I grew up in east Mesa, AZ. I remember every summer going to Saguaro Lake and going boating, jet skiing and generally enjoying the area. I never really looked at the beauty of the desert because it was so present in my life growing up. After I got into photography, I started looking at it more from an artist’s perspective- seeing the subtle and not so subtle colors of the desert and the beautiful light. The Salt River area is one of my favorites in the valley and I am blessed to live so close to stunning back drops. During my wedding venue search, I stumbled across a hidden gem tucked away near my childhood summer romping grounds- Saguaro Lake Ranch. I had been horse back riding right next to the venue a few times, but never knew they did weddings. The ranch is a historic cowboy ranch from the 1930’s when they were building the Steward Mountain Dam and is full of Arizona Western charm. It operates as a lodge and artist retreat with 20 casitas during the cool months- September/October through April or early May and a kayak launch point in the summer months because the Salt River flows right next to the property. Though I chose a different venue, it was a difficult decision because of it’s stunning beauty.

This styled wedding shoot was inspired by the natural beauty of the Arizona desert, Salt River and the Bulldog cliffs that serve as the venue’s ceremony backdrop, with soft sunset colors as the palette. We wanted to showcase the venue’s romantic, stunning natural beauty with elegant but simple place settings with pops of color throughout the shoot.

Vendors

A huge thank you to every vendor involved with this shoot. Each did an amazing job contributing their time and talent, and the shoot would not have been a success without them. Thank you all!

Venue: Sagauro Lake Guest Ranch venue coordinator: Liz |  Coordination & Design: Karen of KDP Events  |  Florals: Garden Gate Florals |  Cake: Ruze Cake House  |  Make up: Jennifer Nodine  |  Invitations & Menu: Sarah Waggoner  | Menswear: Celebrity Tux & Tails  |  Dress: Jasmine Couture  | Photography: Alyssa Campbell Photography

 wedding table and blue chairs with fine china & yellow table runner and neutral colored florals

sunset watercolor wedding invitation inspired by desert and calligraphy on fine china

Saguaro Lake Ranch Mesa, AZ beautiful Bulldog mountains by Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

neutral toned floral bouquet and almost naked cake with flower decorations and gold leaf accents by Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

boho bride with floral crown and natural make up at Saguaro Lake Ranch Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

bride with beautiful blue eyes looking up wearing floral crown Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

wedding sweetheart table with plaid linens and elegant dishwear at Saguaro Lake Ranch by Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

plaid table linens with raffia charger at Saguaro Lake Ranch wedding by Saguaro Lake Ranch wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

sweet moment between bride & groom at Saguaro Lake Ranch Arizona desert wedding Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

bride & groom first dance with big beautiful loose bouquet at Saguaro Lake Ranch Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

beautiful red watercolor wedding invitations with white calligraphy on wooden charger at Saguaro Lake Ranch wedding by Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell Photography

simple nature inspired wedding table at Saguaro Lake Ranch by Mesa wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

beautiful scenic wedding table set up at Saguaro Lake Ranch by Saguaro Lake Ranch wedding photographer Alyssa Campbell

loose natural floral wedding bouquet at Saguaro Lake Ranch with almost naked cake with gold leaf accents & real flowers

wedding almost naked cake with real flowers against stunning desert mountains lit by sunset

almost naked wedding cake with gold leaf accents and sugar flowers and real flowers

Saguaro Lake Ranch at sunset with horse corrals

Saguaro Lake Ranch and mountains lit by Arizona sunset

Saguaro Lake Ranch and mountains lit by sunset light with birds circling overhead

beautiful Arizona mountains at sunset with moody clouds and rainbow

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WELCOME TO THE BLOG

Alyssa Campbell Arizona wedding photographer

Welcome! I’m an Arizona-based wedding & portrait photographer specializing in natural and documentary photos. My blog is where you can see my latest work as well as check out tips & the latest news. Following me on social media is another way to check out my recent work!