13
May
Real Wedding: Rene and Neil
categories: cakes and sweets, fabulous reception sites, floral inspiration, real weddings, Scottsdale Weddings

Weddings that celebrate family traditions are always uniquely interesting. By embracing Rene’s Bulgarian roots, Rene and Neil’s wedding day was a reflection of their love of family tradition. Despite originally planning to get married in Cabo San Lucas, Rene and Neil appeased their families who really wanted to celebrate with them here in Arizona, by marrying in the traditional Bulgarian church among family and friends. I think they would now say it was the best decision of their lives!

Rene explains: In the Bulgarian tradition, the groom comes to the house bearing gifts for the bride’s parents and if the parents are pleased he may take his bride to the altar to marry her. It is a big celebration with drums and lots of food and drinks for everyone! He came in a 1938 Rolls Royce limo to pick me up. It was so beautiful.

Look at these little cuties!

Serious kids at weddings always catch my eye. Look at this handsome guy!

Rene and Neil had a traditional Bulgarian ceremony at the St. Sophia Eastern Orthodox Church in Phoenix officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Simeon of Central and Western Europe. Phew! He sounds like a big deal. Rene shares: We prepared a descriptive ceremony program, detailed with blue and green crystals , outlining the symbolism and traditions in Bulgarian culture. Thus, each guest was able to follow the very traditional Orthodox wedding rituals.

I love Rene’s excitement when she describes the reception: The reception was magical! The colors included different shades of blues, gold , deep green,. The inspiration came from the peacock feather which was beautifully incorporated into the evening, without overpowering the decor. The focal point of the room was our cake , which was skillfully accentuated by 5 crystal trees. The influence of the special lighting effects only contributed to the magical experience. Chic, classy, elegant, dramatic- all words our guests used to describe our wedding night- an evening of crystals hanging from everywhere, brown velvet drapping and custom gold furniture from California, used to create the perfect lounge area for our guests around the dancefloor. It was the little details that made the difference and created that unforgettable experience for both of us and our guests. Individual menu cards , lined with deep green and shimmery brown matts and jeweled with Swarovski crystals; pin spotting the crystal candelabras on the tables , beautiful beaded table overlays, jeweled escort cards for additional sparkle …all created what we consider the most special evening for us. 

 

Of course I had to ask Rene some post-wedding questions. Here’s our Q and A:

KG: Now that the big day has come and gone, what do you enjoy most about married life?

RM: Now that we are married we are enjoying every minute of this calm time before our baby girl Isabella Rose is born in May! I still get a little surprised when on paper I see my name as Mrs. Rene Morris, a married woman!

KG: What bit of wisdom would you give couples planning their weddings?

RM: Mostly, I would say, in the end when all the planning is said and done, the day is about you two and your loving bond for one another. Stressing about the little things and about how other people will enjoy your day is not worth it!! Let other people worry about it and truly enjoy YOUR day and your love for one another!

KG: Did you go on a honeymoon?

RM: We are currently pregnant and expecting in May so we decided to have our honeymoon in November at the beautiful Cabo Azul resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. At the beginning we were planning on having our wedding there in November, but having our honeymoon there is even better! It leaves something very special to look forward to still.

Congratulations Rene and Neil- thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Rene and Neil’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony Site: St. Sophia Eastern Orthodox Church

Reception Site: Phoenician Resort

Wedding Coordinator: Lilly of the Valley Events

Bridal Gown Store: Suzanne’s Bridal

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Avant Garde

Photographer: Kellie Leslie Photography

Invitations: Definitely Debra

Cake: Phoenician Resort

Entertainment: Starz Entertainment

Lighting: PSAV Presentation Services

Make-up Artist: Euginia Ray

Hair Stylist: Audrey Roberts

Officiant: His Eminence Metropolitan Simeon of Central and Western Europe

Transportation: Mirage Limousines

Rentals/Decor: Kerrie Richmond

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25
Mar
A sweet harvest
categories: fabulous reception sites, favor and gift ideas, real weddings

Once in awhile you come across a couple who inspires the romantic in all of us. Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events introduced us to Brooke and Ben Gammie and we knew you’d all love to meet them too!

Brooke and Ben celebrated their wedding reception at her family home, and incorporated some wonderful homespun elements in a decidedly elegant affair.

While the next issue of Phoenix Bride & Groom will feature an article on this great couple and their celebration, we’re not too great at keeping secrets.

Enjoy these images of their favor display, and wait for the full story of their fantastic November wedding.

From home-grown fruits and herbs from the mother of the bride’s garden to narcissus bulbs (a family holiday tradition), Brooke and Ben created their own farmer’s market.

Here are the herbs from her mother’s garden. Love those darling jars and perfect labels.

Everything was put on display in Brooke’s father’s vintage Ford!

Photos: Stuart Thurlkill, Eyes2See Photography; Wedding Consultant: Monica McQueen, Tres Chic Events.  Congratulations Brooke and Ben!

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