One of the things I’m most grateful for as a travel wedding photographer is how often this work takes me to new places around the world. (If you’re curious to see more of that side of things, click here for more travel stories.) But every now and then, there’s a trip that’s less about photography and more about reconnecting with old friends, slower moments, and a little sunshine.

In 2022, Amanda and I made our way to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit a close friend we hadn’t seen in years. We met him back in 2016 on a trip to Israel, and though distance kept us apart, we’ve managed to stay in touch ever since.

The trip was a mix of simple joys and small adventures—hiking Camelback Mountain, indulging in our In-N-Out Burger tradition, and soaking up every bit of that warm Arizona light. One of my favorite moments was lounging poolside at the Royal Palms Resort. We had a cabana for the afternoon, and exploring the resort’s beautifully designed grounds felt like a mini adventure in itself.

If you’re the type to soundtrack your travels, this one had a clear favorite: Heartbeats by José González. Somehow, it matched the mood perfectly—calm, nostalgic, and quietly joyful.

Phoenix was a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be far-flung or fast-paced to be meaningful. Sometimes, a few days in the desert with people you care about is more than enough.