Jake & Josh

There are few things more lovely than the desert during gentle weather. When Isiah and I rolled up to Lost Dutchman State Park to meet Jake & Josh on their wedding day, it was warm, the sky was mostly clear, and the colors in the landscape were popping.

We met Jake & Josh at their cabins, where they were getting ready. Family members popped in from time to time to congratulate the two and offer their support for the couple. There were lots of hugs, compliments, and (of course) a bit of the wedding day jitters.

One of my favorite moments was when Jake’s mom, Babette, came in to help him put on his jacket. She told him how proud she was of him and how excited she was for the ceremony. It was a touching family moment. But what made it especially fun for me—was that when Babette was exiting the cabin, she said to me, “Oh, we should have caught that on camera.” I never miss an opportunity, so I smiled and said, “I capture the whole thing.”

Jake & Josh had been together for almost 9 years. In that time, they’ve traveled to a wide variety of countries and shared so many special moments. I had a lot of fun hearing their stories as Isiah and the families set up the ceremony site.

Camera in hand, I took Jake & Josh to explore, snapping photos of moments ranging from sincere to silly. I absolutely adore capturing the spectrum of a couple’s personalities.

We headed to the ceremony site, where everything was set up for our grooms. As they walked down the very short aisle, one of the uncles played his acoustic guitar and sang. Sharing his music was a gift to the couple.

Isiah began the ceremony, inviting Jake’s mom, Babette, and Josh’s dad, George, to share readings they’d prepared. George offered a really moving speech about how Jake & Josh both had their own “shine,” that only got brighter when they were together. Babette shared a poem emphasizing how life is full of joys and challenges, but both are better with that special someone by your side.

The sun was burning bright as each guest participated in the ring warming. I really appreciate this wedding ritual, because it allows everyone to hold the rings and make a silent blessing for the couple.

After vows and the big kiss, everyone cheered for the two, now officially husbands! I gave Jake & Josh a moment to let it all sink in, before stealing them away for couple’s photos. The sunset lit up the sky and the mountains, bringing out all the oranges and pinks that make the desert evenings so breathtaking.

At the end of the day, we sat down with the family for a BBQ dinner and to rehydrate. It was a fun way to celebrate the marriage of Jake & Josh.

Tips for Your Lost Dutchman State Park Wedding

Here are a few things to know when planning your Lost Dutchman State Park wedding in Arizona:

Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. This is a state park and has specific regulations. I’m more than happy to help you navigate the process.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. It’s all about keeping the natural world healthy and litter-free. Remember to pack out what you bring in, stay on trails, and respect the plant and animal life.
Consider the timing. Generally, weekdays are less busy than weekends. Summer is too hot, but early spring, later fall, and winter are lovely.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Arizona wedding photographer!