Cabins on Strawberry Hill Wedding: Chris & Joelle

Chris and Joelle could not have picked a more beautiful day for their Cabins on Strawberry Hill Wedding in Strawberry, AZ! The fall weather was perfect, the guests were there ready to celebrate, the atmosphere was full of joy, and the entire day was a delight!

When I arrived at Joelle’s cabin where she was getting her hair and makeup done, she was very nearly bouncing in her seat! She was so excited to have her wedding day here and to finally be getting ready! Joelle is so full of joy and an excitement for life, you can’t help but feel energized and happy when you are near her.

Chris was ready early on and excited to get the day going! I loved seeing him with their friends and family and making sure everyone had a hug hello.

One of the awesome things about the Cabins is that it has room for you and your bridal party to stay on site together so you get a full weekend experience rather than a rushed day setting up, getting married, partying, taking down,

First Looks

This wedding had not one but two First Looks! Joelle started with a First Look with her sweet Dad. Their moment together was tender and sweet, and I loved when she got to show him the locket with the picture of her and her Mom.

Watching Chris’s face when Joelle came around the corner was so fun! “Oh my gosh, babe!!”

Cabins on Strawberry Hill Wedding Portraits

One of the awesome things about having a First Look is that you can move right into Bride and Groom photos and get a set done before most of the guests arrive. This gives them time to be them and frees up time after the ceremony to be with their loved ones.

We trekked up into the forest for their portraits and we could hardly quit clicking our shutter buttons. I love their chemistry together and the excitement you can feel in the air when they are around.

Wedding Party

This wedding party was phenomenal! They were so supportive of Chris and Joelle all day, were there to pitch in however needed, hyped them up every step of the way, and were so easy to work with. I loved getting to be with each of them!

Wedding Ceremony

With Wilson as the Ring Bearer, the awesome poem vow from Chris, the touching words from Joelle, and the fabulous ceremony by their officiant, Dominick (Joelle’s brother), this ceremony was the perfect touch of emotion, humor, layers of meaning, and joy.

Cabins on Strawberry Hill Ramada: Cocktail Hour and Reception

Because of the timing of their First Look we were able to do their Bride and Groom portraits, family photos, and wedding party photos before the ceremony, so Chris and Joelle were able to spend cocktail hour mingling with their guests and spend more time celebrating with their loved ones.

The Ramada, built by the Cabins during the 2020 wedding cancellation season, is such an amazing spot for the reception! It’s gorgeous and absolutely perfect! I can hardly remember the property without it; it just fits it all so perfectly. K Marie Weddings did an amazing job setting up and decorating the space to give just the perfect touch to the wedding ambiance.

Why have one wedding cake when you can have a whole wedding dessert charcuterie table?! Kendra and her daughters did an AMAZING job preparing and setting up the table.

Before the sun dipped behind the hill for the night, we stepped out for some quick sunset portraits by the entrance. Sunset portraits don’t have to be long or crazy. 3-7 minutes is perfect to just step out, get a picture together in the last glow, and finish off the official part of the day before the party ramps up.

It’s not uncommon for cars to honk as they drive by…but when Herbie the Love Bug just happens to drive by and honks…you know your wedding gets the official seal of approval! Chris was so excited!

The toasts that evening were so perfectly on point. The Fathers outdid themselves and both the Best Man and Maid of Honor had everyone rolling in their seats. They nailed the perfect mixture of sentiment, stories, humor, and celebration. “Aren’t they a beautiful couple?!”

And then it was party time on the dance floor!

Just before my coverage time was up for the night, Chris and Joelle were able to open their gift from Kylie, their amazing wedding planner. The custom mugs were, as you can see below, a HUGE hit!

Chris and Joelle, thank you SO MUCH for inviting me into such an incredible season of celebration and love. The entire day and experience was filled with the sweetest energy, the best people, and boundless joy. It was such a pleasure to be with your friends and family and to see how much you love them and they love you. You two are a treasure and I am so honored that I got to be there as your sidekick and friend. Love you both (and Wilson too)!

Cabins on Strawberry Hill Wedding Vendors and Creative Team

PLANNER: K Marie Weddings
VENUE: Cabins on Strawberry Hill
HAIR & MAKEUP: Something Beautiful Styles
DJ: Impact DJS
DRESS: Brilliant Bridal
FLORIST: AZ Wildflowers and Gifts
DECOR RENTALS: Rustique Rentals
DESSERT CHARCUTERIE TABLE:  Kendra’s Country Bakery
CATERING: Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta
BARTENDERS: Travelin’ Tavern & Arizona Bartenders
SHUTTLE SERVICES: Jerry’s Payson Club
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marquette LaRee
SECOND SHOOTER: Quianna Marie

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