What we found is a simple approach to an often complicated process. The bold move to create 4 distinct wedding experiences for brides is nothing short of genius since the focus is on the bride and her priorities. This approach screams “Destination Wedding” to me since the planning seems very streamlined.

The first experience is  “Green” and although we hear this term often these days, the entire experience is designed by Troon for a couple who seeks an eco-friendly wedding. Many of the menu items are from locally grown sources such as Four Peaks ale mustard, Arizona Heritage beef and Fossil Creek goat cheese. The bar options are all organic and/or practice sustainability; the “One Bottle, One Tree” program sponsored by Trinity Oaks winery tells you Troon is serious about maintaining the green elements brides want.

Next is the “Modern” experience which is for a couple who wants a cutting edge and trendy wedding. With this choice your guests enjoy food stations that include a Bruschetta Bar (yum!) and made to order Caprese Salad  station. The trendy vibe continues with swanky liquor options and a “Prohibition” Cigar and Cocktail bar.

If you are more of a laid-back and fun type of couple, the “Social” experience may be right up your alley. This is for the couple that wants to have a great time with their guests at a beautiful location with delicious eats but doesn’t want to fuss over the details.

(All Images Courtesy of Emily Carroll)

And finally, there’s the “Traditional” experience that caters to the bride who wants no classic wedding detail forgotten. It’s a pretty straightforward experience but there are cool enhancements like the Bubble Bar (a champagne bar that offers fruit purees to add to your bubbly) and a Venetian Table, which is a decadent sweets spread.

So one questions lingers: what if you want the appetizers from the Social experience, the bar from the Green experience and the enhancements from the Traditional option? Don’t worry! Troon wants you to have the wedding you envision so they have created an option to mix and match! Perfect.

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Our recent Moulin Rouge inspired event at The Venue Scottsdale was nothing short of fabulous, just like the real Moulin Rouge,  thanks to the many people who helped to make it an evening to remember. We are so anxious to share our adventures with you!

It all started with a buzz about the invitations from Celebrations in Paper… the red feather, vintage aesthetic and fishnet detail made them gloriously flirtatious. The RSVP’s came rolling in!

The Venue Scottsdale was the ideal location for our event since it has distinct areas- we used the main courtyard for the large and raucous party, the bar nooks (otherwise known as the catacombs) for the more intimate entertainment and the Billiards room for dining . This is the main party hall with a dramatic high ceiling and a stage we couldn’t resist.

This is Ashley Richardson of Ashley Gain Weddings and Events. This gal worked her tail off to make our event as spectacular as it was and we are so grateful to her. She always looked at ease which is quite a trick when planning an event of this magnitude!

Here are the girls- this is probably the ONLY time they sat all night! Aren’t they a gorgeous crew?

On to the party!

The linens and centerpieces elicited oohs and ahhs- you can see why!

Here is our much admired Publisher, Fran Samuel, alongside our Marketing and Sales Director Jennifer Rabito, who is always a crowd favorite. Below them is Bob Messinger of Applause Entertainment who acted as MC for the night and provided us with the entertainment for the entire evening. It was quite spectacular- the catacombs of The Venue Scottsdale were occupied with all sorts of eccentric talents such as Lip Readers and Tarot Card Readers. And of course, not to be forgotten, we had an aerialist, can can dancers and a crooner in the main courtyard!

Of course there was food…oh the food!

Photographer Sarah Hagerty of Hagerty Photography was able to relax a little, then it was back to work capturing more beautiful scenery and people!

We ended the night the best way we know how- with chocolate! Bedazzle my Bon Bons made these decadent and sparkly delights especially for our event and they were completely sinful…

Here we all are! The Phoenix Bride and Groom Team thanks all of the vendors who gave so generously of their time and talents to make the Moulin Rouge Event a success. It was wonderful connecting with so many wedding industry professionals and we can’t wait for the next party!

We also enjoyed a Live Photobooth by Keith Pitts- these are always so fun!

Here is a slideshow from Hagerty Photography that shows even more pictures!

If you enjoy time lapse videos, you are going to like this quick one of our set-up created by Serendipity Videography:

Phoenix Bride & Groom Timelapse by Serendipity Videography from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

We could not have enjoyed ourselves and entertained our guests without the following people/companies. Their contributions and hard work made this THE event of the year!

Thank You…

The Venue Scottsdale/ Ashley Gain Weddings and Events/Hagerty Photography/Serendipity Videography/Celebrations in Paper/BBJ Linen/Wildflower Linen/Quest Drape/Sound Lighting F/X/ Events by Showstoppers/ Classic Party Rentals/Designer8* Furniture Rental/ Applause Productions & Entertainment/ Encore Creative/Heidi’s Events and Catering/Fabulous Fine Food Catering and Events/Santa Barbara Catering/Marcellino Ristorante/Creations in Cuisine Catering/Ciao Baby Catering/Bruce Brown Catering and Events/My Goodness Cakes/La Dolce Pesca/ Creative Cappucino/Honey Moon Sweets/ Bedazzle My Bon Bons/Live Photobooth by Keith Pitts/Lip Story

First, we have whoopie pies-  a traditional New England treat that originated in the 1930′s. These pies have been making a steady comeback as sugar fans are looking for new treats with trendy flavors such as this Salted Caramel Whoopie Pie from Pin-Up Pastries

(Image Courtesy of: Sara Strom Photography, Whoopie Pie: Pin-Up Pastries)

In keeping with the pie theme, I came across these pies from a wedding where I gather the couple wanted their guests to feel the love

 (Images Courtesy of: Something Blue Photography, Pies: Village Bakehouse)

You could also do individual pies like these cuties

(Image Courtesy of: BQ Photography)

The opposite of a homemade pie is the ultra-glam bon bon. These glittery orbs from Bedazzle My Bon Bons can be made in any color and are super sparkly

(Image: Hollye Schumacher Photography, Bon Bons: Bedazzle My Bon Bons)

I love the idea of coordinating your sweets to the wedding decor and design; these candy apples graced a huge sweets table at a red and black Vintage Glam Hollywood wedding reception. I think they are the perfect choice!

(Image Courtesy of: Hollye Schumacher Photography, Apples: The Phoenician Resort)

These also look luscious!

(Image Courtesy of: Something Blue Photography)

How about homemade Peanut Butter Cups? Yum…

(Image Courtesy of: Something Blue Photography)

Of course cake pops are always pretty, delicious and portable  

(Image Courtesy of: Sara Strom Photography, Cake Pops: Pin-Up Pastries)

Cake Shooters are a grown up take on Push Up Pops; I love how they are self-contained- no plate necessary!

(Image: Hollye Schumacher Photography, Cake Shooters: Sprinkles Custom Cakes, Stationery:  The Event Essentials)

Petit Fours are the perfect size bite- small enough to have a few!

(Image: Hollye Schumacher Photography, Petit Fours: Honey Moon Sweets) 

Anything that looks this good just has to be eaten

(Images Courtesy of: Amanda Rockafellow Photography, Sweets: Passion Pastry)

(Image Courtesy of Amanda Rockafellow Photography, Eau Claires: Annette Hartman Catering )

And you do not have to convince me partake in a creme brulee trio

(Image Courtesy of: Cosey Photography, Creme Brulee Trio: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa)

Here’s another good idea: a custom sign for your sweets table…how cute!

   (Image Courtesy of: Lyn Sims Photography) 

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Lucky for you, there is no shortage of options for reception beverages. I recently wrote about completely customizable beverages and beverage garnishments from Dress the Drink- these are super fancy sips and showstoppers of their own.  And we all know about the signature drink idea- you chose a few mixed bevs to serve and create a cute sign that explains what they are, enticing your guests to imbibe. And of course there is also the famous Martini Luge or even an entire bar made of ice but do you know about luxury tequila?

It seems as though tequila is going fancy these days.  One thing I have discovered about today’s high-end tequilas is that they are not the party child of the  liquor cabinet. They are refined, cared for, aged and meant to be savored. The term “shooter” does not apply here!

A luxury brand you should consider offering at your reception is CORZO Tequila. I could tell you about all kinds of facts regarding this contemporary tequila but what you really need to know is that it has an “impeccably clean, ultra smooth finish.” That is pretty much a requirement in my tequila book. And I cannot leave out the descriptions of each type of CORZO Tequila- they sound almost as good as the wedding cake:

CORZO® Silver – Flavors of tropical fruit and peppery spice harmoniously blended to create a delicate finish (This is what you will use when making their super yummy sounding “Tekiwi” cocktail!)

CORZO® Reposado – entices the pallet with warm hints of a white oak and a custard finish. Top notes of lemon, coconut, baked banana and brown spice compliment its use in the most luxurious cocktails like the CORZO Modern Margarita.

CORZO® Anejo – the perfect tequila for full-bodied sipping, opens with the flavors of warm caramel and golden raisin. Floral tones lead to a rich, honey-toasted oak finish with baked fruits, spice and toffee.

Pretty fabulous descriptions and bottles, right?

Another tequila to seriously consider serving is DOBEL Tequila. This is the tequila of the stars so if you are aiming for hip sophistication, this is the ticket.  Which celebs choose to sip this fine tequila? Ashton Kutcher, James Franco, Ed Norton, Bono, Orlando Bloom, Matt Damon, Eva Mendez, Catherine Zeta Jones, Bruce Willis, Charlize Theron to name a few. The bottle alone tells me we are in for a good time!

You can build your custom bar around this tequila and offer many Arizona worthy delights such as the Spicy Pina (I’m a sucker for spicy stuff!):

SPICY PINA

2 parts DOBEL Tequila/2 parts Pineapple Juice/.5 part Simple Syrup/Splash fresh orange juice/Slice muddled jalapeno

HONEY BEE

2 parts DOBEL Tequila/3 parts pineapple juice/.25 parts agave syrup

And last but not least, there is Tequila Avion. Tequila afficionados love this sipper for it’s coveted Blue Agave origins and it’s handcrafted distillation process. Why will you love it? It has bright notes of pear and peach coupled with elegant hints of vanilla and caramel. Oh, and if you want to name drop this one, you can say it was the tequila featured on HBO’s Entourage Series (and Avion never paid a penny for the product placement). Here’s a perfect summertime wedding tequila cocktail for you:

AVION LEMON LOVE

1 1/2 oz Tequila Avion:: 1/2 oz Fresh Lime juice :: 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon juice :: 3 oz Tonic water ( Lavender Soda Optional)

Disclaimer: there was absolutely no tequila gulped, sipped or savored during the writing of this blog post!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Heidi and I had a chat recently and I learned something VERY interesting about her- she’s a young soul. She didn’t say that but for a woman who has owned her own company for many years and has been successful but still works tirelessly to be on the cutting edge, she’s gotta be young at heart. She has chosen to take a path not many have chosen yet. She is running a near-perfect eco-friendly catering operation. This is a big deal people!  

But what does that really mean? First of all, Heidi’s does not use plastic. They flat-out refuse. So what do they use to serve their food? They have their own china so they will use that- 75% of their clients still request china- but they prefer to serve their creations with eco-conscious options such as cornstarch flatware and pressed fiber or bamboo plateware. VerTerra is a huge name in eco-forward disposables and Heidi’s uses their products which are made from leaves and water. That’s it.

Another thing Heidi’s does to help lessen their impact on the world is composting. They partner with a company that manages all of their food waste so that they do not fill their trash bins with it. This is actually not the cheapest way to manage their leftovers and waste but it is the most earth friendly way and Heidi is committed to walking the walk.

Another effort that Heidi takes on personally is recycling- she constantly trains her staff to correctly separate every single item that comes out of their kitchen. It’s pretty intense over there!

Heidi’s just released their new Spring and Summer menus (the reason Heidi’s caught my eye, of course!) and naturally, you will find items that are seasonal, local, and fresh. Frozen is a bad word in Heidi’s kitchen! If you are searching for a caterer for your wedding or any event, I urge you to reward Heidi’s earth-friendly efforts with a call. Your tummy and your conscience will be satisfied.

A few tasty tidbits you will find on their newest menus: Grilled Salmon with Cucumber and Melon Salsa, Grilled Pork Chop with Fresh Peaches and Bourbon Sauce, Pork Osso Bucco with Blood Orange Fennel Sauce and Tender Boneless Beef Short Ribs with a Balsamic Cherry Glaze.  

Heidi reiterated to me that although all of this earth-friendliness takes some work and costs a bit more, it feels good. This is why we are so proud to be associated with Heidi’s Events and Catering. Heidi, thank you and keep at it!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Gorgeous right? Arizona has such a unique landscape and it makes for the prettiest pictures (and the Arizona light? Just ask any photog who has taken pictures here- the sun is unbelievable!). Rebecca and Christopher took their time planning and in the process, they learned two valuable things:

1. They make a very effective team and can have fun together no matter what the task is

2. They need a break from planning (they even secretly vowed to not plan anything else for a while)!

This hands-on couple did everything together from assembling the invitations to choosing their linens. I really love how the surrounding scenery compliments the purple.  To create a party atmosphere, they utilized high and low tables, open guest seating and a lounge area.

Rebecca wisely advises Brides and Grooms-to-Be to set their own rules and stick with what feels right for them. She and Christopher wanted to host an all vegetarian dinner even though almost all of their friends and family are not vegetarians. The result? Full bellies and rave reviews from the guests! Atlasta Catering created the most delicious menu: chilled gazpacho soup shots, brie and green apple quesadillas with raspberry salsa, mini vegetable pot pies and goat cheese/sundried tomato/hazelnut pesto flatbread. Can you say yum?

Pretty cupcakes from Tiffany’s Cakes and More

This thoughtful couple went all out for their destination wedding by hosting several parties that would virtually take guests on a tour of Phoenix’s finest eateries. They planned a bachelor/bachelorette party at Cibo on Thursday night, a rehearsal dinner at the AMAZING Coup des Tartes (Rendez-Vous) Friday, an after party at downtown’s  historical Hanny’s, and a brunch/pool party Sunday after the wedding. Phew! They sure did pack a lot in didn’t they?

This genius and ambitious couple opted to take a week off after the wedding and do the greatest thing: nothing! They basked in their newlywed status and hung by the pool. Are you picking up on the fact that these two lovelies are really smart?

The next thing on their planning agenda? An African Safari to Tanzania!

Rebecca and Christopher, CONGRATULATIONS to you and thank you for your help!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Rebecca and Christopher’s Wedding Team:

Reception Site: Desert Botanical Gardens

Florist: Amy’s Floral Designs

Photographer: Shelly Love Photography

Videographer: Tyars Media (to see the wedding trailer, go here!)

Invitations: InviteSite

Caterer: Atlasta Catering

Cake: Tiffany’s Cakes and More

Entertainment: Desert House Productions

Make-up Artist: Colours Makeup and Skincare

Hair Stylist: Meghan Roth at Hair Pollution

Officiant: Reverend Michele Whittington

Transportation: Real London Bus

Rehearsal Dinner Site: Coup des Tartes (Rendez-Vous)

Bridal Gown Store: I Do I Do Bridal

Couples are exploring their options and reaching out to the pastry world for creative dessert solutions. They are asking for something special in addition to, or sometimes in place of, the cake. I have no opinion on whether or not you should have a cake but I do know that you NEED to have a sweet.

Researching this blog post has been a delicious endeavor (just ask my waistline!). I actually got to sample the Gelato and Sorbetto from Roba Dolce and I am in love. They offer individual portions to go, like a grown up version of the ice cream cup you ate at parties as a child.  My personal favs were coconut and pistachio but truly, each flavor was delicious. Oh, and the best part? Roba Dolce Gelato is lower in fat and calories than regular ice cream, and the Sorbetto is all-natural, dairy-free, fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free.  This is pure intense flavor and just $1.25 a serving. I can see these being used as a surprise inside guests cars, like a sweet send-off. Yum!

If you are not into frozen goodies, or if it’s just too chilly outside for gelato, try one of these bite-sized delights from Arizona Catering to warm your guests’ hearts. These gorgeous bites are from a wedding coordinated by Signature Events, photos courtesy of Marriott Photography:

One person who was simply born to make this world a sweeter place is Julia Baker of Julia Baker Confections. I have had the obscene pleasure of sampling many of her creations and I cannot tell you how wonderful her work is. This is life-changing chocolate. 

The flower below is actually a sugar flower. Stunning!

And Julia’s Piece de Resistance- the Signature Chocolate Petal Cake. I know, I know, it’s cake but this is not just cake and there is no way I would tell you about Julia Baker without showing you this baby. This chocolate deliciousness is so good, you might cry.

And how about these for creativity?  Donuts and coffee (which was a cheeky nod to the couple who is in law enforcement) brought to you by Victoria Canada Weddings and Events. The cotton candy is another sugary and whimsical option. Your guests will be so hyped up on sugar, they will want to dance all night!

Donuts & Coffee photography by Hollye Schumacher Photography

Cotton Candy photography by Platt Photography, signage by Celebrations in Paper

Another sweet that I think you should definitely include at your reception, somehow, no matter what it takes, is Mia Mallows Marshmallows. These generously hand-cut fluffs of love come in a huge variety of flavors/colors (my daughter and I regularly troll their site together and plan what flavors we want to order). They are light, colorful and most importantly, guarantee a quick sugar rush.

I came across a great blog post from Elizabeth Anne Designs  that has all kinds of pretties for you to feast on!

It’s time for you to get your sugar on. Happy Sweeting!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

A Special Thank You goes out to: Roba Dolce, Signature Events, Marriott Photography,  Julia Baker Confections, and Victoria Canada Weddings and Events for their help with this post!

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

The delectable cuisine of Santa Barbara Catering will be the centerpiece of “Mr. and Mrs. — a Wedding Event,” on Wednesday, June 23 at Inspirador.

Brides-to-be have a rare opportunity to meet the faces behind the wonderful catering talents of Santa Barbara Catering from 5:30-7:30 pm. The event will also offer creative wedding planning ideas, and introductions to the venue’s preferred vendors for photography, floral design and decor.

The event link is http://www.inspirador.com/index2.php; guests are encouraged to RSVP before June 21 by emailing celebrate@inspirador.com.  Inspirador is located at 63 E. Boston Street in Chandler.

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.