couple! With quintessential, sweeping Sedona views, the landscape made for the most scenic portraits.

Gretchen and Nick, thank you so much for entrusting this day to Katrina! It is our hope that these pictures will make the perfect memory for you and yours for years to come! We wish you all happy lives together and look forward to working with you again! X0X0 ~ katrina+andrew

Floral: Kim at the Jazz Bouquet Floral and Tea Shop
Hair and Makeup: Sedona Beauty Team
Preparation: L’Auberge de Sedona
Ceremony location: Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Photography: Sedona Bride Photographers
Video: Everly Films