As we bid adieu to Valentine’s Day, I hope the aftermath of champagne and chocolate hasn’t dampened your spirits. But fear not, for we have a treat in store to revive your Monday morning: Kristin and Luke’s picturesque ranch wedding in Arizona, expertly captured by Amy & Jordan Photography.
Wedding Day Snapshot
The Attire
The bride stunned in a strapless gown from Demetrio’s, adorned with intricate lace and rhinestone details. Her simple yet elegant cathedral veil added a touch of sophistication to her overall look, which was perfectly complemented by her Badgley Mischka pumps.
Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen looked sharp in their Allure Men’s suits, donning Florsheim men’s Montinaro cap toe Oxford shoes in Saddle Tan. The subtle yet stylish contrast between the two sets of attire added a layer of visual interest to the overall aesthetic.
The bridesmaids, clad in Watters’ WTOO 858 and 504 designs in Latte, brought a warm and inviting energy to the proceedings, their flowing gowns creating a sense of unity and cohesion among the group.
Advice for Other Couples
For those looking to elevate their special day, I suggest exploring Etsy for unique items that can be customized to reflect your personal style. This resource was instrumental in helping my partner Amy and me discover poses we love, as well as determining which colors complement our photographs best. Additionally, Basecamp proved to be an invaluable tool for our wedding coordinator, providing a centralized hub for managing checklists, storing contracts, and sharing important information with all involved parties.
The Budget
Our wedding planning didn’t involve setting a specific budget from the start, but we prioritized where we wanted to splurge – and that meant investing heavily in our photographers and videographers. In hindsight, we have no regrets about this decision, as they captured some truly special moments for us. On the other hand, we got creative with the DIY elements of our wedding to save costs. Instead of renting an altar, we opted to craft one ourselves using wood, which not only saved us money but also allowed us to put our own personal touch on things. Another cost-saving measure we employed was making our own invitations using our Silhouette Cameo cutting machine. While it did require a significant amount of time and effort, the end result was well worth it – not just because we saved $2000 in the process, but also because it gave us some wonderful memories to look back on and laugh about together.
The Decor & Details
In the spirit of personalization, the couple’s DIY endeavors took center stage. From the altar to table numbers and escort card holders, the groom and his brother got creative, putting their skills to good use. Meanwhile, Kristin and Luke collaborated on crafting the lanterns, infusing them with a special touch. The guest book, however, was transformed into a unique bucket list, where loved ones left behind heartfelt messages and inspiring ideas for the couple to tackle in their lifetime. This thoughtful approach extended even to the invitations, which the pair proudly designed and handmade themselves.
The Ceremony
As Kristin and Luke exchanged their wedding vows, the ceremony was filled with meaningful moments and personalized touches that celebrated the importance of family. The bride’s brother took the stage to deliver a heartfelt reading he had written himself, sharing the story of how Kristin and Luke met and highlighting the significance of family ties. Meanwhile, Luke’s sister wowed the guests with her own reading, emphasizing the value of marriage and the special bond that Kristin and Luke share as a couple. To make their vows even more unique, the newlyweds took turns writing their own promises to each other, infusing their ceremony with an extra layer of intimacy and commitment. And in a particularly sweet moment, Kristin’s son Michael joined his mom and new stepfather for a special parental vow exchange, solidifying their love and bond as a little family unit.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of our wedding celebration, we embarked on a mini-moon getaway to Sedona, Arizona, indulging in four serene days amidst the stunning natural beauty of Oak Creek. The tranquil retreat was precisely what we needed to unwind and recharge as newlyweds.
As circumstances dictated, we were unable to take a traditional honeymoon due to time constraints. However, we’ve already started planning our summer vacation for the following year in Turks and Caicos – a much-deserved celebration of our union.
I highly recommend that all couples prioritize taking some quality time for themselves after the wedding chaos subsides. It’s an invaluable opportunity to decompress, relish each other’s company, and bask in the joy of newlywed bliss.
As I’m sure many couples can relate, we’re absolutely enamored with the charming details that make a wedding truly special. And who wouldn’t be impressed by the thoughtful ceremony backdrop created by the lovely couple themselves? It’s a testament to their creativity and dedication to making their big day unforgettable.
We’re grateful to Amy & Jordan Photography for capturing the essence of Kristin & Luke’s beautiful ranch wedding, which has inspired us to continue sharing our own love story with you. Be sure to stay tuned for more enchanting Real Weddings!