As Britt and Diego’s multicultural marriage merged two distinct cultures, they cleverly wove together their family traditions and customs, creating an unforgettable celebration. Their vibrant Hispanic-inspired fiesta at Palm Lake Oasis in Scottsdale, Arizona, was a masterclass in blending heritage with creativity, captured beautifully by Jay & Jess Photography in their signature romantic style.
The stunning bride, Britt, shone in her strapless Maggie Sottero wedding dress, while Diego made a stylish impression in his navy Tommy Hilfiger suit. The bridesmaids’ separates were a chic touch, featuring floaty skirts from Etsy that added to the whimsical atmosphere. And what about those flowers? Britt’s bouquet was a stunning autumnal arrangement, with orange poppies and ranunculus, pink and cream peonies – pure perfection for an Arizona wedding.
But it was the DIY decor that truly stole the show: from the papel picado bunting and twinkling string lights to cactus centrepieces and vibrant pottery, each element harmoniously came together in the picturesque desert setting. The thoughtful touches, such as table ornaments and serape-style runners, added a warm, inviting feel to the celebration. Want to ditch traditional wedding decor and throw your own fiesta instead? Get ready to be inspired and pin away.
Our Wedding in Three Words
As Britt and Diego’s multicultural marriage merged two distinct cultures, they cleverly wove together their family traditions and customs, creating an unforgettable celebration. Their vibrant Hispanic-inspired fiesta at Palm Lake Oasis in Scottsdale, Arizona, was a masterclass in blending heritage with creativity, captured beautifully by Jay & Jess Photography in their signature romantic style.
The stunning bride, Britt, shone in her strapless Maggie Sottero wedding dress, while Diego made a stylish impression in his navy Tommy Hilfiger suit. The bridesmaids’ separates were a chic touch, featuring floaty skirts from Etsy that added to the whimsical atmosphere. And what about those flowers? Britt’s bouquet was a stunning autumnal arrangement, with orange poppies and ranunculus, pink and cream peonies – pure perfection for an Arizona wedding.
But it was the DIY decor that truly stole the show: from the papel picado bunting and twinkling string lights to cactus centrepieces and vibrant pottery, each element harmoniously came together in the picturesque desert setting. The thoughtful touches, such as table ornaments and serape-style runners, added a warm, inviting feel to the celebration. Want to ditch traditional wedding decor and throw your own fiesta instead? Get ready to be inspired and pin away.
The Attire
With a diverse group of friends and family scattered across five US states and two international locations, we knew our wedding party attire needed to strike a balance between cohesion and individuality. To achieve this, we opted for matching navy blue trousers for the groomsmen, while the bridesmaids donned uniform long grey satin skirts.
The pièce de résistance was allowing each member of the bridal party to select their own white shirt, sans restrictions, giving them the freedom to express their unique personality through their chosen top.
Our Love Story
As high school sweethearts, Diego and I shared eight years of love before tying the knot. Our initial meeting occurred during a summer foreign exchange program, where we were both part of the sophomore and junior classes. Although we didn’t travel to the same country that year, our paths crossed again upon our return, marking the beginning of our enduring relationship. Travel, which brought us together in the first place, has remained an integral aspect of our lives.
During college, we spent a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and since then, we’ve made it a point to explore one new country each year. To date, we’ve visited nine different countries together, including our romantic getaway on our honeymoon.
The Photography
When selecting photographers for our special day, we didn’t just look at their portfolio or ask about their experience; instead, we chose the ones who not only took amazing photos but also made us feel at ease from the very first conversation. Jay and Jess were perfect examples of this – they exuded a sense of calmness and professionalism that helped me relax on my wedding day.
Having someone by your side all day can be overwhelming, which is why it’s crucial to find photographers who not only capture beautiful moments but also become an extension of your wedding party.
The Venue
My husband spent several summers working construction jobs during college, with one particularly memorable stint building a lake and hills on a private property in Arizona’s scorching heat. That same summer would later become an integral part of our special day as the venue for our ceremony. We cherished the opportunity to say ‘I do’ in a location that held personal significance for us.
The Music
As the couple exchanges their vows, the sound of a classic canon fills the air, its soothing melody setting the tone for a romantic celebration. But when it’s time to take their first steps as husband and wife, they opt for something entirely more modern – Jason Mraz’s heartfelt hit, ‘I Won’t Give Up’. The contrast between these two songs is striking, yet both share a common thread: they are imbued with the emotion and passion that defines a couple’s love for one another.
The processional, ‘Canon in D’ and ‘Jesu Joy’, provides a sense of tradition and ceremony, while the first dance song selection, ‘I Won’t Give Up’, marks a bold statement of commitment and devotion.
The Decor & Details
As an artist herself, my mom was the perfect collaborator when it came to decorating for our special day. We went all out on DIY projects, from crafting personalized papel picado decorations to baking cactus cookies as unique party favors. Two standout elements that didn’t involve a hammer or glue, however, were the white papel picado streamers I brought back from San Antonio and the piñata guest book.
The piñata has since taken up residence in our living room, serving as a sweet reminder of our celebration.
Special Details
In celebrating their special day, my husband and I drew inspiration from our diverse cultural backgrounds. To honor his Hispanic heritage, we infused various elements throughout the wedding that reflected his roots.
These thoughtful touches included vibrant serape table runners, traditional papel picado streamers, a unique guest book piñata filled with well-wishes, a flavorful menu featuring dishes popular in Latin America, and even maracas handed out as guests departed – each one a deliberate nod to my husband’s cultural identity.
Advice for Other Couples
To avoid overspending on your big day, take a step back and identify what truly matters to you and your partner: is it the culinary experience, the visual storytelling of photography, the perfect dress, the venue’s ambiance, or the beauty of floral arrangements? By prioritizing your spending based on these non-negotiables, you can ensure that your budget stays in check. While it’s understandable to want to splurge on the aspects that bring you the most joy, be mindful not to overdo it.
For instance, if photography is a top priority for you, don’t feel pressured to work with the most expensive florist just because they’re both important to you. And let’s face it – something will inevitably go awry on your wedding day. Having a day-of planner can be a lifesaver in these situations, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than stress about the logistics.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on the ultimate honeymoon adventure in French Polynesia, specifically Moorea and Bora Bora, courtesy of a carefully curated Costco travel package. This escapade left an indelible mark, making it a must-recommend for any newlywed couple, especially those with a honeymoon registry to boot. The excitement was palpable as we indulged in thrilling activities like jet skiing and interacting with sharks and sting rays.
It’s experiences like these that truly make memories that last a lifetime. As I reflect on this incredible journey, my mind keeps wandering back to the stunning bouquet crafted by Britt – it’s truly a masterpiece! The way it transformed the outdoor space is nothing short of remarkable. A huge thank you goes out to Jay & Jess Photography for capturing the essence of our special day, and to Britt & Diego for sharing their unforgettable fiesta wedding with us.
It’s moments like these that remind me to always cherish the little things in life.