In this captivating Arizona wedding, Rhea and Andrew’s unique blend of Southwestern botany and urban foodie culture came together to create a one-of-a-kind celebration. The couple started their special day with an intimate vow exchange at Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As the sun began to set, they transitioned to The Showcase Room in Tempe for a night of dancing and indulging in sweet treats – Rhea being a food blogger, after all! To capture every joyful moment, they entrusted their wedding story to talented photographer Monique Hessler. What made this wedding truly stand out was the deliberate mix of styles and aesthetics. The ceremony space offered a blank canvas backdrop, accented by dramatic cacti and lush wild florals, while the reception featured a striking brick and corrugated design, complemented by a vibrant Mexican buffet and an array of decadent desserts. Notable decor elements included edible centerpieces, charming wooden details, and a show-stopping sweetheart table backdrop – which this writer is already pinning for future inspiration! As the happy couple sealed their love story, Rhea looked stunning in her braided updo and strapless gown, while Andrew exuded charm in his crisp blue attire. With its perfect balance of elegance and playfulness, Rhea and Andrew’s wedding was a true reflection of their loving partnership.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
After completing college, I joined forces with my friends to create a social club called ‘Tini Tuesdays.’ Every Tuesday, we’d venture out to try a new spot for happy hour, ensuring that our friendships remained strong. One particular Tuesday, one of my friends invited Andrew, a newcomer, to join us. As we settled into the bar area, everyone took their seats. To make room for Andrew’s late arrival due to his longer commute from work, my friends rearranged themselves in a game of musical chairs. The only open seat left was next to me when Andrew finally arrived. I was taken aback by his striking appearance and immediately felt nervous. In an attempt to break the ice, I poked fun at him for being on a conference call during happy hour. Our conversations were minimal throughout dinner, but after the night wrapped up, I received a text from Andrew shortly after getting home. He reached out with a message that still brings us laughter: ‘Hey Rhea, it’s Andrew. Allison gave me your number. She’s kind of aggressive,’ which we both chuckle about to this day (because it’s true, and we adore Allison). We continued texting through the night and for the next couple of days, getting to know each other and scheduling our first date for two weeks hence when Andrew would return to town.
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged our vows, Andrew and I decided to put a personal spin on the traditional ceremony by rewriting them to reflect our unique love story. With our officiant’s guidance, we repeated the words that held so much meaning for us. The atmosphere was already electric when I made my way down the aisle to the sweet serenade of Ingrid Michaelson’s ‘It Was Always You’. The energy remained high as we transitioned into the recessional, where Beyonce and Jay-Z’s ‘Crazy in Love’ got everyone moving with its infectious beat. But the real showstopper was our first dance, set to the soulful crooning of Michael Buble’s ‘Everything’, a perfect blend of romance and fun that left us beaming with joy.
Advice for Other Couples
As a meticulous planner, I immersed myself in bridal blogs, regularly visiting Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks to gather unique ideas. Additionally, I conducted daily Google searches of our venues to analyze previous events, identifying what worked well and what didn’t. For smaller items like table number holders and one-of-a-kind cards, Etsy was my go-to platform.
When it came to budgeting, I opted for a conservative approach. It’s all too easy to get caught up in every idea that comes along, only to find yourself overspending by the end of the day. Instead, we prioritized experiences over material possessions. At the heart of our decisions was the understanding that guests would ultimately remember the emotions they felt and the good times they had.
Looking back, what worked for us might not be the best approach for every bride. My advice is to identify your top three priorities – for us, these were food, DJ, and photographer – and focus your budget accordingly.
The Photography
As we got to know Monique, her warm and infectious passion became palpable, making it easy to form an instant connection with her. She shared her approach to capturing weddings, explaining how she likes to blend into the scene, focusing on natural moments that unfold organically. To put our minds at ease, she brought along a portfolio of her previous work, showcasing her exceptional skills and attention to detail.
What resonated most with us was her commitment to preserving the flow of the evening and ensuring unobstructed views for our guests. We trusted her to bring an authentic and seamless approach to our special day. To further guarantee that every moment was captured, she brought along two experienced assistant shooters who blended seamlessly into the atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, I barely noticed their presence, yet when I looked at the photos, I was thrilled with the perfect representation of our wedding celebration. Monique’s enthusiasm was contagious, and we loved how she was open to incorporating our ideas for photos. In fact, she even joined us on site visits to our venues before the big day, allowing her to get a true feel for the lighting, backdrops, and other factors that would influence our final images.
The Videography
We entrusted our talented videographer sister-in-law, Rachel, along with a close friend, to capture the special moments of our wedding on film. As Rachel was also a bridesmaid, it was a perfect combination of skills and personal connection. She skillfully edited the footage, resulting in a heartwarming video that still brings me to tears every time I watch it. I’m grateful to have such a beautiful keepsake to relive our special day over and over again.
The Flowers
When it came to selecting the perfect bouquet, I was open-minded about the types of flowers used, knowing that choosing blooms in season would not only fit our budget but also add a touch of authenticity. What really mattered was the lush greenery and an abundance of foliage. Meeting with Andrea at Garden Gate was a serendipitous encounter, as it turned out she had previously worked her magic on my photographer’s wedding flowers – we instantly clicked.With my food blog background, incorporating edible elements into the centerpieces was a must-have. I wanted something unique, something that would leave a lasting impression. Andrea exceeded our expectations by combining artichokes, pears, apples, rosemary, and an assortment of greens with pops of bright pink flowers to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.To add an extra layer of personalization, we used hand-cut wood rounds from my childhood backyard tree as the base for the arrangements. This special touch tied everything together beautifully.We also incorporated lavender and herbs into the boutonnieres, further embracing our foodie spirit.
The Honeymoon
Seven weeks after exchanging our vows, we embarked on a delayed honeymoon adventure to Italy – the ultimate destination for me and my partner. We spent 11 unforgettable days exploring the charms of Venice, Florence, and Rome, immersing ourselves in the rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. The experience was nothing short of transformative, as we grew closer together navigating unfamiliar streets, communicating in a foreign language, and discovering hidden gems without the aid of cell phones. The trip was an ideal blend of romance, adventure, and self-discovery that I wholeheartedly recommend to other couples. In fact, I’m tempted to shout from the rooftops: ‘Come join us!’ And speaking of romantic getaways, let’s take a moment to appreciate Rhea and Andrew’s stunning city-meets-desert wedding celebration – a true masterpiece of love, laughter, and joy.
