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This hot air balloon shoot was so much fun! It involved a lot of work, a sprained ankle and a superb creative team. Which, is why I am SO EXCITED that this was featured in 100 Layer Cake yesterday! So please stop on by and show some love.

As many locals to North Phoenix know, when the weather is nice the skies are filled with hot air balloons. Actually, being from the Midwest, this was not even on my radar until I moved here. In the summer we wake up to them surrounding our house – they are just amazing!

Once a year, I try to think of a way I can invest back into the business, whether it is a workshop or something more promotional, like renting a BALLOON! Clearly this year, I was feeling more promotional.

I may have said this once or a hundred times, but we are not from Arizona ???? So, when given the opportunity to meet other creatives and collaborate, I get very excited!! I incorporated some of my Valley Favorites to work with me on this. This vision could not have happened without them! Check out their links at the bottom of this page!

Special shout out to Charissa at Flowers by Roo, for holding my hand through-out this entire process! Haha! I was pretty nervous, and she was an actual angel! She even brought her husband, who had to join my husband, in man handling the balloon basket in place for some of our shots.

This was a sunrise session, my (new) favorite thing ever! Our balloon pilot Jesse, from Rainbow Ryders, was so patient (with me specifically). Driving to our launch site, I just remember sitting in the back seat, watching it start to get lighter and lighter out, and with out knowing it, repeatedly asking, “are we there yet?” Whoops!

Jesse, was so accommodating, and understood exactly where I was coming from. He is the only reason why I was able to get every shot with the balloon the way I did. Not to mention, he let us INSIDE of the balloon. Dreams made! I was done after that! How could it get any better? Then I remembered I was going to be eating Sift Bakehouse‘s treats later hehe!

Our models, and real life couple Madie and Brent were such great sports as well. Brent, was a little nervous about going up in a balloon. Their ride was short on my behalf, thankfully, and when they landed Rainbow Ryders provided mimosas for all of us, yum.

I could not be happier with how this entire morning turned out! These pictures make me so happy every SINGLE time I look at them. Madie was glowing in this pink gown by LUV Bridal as the sun peered over the mountains! From the break of dawn all the way to our mimosa toast, this shoot was everything and more! I’m definitely over sharing, because hello? Hot air balloon styled shoot! I would be doing a disservice to not over share.

The Creative Team

Florals: Flowers by Roo

Cake & Cookies: Sift Bakehouse

Rentals: The Confetti Studio

Dress: Luv Bridal Phoenix

Venue/Balloon: Rainbow Ryders Phoenix

Photography & Styling: Me