Okay first off, CONGRATULATIONS, you’re engaged! Whether you’re dreaming of a Sedona elopement or planning a desert-chic wedding in Phoenix, your engagement session is the perfect way to celebrate your love and get comfortable in front of the camera. As an Arizona wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve rounded up my best insider tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready for those dreamy, romantic photos.

Real Talk From Someone Who Has Been There: Let me spill some tea: my husband and I eloped…and then had a “real” wedding later to keep the peace. On paper, it was beautiful. In reality? We’re not huge PDA or center-of-attention people, so standing in front of 100 people kissing for photos was not our vibe. Looking back, we wish we’d just found a mountain top, exchanged vows privately, and called it a day.

Here’s the twist: my own family was supportive from the jump (bless them). But not everyone in our circle got it. Some people acted like skipping a big wedding was a personal attack and that we only did it to get under their skin. The reality? They just didn’t have a close enough relationship with me or really know my husband to know what we prefer. Whether you’re eloping, throwing a micro wedding, or planning a big bash, the hardest part isn’t picking flowers; it’s managing the feelings of the people you love most.

When this sweet family reached out for a Western-inspired maternity session, we knew it had to feel authentic, intimate, and full of heart. Just outside of Phoenix in Buckeye, Arizona, we found the dreamiest setting—desert fields, Highland cows, and a storm rolling in over the mountains. This session was equal parts cozy and wild, capturing a family savoring the quiet beauty before everything changes.

Audra and Christian wanted an Ellwood Bluffs engagement photoshoot for the second part of their couples photography session. So, we traded the grand architecture of the Santa Barbara Courthouse for rugged cliffs. Here, the golden-hour light and ocean views stretched forever. The Santa Barbara coastline never disappoints. All in all, this session was about adventure, intimacy, and soaking in the beauty of nature.

When it comes to Santa Barbara engagement photography, few locations compare to the timeless beauty of the Santa Barbara Courthouse. With its grand Spanish architecture, lush sunken gardens, and sweeping city views from the Clock Tower, this historic site is a dream setting for any engagement session. Audra and Christian’s photoshoot here captured all the romance, elegance, and warmth of a perfect Southern California evening.

Big news: Julia Long Photography is officially heading to Phoenix, AZ! After spending a little too long in rainy Washington, my family and I are packing up and starting fresh in sunny Arizona. This move isn’t just about chasing the sun (although that’s a huge perk)—it’s about exciting opportunities to grow my business and connect with new clients in a totally different vibe. Phoenix, AZ photos and events are about to get even better with my drive and creativity in the mix.

This new chapter feels like the perfect blend of scary and thrilling. Endless sunshine and warm weather? Yes, please. I’m ready to take my photography and event planning to new heights with more variety, more possibilities, and more fun. Let’s do this, Phoenix!

When I think of this moody Pacific Northwest elopement day, I remember it as a day filled with spontaneity, moody weather, and light-hearted silliness. Ezra and Logan invited me to witness the beginning of their happily ever after, and I loved every minute of documenting it! Despite the rain, we carried on and made this an elopement experience these two will cherish for a lifetime.

Keep reading to see one of my all-time favorite PNW wedding day galleries!

Despite what you may have heard, no, boudoir photography isn’t about upgrading your nudes. When done right, empowering boudoir photography is a celebration of your body. It's a chance to boost self-esteem. It's also a romantic art form that can deepen the intimacy of committed relationships. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this type of creative, intimate photoshoot!