Intimate Desert Wedding Celebration

Post by Jamie Ihms, Lead Event Designer and Coordinator

All photos by Ryan and Denise Photography

Jenny and Jay wanted an intimate family ceremony and a non-traditional wedding reception, where their guests could mingle and enjoy the night, unhindered by the typical wedding traditions. They also wanted to incorporate the beauty of the desert they've grown up surrounded by in Arizona. The wedding colors, inspired by succulents and desert sand, were a muted sage green, soft purple and khaki. 

This couple was so. much. fun. It was apparent from the beginning that there is a strong and sweet love between these two. They were a dream to work with, because they were a reminder of why I love my job. Underneath the frill and fluff of a pretty wedding (which I also love!) is the relationship of two people being cemented in a ceremony. They just made everyone feel like celebrating for them. Even all the vendors were ecstatic to be at the wedding, watching the joyful event.

This is one of the most beautiful first looks. It so accurately depicts the love and joy the Jenny and Jay share.

                           

The Desert Botanical Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for the subtly Southwestern ceremony.

 

   

Gorgeous giant succulents lined the natural aisle. The majestic red mountains framed the couple at the altar and the closest family members watched as they said original vows not only to each other, but also to Jay's children. 

It was truly a family affair, as Jenny's brother officiated. Can it get any more special than this?

Her eyes are just. so. dreamy.

Just let the tears flow. I know I did. 

These exquisite and unique desert floral arrangements were housed in a real bark sheath.  Stunning, I tell you.

Miguel de Maria, from Elegant Spanish Guitar brought the perfect ambience to the scene.

The following day, guests arrived at the beautiful Arizona Historical Society for the cocktail party-style reception, where they enjoyed beautiful outdoor seating vignettes and action stations with street tacos, a chilled soup and salad-tini bar, kabobs and noodles. The succulent colors and Southwestern theme continued at the outdoor reception under the twinkling starlight with views of Papago mountain. 

The beautiful wooden guest book was hand painted with Jenny and Jay's names, date and the iconic giant succulent. Guests decorated it with sweet words, creating a beautiful and meaningful "guest book" that could be hung in the newlyweds' home.

There was no bouquet toss, first dance, or any of the usual activities, so guests had the entire night to eat, drink and dance! And, boy was it a party! Rich Mancini from Mancini Entertainment skillfully created just the right mood throughout the evening, whether guests were dining or dancing. 

Look at these enormous succulents! The florals by Petal Pusher were absolutely amazing, and were repurposed from the wedding day to the reception.

A great big thank you to our team! You know the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child"? Well, it takes a skilled team of professionals to make a wedding run smoothly. Our vendors were hand-picked for Jenny and Jay to give them their dream wedding, and it would not have been a success without them!

Photographer: Ryan and Denise Photography
Ceremony Venue: Desert Botanical Garden
Florist: Petal Pusher
Reception Venue: Arizona Historical Society Museum
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Caterer: Heidi's Events and Catering
Lounge Furniture: Petal Pusher
Bartender: Hey Bartender
DJ: Rich Mancini of Mancini Entertainment

Wedding Magazine Photoshoot: Desert Botanical Gardens & Fabulous Food

I got to style 3 different photo shoots for the fantastic Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine, where we had 3 different wedding venues in Metro Phoenix and we asked their onsite catering teams to pair their ideas for food with my designs.  This was so much fun.  You can see the entire feature in their new issue, which can be viewed on their website.

So, this week, we'll be featuring three blog posts on the different shoot locations.  Each photo shoot is very different from the other, in terms of color palettes, venues, and feel and I'm excited to share them!  All of the photos were taken by Erica Velasco Photographers, whose work I adore, and the gorgeous floral art was all provided by Butterfly Petals. 

The first shoot location we will feature is at the beautiful Desert Botanical Gardens in Tempe, where you'll find the most amazing desert cactus and landscape you've ever seen.  This is a perfect venue for an outdoor wedding ceremony and outdoor or indoor reception for an intimate gathering of 20 or large wedding of 300 people.

The Inspiration

I was inspired by the desert colors and wanted to create a clean and simple design that highlighted the natural beauty of the surroundings, yet had colors that popped off of the green background and made the desert sparkle and shimmer. Therefore, I chose Teal, Bright Yellow and White with some Sparkle, of course.

This venue screamed for some incredible linens to be used and Wildflower Linens has the perfect succulent chair covers and sparkly overlays to make the table eye-popping.

So here's a closer look at the prettiness...

I love how Amanda at Butterfly Petals selected these cool white vessels that look like cactus!  And the casual springy floral of tulips and mums and the organic feel to them - so simple and happy.  My favorite floral addition was the teal blue glittered succulents to match the chair covers.  Did you know you can do anything with glitter? :)  I love adding glitter to floral focal points.

 

The Food

Then Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events came in and created one of the most incredible catering meals I've seen - you'd never know this meal wasn't straight out of a 5-star fine dining establishment.  I was so impressed with their team.  At Desert Botanical Gardens, you can select from a group of caterers, but Fabulous Food also runs the onsite restaurant, Gertrude's.

I mean look at these plates... stunning!!  If you're a foodie like I am, you will love what's coming.  Fabulous Food is known for using the highest quality, seasonal ingredients that are local and sustainably grown and they just do such a great job of plating presentation.  AND?  It's absolutely delicious.  

Here's the menu:

Salad of Asparagus, enoki mushrooms and baby fennel finished with a pea puree, chive oil, yogurt and lemon zest.  (Hungry yet?)

 

Isn't this just the most fresh looking salad ever?

 

Next up is Two Sisters Squash and Corn - Patti Pan Squash, Shaved Kabocha, Amaranth, Corn Puree with Lime Zest, Fresh Farmer's Cheese and Micro Cilantro.

And who doesn't want a sushi course for their wedding?  Look at this crudo salad of Hamachi Sashimi, Strawberry Rhubarb & Rose Pesto with Micro Wasabi.  It's a work of art.

 For the entree, feast your eyes on Duck Leg Confit, Duck Sausage, Blueberry Infused Red Cabbage with Ancho Glaze and Stone Fruit.

And how creative is this?  I have so many brides who really don't care for cake at all -- how about a Fromage plate with Apple Whiskey Poached D'Anjou Pear, Shaft Blue Cheese, Walnut Shortbread, Duck Prosciutto with Candied Golden Beet Puree and Figs.  I'm dying over here.  Duck Prosciutto???? Yes please. 

Stay tuned for more delicious prettiness tomorrow for our second shoot!

Vendor Team:
Magazine: Phoenix Bride & Groom
Stylist/Coordinator: Monica McQueen with Très Chic Weddings & Events
Photography: Erica Velasco Photographers
Floral: Butterfly Petals
Food: Fabulous Food Fine Events and Catering
Linens: Wildflower Linens
Chivari Chairs: Classic Party Rentals