Eating outside makes me feel nostalgic- when I was young, I lived in Wisconsin, and summer dinners outside were pretty much mandatory. What I love about eating al fresco is that you feel so small under the open sky but you don’t feel alone. You are sharing in one of the best bonding traditions around- you are sharing a meal.

With that being said, my dinners never looked quite this elegant…

The furniture is spectacular and functional- it adds an element of style that invites you to sit back and stay a while. I can only imagine the conversations at this rehearsal dinner table…

This captures what I consider the magic hour of dinner- you can still see but the candlelight glows perfectly and the guests are definitely having a good time while the wine flows

The location and set design are intimate dinner party perfection- whether it’s an engagement party, rehearsal dinner or small wedding reception.

Thanks to the following photo shoot partners:

Location-Palm Lake Oasis :: Photographer-Holly Schumacher Photography :: Creative Director-Darren Samuel :: Fashion Stylist-Shannon Campbell :: Set Stylist and Décor, Floral, Props- Angelic Grove :: Rentals, Props:- Classic Party Rentals :: Furnishings- Designer8 ::  Jewelry, Accessories- Tiffany & Co. ::  Makeup Artist- Corinna Cooke :: Hair Stylist- Will Zecco ::  Makeup and Hair Stylist Assisted by- Katie Hardison :: Photographers Assistant- Jeremy E. Noble :: Fashion Stylist’s Assistant- Benny Dixon III :: Cocktail Dresses- Schaffer’s :: Men’s Attire- Ted Baker London ::  Women’s Casual Attire-Ted Baker London ::  Children’s Fashions-Dillard’s, Nordstrom :: Models- Leah, Zahaila, Lisa, Bryce, Cody, Franco all of The Agency Arizona :: Child Model- Savannah :: Canine Model- Nigel

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog~ Kelly

If you have not been to SASSI in beautiful North Scottsdale, you are missing out. That might sound sort of mean but I’m serious- the food is so good (SASSI’s menu features handmade pasta, local and organic vegetables and a variety of fine meats and fresh seafood prepared in the spirit of southern Italy), the atmosphere is warm and inviting and I love how it feels like you are in a home (yes, a gorgeous mansion, but still, you feel like you’re being hosted by a family, not a corporation).

This is the wine room which can be used for smaller group dinners like a rehearsal dinner; it is also the “guys” prep room for weddings

And now SASSI is offering one of the most generous incentive programs I have ever heard of. The incentives are available to all couples married at SASSI for all future anniversary or special occasions offering a lifetime of SASSI values for being part of the SASSI Wedding Family:

-Each time a former or future booked wedding couple dines at SASSI, they will receive $25 off and another $25 per couple that dines with them

-All past and future booked wedding couples receive 10% off their food & beverage bill when booking a large event for 14-150 guests with a set menu; minimums and contract apply. This offer is also available to wedding couples’ parents for corporate dinners, holiday events or special occasions

-If a wedding is referred by a former SASSI bride/groom, the former bride/groom will receive a $150 gift card to use during a future visit

-In addition, SASSI sends an anniversary card to couples’ on their first anniversary offering prosecco, pasta and a dessert complimentary

This Italian Villa has Old World charm, intimate spaces, grand views, luxury detailing, and of course, delicious food. It’s a place that you will not only want to get married at but also a place you will want to revisit time and again.

We think SASSI is a really unique Arizona wedding venue and with the new incentive program, you won’t want to pass it up!

Check out some of our favorite SASSI weddings:

Gina + Drew, Justine Miller Photography

Kaoife + Josh, Jennifer Bowen Photography

Lindsey+ John, Hagerty Photography

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

You know when you step out of your normal routine and come across something so completely unique, so special, so original that it takes your breath away and you know your words can’t do it justice? That’s how I feel about Flora Farms.

Flora Farms is farm to table. It’s celebrating local art. It’s educating and building. It’s family through and through.

I was treated to a private dining experience at the farm and the atmosphere, food and philosophy were overwhelming. I actually kept my place mat from dinner, that’s how much I liked this place. I never want to forget how it made me feel and how good my meal was.

They actually host private events at the farm as well. This is the ceremony space- you get there by traveling up a small hill and the walk is well worth it. Your view is amazing and the space itself is really intimate and quiet. I can see this not only as a perfect place for a wedding ceremony but also for a vow renewal.

Everything served at the restaurant is grown on the farm so you can imagine how fresh everything tastes

The owners live on the property so this is their personal outdoor kitchen but they also use it for cooking demos and events like bridal showers

Our dinner was set up in a private patio in the middle of the farm. The feasting table was comfy and the entire dinner had the feel of a gourmet picnic. Mason jars, checkered cloth napkins, votives, paper place mats that included a history of the farm and the resident dogs’ profiles, a family style meal…

Whatever the occasion, you know it will be intimate and delicious

This image embodies what I remember best about my visit to this secluded gem: the warm restaurant atmosphere surrounded by nature’s extraordinary beauty.

Flora Farms was not only the best meal I had while in Cabo, it was the best experience I had, hands down. You won’t be surprised to hear me say that you should make a point of going there if you are ever near Cabo. You will not regret it!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Boy do I have HUGE news for you! We have partnered with  Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort to offer the opportunity to WIN A DREAM WEDDING at Palacio – the newly revamped, multi-tiered event venue at the resort!

The Grand Prize winner will enjoy a comprehensive wedding ceremony and reception package from Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine, complete with food and beverage, photography by Sierra Blanco Photography, flowers and décor by Simply Elegant Event & Wedding Design, videography by Princess Bride, entertainment by Ray the DJ, wedding invitations from The Event Essentials, and wedding cake from Honey Moon Sweets, and the groom’s tuxedo from Mr. Formal and much more valued at $13,205.

The First Place winner will receive a sit-down, three-course plated rehearsal dinner for you and up to 40 guests in the Arizona Room – a private dining space in Rico’s American Grill or in Rico’s Backyard Patio.

The Second Place winner will enjoy an unforgettable one-night stay in a Grand Suite at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and dinner for two at Rico’s with a bottle of champagne.

Visit the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort website for entry details and official rules but what you really want to know is that what you have to do to enter, right? It’s as simple as submitting a video of no longer than three minutes telling Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak the story of your engagement or how you met and why you would be an exceptional candidate to receive the grand prize. You can do this!

Oh, one more detail that you will want to make note of- the deadline to submit your video is March 23, 2012 so get those ideas flowing! Good Luck!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Now that The hub-bub of Black Friday has passed (sort of), we want to share some goodies we came across this week:

-What is “Gourmet Inclusive”? Find out by going to the Azul Fives website! You only have a few days left to book a vacation at the all new Azul Fives resort in Playa del Carmen where they have fabulous deals and discounts available to celebrate their Grand Opening.  

- The Farm at South Mountain is an ethereal venue, perfect for rustic and elegant weddings. They are hosting an Open House on Dec 1 for brides who want to know more about the venue. You will get one-on-one time with the Farm’s representatives and  be able to request a quote for catering (have you seen their delicious menu options? Santa Barbara Catering is amazing!). (see a gorgeous wedding at The Farm here)

- Check out this charming wedding shoot featured on Etsy’s Blog, The Storque. It’s  “A Little Bit Country and a Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll”, 100% cuteness featuring Paloma’s Nest founder Caroline- thanks to her we have the Ring Bearer Bowl! (Read more about Paloma’sNest here)

- And finally, a bit of Winter Wedding inspiration for you: winter cakes from Brides Magazine. Bring on the whites, blues, snowflakes, what have you. In Arizona, we adore winter!

I hope you enjoy your long weekend, whether that means immersing yourself in wedding planning, spending time with your family, decorating for the holidays or even shopping to your heart’s content.

Chatting Soon~ Kelly

DREAMY: dream·y [dree-mee]; defined as wonderful or marvelous, given to daydreaming or reverie

I love The Farm at South Mountain for several dreamy reasons: first, my 2nd child’s baby shower was held there and I have such sweet memories of the intimate location, good company and delicious food; second, The Farm is so completely different from anything else in Arizona due to it’s mature trees and ethereal landscape; and third, Santa Barbara caters all the food and it is exquisite. 

Take a peek at Jackie & Jeff Andes’ wedding that recently took place at The Canopy in The Grove. The look of this wedding was “Vintage Meets Country”; Jackie and Jeff wanted non-traditional colors and details at their wedding while adding their own flair and special touches throughout. Let’s adore together…

(For more Vintage Wedding inspiration, click here!)

There are two venues for the ceremonies at The Farm:

*The Canopy in The Grove – a beautiful outdoor ceremony & reception in a lush pecan grove that can capacitate 75-200 guests.

*Morning Glory Patio reception – an intimate garden setting for ceremony & reception

The Farm at South Mountain offers the most unique wedding experience in Phoenix. Guests will be instantly transported to another world as they enter the expansive grove of pecan trees, large grassy spaces, bright blooming flowers and enchanting rustic elegance.

As the sun sets on this 12 acre property it transforms into a romantic wonderland with magical lighting and flickering candlelight. Dine amongst the trees, dance under the stars and be a part of a night truly worth remembering.

If you are still searching for the perfect venue for your wedding, The Farm at South Mountain is a definite must see. Not only do they offer many wedding packages that are sure to fit anyone’s wedding day needs but the grounds are so beautiful and the staff is friendly and easy to work with too!

Jackie and Jeff’s/The Farm at South Mountain’s Wedding Team:

Caterer- Santa Barbara Catering

DJ- Wendy Rockett with Infinity Entertainment

Rentals- Pro Em

Florist- Petal Pushers

Wedding Cake- Ashley Meola-Walker

Photography – Moments Defined Photography

Wedding Dress- David’s Bridal 

Tuxedos – Men’s Warehouse

Chatting Soon~Kelly

To see more weddings at The Farm at South Mountain, click here and here.

Like Jackie and Jeff’s colors? Click here and here to see more yellow and gray wedding inspiration from Elizabeth Anne Designs and Style Me Pretty wedding blogs.