Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… Our vision for the wedding was intimacy. It was most important to us to have a wedding about our marriage and not being overly flashy or over-the-top spending. We wanted everything to be quaint, sweet and the focused solely on our marriage in front of God and witnessed by family and closest friends. The officiant was the groom’s cousin, who is a pastor, and we chose the venue, L’Auberge de Sedona, because of its beautiful location by the creek. It was an absolute bonus that it snowed. We honestly thought that because of the long summer it would be sunny that weekend in December, but snow was a thousand times better!

My favorite part was how perfectly calming and intimate our ceremony was. It was amazing for us to feel so loved as we were placed in a beautiful snowy setting by a creek, surrounded by our guests. Benjamin said the first look was something he would never forget when he turned around and saw me. I won’t forget that when I saw him from the hotel room when he was shooting with Ryan first, it finally hit me — I’m getting married! I will never forget getting my makeup done and watching the snow fall all morning. What an incredible blessing to witness as I was getting ready. I also think the fact that our wedding was less about the wedding production but more about our marriage, so many of our guests told us after they had never been to a wedding like it!

What I enjoyed most about the planning was my venue team. Being a wedding photographer myself, it was a dream to work with my favorite people in the business, from my event designer, cookie designer, makeup artist, venue and, most importantly, the photographer that I had to have! I felt like I had the dream team and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m so thankful that everyone was able to come together and work their amazing talents.I also loved that our ceremony was short, simple and sweet. I kept telling Benjamin I wanted to get married all over again. It was so much fun.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Ray Photography / Wedding Venue + Cake: L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona / Event Designer: la Ricki / Flowers: Bliss Extraordinary Floral / Hair + Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji / Cream Belt: J.Crew / Black Belt: BHLDN / Earrings + Bracelets: Nadri / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Jewelry: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Zegna / Tie: Calibrate / Shirt: Thomas Pink

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Post tags: Arizona, Badgley Mischka, BHLDN, Black, Bliss Extraordinary Floral, Calibrate, J. Crew, L'Auberge de Sedona, la Ricki, Lizzy Marsh, Nadri, Ryan Ray Photography, Sedona, Tadashi Shoji, Thomas Pink, White, Zegna
Post categories: The Blog

From the groom … We designed the theme of the wedding around the unsung sides of the southwest; the blue skies, the green of succulents, the clean air that we enjoy in this beautiful place. We truly fell in love in Mexico during a three month period of travel there shortly after our relationship began. When we began planning our wedding we wanted to share that romance with our guests.

I had met Sarah years before our first date. We were friendly and knew each others names but that was about all that could be said. Fast forward a few years and we crossed paths again. I ran into Sarah at her job and asked her to meet me after work for a drink. She declined. I would not be deterred and we traded messages and phone calls over several weeks as we tried to make time to get together. Three weeks later we had scheduled a traditional dinner and a movie first date. The night before, Sarah called and changed the venue. Our first date was at the Grand Canyon. Sarah had unknowingly selected the perfect venue.

I moved to Arizona from Connecticut because of the Grand Canyon and spent three summers working for the Park Service. Sarah had a much deeper connection to the Canyon, her grandmother was a nurse at the clinic and her mother had gone to high school at Grand Canyon High School. We talked for hours out at Shoshone Point. We went to the village and talked for a few more hours. Then we drove back to Flag and had dinner, talking the whole time. The first date lasted about 14 hours and when we said good night I knew that I had found the love of my life.

From the bride … From the first date, I have always been amazed with Ben’s patient, understanding, loving, fun loving nature. He invited me to travel with him in Mexico during the second week of dating. Ben and I decided it would be an adventure, and even though we had only been dating for two weeks it was a risk worth taking. The time spent in Mexico, especially Oaxaca, changed my life. I fell in love with Ben and I learned wonderful, impressive, and beautiful things about him in Mexico. My life was changed for the better by taking a chance (and maybe even a crazy chance) and going to Southern Mexico for three months with a man I had just met.

Ben began our engagement with a lie. It was our anniversary, Ben told me he was sorry but that he had to work at 7 am and we would not be able to spend the day together. At 6:30 am, Ben’s alarm went off and he walked around to my side of the bed, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He told me that he had lied because he wanted to surprise me with a proposal first thing in the morning so that we had all day to celebrate. We jumped in the car with our little dog Mosley and drove down to Sedona to enjoy the day together.

I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to plan a wedding with. Ben is the groom that every bride wishes she had helping her. Ben was right there by my side, making decisions, calling vendors, picking out colors and flowers…. he even helped make the ribbon wands for the ceremony. He helped me out so much and is a super groom. That is probably cheesy, but he really is a super groom.

Hair & Makeup: Patricia Vega, La Petite Salon / Day-of Coordination: JB, Sedona Luxury Weddings / Floral: Garage by Ivy / Officiant: Shanandoah Sterling, Sterling Weddings / Ceremony Site: L’Auberge de Sedona / Reception Site: Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Calle Independencia / Catering: Heartline Cafe / Cake: Sedona Cake Couture / Entertainment: AZ Nights / Rentals: Tri Rentals / Photography: Cameron + Kelly Studios

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Post tags: Arizona, AZ Nights, Calle Independencia, Cameron + Kelly Studios, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Green Black, Garage by Ivy, Heartline Cafe, L'Auberge de Sedona, La Petite Salon, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Peppers, Sedona, Sedona Cake Couture, Sedona Luxury Weddings, Sterling Weddings, Succulents, Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Tri Rentals, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

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From Gina Meola… Architect meets designer, a romance buds, and an eco-chic wedding is born. The marriage of an architect to interior designer is the marriage of two similar minds. So in this case, similarities attract. The loft space allows us an inside peek at the couple’s life. Clean lines, raw materials, and negative space ooze a minimalist’s savvy. Our bride appears in her delicate, but sophisticated, Claire Pettibone gown. Her sleek, asymmetrical hair is another manifestation of this style. Our groom accompanies her in a piped tweed Dior blazer, sporting a DIY simple weld boutonniere made from salvaged bike gears.

The first bouquet is bursting with white peonies, succulents, and lush garden roses. The trickling white dendrobium orchids create a vine effect, and the bouquet is a mirror of the lace pattern in the gown. It almost becomes a piece of art in itself. Because a wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event, it had to be perfect! The invites exude “movie premier” or some other large production. From an architect, we should expect nothing less! Our reception takes place at an architect’s dream – The Audubon Center. It’s ALL about the environment, space and structure here. The Audubon is one of only two LEED Platinum self-sustaining buildings in Phoenix, Arizona, and juxtaposes scenic views from every angle with incredibly smart and efficient structures.

Our bride is modeling shape and form in her timeless gown by Ian Stuart. As an interior designer, she wants something unique and unforgettably fashionable. Our groom is clean and simple in his black fitted suit, and focused on functionality and aesthetics. The second bouquet is bold, full of lines, and reflects the origami of the gown’s neckline. The vast tablescape is eco-centric and appropriately “green”. We believe the opportunities to think outside the box for a wedding are endless, and creative professionals should be at the forefront of “new” and “unique”. This was a way to showcase creativity, sustainability, and architecture at its finest – with a major dose of pretty.

Photography + Art Direction: Gina Meola Photography / Styling + Concept: AVE Styles / Model: The Arizona Agency / Flowers: Avant-Garde Studios / Wedding gowns + Jewelry: Mariee Gallery / Cakes: Classic Cakes and Confections / Invitations: LittleOwl Letterpress / Contributing Photography + Graphic Design: Purple Nickel Studio / Loft Venue: Portland 38 / Reception Venue: The Audubon Center in Phoenix / Makeup: Ashley Nicole / Hair: Kim Cornwell at Triple Threat Studios (480-225-4282)

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Post tags: Arizona, Ashley Nicole, Avant-Garde Studios, Ave Styles, Classic Cakes and Confections, Gina Meola, Kim Cornwell, LittleOwl Letterpress, Mariee Gallery, Phoenix, Photo Shoot, Portland 38, Purple Nickel Studio, The Audobon Center
Post categories: Photo Shoot, The Blog, Wedding Style

After five wonderful years of dating we exchanged wedding vows in front of a wonderful group of friends and family.  When I envisioned our wedding day, I wanted to evoke romance and class yet make it a lot of fun for us and our guests. When I was asked to describe what I was looking for I used romantic, whimsical & PINK!  Without a doubt I wanted a lot of crystals and chandeliers to make it all look and feel as romantic as romantic and ethereal as I imagined. My wedding gown gave me a lot of inspiration with the rosettes & crystals throughout.

We chose to have our ceremony & reception in one of the most unique and exotic places in Phoenix, Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens. My hope was to combine this exotic and rustic locale with my desire for a romantic & whimsical mood for this special day.  The day of the wedding it was perfect and everything we could have hope for.  After planning this day for close to a year and obsessing about all the details, colors & endless choices I was literally walking on cloud nine knowing that I would soon marry my best friend.

Our wedding came together with the creative talents of Sandy Walker, In Awe Weddings & Events.  She is a gem and I am so fortunate to have had her at my side throughout the wedding planning process. My mom & I had so much fun meeting and planning with Sandy, this was truly a wonderful time for us. When I sat down with her for the first time & started rattling off all of my ideas I knew she “got it” and judging by her other weddings I knew she would plan an amazing day. She truly captured the feel of what we wanted and helped design & coordinate an unforgettable day.  All the vendors she put together were truly amazing in their own way and helped to create this most perfect day.

Wedding Planning: Sandy Walker, In Awe Weddings and Events / Photography: EME Photography / Cupcakes: Classic Cakes and Confections / Venue: Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens / Floral: The Flower Studio, Christine Siegel / Invitations: I Do Bliss / Officiant: Father Jim Hushek / Makeup: Allison Pynn / Hairstylist: Antoinette Dicarlo / Caterer: Santa Barbara Catering

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Post tags: Allison Pynn, Arizona, Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens, Candy Buffet, Chandeliers, Classic Cakes and Confections, Color Palette Pink, Cupcakes, EME Photography, Father Jim Hushek, Flower girls, I Do Bliss, In Awe Weddings and Events, Phoenix, Santa Barbara Catering, The Flower Studio, Vintage Chic, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

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From Chantel Marie Photography…Hilary and Jon tied the knot on 7.9.11  They dated on and off for about 4 years…they started dating in college at ASU.  He then moved to Hawaii to play collegiate golf and she moved back home to Vegas.  They were in and out of the relationship.  Just when Hilary thought things were all over, Jon and her worked it out. He came home for holidays in hopes to win her back, knowing he could not live without her.  An amazing Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families in NV and AZ confirmed their forever love…he proposed his next trip home.

Hil and Jon are a very old-world loving, antique appreciating couple.  They adore cooking together and Hil loves needlework and DIY projects. Hil and her mom pretty much DIYed her entire wedding. Jon’s family has horses and a ranch and Hil is a very classy, thrifty gal. They compliment each other so well in that they are completely and entirely head over heels for each other.

Their wedding was gorgeous and they loved every moment of it.  It was so authentic to them. Hil had a say in everything that was purchased, made, and how and where it set at the venue.  The wedding was just ‘them’.

Reception: The Orange Orchard / Wedding Photography: Chantel Marie Photography / Wedding Cakes: Sandy Wright Cutting / Florals: Mother of the Bride + Friends / DJ: Hilary’s Playlist / Bride’s Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue / Hair Flower + Earrings: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Express / Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan / Invitations: Lyndsay Osburn Design

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Post tags: Arizona, Chantel Maria Photography, Cole Haan, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Express, J. Crew, Lyndsay Osburn Design, Mesa, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sandy Wright Cutting, The Orange Orchard
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, The Blog

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From Sedona Bride Photographers … Sedona is a lesser known but very popular wedding location… for couples like Allison and James, Sedona is one of the Southwest’s best kept secrets for a romantic destination wedding. Every year many couples from the east coast and may Chicago brides travel to Arizona to enjoy weddings in the warm winter weather.  Most of Allison and James’ family and friends came in from out of state and mostly from Chicago. They were treated to a stunning day with the unique red rock landscape, high desert weather, and lush creekside as a backdrop to a beautiful couple’s wedding.  Many have enjoyed beach weddings and big city weddings but few have had the experience of watching a gorgeous ceremony with views like those found in Sedona.

Allison and James’ wedding took place at the stunning L’Auberge de Sedona which was voted “Arizona’s Most Romantic Resort” and one can see why from the stunning creekside and red rock experience. A five minute walk through lush grounds takes your from the babbling Oak Creek to the hillside view of a vista with red rocks as far as the eye can see.

One of the most adorable parts of this wedding was the cute wedding invitation that the groom James created. It was a map of their relationship starting with the couple meeting in high school because their of last names their lockers were right next to each other. Then it detailed out their courtship and ended with the wedding invitation. It’s so great to see when the grooms get involved… especially when they are creative like James. You can really see how much they really do adore each other in the images. James has a special way he looks at Allison that is just so sweet and inspiring.

It threatened to rain all day. Instead of raining the clouds just broke and created the most amazing light for their breathtaking ceremony. L’Auberge’s Spirit Song Terrace was perfect with the vast red rock vista glowing in soft shades of red and pink as their families closest family and friends carried in the chuppah to start the ceremony. Allison’s dad had passed away so the ceremony and the day was more emotional than most weddings. In his remembrance his cowboy hat was displayed during the reception with a lit candle. Family stepped in for him for the father daughter dance and there could not have been a dry eye in the whole room.

Preparation, Ceremony, and Reception:  L’auberge de Sedona / Coordination:  Weddings in Sedona / Makeup and Hair:  Patricia Vega / Floral and Decor:  Bliss Extraordinary Floral / Cake:  Sedona Sweet Arts / Entertainment:  Chad Sebastian, Sedona DJ’s / Photography:  Sedona Bride Photographers

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Post tags: Arizona, Bliss Extraordinary Floral, Cactus, Chuppah, Color Palette Red Purple, Cowboy Hats, Flower girls, Jewish Wedding, L'Auberge de Sedona, mountains, Outdoor Wedding, Patricia Vega, Sedona, Sedona Bride Photographers, Sedona Sounds, Sedona Sweet Arts, Weddings in Sedona
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

From Victoria Canada Weddings & Events … The lavish wedding was hosted at exclusive Country Club at DC Ranch.  Guests experienced the beauty of the desert all from the rustic surroundings of DC Ranch.  We created a fun and festive party within a beautiful space.  There were numerous elements that were created to surprise Janet and Rick at every turn.  The Bride is a well known and busy interior designer with little time for wedding planning.  Thus, we were brought on to help the brides best friend plan the wedding.

The cake was designed off the bride’s love of shoes – in particular, Christian Louboutins!  The ruffles on the cake are a nod to the bride’s elegant dress.  The cake was displayed on a vintage ranch table from the original DC Ranch.  It was an amazing image to see it placed under the tree that was lit and hanging with Moroccan lanterns.

The bride and groom wanted to incorporate a sand ceremony into their wedding ceremony.  The main bottle was an antique bottle with a handmade cross sodered to the bottle by an artisan that works with Janet.  It gleamed with the background of the McDowell Mountains.  The perfect touch was the rustic original ranch table that the bottles rested on.

The Wedding Linen’s were inspired by a vintage piece of cloth that Janet brought to us a year before the wedding, with simple instructions – “this is what I love… the texture and the understated elegance.”  We then went on to find the perfect combination of rustic elegance and simple romance at Wildflower Linen.   The Russian Linen textile was a perfect fit.

The Floral was a wonderful collaboration between the floral designer, Events by Showstoppers, the couple and us.  Because of the couple’s limited involvement with the design, we, along with the brides best friend, were the main contacts.  We brought in Jim and Ken from Events by Showstoppers because they also have Houston roots.  She felt it would be a good aesthetic match.  The rose petal carpets, use of fruit, draping, and eclectic and unexpected containers helped created a breathtaking event.

Guests were greeted with an amazing rose petal carpet at the ceremony.  The Cocktail hour was defined with yet another rose petal carpet.  After cocktails, the guests crossed the grassy lawn lit with candles and transformed with more rose petals while serenaded by the string quartet placed on a balcony above them. They then climbed the steps full of candles to enter the breathtaking courtyard.  Guests were gasping and grabbing their cameras to take in the courtyard.  It was an amazing moment.

Photography: Phyllis Lane Photographer / Flowers: Events by Show Stoppers / Event Design: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Event Planning: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Ceremony Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Reception Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Invitations: Rebecca Baltutis, Square LA / Linens: Wildflower Linen & Southwick Linens / Cake: Andrea Carusetta-Blaut of Sedona Cake Couture / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Dress: Meriah, Monique Lhuillier from Casa Di Novia / Bridesmaid Dresses: assorted gowns from Monique Lhuillier and BCBG / Flower Girl:  Custom Dress by Jenny Kim Couture / Band: The Groove Merchants / Hair & Makeup: Glam Lounge Artists / Calligraphy: Jennifer Schmitt

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Post tags: Arizona, BCBG, Bouquets, Casa Di Novia, Color Palette Pink, Diane Aiello, Events by Show Stoppers, Flower girls, Fruit, Jenny Kim Couture, Jimmy Choo, Monique Lhuillier, Phyllis Lane Photographer, Scottsdale, Sedona Cake Couture, Southwich Linens, Succulents, The Country Club at DC Ranch, The Groove Merchants, Victoria Canada Weddings & Events, Wedding Designers & Planners, Wedding Flowers, Wildflower Linen
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

From Beatriz, the bride … Alvin only cared about the food, so I knew Sassi was going to be a great place due to their amazing kitchen.  I also fell in love with the amazing views, desert scenery and the architecture.  I particularly appreciated how it wasn’t too modern or trendy.

The same simple yet timeless elegance which attracted me to Sassi also led to my choices in decor, flowers, and dress.  We tried to keep everything as simple as possible and avoided creating too much work for ourselves.  We focused on spending time with our friends and family instead of worrying about minor details.

I am a native of Michoacán, Mexico, so we also wanted to tie in some Mexican traditions to the ceremony.  We had a mariachi band and traditional Mexican wedding traditions such as a lazo ceremony and the exchange of arras.  I wore a gold bracelet given to me by Alvin’s mother and a necklace and earrings given by my mother.  The headpieces were custom designed in my hometown, La Piedad.

Harrison Hurwitz, our photographer, was alongside to capture every moment.  So caught up in his work, he even got entangled with a cactus plant.  His wife, working closeby, was rather concerned – but not so much as to miss capturing the moment on film.

As the night winded down, we sent everyone off with one of our paletas.  It was a simple treat to end a simple wedding on a warm Arizona night.

Photography: Harrison Hurwitz Photography / Flowers: Table Tops Etc. / Ceremony Location: Sassi / Reception Location: Sassi / Invitations: Anna Griffin / Shoes: Nina / Dress: Demetrios

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 19 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Anna Griffin, Arizona, Chandler, Classic, Demetrios, Desert, Harrison Hurwitz Photography, Nina, Sassi, Table Tops Etc., Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cake, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance