Mt Lemmon Snowscapes

by Cheryl Caffarella WilsonScenicPosted on One Comment

ccw-NewYearsDay2013-0037bw_webJanuary 1, 2013

Mt Lemmon is located on top of one of southern Arizona’s famous “Sky Islands” and here I was able to capture some amazing snowscapes on New Year’s Day.  The snow kept falling from the Ponderosa Pines in this area which created interesting images, especially in black & white or monochromatic.   Fresh, clean, invigorating air and crisp snow on picnic tables…SO refreshing for us desert dwellers!  For those not familiar with Mt Lemmon, it is an extremely popular recreation area near the top of the Catalina mountain range bordering the north edge of Tucson.  The elevation is significant enough to host a ski slope (9200′ feet) and provides months of quick cool-off getaways for the locals.  On this particular day we took two truckloads of snow back down to the valley where we hosted a snowball fight for neighborhood residents of ALL ages…what fun!  Only here can we enjoy a day playing in the snow and still wear shorts back down in the valley 🙂

All of these images are available for purchase in two formats: Prints or Notecards.

 

Casey & Steven Wedding: Elegance in Black, White & Turquoise

by Cheryl Caffarella WilsonPortraiture, WeddingsPosted on No Comments

ccw-HUSAR7_137-8X10-webApril 21, 2012

Casey and Steven had one of the most elegant weddings and receptions I have ever photographed.  The black & white paisley theme (with an accent shade of turquoise blue) was coordinated in every element, down to the candles used in the ceremony.  I was awestruck by the amount of detail work that went into their special day.  They had a custom-appointed covered alcove built on the Sanctuary platform which housed the communion table…the outdoor reception was no less than stellar in the transformation of a residential common area (trees, dirt one picnic table) into a wonderland with elegantly-appointed tables, lights twinkling everywhere, amazing dance floor with a custom canopy and a live band on a custom-built stage.  The bride and groom were so easy to work with (since I had also taken their engagement photos) and were such a striking couple it was hard not to go overboard snapping away.  We enjoyed many memorable shoot times throughout the day–especially their “First Look” session.  Casey was one of those who did not originally want the First Look session but changed her mind only six days before the wedding….she later told me that she was so glad she did.  It was so meaningful to have that “alone time” with her fiancee (and myself, of course) to see each other for the first time in their wedding regalia before the ceremony.  Thank you Casey and Steven for allowing me to be a forever part of your life!

 

Bryanna & Shane Engagement: Shy and Shyer

by Cheryl Caffarella WilsonEngagement, PortraiturePosted on No Comments

CCW-4910_tnJuly 18, 2011

So fun to get to work with out-of-towners Bryanna and Shane…so GLAD I got to do it before shooting their wedding in December!  It’s always my preference to do an engagement session with a couple before I shoot their wedding … it makes the wedding go so much smoother.  Bryanna took awhile to get over her shyness in front of the camera (lots of people do) but soon was old hat at following directions.  Taken at one of my most popular photo session venues, Trail Dust Town, they were game to try just about anything.  I found how they treated each other (sweetly and tenderly)…so  refreshing in today’s world.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day you two!