Enjoy!

“You guys drove three hours to be here?!” We would’ve driven farther for this Mesa AZ Temple Wedding. When we first moved to Payson, Megan wasn’t yet quite old enough to babysit our two little kids. And now here we are and she’s a beautiful married woman!

Megan is my second cousin once removed (so she and my kids are 3rd cousins), and she’s been a delight to watch grow from a sweet girl into a radiant woman. I loved what her sister Amy had to say in her toast, “Cato, I hope you have as much fun growing old with her as I did growing up with her.” It was the sweetest!

We started the day with a First Look on temple grounds. The grounds were packed that day for multiple weddings, but we were able to find ourselves a little spot without extra on-lookers so they could have their moment.

I always tell couples to take a few minutes together to visit, hug, kiss, look at outfits, walk around if they want, etc. These two took that to heart and spent nearly 10 minutes just being together, laughing, kissing, and basking in the wedding day joy.

After a little bit, their parents said, “You better go over there and tell them it’s time to start pictures or they’re likely to just hang out all day.” I hated to break up their time, but with limited time in the schedule for their portraits we did have to get going. So before I had them get up from the cute bench they’d found, we snapped a few sitting shots and then braved the sun again.

When couples tell me they have a signature pose, I am always excited. But I was definitely not expecting this one!

While we waited for our turn for pictures in front of the temple, we sheltered beneath the palms and used those few minutes for what turned out to be some of my favorites from their portraits.

In the 6 minutes they had left before it was time to go in to prep for their wedding ceremony, we were able to quickly get their shots on the steps in front of the temple!

And in the 2 minutes we had left we grabbed some super fast individuals right by the front doors.

Mesa AZ Temple Wedding: The Temple Exit

Weddings at the Mesa Arizona Temple, and all temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, are a little different than what many people might expect. Inside the temple, no photography is allowed—not because it’s secret, but because it’s sacred. The ceremonies are deeply meaningful and reserved for close family and friends who share the couple’s faith.

That means you won’t see photos of the ceremony itself here—but what you will see is the joy that overflowed as they stepped out of the temple as husband and wife, greeted by hugs, happy tears, and a crowd of people who love them dearly. It’s always such a powerful moment to capture.”

After their exit, we gathered everyone together for the traditional big group photo—a moment that’s always a little chaotic in the best way.

One of my favorite frames from this part of the day was the bride with her mom. Amber had sent me just one single photo for inspiration of a shot she wanted. I loved how these two morphed this into something extra sweet for the two of them. There was something so gentle and emotional about that in-between moment. It’s the kind of photo that feels simple at first glance, but carries so much meaning.

We wrapped up with portraits of the wedding party, and I couldn’t stop smiling watching how celebrated and supported these two were by their closest friends. Even though my coverage ended before the reception, it was such a joy to document the parts of the day that mattered most to them—and to witness the peace and excitement they carried as they stepped into marriage.

Megan and Cato, it was such a joyful day and I loved every moment with you two. You are so natural together and I could feel the happiness pour out of each and every interaction you two had. Thanks for letting me share this moment with you and help preserve the moments that matter for you, your currently families, and your future family! Love you both!

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