Intimate Boho Micro Wedding in Sedona

Real Micro Wedding written and photographed by Amanda of Earth Below Photo.

If you're looking for a wedding day that's full of love, nature, and cozy vibes, you’ve come to the right place. I’m the photographer behind Earth Below Photo, and I had the honor of documenting a stunning micro wedding in Sedona, Arizona. This intimate celebration, held on November 8th, 2020, was the perfect mix of boho charm, modern elegance, and nature’s beauty. Let me walk you through this unforgettable day and all the details that made it so special.

A Perfect Sedona, Arizona Micro Wedding

A Little About Earth Below Photo

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the face behind Earth Below Photo, where I specialize in capturing intimate, relaxed, and beautiful moments. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing this micro wedding in Sedona, and it was one for the books. If you’re planning your own wedding, or just love to admire beautiful weddings, you’ll definitely want to check out this one-of-a-kind celebration.

The Wedding Day

This was an unforgettable micro wedding with only 15 guests, making it the perfect intimate gathering. The couple, who traveled from San Francisco, CA, chose Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek as their wedding venue.  A favorite wedding venue of mine in Sedona and an overall place to take a vacation to disconnect. Sedona’s breathtaking views and the peaceful atmosphere of the orchard made for the perfect destination wedding backdrop. Every detail of this day was carefully planned to create a cozy, boho vibe that made everyone feel like they were in a nature-filled dream.

The Perfect Wedding Venue: Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek

Set in a gorgeous apple orchard in Sedona, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek was the ideal spot for this intimate wedding. The venue features charming cabins, a main house, and the most beautiful outdoor ceremony locations to choose from. The couple chose to exchange vows under a gazebo perched on the edge of a canyon, with views of Oak Creek flowing peacefully below.

While the ceremony was planned for an outdoor space, a bit of unexpected rain led to a quick change in plans. The reception was moved to a cozy, tented space in the apple orchard, which added to the intimate vibe of the day.

The Wedding Vibe: Cozy, Boho, and Modern Elegance

The overall theme for this wedding was a perfect mix of boho, modern, and cozy vibes, with just the right splash of color and life, thanks to the gorgeous florals by Brier & Ivy Floral Designs. The florals added a lively and vibrant touch to the event, complementing the natural beauty of the venue. The mix of natural tones, elegant touches, and cozy details made the whole day feel like a dream come true.

Traditions the Couple Kept

Even with a more intimate guest list, this couple still embraced a few key wedding traditions. One of the most memorable moments was the first look. The couple opted for a private moment on a wooden bridge above some of the cabins, and some wedding portraits to follow in front of their cabin. This allowed them to share a special moment together before the rush of the day. After the first look, we spent some time capturing family portraits and group photos, giving the couple the chance to connect with their chosen guests during the cocktail hour. This thoughtful detail truly added to the overall intimate feel of the day.

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Unique Touches

This wedding was full of personal and meaningful touches thanks to the couple who are a team of talented designers and business owners. They hired a team of amazing wedding vendors to pursue the vision, including Cloth & Flame Weddings and Brier & Ivy Floral Design. The couple created a space that was uniquely theirs. Here are a few of the standout touches:

• Hanging floral installations by Brier & Ivy, which added a touch of whimsy and color.
• Cozy cabin totes filled with welcome gifts for guests, setting a warm, welcoming tone for everyone.
• A candlelit dinner, expertly curated by  Cloth & Flame local chefs, adding a luxurious yet intimate feel to the evening.
• The couple’s vow exchange along the creek, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
• Fresh apple cider made from the apples grown on-site at the orchard canyon, offering a taste of the location’s natural bounty.
• Blankets for guests to keep warm during the reception, ensuring everyone stayed cozy as they celebrated.

Favorite Moments of the Day

As a photographer, it’s hard to pick just one favorite moment from a wedding, but there were a few that really stood out to me. One of my favorites was the ceremony—the intimate setting, the sound of the creek rushing in the background, and the genuine love between the couple made it incredibly moving. Another favorite moment was during the reception, when everyone gathered beneath the cozy tent, surrounded by candlelit tablescapes and lush florals. The quiet conversations, slow dancing, and joy-filled laughter made it feel like a perfect evening.

Fully Hired, Full DIY, or In-Between?

This wedding was a perfect balance of fully hired and DIY elements. The bride, being a designer, brought a personal touch to the planning process and worked closely with her vendors to bring her vision to life. She had a clear idea of what she wanted, and the collaboration with Cloth & Flame Weddings, Brier & Ivy, and Orchard Canyon made it all come together beautifully.

Getting Ready: Relaxed and Personal

One of the things I loved about this wedding was how relaxed and personal the getting-ready process was. The bride and groom each had their own space to prepare for the big day. The groom started his morning with a cup of coffee and his dog by his side, writing vows in front of a cozy fireplace. The groom sported a blue, fitted Tailor’s Keep suit.  The bride, surrounded by her closest friends, reminisced on her relationship and shared laughter as they prepared for the ceremony. The bride slipped into a timeless Alexandra Grecco Gown, the Prisma Dress. Her hair and makeup were crafted with the most passion and skill by the late Lindsay Mikhel Roybal. It was a truly peaceful and reflective start to the day.

The Ceremony: Intimate and Serene

The ceremony took place in the a serene setting—under a gazebo overlooking Oak Creek, with the peaceful sounds of the water filling the air. The couple’s floral arch was a stunning, circular design that framed the scene perfectly. The changing yellow leaves in the background added a touch of autumn magic, creating an atmosphere of calm and beauty. The space was curated by Cloth & Flame Rentals, giving it that perfect boho-mod vibe. The overall effect was one of love, and nature coming together harmoniously.

The Reception: Cozy and Elegant

After the ceremony, the reception moved to the apple orchard, where guests gathered around candle-lit tablescapes, enjoying the warm ambiance and hanging floral arrangements. The orchard had a forest fairy vibe, lightweight and enchanting, but also cozy and intimate. Guests were treated to a meal curated by local chefs, and the dance floor became a place for slow dances, laughter,  moments of connection, and quick steps to the cocktail bar. The entire reception had a sense of intimacy, allowing everyone to enjoy each other's company and celebrate in a relaxed, beautiful setting.

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Final Thoughts: Intimate, Boho Perfection

This micro wedding in Sedona was everything a small, intimate celebration should be: cozy, relaxed, and full of intention. The couple worked with amazing vendors to bring their vision to life, and the result was a day that felt like a fairy tale. One that truly honored the couple’s love for each other and their connection with nature.

If you’re thinking about having a destination wedding or an intimate celebration, let this couple’s wedding be an inspiration. Sometimes, it’s the small, personal touches that make a wedding truly unforgettable. And remember: your wedding day is about celebrating you and the love you share—everything else is just the cherry on top. Here is some advice from the couple:

How did you keep your guest count down for this intimate wedding?

We made an agreement to invite only our inner circles: immediate family and two close friends each. We had another friend officiate the wedding so they could be included in our special day as well.

How much did you spend?

$15k-$20k

What surprised you about the wedding day itself?

There were no real surprises besides the weather! We had to pivot and rearrange some of the design details and locations of events to accommodate for freezing temps. Having a smaller party made those last minute changes more flexible and easy to achieve!

Favorite moments of the day

The ceremony was definitely our favorite and that moment when you first lock eyes with each other is truly magical and something we’ll never forget.

Advice from the couple

Our advice is to not follow any advice you get — trust your intuition and honor what you want to do on your special day!

P.S. post-wedding photo session

Fun Fact: They even set time aside to have an intentional post-wedding day session together; doing something they love—making morning coffee. The groom is the owner and founder of The Coffee Movement coffee shops in San Francisco. They rightfully brought their favorite coffee gear to make it extra special: the Fellow Kettle, and Onyx Coffee Lab beans. Post or pre-wedding day photo sessions really allow me, the photographer to tell the full story of the couple. This allows for a complete story for their final wedding gallery. I get to know the couple better which also allows me to capture them in their true essence. For the couple, it’s time to be present, take in the moments about to happen, and/or reflect on their special day. Pre-wedding and post-wedding photo sessions allow for intention to be at the forefront of their actions on this momentous occasion.