In 2022, there were two amazing things that happened in my personal life to make me the happiest and most productive I’ve been since starting my business. The fact that they weren’t at all business related and now, have turned into a relationship worth its weight in gold FOR and BECAUSE of my business is strictly God’s hand moving at His perfect time.

I open with that because Natalie, featured in these images, is one of those two things. The other is working out again with a regimen from Cannon Trained, which if you’re looking for personal training is THE COACH for you. He’s always been my favorite coach, and I’ve known him and his wife for a whole decade!

Natalie, or “Ms. Natalie” in our house, is possibly the kindest human you will find on this planet. Her constant steadiness, love for others, compassion and empathy are part of what my family LOVES about Ms. Natalie. Plus, as my two and four year old will tell you, she’s fun! (Though, if you ask my two year old, it might sound more like “Ms Nayawie”, which is just the most adorable way to speak a name you love.)

The desert sun was glowing for this session, shot hybrid on digital and film formats. 🙂 Earlier in the day, the dreary sky was filled with clouds and threatened thunderstorms in the afternoon, but to my surprise and delight, the skies opened up and became completely clear and sunny for our afternoon session!

Though you can’t see it, the temperatures in the mountain areas surrounding the valley are typically cooler, and this trailhead is no exception. It dropped a good 10 degrees from what was already a tad chilly for us Phoenicians. Luckily, Natalie and Alex are actual champs and you can’t tell at all that we were a tad too cool! Alex even remarked it was preferable because he was guaranteed not to sweat in this weather.

Natalie and Alex, I hope you LOVE these images for years and years to come, and as Natalie remarked on the trail, “these [are] the pictures you show to your kids one day”. I hope you felt loved during our time together and remember how special this early stage in your marriage is by always being able to look back on this chapter! 🙂 It was an absolute honor to serve and love y’all through my lens.

Meet the Team

Photographer | Alexandra Joy Photography

Gear List

Canon R6, Canon 50 mm f/1.2, Canon 85 mm f/1.4, Kamrette Lyra bag

Canon EOS 3, Kodak Portra 160 35mm film