Payson AZ Engagement Photos: Van and Karley

Live in the Phoenix Valley but want something other than desert? That’s exactly what Van and Karley did for their Payson AZ Engagement Photos! They escaped the sun and heat and came up here for their forest engagement session, and we had a blast!

When Karley let Van know they couldn’t meet up for their first date right away, she was floored when Van said he’d wait the few weeks. She knew this guy was different!

Through our correspondence together and at the engagement session I loved hearing the stories of how their relationship grew, that first nervous date, how they’ve grown together, and how they weathered the crazy months of the pandemic.

“Van proposed in the same spot where he asked me to be his girlfriend. It was at this tiny park bench next to a little pond. There were candles and lit paper lanterns everywhere. With flowers and a stuffed animal that was a bigger version of a stuffed animal he gave me in the same spot. It was magical!! I cried!”

One of the most common professions for Prickly Pear VIP is teaching! Karley is a 2nd grade teacher and I loved hearing about her sweet kids and how teaching during Covid is going. I’m sure those kids absolutely adore her, she’s just the sweetest!

Van is working to finish up graduation (covid delayed the one course he needed to graduate this semester! SO close!!) and find a job in the tech world. He is so sweet to Karley and it was obvious how much he adores her. They are going to make the best married team!

The Meadow

What do you do when side-by-sides fly past you on the road leaving a cloud of dust rushing at you? Use it!

Be the end of the shoot, the sun was slipping below the mountain and we could hear the elk starting to bugle off in the distance signaling the evening setting in. We never saw them, but it was cool to hear the bugle echoing off the hills!

Van and Karley, thank you so much for driving all the way up to Payson and trusting me as we drove off further into the woods for your session. I loved getting to meet you both, get to know you, hear stories of your relationship, learn about your families, and have some fun. You two are so sweet and cute together and I can’t wait for your wedding next month!

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