Allie + Justin Flagstaff Buffalo Park Adventure Engagement Session With Their Bird Viridian
Allie will never forget the way Justin made her giggle the first time she noticed him in their high school orchestra with a violin under his chin, awkwardly lumbering a bow across its strings. While he wasn't an instant music prodigy fumbling through cords on the violin for the first time, Justin played through Allie's mind from that day forward like a symphony.
After a few brief conversations, countless stares in each other's general direction, and asking for her phone number, Justing asked Allie to homecoming. They enjoyed slow dancing even though the DJ played only up-tempo songs, their first kiss, and later that evening joined friends for a movie night for what could've been the best first date, well, ever.
The sweet melody for Allie and Justin was how comfortable and safe they felt in each other's presence, and a few years later, Justin proposed at the Flagstaff observatory on a starry night with a view that overlooked the city.
They will wed at Wedgewood Weddings in Palm Valley later this year with many thanks to a music teacher that convinced Justin to join the orchestra where he finally got the opportunity to talk to his longtime crush.
When Allie messaged me and asked if it was crazy to want to include her pet bird as part of their engagement session, I immediately wrote back in all caps ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! For months we pinned and planned an adventure session that would encapsulate just how special and unique their love story was.
Together, the four of us headed out to Buffalo Park in Flagstaff Arizona on an adventure to create a little magic. We hiked the native grassland trails and dipped into a wooded ravine just west of the park entrance and frolicked in the meadow with the view of Humphreys Peak in the distance. We took photos but also did not forget to slow down and enjoy the views, feel the wind in our hair, enjoy each others company, and soak in just how beautiful life truly is.
Their Green Cheek Conure, Viridian was just the sweetest addition during their engagement session, and I kept sneaking her sunflower seeds in between takes.
I asked Justin to lean in and whisper what he admired about Allie, his response, her ability to care for others. "I just know she will be the best mom ever." He beams because of how kind and giving she is to everyone.
I’m incredibly excited to be photographing Allie and Justine’s wedding because spending an afternoon with them and Viridian made me smitten with everything they are.