An Autumn Beginning
There is almost nothing that can compare with a gorgeous fall day in the Southwest. The colors of our natural environment, the possibility of a light breeze, the promise of cooler days ahead. It's no wonder October is one of the most popular months for weddings here.
Suzanne Clifton and Mike Dixon chose to begin their married lives at a sunset ceremony that capitalized on the sense of quiet expectation that takes place when day turns to night. Says Suzanne, “Mike and I wanted our guests to experience a classic feeling, but also to feel at ease.”
The outdoor ceremony was situated on a lush lawn, which the guests entered through an open air walkway lined with portraits of the couple. A string quartet set the mood, while guests enjoyed cold drinks in the lounge before the sunset ceremony. Palm-sized wedding programs were hung with burgundy ribbon on the back of each ceremony chair. Each bore a quote that was especially meaningful to the couple: “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along.”
This couple spent months prior to the wedding writing their ceremony and vows together. The bride's uncle performed the ceremony, and, as she says, “it was very touching to us that he was such a significant part of the sacred ritual of marriage.” They included a charge to their guests to not only witness the wedding, but to be supporters of their journey in marriage. Recalls Suzanne, “We know that a strong marriage depends not only on our love, but also on the love of the people we are blessed to be surrounded by.”
During the cocktail hour, guests found their escort cards hanging delicately from a small Manzanita tree. During dinner, the couple's siblings, parents, and grandparents toasted them, and the groom challenged all the guests to join him on the dance floor. Family and friends – hailing from California to London – danced all night with with the pair outside on the luminaria-edged patio.
They say that spring is the season of renewal, but for Suzanne and Mike, their new beginning was certainly in autumn.
Location:
The Estancia Club
Photographer:
Jennifer Bowen Photography
Wedding Coordinator:
Imoni Events
Floral Design:
Flora Europa
Cake:
La Dolce Pesca
Invitations:
The Invitation Lady
Entertainment:
SKM Entertainment
Makeup Artist:
Linda Wagner
Hair Stylist:
Nya Michelle
Bridal Salon:
Destiny's Bride
Rentals:
Tri-Rentals Event Specialists |
