AZ in August: Mis Familias

O ur family photos were much like herding cats, but it was worth it in the end, take a peek..

 
I think the side profile of my mother and myself is easily my favorite, but mainly because I hate head-on photos. Anyone else notice my niece's beautiful red shoes? She had to match mine…

Next up the beautiful detail shots that Dawna & Daniel captured before the wedding.

AZinAugust: Reception

Sorry for the hiatus folks, but the truth is that I’ve been dealing with the flower fiasco. You all thought it was over, and I did too. I’ve been told 3 times that my refund check is in the mail and once they even refunded it back to my credit card, which is no longer in service since I’m married and I changed my account. OY! Anyway let’s dwell on some more entertaining things…

Our reception came out perfectly as planned, despite the flower fiasco, my hair, and our makeup artist situations. We trucked it over to the Patio de Las Campanas and made our grand entrance…

We got to look down at everyone and the beautiful setup….

 

Then of course there was the first dance… During our first dance the clouds kept moving producing some beautiful shots.

 

Then everyone boogied down… and had a fabulous time! 

   

The night ended with an after party at my In Law’s place. I don’t have any photos but it was the most fabulous night I have ever had. I couldn’t have been happier. Up next I’m going to share some family photos and some of my favorites of us.

AZ in August: The Ceremony

So this is what I’ve really wanted to share with you all. The beautiful chapel where we got married 46 days ago. Yes I did the math darnit. I should preface this by saying if you have a gorgeous venue you needn’t add much. This chapel with it’s hand painted fresco and beautiful architecture needed nothing. That being said I rented the altar candles and had the florist sprinkle petals, the rest is there naturally and I can take no credit.

 

You may now kiss the bride… 

And because our Pastor is an equal opportunity minister he opted for a “Now you may kiss the groom”      

With that the ceremony was over and Phoenix’s “1901” came blaring on and I looked at Mr. AZ as my husband for the first time.

I really got a kick out of the “equal opportunity” bit in our ceremony. I wasn’t expecting it, and I think I giggled as I grabbed Mr. AZ to lay another big smooch on him. Did your officiant throw in anything fun?

AZ in August: Getting Ready

Because of all the fiascos that took place on our wedding day, we weren’t able to get those classic/picture-esque “getting ready” shots. But what we did get was really beautiful and amazing photos that showcased our personalities and meant more to us. Don’t get me wrong I’m totally bummed I didn’t get the “putting on the shoes” picture, but in the long run is that what I need?  No, instead this is the gem I treasure the most…

That is Mr. AZ’s infamous Grandma Peggy. The Grandmother who upon my meeting her (approximately 5 months into dating Mr. AZ) proclaimed I was not allowed to leave. She is the Grandma we spent endless hours playing Bananagrams with and the active-on-the-go Grandmother I hope to be one day. We also got some hilarious, funny-face photos…
The above shot is Mr. AZ dealing with yet another crisis, or at least that’s what I recall. And below is Mr. AZ making his “dapper Dirk” face, which makes me giggle!

We also had some awesome shots of our beautiful bridesmaids chillin’ in the Bridal Suite. I love their dresses, they photograph so well.

Yes I realize this next photo makes Mr. AZ look really weird and me all in shadow, but I love how my shoes popped, so whatever it’s being included even though it’s not really flattering.
 

Then I began getting choked up and close to crying. It was really starting to sink in that in less than 30 minutes we would Mr. & Mrs. AZ.

Should I mention that only one of the above photos was taken by one of our “professionals”? I really love candid photos because I don’t freak out. These are from our good friend’s camera. She and her husband have known Mr. AZ for approximately 15 years. The husband served as a groomsmen and a really awesome candid photo-taker as well. Up next: the ceremony!

Arizona in August: The Rehearsal

I know I said I’d start wedding recaps, but hey- let’s start at the rehearsal. It was kind of funny, since we had such a small wedding over half our guest list was present for the rehearsal. I have some funny pictures to share from that experience… firstly what the heck is Mr. AZ doing in this photo?  

This is when we had to step together, boy was that harder than it sounded!

 

And of course the gratuitous adorable-flower-girl shot. Look at her 3 year old Sassy face!

Then our families, ourselves and our bridal party headed over to Joey Bistro for an excellent rehearsal dinner. Sorry no pictures of us or of the food, just the beautiful company!

In case you were wondering about the young man with the thumbs up sign and the sunburnt face that would be my little brother… he got sun burned the day before the wedding. Oh well C’est le vie! On Monday we’re going full-throttle into wedding recaps. I promise this time. The food was phenomenal by the way, if you’re ever in Sedona try Joey Bistro at Los Abrigados- their cannolis are to DIE for. Literally I would die for one right now.

What did you love about your rehearsal? Did you also freak out about “walking in step”? Thank goodness for long dresses, that’s all I have to say!