Today’s confession is that I am utterly, unabashedly, completely addicted to popcorn. I grew up eating it every night after a well-balanced dinner during TV time with my family. Sadly, many nights I sat solo at the dining room table glaring at my cold carrots in the dark watching the rest of my family nosh on their popcorn happily.

Clearly, I have an emotional tie to the crunchy stuff so when Phoenix Bride and Groom Magazine celebrated 10 fabulous years last summer and included a popcorn table, I was smitten. It was a bit embarrasing how I hovered, claiming to be helping keep the table stocked up. This popcorn was special and needed tending to.

The evening’s theme was a Sophisticated Circus and popcorn was a natural choice. As Victoria Canada of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events explains,

“To me, the circus is fun and a celebration so that fit the 10th Anniversary occasion but also, the wedding industry can be a bit of a circus…we all juggle many balls!”

Also, this wedding planner with more than 10 years experience likes to mix things up. I think she’s actually allergic to doing something the same way twice (unless it’s good planning practices!) so instead of a traditional Candy Bar/Buffet, which is very popular and with good reason, she added her own twist and presented a Popcorn Bar.

Popular flavors Churro and (surprise!) Pineapple Jalepeno were accompanied by vintage circus themed signs from Celebrations in Paper and sweet popcorn bags found at Etsy. 

We had a ball at the Circus, I mean, 10th Anniversary Party. Thanks to those who lent us their creative genius to make it so special!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Images courtesy of Sedona Bride

Popcorn Bar set-up, stylized and provided by Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Amber was very into flowers and cherry blossoms were Amber’s inspiration for the weding but they were out of season but with The Flower Studio’s expertise, the end result was gorgeous!

Amber and Warren are cool and comfortable, oh and a bit glamorous too!  Amber wore an antique flower in her hair made by her  mother that was crafted with vintage flowers and was part of her Grandmother’s wedding dress. Stunning. 

The cones that held rose petals were made by Amber’s mother- so sweet!

Details abound!  Wedding coordinator Victoria Canada has a knack for making events special for each of her couples. The cake by Julia Baker Confections is still being discussed in wedding circles- it’s called “The Valentino” (Amber is Italian). Warren honored his Vietnamese heritage by handing out Lai See as favors, which are small red envelopes that  bring good luck, love, and good fortune.

Amber and Warren achieved the perfect balance of incorporating family traditions with modern touches. We adore the couple and the beautiful wedding they shared with us!

The team that made it all happen:

Coordinator: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Reception Site: Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa

Florist: The Flower Studio

Photographer: Keith Pitts

Videography: Serendipity Videography

Cake: Julia Baker Confections

Invitations: Signatures Invitations and Gifts

Cerremony Musicians: String Serenade

Entertainment: The Walkens

Gown: Destiny’s Bride

Event planner and stylist Victoria Canada shares with us some of her favorite ideas for upping the style factor on your chairs at the reception or the ceremony. 

“Hand painted silk shows that pink is not always a wallflower,” says Canada. “Don’t pigeonhole your wedding style by eliminating color combinations you think might not work. Done the right way, red and pink are fresh, fun and vibrant.”  (Wildflower Linen)

The stylist suggests marking the inside of your ceremony aisle with something fun and fresh, and perhaps a little unexpected.

Victoria herself fashioned this peacock feather and ribbon aisle decoration. “This is a terrific way to create something that really pops and will blow in the breeze on a spring day.”

For a sweetheart table that will really stand out, consider a ballgown of a chair cover, like the one below, which lends instant elegance to a simple chivari chair. (Wildflower Linen)

All photos: Sedona Bride

Stylist: Victoria Canada, Victoria Canada Weddings & Events

Linens: Wildflower Linens

Shot on location at The Four Seasons Resort and Spa at Troon North

Prepare to be impressed and inspired at the  Party & Bridal Experience next month at the W Scottsdale.

Phoenix Bride & Groom is delighted to partner with Sensational Events in the production of a fabulous event designed to ease the planning process for the Valley’s discerning brides and grooms.

From cakes to caterers, this event has you covered!

On April 25th from 11 to 4, the W Scottsdale will become a bridal wonderland.  This intimate show boasts an diverse array of premier wedding and event professionals, ready to answer your questions and jumpstart your journey down the aisle.

The Party & Bridal Experience will showcase vendors such as Tri-Rentals Event Specialists, who transform any venue from ordinary to extraordinary, the floral stylings of Angelic Grove, Avant-Garde, Sugar Magnolia and Your Event Florist, and entertainment vendors who will make your heart sing.

Check out the event website at www.partybridalexperience.com for more information and to purchase tickets. This is a must-attend for any couple planning a wedding in the Valley.  And be sure to visit our fabulous advertisers at the show – BBJ Linen, BQ Photography, Ciao Baby Catering, Robert’s Catering, Special Events Table Linens, String Serenade, Twirl and United Parking Systems.

Photo credits:  Header – Sensational Events; Hors D’oeuvres – M Catering by Michael’s; Cake – Exclusive Cakes by Nancy Ray, image by Justine Miller Photography; and Floral Design – Angelic Grove, image by Sedona Bride.

“It was New Year’s Eve and romance was in the air,” commented bride Kara.

The twinkle lights, white flower petals, amazing crystals and hanging votive candles combined to create a winter wonderland for the couple at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

Look at Kara and Marvin “jumping the broom!”

The inside of the ballroom was just as sensational, with candles all aglow and spring fresh floral arrangements of hydrangeas and lillies by The Flower Studio.

Images by Hollye Schumacher Photography.

Sometimes the team at Phoenix Bride and Groom just gets swept away by the gorgeous weddings we get to cover. If this wedding doesn’t put you in the mood for love, we don’t know what will.

Rekha and Neil were married at the Four Seasons last October and tradition was very important to them. North and South Indian customs are rich with color and meaning, and Rekha and Neil beautifully blended them in a ceremony that will melt your heart.

We are preparing a story on this spectacular celebration for the Winter/Spring 2010 issue of Phoenix Bride and Groom, so we won’t give away all the delicious details, but we couldn’t keep it all to ourselves.

Tremendous thanks to photographer Ben Quillinan and event coordinator Amy Mancuso who shared this fabulous wedding. And congratulations to the newlyweds!