Matt & Maris' Arizona Wedding at The Paseo

Melani Heldt
Mar 31
2 min read

Updated: Apr 15

The Paseo | Apache Junction, AZ

Matt & Maris share a first look before their Arizona wedding ceremony at The Paseo - gallery below. — Matt & Maris share a first look before their Arizona wedding ceremony at The Paseo *- gallery below.*

Matt & Maris' wedding at The Paseo in Arizona was a breathtaking celebration of love and connection. Traveling from Nashville, they chose the Superstition Mountains as their backdrop, surrounded by their closest family and friends as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Their story began in college, where they met through mutual friends. After more than six years together, their shared love for the desert made Arizona the perfect place to say their vows. Maris envisioned a wedding that felt organic and textural, embracing the landscape without being tied to typical desert themes. Every detail was intentional—natural elements, eclectic textures, and a color palette of neutrals and subtle pop of blue that blended seamlessly with the scenery.

The Paseo Wedding Venue, with its striking views of the superstition mountains, and warm, earthy tones, set the perfect stage. The evening light cast a golden glow over the ceremony, creating a timeless, intimate atmosphere. As a documentary wedding photographer, my focus was on capturing the moments as they unfolded—the quiet glances, the laughter, and the unfiltered joy of their day with the people who mattered the most to them.

One of the most heartfelt touches was a tribute to their cat, Olive, who was lovingly incorporated into the details via the custom drink menu. These personal moments are what make each wedding unique, adding depth to the story beyond the beautiful setting.

For couples looking for a wedding photographer with a documentary style and an editorial feel, Matt & Maris’ day was a perfect example of how to blend artistry with authenticity. Every wedding is different, but what remains constant is the emotion, the connections, and the fleeting moments that deserve to be preserved.

If you're planning a wedding—whether it's in the desert, the mountains, or somewhere in need of a passport — I’d be honored to be your travel wedding photographer and capture your story in a way that’s authentic, timeless, and true to you.

This wedding was featured on The Rocky Mountain Bride in their Real Weddings Blog, you can read all about it here.

It was also featured by Grace Loves Lace in their Real Weddings Section where you can see & read all about the Mya gown & Jagger robe (here)