John & Brianna’s Mogollon Rim Engagement Photos

“I had no idea Arizona could look like this!” John and Brianna’s Mogollon Rim Engagement photos happened just a few months after their move from Chicago to Flagstaff. The views, the mix of desert and forest plants, and the weather all combined for a gorgeous setting to introduce this fun couple to some of the wonders of our awesome state!

When we got to the Mogollon Rim, the wind was pretty gusty, so we decided to start in the forest first, crossing our fingers that the wind would die down some. The September forest was PERFECT! The gorgeous golden grass heads, the little yellow and white flowers, and the cool air was incredible.

Coconino Forest Engagement Photos

We’d been on video calls and sent messages back and forth for a year, but this was the first time I got to meet these two in person. Meeting these two was like being around old friends. It was immediately comfortable, conversation flowed easily, and it felt like we’d known each other for much longer.

These two came totally prepared and relaxed. They’d gone through the Bridal Guide I send to my Prickly Pear VIP wedding couples, read every prep email, followed all the tips, emailed with questions, carefully picked outfits, and came ready to just enjoy the experience. It made everything so much more easy going and they felt prepared and excited to be there!

“Can we bring our dog?” Um, yes!! I’m loving meeting my client’s pups lately. Addison joined their family as a foster dog during Covid. When it was time to give her up Brianna couldn’t do it, and Addy was adopted in. They spent the lockdown months in Chicago carefully training her and loving on her. She’s a delightful pup and John and Brianna are both just smitten with her!

We set this shot up for Addy to run to them, but she broke through their arms and came to me! So Addy and I are best friends now. 😉

“I can see the wheels turning in your head as you look at all of this! It’s fun to watch!” They were so easy-going as I looked at the light and the trees to put shots together.

Sometimes the side of the road has the best grass and flowers! We had to grab a few quick shots there before they went to change. While they were changing I held onto her engagement ring and grabbed some shots.

Ring Shots

Mogollon Rim Engagement Photos

When we walked back over to the Rim, the wind had picked up even more. I’m not a stranger to wind at sessions or weddings, but I think this one did take the cake as the windiest engagement session. I’ve a few weddings with more wind, but this was up there for sure with engagement sessions!

And they were totally chill about it!

“You said on a blog post that wind can make for epic photos. We’re not worried about it. We trust you!”

I nearly melted in a puddle. John and Brianna are dream clients in every possible way!

We took refuge in a little cove at first and got some photos snuggling in the rocks until the dust kept swirling in our eyes and we ventured out into the more open areas.

I do LOVE how wind makes skirts look in photos. They were so patient as we worked to time shots between big gusts, get the posing to help with hair flyaways, and to make sure the wind wouldn’t give her a Marilyn Monroe moment with all the other people who’d come to watch sunset there.

These ended up being some of my favorites from the whole session!

Ready for those sunset photos?! There at the Rim, in the moment the sun starts to touch the distant mountains, the light turns extra magical for about 90 seconds. We made sure that we were set up and ready so that as soon as that hit we could get as much out of that 90 seconds as possible. And gosh did these two nail it!!

(See what I mean about the wind adding epicness to the photos?!)

Then just after sunset we had to get the quintessential shots in the pink glow. It was gorgeous and totally worth fighting the wind!

John and Brianna, this was 1000% worth the drive to meet you and be with you guys that evening. I loved every minute of it! You are both delightful, easy to be around, and have such a sweet and fun chemistry with each other. I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures in your new home and even more I can’t wait to party with you next year at your wedding!!

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Want to see more sessions from this location? Check them out by clicking HERE.