L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding | Kristen + Ken, Sedona, Arizona

L’Auberge de Sedona Wedding | Kristen + Ken

October 15, 2022

L'Auberge de Sedona Fall Wedding, Kristen and Ken with K Marie Weddings and Trisha Rose Photography

Overlooking the majestic views at L’Auberge de Sedona, Arizona, Kristen and Ken said their vows, in front of their most cherished family and friends, and officially became Husband and Wife.

Kristen and Ken met in the Fall of 2017 by chance, when she completed a student rotation where Ken was working. They spent time getting to know each other, and enjoyed fine dining for date nights out. They later were Engaged, on a beautiful beach at sunrise, in Hawaii. Ken filmed the proposal on his drone- Wow, talk about a proposal! Their Wedding day was filled with what they love most; their family+friends, fine dining and each other.

The day began in a cozy cabin on the grounds of L’Auberge, where the girls got started with their Beauty Team. Kristen then got into her Wedding Gown with her Sister, the Maid of Honor, and her Mother. I had asked Ken, earlier in the day, what he thought her Wedding dress might look like. I asked if he pictured her in a princess ballgown, and his response was, “Kristen is classic and elegant, I picture her in a more form fitting gown that reflects her”, and he was absolutely right! This groom really knows his leading lady!

Kristen wanted to have a first look with her father, which was so touching to witness! With her mom and sister looking on, they were able to share a really sweet moment together, and then as a family, as Kristen prepared to have her first look with her soon to be husband.

Kristen and Ken met for their first look in a really secluded space, down by the rushing water of the creek. It was calm, and quiet. She called his name, and he turned to take in the beauty of his bride. He smiled and walked to her. Soaking in all her beauty. Lightly touching her arms and shoulders, with so much love in his eyes. They shared some private words together, and a few pre wedding moments to just be together.

On their way back up to the wedding party, it began to rain. Ken held an umbrella to keep Kristen dry as they walked the grounds, and it truly showed such a loving, gentlemanly and romantic moment between the two of them.

As the rain was gracing us with her presence, we discussed how it is good luck on your Wedding day! We gathered umbrellas for the bridal party, and made our way to the Ceremony! The views from the Spirit-song Terrace are breathtaking, so when Kristen and Ken decided they were going to say I do, with the beauty of Sedona surrounding them, even rain couldn’t change that plan! Their guests cuddled up under umbrella’s and joyfully celebrated Kristen and Ken! Before and during the ceremony, we looked around and could just see everyone relaxed, and enjoying the atmosphere!

The rain slowed to a drizzle, then disappeared completely, right as Kristen began to walk down the aisle. Though she and Ken had done a first look, she still took his breath away, and we could all see just how much she means to him. She chose to wear a beautiful cathedral length veil, which Ken had not seen on her yet, for the ceremony. It blew softly in the breeze as they said their vows to one anther.

In the front rows, we watched on as Kristen and Ken’s parents were overcome with emotions of joy, and happy tears, as they watched their children become Husband and Wife. Beside Kristen, stood her sister, her lifelong best friend. Seeing the moments of pure happiness on her sister’s face was so sweet!

With their bridal party, full of their closest friends surrounding them, Kristen and Ken were officially announced as Husband and Wife! Everyone cheered to the new Mr+Mrs Ota!

The weather blessed us with a few more moments of calm, and a break in the rain while we photographed Kristen and Ken first portriats as official HUSBAND AND WIFE! The light was so beautiful. A soft breeze rustled her hair and gave the most beautiful movement in the photo’s of her veil. They shared quiet moments together, as their guests enjoyed cocktail hour. Kristen was absolutely stunning in her gown, her veil, just everything was so elegant and classic. Just as Ken imagined she would be.

When the two of them were ready to head into their reception, the whole room erupted with cheers! They gave a sweet speech, and danced their first dance as Mr+Mrs. The celebration officially started! The dance floor was lit by marquee letters, spelling out their new last name! Such a beautiful first dance backdrop!

After fine dining, the toasts began! From touching moments from the Father of the Bride, to hearing Kristen and Ken’s love story, to moments that made the bride and groom cry with laughter; I can honestly say their speeches were some of the best I have ever heard! All the speakers captivated the guests, and really gave such deep insight into who Kristen and Ken were as individuals, and how they are as they begin their lives together!

After toasts, the touching Father Daughter, and Mother Son dances began. Kristen and her dad had such a fun dance that they practiced together and really showed off their moves! Ken and his Mom danced to each corner and twirled around the dance floor. It was so darling to watch their faces as they danced in harmony. Both sides of their family seemed to have a gift in dancing!

Their Cake was also classic and elegant, and they sweetly cut their cake and fed it politely to one another- no face smashing here! After their cake kiss, we headed out for a sparkler exit! The rain was pouring down, and the bridal party was so amazing! They had umbrella’s up, and were ready to celebrate their best friends official send off as Mr+Mrs Ota!

Congratulations Kristen and Ken! We had so much fun celebrating your gorgeous wedding day with you! The love of your family and friends that surround you was felt by all. There are so many favorite moments of mine from your Wedding day, but my favorite of all is the love you two share. You were so intentional throughout your day to just BE together. To hold hands. To enjoy one another’s presence and celebrate your love with your guests. We are wishing you many years of love and happiness!