Romantic Southwest Tucson Wedding Inspiration

Boho wedding couple with donkey wearing flower crown

The shimmering beauty of the Southwest has always captured our attention.The mesmerism of place tends to stay with you, and Elizabeth McDonnell along with a group of talented Arizona wedding vendors collaborated to capture a small essence of this magical place.
Instead of highlighting the typical succulents and cacti this shoot focuses on the romance and vibrant colors embedded in Southwestern culture. From a donkey adorned with a floral wreath to stunning florals designed by Butterfly Petals. This shoot will leave you wishing for a sunny day filled with guitar music and tequila. Soak up all of the loveliness this Southwest inspired Tucson wedding offers in the full gallery here, captured by Elizabeth McDonnell.

Woman holding wedding invitations on a silver tray

Bohemian bride with flower crown and lace veil dress

Woman in white holds colorful exotic flower bouquet

Woman and flower adorned donkey wedding decor idea

Adorable toddler girl in floral crown smiling sweetly

El Tiradito shrine

One night the idea came to shoot in Tucson where there is a lovely historic section with great Mexican, Southwest culture and design. I started picturing some sort of romantic shrine with a lot of candles in an old adobe building. Then I remembered reading something about the El Tiradito shrine. Not only is it a historic shrine, it's one with a sweet Romeo and Juliet story. People still leave their wishes and prayers at the shrine.

Bohemian wedding with bride groom and floral archway

Newlyweds walk through falling rose petals wedding day

Mexico inspired floral selection

I wanted the floral to be native and romantic. I worked with bougainvillea, several cacti varieties including prickly pear in the bouquet, local greenery from trees in my yard and of course succulents. The colors were bright and happy and popped against the Mexican pottery and vintage embroidered tablecloth.

Romantic Mexican wedding table setting with vibrant flowers

Congratulatory cookies in a mason jar with pink flower

easy wedding favor idea

Mini mason jars filled with homemade cookies, wrapped with twine and a cute label. For that added touch simply tie in some flowers that go with your wedding theme. In today's case we have some vibrant bougainvillea.

Floral wedding menu card on lace napkin

Halved papayas with seeds, next to vibrant floral centerpiece

A Donkey Sets the mood

Elizabeth was amazing--since I live in Phoenix she planned the models, scouted locations and just generally pulled my vision together without a lot of influence. She even brought a donkey! Our models were incredible and perfect for that old west love story vibe with a modern twist. The entire vibe of the shoot was romantic and fun and very laid back.

Colorful fiesta drinks table with limes and flowers