Susannah and Brent’s wedding day was elegant and gorgeous, just like the Arizona Biltmore Resort, where they chose to celebrate the end of their long-distance status and the beginning of their new life together. Regarding the decor for the day, Susannah says, “we focused on the concept of modern romance for our decor which meant clean lines for our ceremony, flowers and reception centerpieces, all-white florals, and a ton of candlelight.”

Once you see their wedding day pictures, I think you’ll agree they achieved a beautifully romantic look!

Could you just DIE at the sweet look on Brent’s face as he sees Susannah for the first time? Swoon!

This is one of my favorite recent bridal party photographs

The Aztec Room at the Arizona Biltmore features a dramatic gold leaf ceiling which worked perfectly with Susannah’s candlelit cream decor; the ceiling and lighting create the perfect glow.

The cake from Sedona Cake Couture is completely elegant and I LOVE it!

Susannah and I exchanged a few thoughts about her gorgeous day. Here’s our Q & A:

KG: What was the smartest planning decision you made?

SO: the best thing I did for the wedding was

a) investing in a wedding coordinator that was someone I liked doing business with. Karen listened to our vision for the day, helped to enhance our vision with her expertise, kept me very calm, and importantly respected our budget

b) I kept Brent, my husband,involved…not in every detail but with core decisions and ensured I asked what he thought/wanted. This made the wedding day really special and about us both

KG: Can you tell me about your honeymoon?

SO:  We honeymooned in the South Island of New Zealand and Fiji – it was great. I think it helped us enjoy the wedding even more that the next day we stepped on the plane and went away together. It also kept things in perspective that our getting married was more than just about only planning the wedding, we had something to look forward to after, and we could decompress together after a year of planning and excitement.

KG: What advice do you have for couples planning their weddings?

SO: Prioritize and focus on what is important to you. Do invest in planning before your wedding, spend time getting your ideal wedding day together BUT the day of don’t stress… you can’t change the weather and you can’t change anything that has not been done. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy; if the bride is happy and having a great time, her guests will too which makes for the best celebration of all!

Susannah and Brent, thank you so much for sharing your special day with us and congratulations on your new life together!

Susannah and Brent’s Real Wedding Team:

Wedding Coordinator: Karen Doan Events

Ceremony and Reception Site: Arizona Biltmore Resort

Photographer: Hollye Schumacher

Bridal Gown Store: Destiny’s Bride

Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Angelic Grove

Videographer: Esthetics in Motion

Invitations: The Paper Place

Caterer: Arizona Biltmore Resort

Cake: Sedona Cake Couture

Ceremony Musicians: Apperson Strings

Trumpet Soloist: Arizona Brass, Kurt

Cocktail Hour Music: Gustavo (classical guitar)

Band: Shining Star Band

Make-up Artist: Deanna Rene

Hair Stylist: The Green Room at Salon Sachi, Meaghan Gingrich

Officiant: Arizona Ministers, Jay Whittaker

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

 

 

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Gina and Drew’s vintage-glam wedding has it all: a lovely couple, details to die for, and a great venue to showcase it all.

Event Designer Kimberly McDowell of The Event Essentials tells us about the flowers: Each girl carried blush roses that were stemwrapped to match their dresses and pinned with a rhinestone brooch keepsake (which also matched the brooches on the cake). The moms wore white roses wrist corsages that were attached to a beautiful rhinestone keepsake bracelet. The bride carried a stunning bouquet adorned with a blue brooch (something blue).

Gina and Drew, mid-ceremony, surprised both of their parents with a vow renewal. What a special way to honor their parents’  marriages and add a very personal touch to a ceremony

The couple chose pink and ivory for their reception decor which glowed beautifully in the candle light. The fireplaces were framed with raspberry uplighting and a custom designed monogram framed the wall behind the vintage lace sweetheart table.

The couple had their guests use these custom sparklers for their send-off

Gina’s aunt made the biscotti favors, yum!

KG: What is your favorite memory from the day?

GK: I can only pick one?! I loved everything about our wedding but I think the reaction our parents had to their vow renewal was amazing. It was a complete surprise to them and it meant so much to both Drew’s parents and mine.

KG: What was the smartest planning decision you made?

GK: Hiring Kim McDowell of The Event Essentials! She was phenomenal and when people compliment the beauty and elegance of our wedding I always credit her. Our day would not have been as beautiful or stress free without her

KG: Did you go on a Honeymoon?

GK: Drew planned the entire trip to St. Lucia for 10 nights and we stayed at Ladera . This place should be on everyone’s bucket list! It’s like a five star resort tree house style with only 3 walls in every room and a private pool looking out at rainforest and ocean views. The resort is situated 1,000 feet above sea level. As the sunset, we sat in our pool swing and saw more stars in one night than we had seen in our entire lives and fell asleep to the sounds of the breeze and the rainforest. So amazing!

KG: Now that your day has come and gone, what advice would you offer brides-to-be?

GK: Take your time and tackle one thing at a time. Planning your wedding should be an enjoyable part of the experience as well

KG: Tell us what you love best about being married!

GK: What’s not to love? I get to spend everyday with my best friend and everyday is better than the last. I know it sounds like the things fairy tales are made of but I love and appreciate every moment we get to be in each others lives.

Congratulations Gina and Drew and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with us!

Gina and Drew’s Real Wedding Team:

Invitations and Event Design: The Event Essentials

Ceremony and Reception Site: Sassi

Photographer: Justine Miller Photography

Videographer: Legacy HDV

Florist: Your Event Florist

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake

Band: Easton Ashe

Ceremony Musicians: Sweetwater Strings

Officiant: Father Jim Husek

Rentals: Premier Events

 

 

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