I’m thrilled to share with you our first ever Tinder wedding feature. It’s about time, don’t you think? But what I love most is that this couple’s celebration was a perfect blend of style, fun, and meaning. Meet Reagan and Ryan, an NYC-based duo who brought their Big Apple friends to Tucson for a vibrant Mexican-themed wedding in Arizona, where Reagan grew up. Their talented cousin Jenny of Plain Jane Photography expertly captured the magic of the day.
As someone who almost went with a similar Mexican-inspired reception theme, I’m completely smitten with this wedding (more on that later). Reagan, a fashion professional, stunned in her stunning l-embroidered Rue De Seine gown, accompanied by lovely Frida Kahlo-esque flowers in her hair. The outdoor venue was transformed into a colorful oasis with DIY signage, bright Etsy finds, and simple florals.
But what truly sets this wedding apart is the surprise ceremony, crafted by Reagan and Ryan’s amazing friends and family (stay tuned for that part – you’ll want to recreate it). I’ll pause my gushing for now and let you experience it all for yourself. Just be sure to read their proposal story too – it’s quite epic.
Wedding Day Snapshot
I’m thrilled to share with you our first ever Tinder wedding feature. It’s about time, don’t you think? But what I love most is that this couple’s celebration was a perfect blend of style, fun, and meaning. Meet Reagan and Ryan, an NYC-based duo who brought their Big Apple friends to Tucson for a vibrant Mexican-themed wedding in Arizona, where Reagan grew up. Their talented cousin Jenny of Plain Jane Photography expertly captured the magic of the day.
As someone who almost went with a similar Mexican-inspired reception theme, I’m completely smitten with this wedding (more on that later). Reagan, a fashion professional, stunned in her stunning l-embroidered Rue De Seine gown, accompanied by lovely Frida Kahlo-esque flowers in her hair. The outdoor venue was transformed into a colorful oasis with DIY signage, bright Etsy finds, and simple florals.
But what truly sets this wedding apart is the surprise ceremony, crafted by Reagan and Ryan’s amazing friends and family (stay tuned for that part – you’ll want to recreate it). I’ll pause my gushing for now and let you experience it all for yourself. Just be sure to read their proposal story too – it’s quite epic.
The Flowers
As I gazed upon the stunning bouquet at a Carolina Herrera fashion show, my eyes landed on an unconventional yet captivating arrangement of magnolia leaves. Instantly smitten, I envisioned incorporating delicate white flowers to harmonize with my flower crown. My trusty florist astutely added ranunculus and garden roses to match my crowning glory. The result was nothing short of breathtaking.
My flower crown was the piêche de résistance – a masterful blend of fuschia, orange, and yellow ranunculus, punctuated by vibrant red carnations. It was as if the flowers had been tailor-made to suit my personal style. In a bold stroke of creativity, I requested a King Protea and magnolia leaves for my MOH, and the florist delivered with aplomb. Her uncanny ability to translate my vision into reality left me utterly impressed.
Meanwhile, the groom and best man donned boutonnieres crafted from solitary ranunculus and greenery – a thoughtful touch that added an air of sophistication to their attire. The groom’s white boutonniere perfectly complemented his wedding attire, while the best man’s orange choice cleverly mirrored the MOH’s regal hue.
The Setting
As we began planning our special day, a desert wedding seemed like the perfect fit. Not just near the desert, but actually within its breathtaking landscape. Initially, we had envisioned an intimate backyard ceremony at my mom’s residence, surrounded by the stunning natural desert scenery nearby. However, as the guest list grew and logistics became increasingly overwhelming, we knew it was time to explore alternative options.
That’s when I recalled a childhood visit to Tohono Chul and read countless rave reviews about its unparalleled beauty. Online photos simply couldn’t capture the park’s enchanting essence – it truly is magical. Given our tight six-month timeline, with roots in New York but planning a wedding in Arizona, we didn’t have the luxury of waiting to see the venue firsthand. We took a leap of faith and booked Tohno Chul sight unseen in October, only to be thrilled upon visiting it in November.
The park’s natural charm and beauty were exactly what we had been searching for – a unique blend of serenity and wonder that would make our special day truly unforgettable.
The Photography
Given my cousin’s impressive photography skills, it was a no-brainer that she would be the one capturing our special day. Her stunning shots not only preserved memories but also added an extra layer of romance and magic to the event. On the other hand, Ryan’s friend DJole, who happens to be the cameraman for his wife’s travel blog, kindly offered to film our ceremony, allowing us to relive the momentous occasion in a unique and intimate way.
The Ceremony
The atmosphere at our ceremony was truly enchanting, with every detail coming together to create a unique and memorable experience. The Spanish Garden at Tohono Chul provided a picturesque backdrop, with its dirt floor clearing surrounded by lush bushes and trees that formed a natural canopy. The arched door entrance on the west side, covered in vines, added to the whimsical charm of the setting, which felt like a secret oasis hidden away from the rest of the world.
Despited intermittent rain showers earlier in the day, the sun shone brightly during our ceremony, casting dappled rays of light through the trees and bathing the area in a warm glow. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the subtle scent of flowers and the soft chirping of birds, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility. The ceremony itself was a true celebration of love, with my best friend Lisa officiating and incorporating personal touches that made it even more special.
She had interviewed each of us separately, as well as our parents and friends, to get a glimpse into our relationship and the reasons why we loved each other. As we stood together at the altar, Lisa asked us to turn around and face our guests, who were gathered beneath the shaded canopy of trees. Our friends and family then took turns sharing reasons why they loved us, creating a sense of community and connection that filled the air with joy and laughter.
Lisa’s beautiful speech about life’s imperfections being perfectly imperfect resonated deeply with me, as did her words about our tribe of friends and family loving us just as much. The ceremony culminated in a heartfelt declaration of our love for each other, which was met with tears of happiness and applause from the guests. Following the ceremony, we exchanged vows and declarations to each other, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Spanish Garden.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with emotion and joy as we sealed our love forever. In the moments that followed, there were many hugs and tear-filled reunions, which made for some truly special photos that will always be cherished.
Favourite Moments
Our wedding ceremony was undoubtedly the most cherished moment for both of us. The inclusive atmosphere, coupled with the unorthodox song choice, my best friend’s heartfelt speech, and the radiant sunshine, all blended together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Even the unexpected interruption by a pesky beetle and the emotional ups and downs only added to the authenticity of the day.
In the end, it was a celebration that perfectly reflected our love, personality, and values, with our closest friends and family by our side.
The Honeymoon
Returning to work just four days after our wedding was a mistake, in hindsight; with only six months of planning under our belt, we were too caught up in the whirlwind of it all to even think about the honeymoon But what we did know was that we desperately needed some downtrant to unwind and recharge And now, with our July getaway on the horizon, we’re counting down the days until we can leave reality behind and indulge in some much-needed relaxation.
Of course, everyone’s experience is unique, but I do think that taking a break after the wedding would’ve been beneficial for us; as it was, we just plunged back into our daily routines without giving ourselves time to process the emotions of the big day. That being said, we’re not complaining – at least we have our July honeymoon to look forward to As I always say, contemporary and relaxed wedding vibes are so my style, and Reagan & Ryan’s fiesta wedding was no exception.
It’s fantastic when couples put their own spin on things and make the day truly their own Here’s to many more love stories, including Tinder success stories on our blog Thanks again to Jenny at Plain Jane Photography for capturing Reagan & Ryan’s special day in such a beautiful way.