Styled shoots are a celebration of love, creativity, and inspiration—and this one is no different. Captured in the stunning landscape of Sedona, this shoot showcases the adventurous and whimsical spirits of Ashley and Mallory. With the red sandstone as their backdrop, the couple radiates joy, and their love shines through every frame.
What inspired the shoot?
The inspiration was simple—Ashley and Mallory. They love exploring Sedona together, and this shoot was designed to reflect their adventurous spirits. We incorporated colorful yet simple floral arrangements to match their playful personalities, letting the natural beauty of Courthouse Butte do most of the talking. The vibrant desert landscape against their stunning wedding dresses created a breathtaking scene that couldn’t be more perfect for them.
Why was this shoot important to you?
We wanted to create a shoot that highlighted how nature is for everyone. Everyone deserves to feel at home in beautiful, natural spaces and to be their true selves in the great outdoors. This shoot aimed to capture that freedom, particularly for queer couples who might not always feel represented in traditional wedding spaces.
What are the key elements that brought the styled shoot to life?
It’s hard to compete with the natural beauty of Sedona. The terracotta red sandstone of Courthouse Butte was a massive element in the shoot. Ashley and Mallory brought the magic themselves—between their love for each other and their choice of beautiful wedding dresses, they made the scene feel natural and intimate.
How would you describe the vibe of the shoot?
In five words: simple, playful, romantic, adventurous, and whimsical.
Ashley & Mallory’s Love Story
What’s your favorite memory together?
Ashley & Mallory: Our wedding day, hands down! It was such a beautiful day surrounded by family and friends, with personal touches that made it special. One of our favorites was incorporating a quote from Justice Anthony Kennedy about marriage equality, and the smashing of the glass to honor Ashley’s Jewish heritage. Plus, who could forget the fall-themed dessert bar?
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced together?
Ashley & Mallory: Surviving the pandemic! We moved in together two months before everything shut down, and suddenly, we were both working from home—me (Mallory) assisting brides who had to cancel their weddings, and Ashley teaching remotely. It was stressful, with furloughs, layoffs, and all the uncertainty. We call it “relationship boot camp” because it tested us in ways we never imagined, but ultimately, it made us stronger.
If you could give your younger selves advice, what would you say?
Ashley & Mallory: Coming out doesn’t mean you’ll lose the life you’ve always dreamed of. You’ll still have love, family, and everything else you want. You’ll be able to get married, have kids, and live a life that’s beyond your wildest dreams—everything will turn out better than you could ever imagine.
What’s your favorite thing about each other?
Ashley: I love Mallory’s sense of humor—she always knows how to make me laugh and brighten my day.
Mallory: Ashley’s patience and kindness stand out the most. She works with kids, and that gentle nature carries through into all her relationships. It’s such a gift.
What’s next for you two?
Ashley & Mallory: Right now, we’re focused on traveling and finding financial stability. We’ve been dreaming about traveling for a long time, and now that things have calmed down, we’re excited to explore new places. Eventually, we want to buy a house and start a family, but we’re enjoying being newlyweds for a bit longer before jumping into that next adventure.
Any fun facts about you two?
Ashley & Mallory: We love creating social media content to share our love story! You can find us on Instagram as @malleyinlove where we post about our adventures and everyday moments.
This shoot is a perfect reflection of what love and adventure look like when they come together. With nature as their backdrop, Ashley and Mallory’s playful and romantic connection takes center stage, proving that love is most beautiful when it’s authentically you.
