Ashley & Nick’s Engagement Session – A Love Story Born from the Internet

Sometimes, the most unexpected moments lead to the best connections. That’s exactly how we met Ashley and Nick, a wonderful couple who stumbled upon J.R. Poole Photography in the most modern way possible—through TikTok!

Ashley first noticed us when she saw a comment we left about how we include all-day coverage to ensure no part of a wedding day goes undocumented. That little detail caught her eye, leading her to click on our profile. From there, she fell in love with our work and was thrilled to discover that we’re based in Arizona—an absolute win since she and Nick are tying the knot in Scottsdale!

We had the absolute pleasure of capturing Ashley and Nick’s engagement session in the beautiful surroundings of Star Tower in Glendale, the very community where they live. Engagement sessions are always special, but there’s something truly unique about photographing a couple in the place they call home. Their session was more than just a collection of beautiful images; it was a celebration of their love, their first home together, and the Arizona landscape that they adore.

From walking along their community lake to exploring the breathtaking desert terrain, every moment felt like a perfect reflection of Ashley and Nick’s journey. And of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to include their fur family! Getting to meet (and pet!) their beautiful cat and dog was a highlight of the session, making it all the more personal and heartfelt.

But what made this session truly unforgettable was Ashley and Nick themselves. They are the kind of people who make you feel like old friends from the moment you meet. Their warmth, humor, and kindness turned what could have been just another engagement session into an evening filled with laughter and genuine connection. By the end of it, we felt like we had known them forever.

It’s amazing to think that all of this started from a simple comment on TikTok. The internet may be a strange place sometimes, but in this case, it led us to an incredible couple whose wedding day we cannot wait to document. Ashley and Nick, thank you for letting us capture this special chapter in your lives—we already know your big day in Scottsdale is going to be nothing short of magical!

A Breath-taking Wedding in the Hualapai Mountains at Almost Heaven | Adam & Brittany

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Hualapai Mountains, Adam and Brittany Britt celebrated their wedding at "Almost Heaven," a stunning woodland venue owned by Adam’s uncle and aunt, Michael and Sheri Britt. Surrounded by towering pines and spectacular mountain views, this Kingman, Arizona venue made the perfect setting for an unforgettable day. The event was elegantly coordinated by Bellini’s Events, transforming the natural landscape into a picturesque wedding wonderland.

A Grand Entrance and Stunning Ceremony

Brittany was a vision in her Enzoani Mercedes gown from Still White’s boutique Dearly Beloved Bridal. With its elegant low-back design, the gown complemented the woodland setting and showcased Brittany's timeless style. The ceremony began with Brittany and her father making a memorable descent down the stairs from the wrap-around patio to the altar, set against the forested backdrop. As family and friends watched, the couple exchanged vows amidst the Hualapai Mountains' natural beauty, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere for their union.

Bridal Portraits Among the Majestic Mountains

After the ceremony, Adam and Brittany took some time to capture bridal portraits around the venue. The towering trees and rugged mountain landscape provided a breathtaking backdrop for these intimate moments. The photos not only highlighted the love between the newlyweds but also showcased the grandeur of the Hualapai Mountains, adding a natural elegance to the portraits.

An Elegant Reception and a Festive Taco Truck Feast

The reception took place outdoors, with guests seated at beautifully decorated picnic tables adorned with fresh florals and elegant lace runners. The ambiance was set by twinkling lights strung above, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests were treated to delicious fare from a local taco truck, adding a fun and festive twist to the reception meal. Laughter, stories, and toasts filled the air as everyone celebrated Adam and Brittany’s new beginning.

Dancing Under the Stars

As the sun set and the stars appeared, Brittany surprised everyone with a chic dress change, perfect for dancing the night away. DJ Leon kept the dance floor lively, playing a customized playlist that had everyone up and moving. Under a canopy of stars and lights, family and friends celebrated late into the night, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Adam and Brittany’s wedding at Almost Heaven in the Hualapai Mountains was a beautiful blend of natural elegance and joyful celebration. From Brittany’s stunning Enzoani gown to the majestic mountain portraits, the day was a dream come true. If you’re planning a wedding surrounded by Arizona’s natural beauty, this Kingman mountain venue might just be the perfect place to say “I do.”

Vendors Who Made It All Possible:

A Dreamy Engagement Session at the Upstate New York Lilac Festival | Jolea & Cameron

At J. R. Poole Photography, we love turning life’s most special moments into memories that last forever. Recently, we had the honor of spending a magical weekend with Jolea and Cameron in Upstate New York to capture their engagement photos at Highland Park in Rochester. Their timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as the famous Lilac Festival was in full swing, offering stunning backdrops of blooming lilacs and vibrant spring colors.

One of the highlights of the weekend was staying at Jolea and Cameron’s home, where we were able to connect on a personal level before heading out for their engagement shoot. It made the experience feel intimate and relaxed perfect for creating natural, candid photos.

For this shoot, Jolea looked radiant in her Rafina dress from Reformation, its flowy elegance complementing the natural beauty around us. The soft pastels of her dress harmonized beautifully with the blooming lilacs, creating the perfect blend of style and scenery. We also made sure to capture the couple’s fur baby, Mabel, their adorable German Shorthair Pointer, who added even more personality to their session. Including pets in engagement photos is always a special touch, and Mabel’s playful energy made for a truly heartwarming moment!

Highland Park was the ideal setting, known for its beautiful landscapes and the renowned Lilac Festival, which attracts visitors from all over. It felt like the perfect celebration of Jolea and Cameron’s love story, blending the vibrancy of spring with the joy of their engagement.

A Maternity Session at the Ranch & Welcoming Baby Palmer Home | Alek & Kirsten

When Alek and Kirsten invited us to their family ranch for their maternity session, we knew it would be a day to remember. The ranch was more than just a backdrop—it was a cherished place where memories are made, and the story of their growing family would be no different.

We began by exploring the beautiful property, which led us into a small wood where deer often roam. The woods had a serene, magical feel as light filtered through the trees, and it felt like the perfect place to celebrate the anticipation of new life.

Kirsten, glowing and full of joy, hiked through the woods with incredible strength and grace, even while pregnant. She was a champ, and the adventure of it all added such an authentic energy to the session. We laughed, captured their quiet moments together, and celebrated the journey they were on.

Fast forward to when they welcomed baby Palmer into the world. We had the privilege of continuing their story with a newborn session in the comfort of their brand new home. There’s something so intimate about photographing a family in their own space—the warmth and coziness of home naturally make the session feel effortless. Palmer, peaceful and snuggled up, fit right into the love that already filled the house. Alek and Kirsten, now settling into their roles as parents, were relaxed and beaming with happiness.

Capturing these moments—from the peaceful walks through the woods during Kirsten’s pregnancy to the joy of welcoming Palmer into their home—was truly special. Seeing their family’s story unfold in two places that mean so much to them was a reminder of the beauty in life’s transitions.

This journey, from the ranch to their new home, was a perfect reflection of Alek and Kirsten’s bond, strength, and the love they have for their growing family. We can’t wait to watch Palmer grow up in the warmth of this home they’ve created.