Heather + Dylan’s Scenic and Intimate Woodland Wedding at Chapel of the Valley

There are some weddings that I get to be a part of that feel so special and unique to the couple celebrating their love – and Heather and Dylan’s intimate wedding ceremony in the beauty of Prescott Valley, AZ is one that is at the top of that list! Every aspect of their day was truly exactly what they wanted, with the people they wanted, in a location that could not have highlighted the beauty of their love in a more stunning way. I’m so excited to share some of my favorite highlights from this amazing wedding here!

Heather and Dylan

Heather and Dylan's love story began like many others in the modern age, through a dating app! They met on Tinder and hit it off instantly, connecting when Heather lived in Iowa and Dylan was visiting his parents for Christmas from Phoenix. Despite living in different states, they knew they had found something special in each other and decided to pursue a long-distance relationship. They spent the first 9 months growing their relationship from afar until Dylan moved to IA. Then due to Dylan’s school program and Heather’s work, they were long-distance again shortly after for 3 years. After what felt like such a long road, they were finally able to move to the same place and begin their beautiful life together! They chose to celebrate their love in an intimate woodland wedding ceremony with their closest friends and family in the perfect setting at Chapel of the Valley.

Chapel of the Valley: a Woodland Wedding Venue on Lynx Lake

Chapel of the Valley is a truly beautiful woodland wedding location with both natural beauty and a touch of rustic charm. The Chapel itself is full of rich history – from its floors to the pews, to the floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows – each aspect of this historic site tells a beautiful story. Nestled among the towering pine trees, this gorgeous location provided the most picturesque backdrop for their ceremony in the forest.

Afterward, we took their wedding portraits, splitting them between two locations; the Chapel and Lynx Lake. We got so lucky with the weather and were able to get some completely stunning outdoor photos just before a storm was rolling in! The light and colors were unreal, and I honestly could not have imagined a more perfect and romantic mood for Heather and Dylan’s day!

A uniquely beautiful Intimate wedding celebration

From start to finish, their gorgeous woodland wedding was filled with so many unique details and moments that felt so specific to this incredible couple. Heather got ready with her mother at this incredibly cool Airbnb, which had an entire wall made from the natural granite of the hill that the house was built into – we made sure to get a few snaps in front of that beautiful backdrop! Heather and Dylan’s ceremony was intimate and filled with only their closest family and friends. They had originally planned to elope but decided that they wanted to celebrate together with the people they loved the most. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and of course, their beloved dogs Piper and Pig (please see photos! I could not have asked for more photogenic, furry subjects!). The ceremony was super short and sweet, and ended with everyone waiting outside the chapel to throw lavender over them!

Because it was such an intimate ceremony, we were able to get some really fun shots of Heather and Dylan with all of their wedding guests! After taking those romantic/moody/pre-storm photos, Heather and Dylan invited all of their guests to a local restaurant called the Gurley St Grill for a dinner reception. They wanted this to be an intimate wedding celebration dinner without a camera present, which is something that many of my intimate wedding couples request. I always love being available when photos are wanted, and also find it so special when couples want to allow space for those special family moments without a lens present. In every way, Heather and Dylan did exactly what they wanted regardless of expectations, and created such a uniquely beautiful wedding celebration which I felt so lucky to experience!

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Capturing this intimate woodland wedding with Heather and Dylan was truly a privilege. The tranquil and stunning natural surroundings, the relaxed yet intentional nature of the day, and the love Heather and Dylan share were so evident in every moment. I’m so happy I was able to be a part of this intimate wedding, and wishing these two all the happiness in their love and life together!

If you’re hoping to plan a smaller wedding that might be a little more unconventional and unique to you and your partner, I would love to help photograph your special day! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have.

For more intimate wedding inspiration check out this beautiful Grand Canyon elopement!

Woodland Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Frankely Photography

Venue: Chapel of the Valley

Hair: Harley Does Hair

Makeup: Urban Roots Aesthetics

Catering: Gurley Street Grill

Wedding invitations with rings and bride's shoes

Bridal floral bouquet for a woodland wedding

Bride putting on her heels in front of a quartz wall

Mother of the bride hugging bride before wedding ceremony

Groom and wedding officiant standing at the front of a chapel with beautiful stained glass in the background

Bride's father walking bride down the aisle in an intimate chapel wedding

Bride and groom reciting vows in front of beautiful stained glass

Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing in front of stained glass in a chapel

Bride and groom standing in front of stained glass at an intimate chapel wedding

Bride and groom recessional outside with close family and friends throwing lavendar

Bride and groom signing marriage license in front of stained glass at intimate chapel wedding

Bride and groom signing marriage license with witnesses at intimate chapel wedding

Up close image of wedding guest book and floral pen at intimate woodland wedding

Wedding guests at an intimate woodland wedding

Bride and groom with family members at intimate woodland wedding

Bride and groom with family at intimate wedding

Bride and groom dancing on stone patio with lake and rolling hills in the background

Black and white photo of bride and groom with family and friends at intimate woodland wedding

Image of neon Gurley Street Grill restaurant sign

White wedding cake with floral arrangement on top

Black and white photo of bride and groom with lake and rolling hills in background

Up close image of bride with floral bouquet in the woods

Groom walking in the woods with lake in the background

Black and white photo of bride and groom under an umbrella

Bride and groom on a path under trees for a woodland wedding

Bride and groom holding their two dogs outside at intimate woodland wedding

Black French bulldog at intimate wedding

Black and white photo of bride and groom holding their Dachshund and French Bulldog

Bride kissing her Dachshund at woodland wedding

Bride and groom walking their dogs through tall grass outside at intimate woodland wedding

Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing in the woods with lake in the background

Bride and groom standing in front of a lake

Close up of bride and groom's rings with their hands holding an umbrella

Black and white photo of groom holding bride outside at a woodland wedding

Are you looking to plan your very own intimate wedding? I’d love to be a part of it and photograph your day for you! Get in touch now to check availability and for more information.

Did you love Heather and Dylan’s intimate woodland wedding? I’d love to read your reactions – just sound off in the comments below!

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