Where did you find your dress? Would you say that finding your dress was a relatively easy or a difficult process?
My dress was the easiest decision I made. I went to Cleo and Clementine, a local dress maker. I couldn't have been happier with the process. Monique, the owner, is the nicest most down to earth person. She designed my dress according to my desires and my budget. I've never had clothing made for me and I love that no one else will ever have my exact wedding dress. That's something special.
Where did your ceremony and reception take place? Was there any special meaning behind the choice of venue(s)?
Our Ceremony and reception took place at the Historic Encanto Park Clubhouse. Jeff and I both live in downtown Phoenix, and we thought this location really represented who we are as a couple. Our wedding was intimate and casual, but as native Phoenicians, it was sentimental as well.
What kind of flowers did you have in your bouquet and the ceremony/ reception?
I used Butterfly Petals as our florist. I can't recommend them highly enough! My bouquet was hand-tied in a cholla skeleton handle featuring cotton, orange pincushion protea, succulents, blue thistle, bougainvillea, moon cacti in orange, red and yellow, fuchsia stock, yellow acacia and purple asters. Colorful, southwest desert inspired.
What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Did you have a groom’s cake?
We didn't go the cake route for our wedding, instead choosing pie. Since we had a taco bar for dinner, we offered our guests the choice of either Key Lime or Lemon Meringue petite pies. They we adorable. Jeff and I had a large Key Lime pie to cut.
Did you provide favors to your guests? If so, what were they?
We didn't provide favors to our guests, but we encouraged them to take home the flowers in vases on the tables.
What details from your wedding that made it unique to you?
Just about everything from our wedding was unique to us. We wanted to represent our personalities on our wedding day, and we chose only local vendors to work with. Jeff and I both have a deep love of the desert and the southwest, so naturally that was reflected at our wedding. I spent nearly a year collecting milk glass and antique glass vases, and we decorated many of the tables with our own serape blankets. Jeff designed and printed our welcome banner, and our closest friends helped us decorate the space before the wedding. Everything about our day was done with love and because of that our wedding day was so special.
Other than marrying your husband, what was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
My absolute favorite moment of our wedding was my father in laws toast. He literally brought the entire room to tears. His words were heartfelt and inspirational and it was truly a blessing to have him celebrate the most important day of our lives with us.
Did you take a honeymoon? If so, where did you go?
We took a honeymoon road trip to New Mexico. On our way we stopped in Winslow and stayed at the La Posada where we were treated with top notch hospitality. We dined at the Turquoise room where I had one of the best meals of my life! We drove through the historic Hubbell Trading Post and then spent several days in Santa Fe at the Hotel St. Francis. We vintage shopped at the most amazing shop, Santa Fe Vintage, and bought ourselves gorgeous Native American art pieces that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
What is one piece of wisdom you learned from your planning experience that you would like to share with future brides?
The most important lesson I learned is that even on a budget, you can't do it alone! At the beginning of the planning process I thought that I would have the time and know how to do everything myself, but I quickly wizened up and hired a planner for the day of the wedding. She was a life saver! Future brides, don't be afraid to get friends and family involved, it makes the experience that much more memorable.
Who were some of the other vendors that were a part of your dream team?
As I mentioned, the fabulous Butterfly Petals were our florist, Cleo and Clementine designed and hand sewed my dress, Mucho Macho Tacos provided our tasty eats, and Mama Toledo's Pie Hole made our desserts. Leland Gebhardt Photography took our gorgeous photos, my dearest friend Mari Ehlert styled our hair and Babydoll Weddings brought the whole look together with gorgeous makeup!
