Tanner & Rachel

Rachel and Tanner met on their very first day of medical school. Similar class schedules and mutual friends meant Rachel and Tanner spent a lot of time together and it didn't take long for them to become friends. Very good friends. Great friends. She was cute and compassionate, he was charming, smart and funny. Before they knew it, they faced a decision many great friends face - stay great friends, or take a risk and become something more. For Tanner and Rachel, the answer was clear. They had something special and wouldn't regret pursuing it.

And indeed they wouldn't.

At their reception Saturday evening, in front of their closest family and friends, Tanner spoke these words to his new bride:

"I felt lucky just to meet you and be your friend. And I feel even luckier to have married you and love you for a lifetime."

Swoon.

These two are so sweet together and for that matter, sweet individually. They live in Minnesota and had an intimate destination wedding at Copperwynd Resort in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Rachel carried a handkerchief that her mother carried 30 years ago at her wedding:

I love photographing the bride getting ready:

Rachel's mom helped her into her dress and shoes:

Tanner got ready to meet his bride with his father and groomsmen. He looked so handsome:

The first look was so special and emotional. The image at the top of this post is one of my favorites -- I just love their expressions. And here's another favorite:

Can you believe how gorgeous Rachel looked? I loved her unique Ulla-Maija lace dress:

We walked around the property and got some great portraits before the ceremony:

More stunningness:

The bridal party and families were great sports. It was pretty hot in the sun but in the end their sacrifice paid off with these photos:

Copperwynd has won the award for most beautiful ceremony site in Phoenix time and time again. This is why:

The view to the right of the tree in the above photo is this:

That fountain is the 4th tallest fountain in the world and it goes off every hour on the hour for 15 minutes. It went off right as guests arrived for the ceremony.

Rachels' father walked her down the aisle: