I’ve been so excited to share this amazing alternative woodsy Schnepf Farms wedding at their brand new location The Meadows. They were actually one of the first full weddings to happen there! It’s definitely one of my new favorite outdoor venues in Arizona.
Sierra of Blackfern Events came to me a few years ago for her college graduation portraits. Since getting engaged and starting her wedding planning business, we’ve bonded over our dog obsession, love of the outdoors, things that are weird, sarcastic and anti-establishment streaks and wanting to serve the same type of clients through our businesses. I’m so glad to have gotten to know her and become friends and I was DANG EXCITED to shoot her beautiful wedding at the Meadow at Schnepf Farms! I absolutely LOVED her nontraditional outdoorsy alternative style with healthy doses of cool something blues, nature and awesome badass touches like her Jeffery Campbell blue boots. I’m still trying to figure out how I can wear a crystal tiara like hers from Gem & Bones on Etsy on an everyday basis. If anyone has any ideas that won’t get me strange looks at the grocery store, let me know in the comments. The Meadow at Schnepf Farms was the perfect backdrop- it’s truly amazing to me how much it looks like a forest in Flagstaff but is in the Phoenix area. If this area had been around when I was getting married, I definitely would have considered going there instead of having our wedding in Payson. It’s 100% outdoors on a working 300 acre farm in Queen Creek. The Meadow is separated from the other 2 wedding locations, in the middle of a pine tree thicket. It has ample parking for guests and everything is right there- the fully furnished bridal suite, the groom’s glamping tent, ceremony under the pine trees and reception under string lights. Pretty rad if you ask me! And let’s talk about both Brian & Sierra’s attire. Sierra’s dress was made by the uber talented local designer Cleo & Clementine, whom I’ve been dying to work with for ages. Her silver sequin dress with tulle overlay was AMAZING. It glimmered under the reception lights and I was completely transfixed the whole day. And really, it was affordable! Sierra didn’t want Brian to feel left out in the awesomeness, so she enlisted the help of also local designer Magro for a rad maroon slim fit suit for Brian which he rocked. Instead of boutonnieres, Brian & his groomsmen wore pewter pins. Matt from First Officiant married them with a lovely, highly personalized ceremony that had everyone laughing and crying. Hoot & Holler had florals on lockdown of course with vibrant darker shades of purples, reds, blues & maroons, and greenery garlands adorning the rustic farm tables from The Event Co. The food truck we had at our own wedding, United Lunchadores fed everyone under the stars with fantastic tacos because really, what else should you have at your wedding besides tacos? The answer is nothing because tacos are always a good idea. Sierra & Brian opted for churros instead of wedding cake and fed each other churros in the most adorably hilarious way. DJ Apollo kept the party going and people on the dancefloor with Sierra’s great music taste- it was the first time I had been able to request my favorite synthwave song at a wedding because hey, it was on the request list!
In getting to know Sierra, we discovered that Brian, her fiance, is eerily like my husband- down to saying some of the same phrases. Both are shy, and not very expressive with emotions around people not in their inner circle of like 2 people. So, I took that as a personal challenge to catch as many glimpses of emotion from Brian as possible thoughout the day. My 2nd shooter Sarah also has a shy husband like Richard & Brian, so she was on it and I think we were successful. One of the best things you can do if you have a shy partner is have an engagement session done by your wedding photographer. It makes everyone, but especially shy & reserved people much more comfortable with your wedding photographer without the pressure of the wedding day.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your Schnepf Farms wedding, I would LOVE to be considered because I REALLY love Schnepf Farms, especially the Meadow! Contact me to get the conversation started!
Vendor Team!
Venue: Schnepf Farms The Meadow location, Queen Creek, AZ
Officiant: Matt of First Officiant
Dress: Cleo & Clementine
Boots: Jeffery Campbell
Gemstone Tiara: Gem & Bones
Suit: Magro
Florals: Hoot & Holler
Food: United Lunchadores Food Truck
Hair: Casey B Artistry
Make up: The bride
Design & Planning: Blackfern Events
Lapel pins: SJH Designs UK
Tables: The Event Co
DJ: Apollo Productions
Thanks to my 2nd shooter Sarah for helping me!
