Phoenix Arizona and Sedona Green Weddings | Angelina Rose Photography

On one of the coldest evenings in the desert, I watched my breathe as it dissipated into the dark sky. My mom and I made our way to the ticket counter. While the lady at the counter looked up our will-call tickets, mom and I huddled together trying to keep warm. Armed with scarves, gloves, and luckily, our semi-winter jackets from years of  living in Massachusetts. You’d think we’d be use to the cold weather but three years of being in Arizona had apparently thinned our blood.

Mom and I made a pact that this year we’d make the trip to see the Desert Botanical Luminarias. Of course I couldn’t go without my camera. I mean… how silly would THAT be!?

Let me offer you a bit of perspective on my silliness here. In 2007, my friends and family had coined a nickname for me: The Photographer Who Doesn’t Take Pictures. At every family function, my mom would be the one taking the pictures as I sat enjoying the festivities. And it’s not that I couldn’t enjoy them while taking pictures, I just preferred to immense myself deep into the sensation of being surrounded by family and relied on my memories to preserve it all. Alas, my memory failed to serve me. I can only recollect so much without sitting down to meditate on it.

So, I’ve since redeemed myself. I truly believe in the power of a photograph and embrace it. To the core.

~ Wishing you and your family a Wonderful New Year!