a gourmet's delight

Public Relations executive Catherine Arthur knows how to accentuate the positive, so it was no surprise that her wedding to banker Demetrios Anifantis this year began with a focus on a lovely spring setting featuring exceptional cuisine.

After exchanging vows at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, the couple celebrated outdoors at the CopperWynd Resort.

Says Catherine, “Since the weather here in Arizona is so beautiful, especially in spring, we didn’t want to keep our reception and our guests in a big, dark ballroom. We wanted our entire party outside—in a very romantic, intimate setting.”

A cocktail party took place on the balcony, affording sweeping panoramic views above Fountain Hills. As guests arrived, they were greeted just inside the doors by wait staff offering white and red wine as well as the couple’s signature “blushing bride” martini (Ruby Red Absolut, pink grapefruit juice, and a pink grapefruit twist). Guests noshed on jumbo shrimp cocktail, coconut-crusted lobster tails with a pineapple dipping sauce, spanikopita in a fluffy phyllo pastry, and brie on toasted crostini. The scene was set with bright floral centerpieces and romantic candlelight.

As the sunset lit up the brilliant pink and purple sky, it was time to move onto the soft, green grass for the reception. The white lights illuminating from the trees, the dimly lit candles on each table, the standing candelabra, and the glowing fireplaces provided an intimate ambience for the celebration. Once everyone finished dining on Greek salads, they were served pan-seared salmon with mango relish, and tenderloin with a veal cabernet sauce.

After a bit of dancing, it was time to cut into the carefully crafted three-tiered wedding cake—a delectable concoction of red velvet (made a pale shade of pink instead to match the bridesmaid dresses) with a layer of vanilla Bavarian crème and fresh strawberries, all underneath a smooth layer of fondant. The base of each layer was wrapped with a pale pink ribbon; the cake was topped off with a cluster of pink roses. After the wedding cake, chocolate covered strawberries, tea, and coffee, it was time to dance the night away... under the stars.

Location:
CopperWynd Resort

Photographer:
Rebecca Bouck Photography

the wedding insiders
Newlyweds share their experiences...

cicely rocha & joe miller
keri ouellet & walt chantler
jessica farruggia & sean barry
catherine arthur & demetrios anifantis
anna ranita & alex moore
jaimee ditommaso & craig pascale
hillary & jeff mielke
ellen walpert & christopher kobran