Desert

Ashley & Nick’s Wedding at Orange Tree Golf Resort | Scottsdale, Arizona

Ashley and Nick’s wedding day at Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona was equal parts elegant, personal, and joy-filled—an unforgettable celebration that perfectly reflected who they are as a couple.

The day began with Ashley and Nick getting ready alongside their bridesmaids and groomsmen, surrounded by laughter and anticipation. Even though their beloved pets couldn’t be there in person, Gary the dog and Cheeto the cat were thoughtfully (and humorously) included throughout the day. From Nick’s custom cufflinks to oversized cutout’s, and even cocktail napkins declaring they “couldn’t believe they weren’t invited” their furry companions were very much part of the celebration.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, the atmosphere was instantly elevated by live violin music from Shauna Hormiere. The sound of her violin set the tone as she played a beautiful rendition of “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root. As the melody filled the air, Ashley walked down the aisle toward Nick, who stood waiting beneath a stunning white domed pergola. It was a heartfelt, emotional moment that felt both intimate and timeless.

Following the ceremony, we explored the lush grounds of Orange Tree Golf Resort for portraits. Ashley and Nick looked absolutely radiant as we wandered the course, capturing romantic moments with towering palms, manicured greens, and one particularly magical spot where a fountain sprayed gloriously behind them—creating some truly show-stopping images.

The newlyweds entered their reception ready to celebrate, and the energy never dipped for the rest of the night. The photo booth was a nonstop hit, drawing in both the couple and their guests for countless laughs and memorable snapshots. Later in the evening, Ashley and Nick snuck away for some quiet moments—and a few bites of cake—for late-night photos. In true Nick fashion, he even had to swoop in and save Ashley from an unexpected run-in with the sprinklers.

As the night came to a close, guests lined up with sparklers in hand, sending Ashley and Nick off in a glowing, joyful exit that perfectly capped off the day.

Ashley and Nick’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones filled with personal details, genuine connection, and plenty of fun. We are so honored to have documented their day at Orange Tree Golf Resort and cannot wait to see what the future holds for these two.

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 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.