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

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 36 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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

Click here to see the full image gallery!

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

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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

{click here for more of those Sedona skylines}

For our wedding, my fiancé and I envisioned an intimate affair with our closest family and friends.  Since our loved ones are spread all over the country, we were open to any destination.  When we stumbled upon L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona, we knew right away it was the perfect place.   The red rock views were breathtaking, the accommodations were luxurious, and it had the rustic feel we were looking for.

When we started planning the details, Style Me Pretty gave us daily inspiration.  We loved seeing how couples incorporated unique ideas and personality into their celebrations.  It helped us come up with our own little touches, like using a canvas and paints for our guest book (I’m an artist) and having a cake covered in coconut (fiancé’s favorite).  The stone ceremony was one of our favorite things.  Guests had been asked to find and bring a small stone, and during the wedding ceremony they were asked to hold it and say a prayer.  We’ll be able to keep the stones – with their prayers – in our home forever.

We are especially indebted to SMP for helping us find the most amazing photography team ever, Twin Lens.  When we saw Kitty and Craig’s work, no other photographer would do.  And on top of their profound talent, they are the sweetest people ever.  We could not be happier with our choice, and I am so thankful to them for giving me what I believe to be the best, most beautiful wedding photographs that I’ve ever seen.    We will be forever grateful to Sandy Walker of In Awe Weddings & Events for making the wedding planning and our special day so wonderful.  I don’t know how many times throughout the planning process that I told Sandy she was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I couldn’t have meant it more.  She was professional, creative, patient, and wonderful in too many ways to list.

Photography: Twin Lens / Venue: L’Auberge de Sedona / Wedding coordination: Sandy Walker- In Awe Weddings & Events / Cake: Sedona Cake Couture / Flowers: Flowers With Flair / Make-up and hair stylist: Allison Pynn /Dress: Paloma Blanca /

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allison Pynn, Arizona, Flowers with Flair, In Awe Weddings and Events, L'Auberge de Sedona, Paloma Blanca, Sedona, Sedona Cake Couture, Twin Lens Images
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Destination, Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

The Story From Katrina and Andrew, Sedona Bride:

Tara and Micah are both anthropologists and share a love of Morocco. That proved to be the inspiration for their magnificent wedding décor. A semi-traditional Jewish ceremony was held underneath an Aspen-wood chuppah. Decorative etched and colored glass votives with palm leaves adorned the cocktail tables and fireplace. Brilliantly colored Moroccan style sock lamps hung on the perimeter of the cocktail hour terrace. Metal Moroccan lanterns added warmth and ambience to the already beautiful space. A signature engagement book with images taken by Sedona Bride was proudly displayed. Table centerpieces consisted of decorative lamps, colored-glass votives, spices, citrus fruits and flowers typical of Morocco, all sprinkled liberally around the center … and uniquely shaped perfume bottles with elaborate cork tops. Tables were named after cities in Morocco (Rabat, Marrakesh, Merzouga,etc.). Their guests favors were stunning traditional Moroccan perfume bottles. All of the fabulous décor and florals were designed by Events by Showstoppers. The cake … oooh the cake … details were made by pressing an eastern fabric textile pattern stamp onto soft cake fondant, and then hand-painted with edible cake paint. The cake was enveloped in a Moroccan-style tent/canopy.

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part I

Wedding and Celebration were held at  L’Auberge de Sedona this past spring.

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part II

Tara and Micah were married on May 18th, 2008. Family and friends came to Sedona from literally all over the world. Because Tara has spent so much time in Morocco, the cocktail hour and reception followed an amazing Moroccan theme. Just stepping into the reception area was like entering a new world, with amazing and vibrant colors! The fabulous Liz Margin worked her magic on the makeup. Andrea Blaut made the **amazing** Moroccan style cake. Jim, Ken, and their team at Events by Showstoppers made the chuppah for the ceremony, and orchestrated the fabulous Moroccan themed floral and decor for the cocktail hour and reception.

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part III

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part IV

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part V

Remember that I said, “jaw-droppingly beautiful”? Look at this cake …

… hand-painted by Andrea at Sedona Cake Couture.

Events by Showstoppers lived up to their name at Tara & Micah’s wedding reception!

Sedona Bride Photography: Tara and Micah, Part VI

How great is this wedding!

Thank you Katrina and Andrew for sharing these magnificent photos with us! For more Sedona Bride weddings, head on over to their website and blog.

Here are a few more of their stunning weddings!

(And remember, lots of our weddings are posted in a series … so be sure to check the ‘Related’ links right underneath the titles.)

Cathedral Rock Wedding

Sedona Bride Wedding: Pink Week

India Inspired Wedding

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Arizona, Events by Showstoppers, Harp, L'Auberge de Sedona, Moroccan Inspired, Rose Petals, Sedona, Sedona Bride, Sedona Cake Couture
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog