Yesterday, Pretty Little Weddings brought you the first of one bride’s two gorgeous weddings. Today, we’re back with the details of the second in the bride’s own words.
Tiffani and Justin held a grand Hollywood glamour event at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Every wedding detail was laced with timeless splendor inspired by the 1950’s. Using red, black and gold as their color inspiration, their much long-awaited nuptials created an exciting and enchanting black tie event.
The wedding ceremony, held in a tent on the Phoenician grounds, was breathtakingly decorated with all-white details. This shaped an elegantly pure and majestic ceremony adorned with mirrored aisle runners and an exquisite white arbor. Following the ceremony, guests were escorted to the cocktail hour where rich colors slowly began to be included in the event. The entrance to the cocktail hour was draped with large white curtains and a magnificent “N” made out of red roses. From here, the guests were directed to find their place card hanging on gold trees detailed with white feathers. With gaudy gold frames of the couple, mermaid style bar tables and saxophone and trumpet players, the guests were taken back to the glamour of the past.
When the doors opened to the reception, jaws dropped. More than 9,000 lush red roses were used in the centerpieces and décor. The black lace table linens on the guest tables were accented by the rich red silk taffeta linen of the head table. From fancy feathers to diamonds and candelabras, the décor was out of this world. The fringe chandeliers added much pizzazz to the dance floor and the live band played all the classic hits from Frank Sinatra to Elton John. Before the bride and groom walked in, a video montage played on two large screens, showing their life in pictures and candid footage and creating a grand entrance. They danced to At Last by Etta James, which was the perfect song for the dramatic occasion.
The candy bar was an event itself, displaying all sorts of innovative treats from mini candy apples to cotton candy in chocolate bowls. Also included in the reception was a fancy bar and lounge and to accompany those not drinking, a juice bar was provided with delicious drinks. In addition to the gobo on the dance floor, the reception was personalized at every angle. It was truly a spectacular affair.
From the groomsmen in suspenders and bowties to the exquisite bird cage veils the bridesmaids wore, every little detail was inspired by classic beauty. The handmade mermaid bridesmaid dresses created a dramatic silhouette of sophistication and glamour that complimented Tiffani’s gown. Tiffani and Justin had the time of their lives at this magnificent occasion and were so thrilled to see their guests having as much fun as they did!
I never do this. Ever. After all, not doing this is what makes Pretty Little Weddings different than almost every other wedding blog out there. But today, I couldn’t resist. Today, I’m bringing you a real wedding story straight from a bride’s keyboard to your eyes. Read on to see why.
Tiffani and Justin locked eyes in the innocent days of fourth grade, competing against each other in math problems, recess games and most notably, basketball. Their friendship and education continued together throughout adolescence, eventually blossoming to feelings of affection for each other at age 16. As both enjoyed varsity basketball and being in love, they continued the rest of their days at Mountain Pointe High School as true high school sweethearts. They graduated together and then experienced the first test of their love as Justin went away to out-of-state college for eight months. This experience only ended up making them stronger as a couple and prepared them for the ultimate test of their commitment. After almost two years of graduating high school, Justin was called to serve a full-time, two-year mission in the Pennsylvania area. For them, this meant very limited correspondence and no physical contact for the entire term, which would prove to be an extremely trying circumstance.
Throughout the two years they exchanged letters of gratitude and appreciation, as they both worked hard at becoming better for the other. Days felt like weeks at times, as they learned the meaning of service, dedication, love, commitment and sacrifice. The time apart only brought them closer.
Within about a year and a half of Justin being gone, Tiffani started to plan the wedding of their dreams. At every meeting, Tiffani took pictures and notes that she would send to Justin making sure they both agreed on the same details. With the help of Amina Michele, their wonderful wedding planner, and the support of friends and family, they were able to ensure the most pivotal and important day of their lives. Excitement filled their letters, and before they knew it, Justin walked through security at the Phoenix airport, having completed an honorable mission. Their first embrace in two years seemed like it lasted for hours. They did it. Indefinable feelings of joy filled their hearts.
The wedding transpired only a month later—after all, it had been 6 years at this point—being a much-anticipated event that will be in their memory forever.
But the catch? This couple had not one, but two weddings. I’ll let the bride tell you about the first below—but be sure to come back Friday to get her description of the second.
It had always been a dream of Tiffani and Justin to have a wedding celebration near their favorite vacation spot—San Diego, California. After the marriage ceremony in the San Diego Latter Day Saints temple, there was nothing the couple wanted more than to share this sacred and special day with an intimate group of family and close friends. Tiffani first fell in love with the La Valencia Resort while on a trip to La Jolla, California with her mom. After eating lunch on the balcony and touring the grounds, they both immediately fell in love with the location, within walking distance to the beach and with a fantastic view of the ocean. The charming, historic and quaint resort was perfect for their 50-guest brunch. Not to mention, the resort offered the best brunch food they had ever tasted. With the refreshing ocean breeze and acoustic guitar playing in the background, the setting couldn’t have been more perfect and serene.
The colors blush and taupe, mixed with creams, were inspired by a more neutral pallet, reflecting their desire for simplicity and soft decor. Their goal was to keep it vintage hotel-ish and beachy and the colors reflected just that. The bridesmaids were free to wear an outfit of their choice–with the color pallet in mind–and encouraged to add their own personal touches and pearl accessories. They were so stylish and picturesque. Tiffani wore a destination gown from J. Crew with blush Badgley Mischka shoes. From the pearl napkin rings to the gorgeous flowers pouring out of the chandeliers that contrasted with the checkered floor, the décor was spectacular. The guest gifts were a huge hit: large tan and cream cabana striped beach towels adorned with a sheer cream ribbon. The lovely brunch ended with many heart-felt toasts and pictures on the beach.
Be sure to come back Friday for this bride’s second, equally gorgeous affair!
The bride and groom were seated at Honey Dipped, somewhere between Maple Frosted and Chocolate Glazed. “For the reception,” Meredith said, “I wanted unique table names and eventually came up with the idea to use donut names because Colin works for an international donut company. Homemade toothpick flags with each guest’s name and table assignment were stuck into 100 individual cider donuts made locally by a popular deli. Besides marrying the man of my dreams, these personalized details were my favorite part of the wedding.”
Other do-it-yourself details, the bride said, included paper products, jam jar favors and the ring bearer pillows. “Patterned paper punches and a high quality printer were invaluable,” Meredith said.
The homemade strawberry-pineapple jam favors “were a perfect fit for a summer wedding,” Meredith said. The jars, from Etsy vendor Hope’s Pantry, come “plain so you can add your own finishing touches. Our moms and I had a marathon afternoon decorating the jars with fabric, rapphia ribbon, labels with our wedding date and scalloped tags describing the jam.”
She said, “Don’t spend too much time debating on any one detail. There are so many different and fabulous ways to design weddings these days. Pick something you like and go with it!”
Reflecting on her wheat-filled wedding day, Tiffany told Pretty Little Weddings, “Don’t be swayed by trends. Make the day become what you have always wanted.”
And what country couple Tiffany and Mark wanted was a simple ceremony and reception in the backyard of their home. “We chose this place because we wanted it to be outside, to be relaxed and comfortable, and we wanted to be on or near the farm,” Tiffany said. “We both love being outside and love farm life.”
The bride used wheat to accent her chocolate brown, peach and cream decor because “I love the way the wheat looks in June just before it is harvested,” she said. “I wanted it to be elegant, yet natural.”
The couple served bar-b-cued meat and chicken, coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad to keep things casual, Tiffany said, and offered sweet tea and lemonade to wash it down.
Tiffany said, “It was the most wonderful day of my life!”
