An endless world of creativity awaits Tucson wedding photographers at the La Mariposa Resort. Tory and Kristen’s wedding, this past summer, was just the second I photographed there, the first with both the wedding ceremony and reception taking place on premises.
La Mariposa is located off Houghton Rd, south of Tanque Verde Highway, a quarter mile or so north of E. Speedway Blvd. Generally, whenever I have a wedding to photograph, I always do, what I refer to as ‘a wedding preview’ of the venue a few days before the wedding. The objective is to get familiarized or, in this case, re-familiarized with the setting. Of particular importance is to get a feel for how the natural and artificial lighting illuminates different sections of the venue, at various times of day. The wedding preview has to be done during the same hours that photography is anticipated on the wedding day itself. It makes no sense to scope out the area in the morning light, if the wedding is taking place in the afternoon. (Lighting is a photographer’s paint. How you use it is the most critical aspect of photography.)
Five years ago, when I crossed town to do my first wedding preview of La Mariposa, I remember having driven right by the entrance. So, when I turned onto to Houghton Road this time around, I made sure to keep my eyes peeled and looking to the right the entire way. The trials and tribulations of a wedding photographer, when I got as far as Speedway Blvd, I realized I had missed it again! Gosh! I really didn’t think I would be capable of pulling that same thing off twice! To quote the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “it was déjà vu all over again.” (The truth be told, the signage at the entrance could probably be made to appear more noticeable from the road.)
With lush green lawns, La Mariposa is like a desert oasis. A bird pond, willow trees and a gazebo, all aid to create a dreamlike setting, many engaged couples would love for their wedding venue.
While the place was rocking inside (above photos), a quieter group of people began to gather outside.
