You’re familiar with the typical options: storyboards, canvases, albums, and framed prints but when I came across the specialty metal prints from Black River Imaging, I was intrigued and knew I had to add metal prints to your list of options.

See, Black River Imaging actually fuses your image into the metal . The results are a single print large enough for wall mounting or even small enough to use as an ornament. They also come in many shapes so you are not limited to just square or round. Check these out:

As an engaged couple or newlywed, you will likely have many photos to work with so have a plan and follow through. You will be so happy that you actually did something with your photos!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog,

Kelly

I could have shared about 15 photos of the dogs with you. They are just luscious! Scott tells us about these adorable babies: Dillon aka Dilly is the all white bulldog and Rachel’s pride and joy. The two of them are inseparable and have an incredible bond. Payton is my brindle bulldog and is more special to me than I know how to convey over email. These girls are basically our children and we couldn’t imagine not having them as a part of our big day.

Consider your stationer a person to make friends with. Since both Rachel and Scott’s families traveled from out of state for their Arizona wedding, Stephanie at Celebrations in Paper created a custom invitation suite that included boarding passes, luggage tags as place cards, hand-drawn postcards from the towns they had visited when they were dating and corresponding table names. What a fun way to incorporate travel into your wedding!

The reception decor is simply exquisite. Somehow, Rachel and Scott (and of course their florist, Table Tops Etc.) were able to design an understated yet dramatic aesthetic. The colors are not super bright but by using tones of pink, purple and white, they managed to make the elegant arrangements anything but boring. In a large room like the Valencia Ballroom, you need to have statement centerpieces and I think these tall, airy and lush designs do the trick. Also, notice how the linens work to create a seamless palette for all those gorgeous flowers to shine. Can you tell I’m just a little bit in love with these tables?

This bridal party was super fun…their entertaining entrances crack me up

In response to my question, “What’s with the gloves?”, Scott graciously answered: “My side of the family is very musically talented and put together a slide show and choreographed a remix of Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. Each family member had one sequined glove and sung a part of the song to both Rachel and I. It was more of a “welcome to our family” moment. We were both so overwhelmed and surprised. The gloves made their way around to the dance floor and made for great photos.”

Love these sweet custom forks

I had a little post-wedding chat with this lovely couple…

KG: What was your favorite part of the day?

R/S: There really wasn’t one favorite part for either of us- every second was very humbling and special. If I had to pick my favorite moment-it was the part of our ceremony in which our Officiant, Mark Culbertson, read “I love you because” phrases that Rachel and I wrote weeks before. Some were funny. others sentimental. Neither of us knew what each other wrote until they were read aloud.

KG: What are your plans for a honeymoon?

R/S: Rachel and I are taking our honeymoon in May of 2012. We will be taking a Mediterranean cruise for 10 days!

KG: What advice would you give couples planning their weddings?

R/S: It is completely normal to not have every detail worked out, and plans will change! Surround yourself with vendors that you feel comfortable with and that see your day as you do. We were so incredibly fortunate to have found the vendors that we did. From the venue, to our stationery, to the band, to the florist to our photographers- we truly walked away with a group of new friends that will always be a part of our lives. Each one of them made our day that much more amazing.

 KG: What are your favorite things about each other?

S: My favorite thing about Rachel is how sweet, honest and funny she is each day.

R: My favorite thing about Scott is his desire to achieve, grow and be something every day, he makes life so important and memorable.

Rachel and Scott, CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for sharing your day with us!

Rachel and Scott’s Real Arizona Wedding Team:

Ceremony Site: Montelucia Resort and Spa, Valencia Lawn

Reception Site: Montelucia Resort and Spa, Valencia Ballroom

Photographer: Jason + Anna Photography

Bridal Gown Store: Vera Wang

Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Table Tops, Etc.

Invitations: Celebrations in Paper, Stephanie

Cake: Julia Baker Confections

Band: Nate Williams Band

Ceremony Musicians: Got You Covered Music

Make-up Artist: Joya Spa at Montelucia, Glenda

Hair Stylist: Joya Spa at Montelucia, Demitria

Officiant: Mark Culbertson

Linens: BBJ Linen

Rehearsal Dinner Site: Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Old Town Scottsdale

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

You’ve undoubtedly seen this crazy dust storm ceremony video shot by Shaun Martineau of Capture the Memory Wedding Films (as an Arizona resident who has witnessed these haboobs rolling across the desert floor and has had to outrun a few, I can confirm, a haboob is just about as bad as it can get for an outdoor ceremony):

My wedding day ended up being rainy and  I think the end result was a cozy and romantic day; nevertheless, one reason so many people choose Arizona specifically for their wedding is because of our dependably sunny skies- Phoenix is the sunniest city in the United States- so when we do get a rainy day, it throws people off. If rain is in the forecast, even just a 5% chance, what can you do to breeze through the day, despite the potentially stormy skies? Here’s what the pros advise:

“It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be bashful about executing your plan B. I have been to weddings where they were bummed that they moved it indoors, but the rain that followed really would have put a damper on the event. None of your guests want to be wet the rest of the evening!

Weather can also be a risk for all your vendors that you are probably paying good money for. Your DJ’s sound system, photographer’s and videographer’s cameras, your cake, flowers, hair, makeup, etc. can all be affected by weather. Most vendors have a clause in their agreement that says “no refunds for acts of God”.

If you play it safe and move it indoors before the storm hits, you could potentially avoid a lot of trouble!” (Shaun Martineu,videographer, Capture the Memory Wedding Films))

“When life gives you rain…shoot pictures in puddles” (Hollye Schumacher, photographer, Hollye Schumacher Photography)

(Image courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

“Being flexible is the number one way to enjoy your wedding in good weather or bad. Be aware that you want to marry this person- and part of your vows are in good times and in bad. This means in the blazing hot sun, perfect crisp weather or rain that spits at you.

Also, know what the parameters are of your location. Be aware: you may have to spend some money to make the back- up ballroom space transform. Your vendors will do their best but at a certain point, you may have to go outside your budget for the look you want. Now, if an airwall does not bother you- no worries! Marry away!

Next, gambling on your wedding is bad…. really bad. We had a client insist on getting married outside, despite the 20% chance of rain. But guess what? When it started to rain during their ceremony and they had to dash for cover, guess who they yelled at? Us! Trust me, we do not want it to rain on your wedding day any more than you do.

Finally, I would love for every one of my events to always be in perfect weather. Just think how much business I could get if I could guarantee that? However, don’t shoot the messenger. If the weather looks bad, it’s my job to not sugar coat it, and I will give you an action plan that you can work with. Keep calm and marry on folks!” (Victoria Canada, wedding coordinator, Victoria Canada Weddings and Events)

“I always advise brides to have a “back up” plan If not a tent, a covered area, ballroom etc. Brides come to Sedona for the stunning Red Rock outdoor wedding experience and usually insist that they stay outdoors if possible. Be prepared and go with the flow. I can say that most of the weddings that were caught in rain always turn out to be perfect and beautiful when taken with good humor.” (Margaret Van Damme, Wedding Coordinator, VanDamme Weddings)

“The number one word of advice we can give to the couple is to embrace what mother nature throws at you and not to worry about the things you can’t change. From a photographic standpoint weather can be fantastic! It lends drama to any image and provides the couple with wedding photographs that are sure to be unique!” (Tina and Kevin, photographers, Sierra Blanco Photography)

(Image courtesy of: Sierra Blanco Photography)

“Make sure that you have the rain alternative determined at the time of booking the venue. If I am working with a resort, I always ask for a weather back-up. If at a residence, I also inform my client of the cost of a tent, should it be needed or determine the layout of the house interior should the event need to be moved inside. It is always better to be prepared at the time of site preview then waiting for the emergency to happen!” (Charlee Geisler, wedding coordinator, Signature Events)

“Have a Plan B! Ask your venue in advance (and make sure it is in writing) what alternatives they have available to you should weather interfere with your dream plans. Most have options and knowing this in advance will make your day less stressful should a haboob or rain showers share your day. If there is not an indoor option, you should have a tent lined up for rental.” (Leslie Honaker, wedding coordinator, Kate and Company Events)

(Image courtesy of: Hagerty Photography)

“The bride and groom and/or their wedding planner should always have a back-up plan in case of rain. As for the photographers , we are usually thrilled to see the clouds in the Arizona skies. We get the craziest of cool sunsets with overcast and rainy skies. We just suggest bringing protection for your cameras when the skies open and rain begins to fall and we find cover for the bride and groom. Rarely will it rain ALL day in Arizona. There’s usually going to be a break in the rain for the best of the best pictures to be captured.”  (Sarah Hagerty, photographer, Hagerty Photography)

“My biggest tip would be two-fold: have a back-up plan that includes a tent if it’s an outdoor wedding, and plan on the rental company loading it on the truck, as you can always pay a small restocking fee if you don’t need it, but it’s worth the peace of mind knowing you can make a final decision much closer to the wedding if it’s really iffy. The second part of the back-up plan is for everyone involved to accept that bad weather happens and to figure out how they can still really enjoy themselves and have fun with the weather vs. being incredibly disappointed. Remembering why they’re there is what will bring smiles back onto everyone’s faces.” (Monica Getsinger-McQueen, wedding coordinator, Tres Chic Events)

Umbrellas and a shower curtain! (for putting underneath the bride’s dress so it doesn’t get soaked). And of course, tents for outside ceremonies. (Lilet Hamp, photographer, Light Rain Images)

“Always have a Plan B. It’s called a Plan B because you have to plan for it. If you are thinking about setting up a tent make sure you work with your rental company or venue to secure permits and spacing. Some venues will secure a rain backup space in case of a rain emergency. Always make sure you ask what each vendor’s plan is in case of bad weather.” (Ashley Gain, wedding coordinator, Ashley Gain Weddings and Events)

Take some time to look at the inside and outside of the property for photo locations so you will have ideas to share with your photographer in the event that the wedding has to go inside due to bad weather and communicate your weather strategy with all your vendors so everyone is on the same page. Lastly, pray for sun!! (Stuart Thurlkill, photographer, Eyes2See Photography)

I feel like I just had a  really good therapy session!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Seriously cute stuff, right?

I love the warmth of these pictures

Here’s my favorite from the session:

(All images Courtesy of: Kimberly Jarman Photography)

What I love about these images is that Sam and Leor seem to really like to be close to each other. They snuggled like the camera wasn’t even there, which is what a lot of couples struggle with. I don’t know if they practiced before their e-session but you certainly can, especially if you tend to tense up when it’s picture time.

I asked Sam and Leor a few questions- here’s what they had to say:

KG: How did you two meet?

S/L: We met one night at a formal for Samantha’s sorority. We both had other dates! We ended up reconnecting 5 months later through mutual friends and realized we were inseparable.

KG: How long did you date before getting engaged?

S/L: We dated a little over 4 years

KG: Leor, what is your favorite thing about Sam (and vice versa)?

Sam: my favorite thing about Leor is how easy going and fun he is. He is always up to try new things. Our favorite is trying new restaurants together!

Leor: There’s a lot of things I love about Sam! Mostly how kind and thoughtful and caring she is to me and everyone around her.

KG: What’s the connection to ASU?

S/L: Leor and I both went to ASU for 4 years graduating a semester apart. We were both involved in Greek life which is how we meet. Usually greek life has a bad reputation but it’s really a great way to meet people. We have several friends getting married this year who met also through Greek life!

KG: What drew you to Serendipity Videography and Kimberly Jarman Photography?

S/L: What drew us to Serendipity was ultimately the work. We saw the video samples and Taryn’s fabulous energy and passion for weddings. What a great combination! Good work & enthusiasm. After seeing our save the date we knew we made the perfect choice. We accidentally ran into Kimberly while meeting with Taryn from Serendipity. She was so sweet and her photo samples were unbelievably sharp and told a story. This is exactly what we wanted out of our photographer. After seeing the photographs from our engagement shoot, we were even more excited for her to shoot our wedding. Her energy & creativity on our shoot really brought to life our idea of shooting on the ASU campus.

KG: When/where are you getting married?

S/L: We are getting married March 31st at the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix

Sam and Leor also shot a Save the Date with Serendipity at their session. Check it out!

Leor + Sam – Save the Date from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

Congratulations Sam and Leor- Happy Wedding!

Many thanks to Kimberly Jarman Photography and Serendipity Videography for sharing this fun engagement with us

Kelly

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

Well preparing for a fight and a wedding are very similar, it starts off with finding out who you are going to fight/marry. I had that down so that was no trouble. I had found the perfect opponent : )

Getting an actual date in the future is the next step, it seems far away, but you never have enough time to prepare.

Look at gorgeous Daisy!

In the months preparing for a fight/wedding there is a ton of work to put in. This is what no one sees behind the scenes. The sacrifices, the sweat, tears, and even some blood from time to time. As the day approaches, there are a plethora of different emotions running through you, excitement, nervousness, fear, fear, fear. This last emotion is really reserved for one of the events, and I can tell you I do not bring fear into the cage.

Fight day/wedding day is the worst day, especially in the morning as far as nerves go. You can’t really eat, everything is running through your mind. I like to keep friends and family around to calm down a bit and to keep it light.

I especially love the girls’ dresses and how shades of purple were embraced throughout

Then the event starts and it your time, you worked so hard to get here and put in all the work. You walk in front of the crowd and face your opponent, and this is where the two differ. Usually I am facing ugly cavemen, and this time I am facing my beautiful bride, and where I am usually looking to knock my opponent out, on this day at the wedding, I am the one knocked out by how gorgeous she is and that I will be able to spend the rest of my life with my favorite training partner, my wife.

Daisy chose for her bridal bouquet plum color calla lilies and the stems were wrapped with a beautiful crystal rosary that her mom found in Santa Fe, New Mexico- love this special touch

The couple was married in front of a custom altar. An antique French Cross along with a Virgin Mary Relic from the Bride’s Family’s personal collection were a sentimental focal point.  The flowers for the ceremony rotunda were natural twigs, grapevine, angel vine with accents of green dendrobium orchids and hypercum berries. The guests and family walked down the aisle to the ethereal music from harpist VeeRona and the Bride walked down to Beyonce’s version of Ave Maria sung by a beautiful vocalist.

A beautiful antique candle altar was offered to guests that wished to say a prayer or a wish for Daisy and Ryan

Seating cards were on silver and gold mini- pumpkins painted by the bride’s niece

Three different table linens were used in shades ranging from lilac to plum. Coordinator Victoria Canada used an abundance of candlelight; gold mercury glass accents were found throughout. The elevated centerpieces were placed upon custom made wrought iron that had an elegant Southwest feel. Lush green and lavender hydrangea, scabiosa pods, bells of ireland, cool water roses, dendrobium orchids, calla lilies, lisianthus, hypercum berries, dahlias and stock were used in the centerpieces and other decor throughout the beautiful Encanterra Golf and Country Club

Action stations featured sumptious food such as Sushi, Kobe sliders, Potato Martinis and more

The big panty surprise is a hilarious take on the garter toss!

It was the night before Halloween so the photo area included many fun props for the guests to use their imagination! And there was a “Man Cave” car lounge with numerous luxury cars and trucks for guests to ooh and ahh over from the Bride’s family dealerships. The music at this area was customized to be more “masculine” artists- Led Zepplin, Springsteen, etc. Cigars were placed out for the gentlemen and ladies.

Daisy changed from her beautiful gown to a gorgeous, sparkly moss color dress to continue the party

Late night mac & cheese and cookies & milk were served as guests were safely transported back to their hotels

Can you see why I was so excited to share Daisy and Ryan’s Real Wedding with you? I would say Ryan won this match!

Check out their wedding video here:

Ryan & Daisy at Encanterra from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

Daisy and Ryan’s Real Wedding Team:

Wedding Coordinator: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Photographer: Hollye Schumacher Photography

Ceremony and Reception Site: Encanterra Country Club

Florist: Jan Dekker Designs

Bridal Gown Store: Uptown Bridal

Videographer: Serendipity Videography

Invitations: Definitely Debra

Caterer: Encanterra Country Club

DJ: Desert House Productions

Ceremony Vocalist: Katy Brady

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Make-up Artist: Jenn White

Officiant: Father Mike DuPre

Linens: Southwick Linens

Let’s take look at this most lavish and elegant celebration

The gazebo for the ceremony was designed by Events by Showstoppers…it’s the most beautiful ceremony canopy I have ever seen. The handmade ribbon flowers were created by Andres Barron, an Events by Showtoppers designer. You can read more about these flowers that have started a sensation here.

The completely gorgeous celebratory dinner table

Time for some fun- first whoopie pies by Sedona Cake Couture, then a sweet game of shell tic- tac- toe  (can you imagine this for a kids table? It’s creative and relatively quiet)

Editor Stephanie Gandy-Riley suggests: Use the scrolls to write your wedding nuptials. Save one scroll to write new promises to each other one year later for your 1st anniversary. Save your “messages” in a bottle for years to come.

Caviar…how cheeky

And my favorite part of any wedding day, the cake!

Only in Sedona do you get a backdrop like this

Here is a cool time-lapse video from Sedona Sounds of the gazebo set-up:

A huge THANK YOU to Sedona Wedding Studio for sharing your unbelievable talents with us- it’s always a pleasure!

The Seven Canyons Elopement Photoshoot Team:

Location: The Club at Seven Canyons

Photographer: Sedona Bride Photographers

Design and Coordination: Sedona Luxury Weddings & Events

Set Stylist: Alisha Muhl

Floral Design and Decor: Events by Show Stoppers

Cake: Sedona Cake Couture

Catering: Seven Canyons Chef Joseph Wickham

Gown: Gigi Bridal Boutique

Tuxedo: A Tailor Tuxedo & Bridal Shop

Rentals, Tabletop: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Videography: Sedona Sounds

Hair Styling and Makeup: Patricia Vega, Le Petite Spa de Sedona

Jewelry: Nectar Designs

Models: Danielle and David, The Agency Arizona

The Cocktail Hour was decorated in all gold and white- love the use of feathers here

3 ice luges were used for the juice bar- so fun!

The mostly red and black reception decor is super dramatic and the crystal touches keep it from being too dark

The Dessert Station was supremely decadent- red candy apples, caramel corn, cheese cake bites and more made this THE place to be

(Images Courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

Justin and Tiffani, thank you so much for sharing your day with us and CONGRATULATIONS!

Did you miss Part 1 of Tiffani and Justin’s Real Wedding?

Tiffani and Justin’s Real Wedding Team:

 Ceremony and Reception Site: The Phoenician Resort  (California Wedding: La Valencia Hotel)

Wedding Coordinator: Some Like it Classic Wedding and Event Design

Photographers: Hollye Schumacher, Harrison Hurwitz

Videographer: East Valley Productions

Florist: Angelic Grove

Cake: Julia Baker

Sweets: The Phoenician Resort

Bridal Gown Store: M Bride

Stationery: Paper Crazy

Band: The Hamptons

Linens: Wildflower Linens, Southwick Linens

Make-up Artist: Sarah SanMarco

Hair Stylist: Andy Biggs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

We start with Tiffani and Justin’s California wedding and Hollye Schumacher’s pics (I made her chose only a few and it was really hard for her!).

(Images Courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

Super pretty, right? Ok, so here is the amazing Arizona wedding, images from Harrison Hurwitz (Hollye’s are in the Part 2 post). Tiffani and Justin wanted an old Hollywood glam feel so Harrison was definitely the guy to call on. His style is classic and filmy (in fact, he primarily shoots film so the result is a very stylized look that I love).

The floral and cake are AMAZING!!!! Julia Baker is a master at drama and her cake actually tastes good, which is a requirement in my good cake book; the flowers from Angelic Grove are just beyond…

(Images Courtesy of Harrison Hurwitz Photography)

Go to Part 2 of Tiffani and Justin’s Real Wedding to see Hollye Schumacher’s take on the day- it’s cool to see another photgrapher’s style and of course it’s just as gorgeous!

Coordinator Amina Michelle, owner of Some Like it Classic Wedding and Event Design,  shares some of the over-the-top details from Tiffani and Justin’s day:

• Tiffani planned the wedding while Justin was still away on his mission!
•  The bride wanted to use the colors white, black, red and gold. She chose only white at the ceremony, only gold and white at the cocktail hour and primarily black and red at the reception. So dramtic!
• Custom fringed chandeliers hung from the ceilings
• The Hampton’s 10 piece band played  “At Last” for the couple’s first dance
• The head table was a huge 35 person table adorned with linens chosen personally by the bride
• The bars were custom built by Angelic Grove featuring custom tufted wraps
• Guests could indulge in a juice bar that featured 3 ice luges
• The grand dessert bar featured caramel red apples, cotton candy cups, chocolate covered strawberries, cheese cake bites, caramel corn and other pastries
• The room changed to a red hue when the dancing began and custom monogrammed water bottles were available
• The bride and groom’s exit was accompanied by a saxophonist

Tiffani and Justin’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony and Reception Site: The Phoenician Resort (California Wedding: La Valencia Hotel)

Wedding Coordinator: Some Like it Classic Wedding and Event Design

Photographer: Hollye Schumacher, Harrison Hurwitz

Videographer: East Valley Productions

Florist: Angelic Grove

Cake: Julia Baker

Sweets: The Phoenician Resort

Bridal Gown Store: M Bride

Stationery: Paper Crazy

Band: The Hamptons

Linens: Wildflower Linens, Southwick Linens

Make-up Artist: Sarah SanMarco

Hair Stylist: Andy Biggs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Let’s start with this gorgeous Colorado cabin. Are you feeling it?

Tyah tells us about the boots and necklace: My mother had sewn silver crystal snowflakes onto the side of my boots, and my groom surprised me with a snowflake necklace that morning to match!

Tyah is a truly radiant bride and I really love what she has to say about the wedding weekend: Friends and family traveled from across the United States to participate in our little wedding. Guests were greeted with welcome gift bags filled with hot cocoa and pocket warmers my grandmother and a groomsman helped assemble. We enjoyed time in Vail Village dining with our guests the few days before the wedding and playing in the snow. The unique qualities of the wrought iron decor, cobblestone streets, the outdoor fireplaces, and sweet laughter of people ice skating in the middle of the village were all moments I will never forget.

The serenity of this picture strikes me as such a beautiful and REAL moment- it’s one of my favorites from Light Rain Images

Tyah explains her perfectly wintery cake: Handmade sugar pinecones and twigs decorated our three tier cake. Layers of spice and marble were glazed with orange cinnamon vanilla frosting of my Aunt Mercedes’ secret recipe.

Tyah describes some more details from the wedding:

The chapel was decorated in the magical work of my Aunt Pam, with burgundy and red mums, white gladiolus, white roses, coffee beans, and tall twigs shooting out of the center of massive glass vases. The natural brown tones paired with a deep red filled the weekend with warmth. The high wood beamed ceilings, and pinecone adorned chandeliers of the chapel flawlessly matched those of the reception hall. Evergreen trees laced with white lights made the room glow. Mason jars wrapped in ribbon with twinkling tea lights completed the look.

As our reception favors, my family and I hand dipped real pinecones, (from Gilbert Arizona and from the campus of the University of Arizona, my alma mater) in cinnamon wax for our guests’ own fireplaces.

My Uncle Jimmy and his wife Mercedes created a masterpiece of a meal including bacon wrapped shrimp, pear grilled salad, and a garlic and veggie chicken alfredo, which were all beyond our wildest dreams.

It was a magical weekend, where many things went haywire, including a neighborhood dog indulging on our fabulous wedding cake before us. Nonetheless, it was a warm and happy weekend filled with lots of love and delicious food!

Here is Tyah and Abel’s Wedding Trailer Video- I love the kiss at the altar (about 1:07)- Tyah is so excited and Abel GOES for it! Love the love…

Tyah & Abel’s Beaver Creek Wedding Video Highlights from 1321 Studios Videography on Vimeo.

Now don’t we all feel a bit cooler? Thank you Tyah and Abel for sharing your very special day with us and CONGRATULATIONS!

Tyah and Abel’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony Site: Beaver Creek Chapel

Reception Site: Donovan Pavilion

Bridal Gown Store: Once in a Life Tyme Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Pamela Parmenter

Photographer: Light Rain Images

Videographer: 1321 Studios, Jeff Siebert

Invitations: Michael’s

Caterer: Jimmy and Mercedes Hoyt

Cake: Mercedes Hoyt

Entertainment: 1′s and 2′s DJ Company, Austin Quinty

Rentals: Alpine Party Rentals

Officiant: Dennis McMains