The love story behind Hannah and Calvin’s special day is as charming as it gets. Their meet-cute involves a lost puppy, and it might just inspire you to be more open to unexpected encounters. However, their real-life fairy tale wouldn’t have been complete without the picturesque setting of an historic private estate in Arizona, where they exchanged vows amidst a romantic outdoor celebration that featured candles, lush greenery, and exquisite details.
The talented Amy & Jordan Photography was on hand to capture every magical moment. This wedding is a masterclass in serendipity, with Hannah and Calvin’s chance encounter being just the beginning. The couple also found their dream venue by happy coincidence, and Hannah’s journey to discover her perfect wedding dress was filled with surprises. But what’s equally impressive is the effort they put into crafting a memorable celebration that blended elegance and rustic charm.
From the adorable page boy who stole the show to the stunning table decor, beautiful bridesmaid dresses, and mouthwatering BBQ catering, every element of this backyard wedding (which just so happens to be held in Calvin’s family home) strikes a perfect balance between refined sophistication and relaxed enjoyment.
Wedding Day Snapshot
The love story behind Hannah and Calvin’s special day is as charming as it gets. Their meet-cute involves a lost puppy, and it might just inspire you to be more open to unexpected encounters. However, their real-life fairy tale wouldn’t have been complete without the picturesque setting of an historic private estate in Arizona, where they exchanged vows amidst a romantic outdoor celebration that featured candles, lush greenery, and exquisite details.
The talented Amy & Jordan Photography was on hand to capture every magical moment. This wedding is a masterclass in serendipity, with Hannah and Calvin’s chance encounter being just the beginning. The couple also found their dream venue by happy coincidence, and Hannah’s journey to discover her perfect wedding dress was filled with surprises. But what’s equally impressive is the effort they put into crafting a memorable celebration that blended elegance and rustic charm.
From the adorable page boy who stole the show to the stunning table decor, beautiful bridesmaid dresses, and mouthwatering BBQ catering, every element of this backyard wedding (which just so happens to be held in Calvin’s family home) strikes a perfect balance between refined sophistication and relaxed enjoyment.
The Dress
The story begins with a dress – specifically, a convertible dress – which held a special allure for me even before I met my future husband. As someone who longed to embody the essence of a ‘princess’ without sacrificing comfort or the freedom to dance the night away, this dress became an obsession. Fast forward to when I was searching for the perfect wedding dress and decided to take a chance by asking if they had any convertible options available.
Lo and behold, they pulled out the very same Tara Keely 2210 design that I had previously pinned on Pinterest, now years prior. It was as if fate intervened, guiding me towards this exact dress. For my bridesmaids, I wanted each of them to feel like their unique selves, so I opted for convertible dresses in varying styles that catered to their individual personalities and body types. The result: Each woman felt confident and radiant, allowing her true self to shine through.
Our Favourite Moments
I chose to incorporate a special personal touch into our wedding ceremony – a memorial tree dedicated to my late father, which served as a poignant reminder of his love and presence in our celebration. To further honor his memory, I wore my grandmother’s ring on a chain around my wrist and had a photo of him placed discreetly on the bouquet throughout the entire day, I felt like he was right there with me, watching over us with pride. One of the most treasured moments for me was our first look.
The Music
The ceremony’s musical highlights included two special songs that held great sentimental value for us. The processional and recessional were beautifully performed as the string quartet rendition of Edward Sharpe’s ‘Home’, a heartfelt choice that set the tone for our special day. Meanwhile, our first dance was a romantic moment we’ll treasure forever as we swayed to Train’s emotive ballad ‘Meet Virginia’.
The Ceremony
As we exchanged our vows, a personalized and humorous touch was added by the Rabbi who performed the ceremony. My husband and I decided to write our own promises to each other, but kept the order of speaking a secret from the Rabbi. When the time came for the Rabbi to ask my husband to speak first, I couldn’t help but blurt out that I wanted to go first instead. The Rabbi cleverly remarked on my willingness to express myself freely in the relationship, and everyone laughed along with us.
This unexpected turn of events allowed me to deliver my vows first, which was a huge relief since I had been worried that if my husband spoke first, I would be overcome with emotion and struggle to get through mine. Despite the initial nervousness, I managed to complete my vows without breaking down, albeit with a brief interruption to collect myself.
The Photography
The passing of my father, a photographer himself, had left an indelible mark on my perspective. As a result, capturing the essence of the day’s events was crucial in the grand scheme of things. The duo behind the lens, Amy and Jordan, have built an impressive reputation for fostering a sense of community among their clients, with many brides going on to maintain lasting friendships long after the big day.
The Decor & Details
Like a meticulous collector, I amassed an arsenal of wedding décor during our engagement year. I dedicated a special space in our guest bedroom to storing these treasures, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash their full potential. My thrifty approach allowed me to snag clearance deals on unique items like bird cages, vintage wheelbarrows for drinks, and rustic picture frames.
I envisioned a whimsical atmosphere with a touch of earthy charm that could be effortlessly repurposed after the big day. To add an extra layer of personalization, friends and I crafted quotes using online tutorials and fake calligraphy tips, bringing our special touches to the chalkboards. The pièce de résistance was the seven-foot green garlands that draped elegantly across the dining tables, harmonizing beautifully with the mixed white flowers and lush greenery of the bouquets.
The Budget
While we did splurge on photographers for our wedding, it’s an investment I’d gladly make again without hesitation. After all, photos are often the only tangible mementos we’re left with after the celebration (aside from each other). When it comes to capturing those special moments, you want them to be nothing short of exceptional. To offset the cost, we opted for a DIY approach when it came to certain aspects.
We created our own chalkboards, favors, and thank-you cards, which not only saved us money but also added a personal touch. Additionally, since we were hosting an intimate gathering at a private venue, we decided to supply our own alcohol, further reducing our expenses.
The Refreshments
The reception featured a fully stocked bar that catered to the couple’s unique tastes. The bride’s go-to drink was Sangria, while the groom opted for an Old Fashioned. Meanwhile, the festivities remained light-hearted and casual with a BBQ spread and personalized Nothing Bundt Cakes for each guest.