Downtown Phoenix Engagement Session - Roosevelt Row

Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Engagement

Samantha Rose Photography

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I’m so excited to finally put this blog post together from Kelsey & Suresh’s Downtown Phoenix engagement session. When you think of Arizona, you usually picture the red rocks & big saguaros - there is so much more than just the desert out here though. We headed down to Roosevelt Row to capture the urban vibe & murals by local artists. They chose this area because they spent a lot of time downtown & it’s right by one of their favorite bars in Phoenix - Angel’s Trumpet Ale House.

Looking for some of the best areas for photos in Downtown Phoenix? Here are some of my favorites:

• Roosevelt Row

• Heritage Square

• Civic Space Park

• Arizona Center & Park

Know Before You Go:

If you’re planning to have your engagement photos, couples photos, or even your senior photos taken in Downtown Phoenix - here is what to prepare for.

• Bring change to pay for street parking or download the ParkMobile app & pay on your phone. There’s also garages throughout downtown, but if you’re planning to go to multiple areas, street parking is usually easiest. Check out this map here that shows you parking locations downtown.

• Most locations you’re allowed to take photos at, but be respectful of the area & if there’s any signs that say No Photos Allowed - it’s easy enough to find a new area. If you’re planning on taking photos at a coffee shop or restaurant, it’s best to ask before you start if it’s okay.

• There are public restrooms at Heritage Square, but it typically closes before sunset.

• Always check the event schedule for Downtown (specifically Heritage Square) to make sure certain areas won’t be closed off).

Ending your engagement session at one of your favorite local spots (or even somewhere new), is a great way to celebrate & close out an evening filled with photos.

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Ready to book your own engagement session in Arizona? Whether you want city or nature - let’s chat!

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer.

Phoenix, Arizona Elopement at Papago Park

Papago Park - Phoenix, Arizona Elopement Inspiration

As an elopement photographer based in Phoenix - often times when people think of an adventure elopement in Arizona, they think you have to go up North towards Flagstaff & Sedona. The thing is - we can plan your elopement anywhere. This is a day structured around exactly what the two of you want. It’s your wedding day. If you want to celebrate with a small hike around Papago Park or go to the top of Cathedral Rock - then let’s do it! The beauty is that there are endless options & the only people we have to please are the two of you.

Five Things to Remember When it Comes to Eloping

1. No you don’t have to run off to Vegas in secret to elope. The definition of what an elopement is has changed a lot over the past few years. What it really is: two people that are in love that want their marriage celebration to be solely focused on just the two of them.

2. This day should be a true reflection of what your relationship is. There’s no specific guide book to follow. There’s no certain traditions you need to include. This is a time to make new traditions of your own.

3. There’s no doubt that the location of your elopement plays a big factor for the day. Do you want to explore someplace new? Someplace that means a lot to you both - like where you got engaged or went on your first date? Do you want to explore a whole new state? Once you start planning, think about what means the most to you & would represent your love.

4. Don’t forget the big draw to eloping is that it’s supposed to be a relaxed & stress free day! You’re not concerned about other people’s schedules, who is wearing what, or how many people you have to provide dinner for. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

5. As your photographer - I’m here for more than just taking photos & capturing memories. I’m here to plan your unique adventure. From location options, timeline planning, vendor recommendations, & all the in between. You are not planning this alone. Let’s start working on your epic elopement.

Have any questions about what goes into planning your dream day? Whether it’s about where to start, how to pick a location, or just the nitty-gritty details - let’s chat!

Phoenix Elopement Vendors Featured:

• Photographer: Samantha Rose Photography

• Florals: Prettiest Blooms

• HMUA: Destiny Rosignolo

• Dress: Brilliant Bridal

• Suit: Nick’s Menswear

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found hiking a new trail in the Valley, buying too many plants, or listening to a true crime podcast.

Why you should have an in-home session with your love

Couples Session - In Home - Phoenix, Arizona Couples Photographer

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Look, I know we’re in Phoenix, Arizona where the temperatures rarely get below 50º in winter & you’re probably used to seeing these cute, cuddly in-home photography sessions in areas that actually get snow… but I’m here to tell you it DOES NOT matter what type of weather is outside! Whether it’s 110º during the peak of Arizona summer or it’s a chilly (by Arizonian standards), cloudy day - anytime is a good time to get close to your significant other in your home.

Here’s why you should have an-home (or apartment) session with your lover:

• You get to stay at home. No traveling! I come to you.

• You can make breakfast or cookies or whatever your favorite food is & I’ll capture it. Making it, eating it, feeding each other - all of it.

• You can even wear your pajamas or whatever comfy clothes you’d usually wear when it’s just the two of you.

• It’s a good way to capture this current stage of life. Whether it’s your first apartment, first home, or just someplace you never want to forget - photos of the two of you in a place that you spend so much time is the perfect way to preserve it all.

• The reality of it is - you can do whatever you want. There’s no rules to follow, no certain way to do things - you guys just have to be yourselves & I do the rest.

Morgan & Erik were so much fun to photograph in their little apartment in Central Phoenix. With candles burning & two cups of fresh coffee in hand, they were ready to cozy up & just be themselves. They picked some comfy, cute clothes to just hang around in & let me be a fly on the wall of what a slow morning looks like for them. The Arizona sun was shining into their living room, giving us the perfect glow the whole time.

And don’t worry - if you think you’re awkward in front of the camera or don’t know what to do with your hands, that’s what I’m there for. I love capturing the natural, intimate moments, but you’re not on your own figuring out what to do. I can help with everything from outfit planning, deciding what time of day is best based on what direction your house or apartment faces & making sure that both of you have a great time. Let me capture your lazy day at home.

Looking for a spot for photos, but not inside? Check out my blog post here about my favorite engagement session locations in Phoenix.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found looking at photos of golden retrievers, finding a new hike, or buying too many plants.

Snowy Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session | Arizona Adventure Photographer

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Vanessa & Danny’s Snowy Flagstaff Engagement Session

Adventure Engagement Photographer

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Say hello to Danny & Vanessa - who I actually took engagement photos of in January & are already married now, but I still wanted to finally share their cozy engagement session. These two have been together for SEVEN years now, since my boyfriend & I met in the 9th & 10th grade, I have a special place in my heart for high school sweethearts. There’s just something so easy going with couples that know the ins & outs of each other & aren’t afraid to goof around during photos & show their personalities off - that’s these two!

Since they live in Phoenix & were getting married in the Valley, they wanted something a little different for their engagement photos. So we made our way up to Flagstaff (my first time) & bundled up to adventure around in the snow - which I only fell down in once the whole trip. The area had gotten so much snow the weekend before that certain trails were closed off, so instead of our original plan, we pulled over on the side of the road & found a clearing in the trees. I make jokes all the time how I am up to adventure anywhere - whether it’s surrounded by cacti, on top of a mountain, or just on the side of the road somewhere, I’m up for anything - this engagement session was a prime example. As long as you & your significant other choose a location that feels special & personal to the two of you, that’s all that matters.

I can’t wait to finally share photos from their February wedding on the blog soon! It was such a fun day surrounded by Vanessa & Danny’s closest friends & family - lots of dancing & good food was included as well.

No matter where you’re located & wherever you want to have your love captured - I’d love to be a part of preserving memories & being a part of these special moments in your life. Let’s chat about how you want your adventure captured.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling wedding, elopement & couples photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not headed to an engagement session she can be found binge-watching Netflix, attempting to do some yoga, or reorganizing her closet.