It all goes by so quickly...
...is a common refrain from newlyweds after their wedding day. Knowing that this might be the case, Maureen Little and Danny Morris set out to plan a three-day party that they and their guests would never forget.
The Sacramento-based couple had always dreamed of a destination wedding and found the location of their dreams in Carefree. The spectacular scene was set for the last weekend of April, with perfect weather, cacti in full bloom and evenings marked with brilliant painted sunsets.
Nearly 200 guests from around the country gathered at the Carefree Resort & Villas for several days of dining, dancing and guitar-strumming, led by the groom’s musical family. As the guests trickled in, the couple led family and friends throughout Carefree to enjoy the local food and live music and dancing. By Friday, many found themselves golfing or shopping in true Southwest style. Regardless of the day’s activity, the guests returned to the resort villas each evening, where they sang and strummed their guitars until the wee hours.
Come wedding day, the bride and groom were radiant among their guests in the resort’s Spanish-adobe Opera House. Friends and family comprised the wedding party, including the groom’s father as best man. The bride was a classic beauty in a sophisticated white gown. She carried a splashy bouquet of sunflowers with orange and gold Gerbera daisies. Upon completion of the vows, the bride and groom surprised the entire group with a festive Mariachi band to get the party started. The party moved inside the Opera House for the Southwest-style reception. Wagon wheel chandeliers, brown table linens, gold accents and rustic lantern centerpieces adorned the ballroom to create an elegant atmosphere.
Canyon Walls, one of Phoenix’s premier country-rock bands, opened the dancing with Buck Owen’s classic “Together Again.” The evening’s poignant moments included several musical tributes to the beaming couple provided by the musically talented family and friends. For the next three hours, the dance floor proved to be the most entertaining floor in the Southwest in a party that will not be easily forgotten. A wish fulfilled for the bride and groom.
Wedding and Reception Site:
Carefree Resort & Villas
Photographer:
ajphotography.com
Wedding Coordinator :
Sandy Walker, In Awe Weddings & Events
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