Drea & Ryan's Intimate & Colorful Wedding at Sottise

Sottise | Phoenix, AZ

guests open handwritten cards & photos from the bride & groom at this intimate Arizona wedding

This vibrant wedding at Sottise, a charming French restaurant in downtown Phoenix, was full of personality, color, and thoughtful DIY details. As an documentary-style wedding photographer, I live for celebrations like this—where every detail feels deeply personal, and every moment is full of heart.

From the start, the couple described their wedding vision as thoughtful, playful, intimate, and effortlessly classy—and they absolutely nailed it. The space came alive with eclectic pops of color, hand-painted table numbers by the bride’s mom, and vases from their own home. Every touch, from the colorful bud vases arranged by friends to the ring-passing ceremony and handwritten notes for guests, was a reflection of their meaningful connection with the people they love the most.

Sottise, already a stunning space with timeless European charm, needed only a few personal touches to transform into a vibrant, cozy dinner party atmosphere. It truly felt like a celebration at the couple’s favorite neighborhood spot—which it was.

I’m so grateful to have been part of this day. As a travel wedding photographer who thrives on candid moments and emotional storytelling, weddings like this remind me why I do what I do.

Scroll through the "sneak peek" gallery below to see more from this unforgettable downtown wedding at Sottise.