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Couple smiling and laughing together for portraits at desert view events.

WEDDINGS

June 28th, 2025

Summer Love in the Desert: Stephan & Aaliah’s Wedding at Desert View

Stephan & Aaliah

Aaliah and Stephan’s wedding wasn’t about trends or themes—it was about meaning. From the moment they arrived at Desert View Weddings in Phoenix, Arizona, the tone was set: clean, natural, and full of love. With the Superstition Mountains in the distance and a soft breeze running through the ceremony space, the setting did what great settings do—it supported the story without ever getting in the way of it.

This was a wedding rooted in faith, family, and that lowkey kind of connection you can’t fake.

Phoenix wedding photography done right.
Couple walks together for a bridal portrait.
Beautiful colors for sunset portraits at desert view events.
Perfect backdrop at desert view events in phoenix, arizona.

Intentional Over Ornate

The couple opted out of over-the-top design in favor of simplicity done well. Their color palette—sage green and dusty rose—blended into the desert effortlessly. Instead of a first look, they shared a private prayer together before the ceremony. No cameras. No audience. Just a quiet moment between two people about to begin something sacred.

It’s this kind of intentionality that shaped the entire day. Every choice reflected who they are—elegant, grounded, and focused on what really matters.

Bride looking beautiful for a solo portrait.
Decor elemets at the wedding.
Groom looking dashing for a solo portrait.
Cake lit by the sun in phoenix, arizona.
wide angle shot of the ceremony happening at desert view events.

The Ceremony

When Stephan saw Aaliah walking down the aisle, the emotion hit hard—and didn’t let up. That was one of the shots they were most excited to have captured, and it absolutely delivered. The ceremony itself was short (about 25 minutes), but packed with emotion. A memorial table honored loved ones who couldn’t be there, and the overall feeling was one of presence, peace, and deep love.

First touch photo with bride & groom.
Bride wlaking down the aisle for the first time.
groom crying as he sees his bride walk down the aisle.
Bride laughing during the ceremony.
Precessional at the ceremony with the bride and groom in phoenix, arizona.

Post-Ceremony Portraits

We saved all portraits for after the ceremony, when the sun was low and the desert started glowing. Desert View offers one of the most iconic backdrops in the Phoenix area—open desert, textured earth, and that mountain range that looks good from every angle.

Their portraits were relaxed, romantic, and a little playful. Nothing forced. Just two people genuinely enjoying the moment. And honestly, that came through in every frame.

Bridal party together for a portrait after ceremony for phoenix wedding photography.
Bride & groom together for a photo.
Bride solo photo after the ceremony.
bride & groom laughing together for a beautiful photo.
Sun-lit ring shot as a wedding photographer in phoenix.
Groom sitting for a solo portrait.
Bride solo shot with the veil over her head.
Bride & groom taking a romantic photo at sunset in phoenix, arizona at desert view event center.
Bride & groom formal photo inside reception center at desert view events.

Reception Vibes

Once the sun dipped, the celebration kicked in. A mariachi band surprised guests and brought the energy up right away—something that meant a lot to Aaliah and her family. From formal toasts to the shoe game and the money dance, the night had range. One minute they were slow dancing with their parents, and the next they were laughing so hard they couldn’t finish a round of musical chairs.

The night ended with a formal exit (the sparkler kind), and the energy was still buzzing as they drove off.

Bride & groom doing their first dance together.
Father and daughter first dance.
Mariachi band playing as the formal dances happen.
Toaster making the groom laugh.
Guests toasting to a great toast speech.

What Made It Special

It wasn’t one moment—it was the way everything fit. From the laid-back pre-ceremony pacing to the way the light hit the mountains during bridal portraits, everything felt like it fell into place. They didn’t overthink the details, but the ones they did care about? They got them exactly right.

If you’re planning a wedding that leans into natural beauty, emotional storytelling, and an elevated but unpretentious experience—Desert View Weddings is a venue worth seriously considering.

Guest dancing at the wedding reception with a light flare.
Guests with fun LED light sunglasses at reception.
Bride putting cake onto the grooms nose during cake cutting.
Wide shot of desert view events reception venue during the reception.

Vendor Team

VENUE | Desert View Events • @desertviewweddings

EVENT PLANNING  | Kristi Marie • @kristimarieevents
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO | Peterman Photography & Video • @petermanphotoandvideo
DJ & LIGHTING | DJ Fred • @arizonasdj1

Beautiful cactus photo duiring a luxury wedding celebration in Arizona.
Craig Peterman, Arizona's top wedding photographer and top wedding videographer.

FOLLOW  @PETERMANPHOTOANDVIDEO ON INSTAGRAM

Authentic moments captured through heartfelt imagery and timeless films, crafted to reflect the true essence of your story.

We’d love to hear all about your next adventure. Let’s collaborate and turn it into something truly extraordinary.

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