Andrew & Lindsay... November, 2011 part 1

We all go gaga over an AZ outdoor wedding,
and this one wasn't ANY different!

The weather for

Andrew & Lindsay 
was absolutely perfect, 

cool & crisp enough for a heater to take the chill off an 

AZ winter evening, not a breeze -- 

and as beautiful as the bride & groom themselves!

This backyard of friend is extraordinarily, well-manicured by the homeowner, 

making my job so easy to place beautiful things to enhance it...
we used every inch!

Guests entered on the west side of the home, and were greeted by an antique sign-in desk, and an area for 'advice' for the happy couple.  Straight ahead lies more 'stations' for guests to mingle, stay-awhile, or pass through.  I love to decorate with the guests in mind, just as much as keeping in mind what the bride wants.  I want the guests to find several places to land and feel like they're having an 'experience' rather than just popping into a come 'n go reception.

The pool is every bit as amazing as the rest of the space... and on the other side of that, is this gorgeous grassy area perfect for guests to sit awhile.  I love the use of chinese lanterns here!  The bride chose a blush pink, cream/white antique with a tiny touch of some burgundy.

This wasn't difficult to conceptualize at all.  

I LOVE every detail at this party!

Doesn't the L.O.V.E. sign look jaw-dropping on the
water feature of the pool?

I've been collecting quite a little bit of furniture to use for staging lounge areas in my decor... I never get tired of this darling sofa loveseat.

Elizabeth & Justin... Oct. 8, 2011

Elizabeth and Justin 

are archealogist/geologists studying at Uof A.

Their dream wedding is in the outdoors 

surrounded by God's beauty.

They chose the Lost Dutchman State Park 

in AZ as their site & backdrop...

A.Mazing...

The set up was simpler than some of my other parties...

meaning there wasn't a lot of fluff...

but there was a ton of DRAMA...

We decorated with lots & lots of lights...

we draped fabric along the posts of the ramada to mock a tent...

There were plenty of obstacles.  

One was the power source.  We only had ONE outlet.

We brought in generators...

And, the guests 'camped' at the site all weekend...

we didn't want to intrude on that, but still needed to decorate.

I think it turned out really, really nice.

The food was a "Cafe Rio" salad/Taco bar...w/all the fixings!

The meat was sooo yummy: grilled carne asada/chicken...

fresh, homemade tortillas, pico/salsa and guacamole.

Doesn't the Superstition Mountains look amazing?

I wish I had taken a picture at the "ceremony" site -- Cholla Day Use area.

We used a simple wooden arch draped with sheer organza and purple flowers at the points...

The "reception" area was held at the Group Camp area.

Guests camped at the group area, the showering/bathroom facilities are wonderful.  It was ironic, and really fun to see Liz & Justin's friends all weekend enjoying hikes and each other -- then emerge from their tents in beautiful dresses & suits/ties and walk to the other area for the wedding.  

I decided if I were to get married again (to the Thriller, of course!), 

I would make it a weekend long celebration with all the people I love...

The ramada, dressed up like a tent ;)

Later after the official introductions, traditions, toasts, etc.,

the firepit was stoked and everyone enjoyed 

the warmth and some 'smores!

A view of the food area... 

on the opposite side of the chocolate fountain 

was the gorgeous cake.

There was fresh fruit, lemon bites, 

brownie bites, pretzels, cream puffs, oreos...