Nicholas + Kristen’s wedding is such a cheerful one to walk into the weekend with. They totally embraced their new desert home with their wedding at El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona. 70 of their 82 guests were from out of state, so their southwest bohemian celebration was all about sharing their desert lifestyle with fam and friends. Marisa Belle Photography was behind the lens and they enlisted Danielle of Outstanding Occasions to help pull off all the colorful cactus-themed goodness:
Aren’t these Charles David pumps extra cute when paired with the colorful blooms in her floral crown? And the bouquet below by The Wildflower AZ featured white wax flowers, milk thistle, pink mink protea, succulents, coral roses, blush ruffled roses, ranunculus, billy balls, sword eucalyptus, gunni eucalyptus, and pheasant feathers.
Kristen says, Marisa of Marisa Belle Photography was previously focused on family photography but we loved her work—infants, families, it didn’t matter! I knew she was the one when I was running late from work to meet her for the first time at our place, and I found her on the couch watching the Penguins playoff game with my fiancé. And then we fell in love with her even more on our adventurous engagement session in Prescott Arizona. She was always up for our crazy antics, like getting into a lake fully clothed, and lighting smoke bombs. Not to mention, she is the sweetest human ever who has a gift of capturing emotion through her photography.
Their style is a match made in heaven for this venue, don’t you think?
So rad how they carried the cactus theme throughout, from the guys’ socks to these sweet menus, to the cake toppers, even:
And lastly, you want to hear Kristen’s dress story, right? I ended up buying two dresses. The first dress I bought as an off the floor sample and intended to alter it to make a few cosmetic changes. However, after three fittings and plummeting confidence, I had extreme buyers’ remorse. I called my sister (MOH) and asked for advice. She told me to go shopping again, and that I would regret it forever if I didn’t. So, ONE MONTH out from the wedding I went to Wedding Belles Boutique and frantically explained my dilemma. They squeezed me in to an already busy Saturday, and I left with the dress of my dreams (and a killer deal, $750!). I am so thankful I decided to buy a second dress! I ended up donating dress #1 to Brides Across America, and I hope someday dress #1 will make another deserving woman feel the way I felt in my dress on my wedding day. I would advise future brides who are questioning their dress to keep shopping, and follow their instincts regardless of what other people think.
Great advice! Congrats K + N!
Photography: Marisa Belle Photography / Photography Assistant: Lauren Buman / Venue: El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona / Planning & Coordination: Outstanding Occasions / Florals: The Wildflower AZ / Hair: Topher Miller / Makeup: Ashley Doran / Stationery: Minted / Cake: Ruze Cakehouse / Beer Burro: Haul N Ass Productions / Rentals: Dang.Fine Rentals / Tabletop: Fancy Lou Designs / Linens: La Tavola / DJ & Entertainment: Desert House Productions / Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Chloe Tang / Bride’s Dress: Watters Wtoo from Wedding Belles Boutique / Shoes: Charles David / Veil: Blanca Veils / Perfume: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet / Lipstick: NARS Brigitte / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu’s / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren / Shoes: Nunn Bush / Bowtie: Soospenders / Socks: Cactus Socks / Groomsmen Pants: Ralph Lauren / Ring Bearer’s Mustache Bowtie: Stamp & Hide Shop / Flags: The Ritzy Rose
