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

Real Wedding: Emma & David, Part I

Recently, I had the pleasure of planning an uber-detailed Green Garden Wedding for David & Emma, who are such a dynamic couple! The event was deemed an 'Upscale Garden Potluck' and this adorable couple had very specific ideas of exactly the style and ambiance they wanted to create, which was so fun to work with.

The wedding palate consisted of many colors found in nature: poppy red, tangerine orange, daffodil yellow, lime green, and chocolate brown. We used tons of fresh fruit everywhere from the aisle decor to the centerpieces to featuring gorgeous cranberries as the champagne glass garnish. All of the leftover fruit was promptly donated to a food shelter. We used organic catering featuring fresh green & vegetable salads, fresh herbs as decor, & many different serving bowls & platters rather than a long line of chafing dishes, to bring in the less formal garden pot luck theme.

Birds' nests of all sizes and shapes, along with bird cages were used for the centerpieces and gift card holders, and finally - one of the most fun details, in my humble opinion, was naming the tables after different garden vegetables (Sassafrass, Pole Beans, Artichoke, etc.). But we'll feature more of those delicious details in the next few days' posts.

First, I want to share the most adorable engagement photos. Emma & David were a 'long distance' bride & groom, as they live in Colorado, but got married here in Phoenix. So, these photos are from Artisan Foto in Boulder, and I must say, I'm in love with them! They capture David & Emma's personalities and style perfectly. Enjoy and come back tomorrow for wedding photos!