Jessica and David’s Hamptons- inspired late spring Arizona wedding was the perfect reason for family and friends from Oregon, Maryland, New York and Chicago to travel. See, David and Jessica (who owns online stationery boutique MJ Paperie) live in New York City but they wanted to infuse their wedding weekend with a vacation getaway feel and Jessica’s Tempe roots called to her. The Sanctuary Resort on Camelback was the ideal desert location to wind-down and wed.
Jessica’s eye for design is unmistakable- you can see that she successfully blended light blue, white, eggplant and fuchsia to create an elegant yet exciting feel. I love how the paper products, dresses, flowers and reception decor are not matchy-matchy but all come together in a uniquely beautiful way.
Jessica explains her color palette: The colors were a combination of the light blue and whites that remind me of a classic “Hamptons Wedding” – we began dating after running into each other in the Hamptons in New York and then got engaged on the beach in East Hampton a year later and had our engagement there so I wanted to incorporate that into the decor. On the other hand, I wanted to embrace the desert setting with the bright fuschia pinks and eggplant purple shades that we used throughout the floral design, invitation suite and the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids dresses. The sun setting over Camelback while the guests entered the reception space really brought out the vibrant colors and mirrored the shades of blue, pink and purple of the sunset.
Dave’s blue eyes are stunning
The Sanctuary Resort is chic, no matter where you are!
The gorgeous Jessica
The girl’s shoes add the perfect pop of color against the deeper shade of the dresses
You don’t get many churches that look like this in Arizona!
The table numbers are images of New York locations that are dear to Jessica and Dave (for example, the Third and Long building picture is used for table number 3- very clever!). The reception decor blended warm and cool tones seamlessly….I’m just a little teensy bit in love!
During the cake cutting, Jessica’s cousin sang “At Last” by Etta James- a special touch that Jessica really loved
Jessica tells us: The best part about our day was having a great party with all our friends. The Walkens were unbelievable! They remembered songs we requested when we saw them at a bar 9 months prior to the wedding, they knew my mom’s favorite song and played it twice for her, they were seriously outstanding! They made the party ~ I would have kept dancing for three more hours!
Jessica surprised Dave with an ice cream bar from SubZero Ice instead of a traditional groom’s cake. They offered a “Bride’s Choice” and a “Groom’s Favorite” combination for guests to try, sort of like the signature drink idea but sweeter! The guests could also build their own sundaes using several toppings and flavors and the dry ice added a bit of fun 
Jessica and I talked wedding recently and here’s what she has to say now that she’s officially a newlywed:
KG: Now that you have had some time to reflect on your wedding, what is your favorite memory from the day?
J: I think my favorite part was the cocktail hour and intro to the reception. After the ceremony and portraits were over it was so great so just enjoy everybody and relax and get the party started!
KG: What was the smartest planning decision you made?
J: Honestly, hiring great vendors! Between The Sanctuary, Rhonda, Melissa Jill… we never had any worries about things not running smoothly on our wedding day and since we don’t live in Phoenix (even though it is my hometown Dave and I are in New York) that was a HUGE plus!
KG: Did you go on a Honeymoon?
J: We went on a two week honeymoon to St. Lucia and Barbados immediately after the wedding weekend. We chose to go to a place we’d never been but that was relaxing and low key at the same time and not too far to travel. We were able to fly Jet Blue right there from Phoenix so that was great! We spent a lot of time reading and hanging out on the beach – a great way to recover from all the wedding chaos!
KG: Now that your day has come and gone, what advice would you offer brides-to-be?
J: First of all, stick to your vision (you don’t have to please everyone and they might not see the vision you have for that day… don’t let it dissuade you), don’t over think the decisions, and don’t sweat the small stuff… once the day arrives… there’s no use worrying about the little things… just enjoy it! Also, hire great vendors… especially the planner and don’t skimp on photography… you will regret it! Get a cheaper dress and spend money on great photos… you’ll have them forever! I also highly recommend videography… there are so many great options out there at all different price points. The day goes by so fast and it’s over before you know it… the video is a great way to relive all of the moments and especially the speeches from all the important family and friends. We added videography to our rehearsal dinner as well for all the great speeches that happen the night before.
KG: What has surprised you most about being married?
J: I don’t know if there have been any big surprises about being married… I think it’s just a big adjustment to reconcile 2 people’s daily habits from the laundry to cleaning to food and cooking… you can’t just leave your stuff around and get to it another day since someone else is living in the same space… those little things are always comical to navigate together!
Jessica and Dave, congratulations and thank you for sharing your day with us!
Jessica and David’s Real Wedding Team:
Wedding Coordinator: Impact Events, Rhonda Rush
Ceremony Site: Saint Mary’s Basilica
Reception Site: Sanctuary Resort and Spa on Camelback Mountain
Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography
Videographer: My Wedding Film
Bridal Gown Store: Destiny’s Bride
Bridesmaids Dresses: Twirl
Tuxedos: Tom James
Florist: Avant- Garde Studio
Invitations: Jessica for MJ Paperie
Caterer: Sanctuary Resort and Spa on Camelback Mountain
Cake: Julia Baker Confections
Ice Cream Bar: SubZero Ice
Band: The Walkens
Ceremony Musicians: Saint Mary’s Basilica, Gordon Stevenson
Cocktail Hour Musician: Miguel de Maria
Make-up Artist: Barney’s, Maureen Cosovich
Hair Stylist: Spark Studio Salon, Mandy Samford
Officiant: Father Michael Muhlen
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Linens: Wildflower Linens
Transportation: Lexani Limo
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