Kristin and Rob wed at the historic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix where the building itself was an inspiration for the wedding decor. Kristin is a professional designer and knew the Pantone “color of the year” was Tangerine Tango and part of what they love about the Biltmore is the unique grey block, so the color scheme of grey, tangerine, and ivory emerged.
The Arizona Biltmore was also a perfect fit for the large number of out of town guests- the couple wanted them to experience some Arizona history, their love for the desert, and their passion for architecture. So exactly 4 years after their first kiss, Kristin and Rob said “I Do”!
I really love the bright orange that was included throughout the wedding details- it makes it all so happy!
Sweetness: Officiant Mike Kennedy helped Kristin and Rob create a special moment for each of their mothers by taking time during the ceremony to honor them with a rose; he also suggested they write love letters to each other that were placed in a box that will be opened on their anniversary.
Kristin had a special bouquet wrap that was made by her grandmother; it featured special family heirlooms representing women from both the bride and groom’s families- grandmothers, great grandmothers, great aunts, and many others who had passed away or were unable to attend the wedding. It was her way of including them and honoring them.
Many of the tangerine, grey and ivory details were lovingly made by the couple and their friends: Rob and his brother made the centerpiece boxes, Kristin and her sisters designed, purchased, and assembled the candy buffet table, and the custom handmade bridesmaids clutches were made by a previous coworker and fellow interior designer friend of Kristin’s. Regarding taking on DIY projects for your wedding, Kristin says: If you need help with a craft, ask for it- you’ll be surprised how many of your friends will pitch in their time to make it happen!
It makes sense that Kristin and Rob’s Favorite Moment was a result of the reception layout. Kristin explains: Lindsay Russell, the catering sales manager with the Arizona Biltmore, was extremely patient with my desire to lay out the tables in the Aztec Ballroom unlike any wedding or event they had in the space. Having a bride who practices architecture and interior design added an extra challenge to Lindsay’s plate, but she accepted the sketches of the seating layout for both the ceremony and the reception- all based off of a sunburst pattern- and made them happen. One of our favorite moments of the day was sitting at the sweetheart table as dinner was served- at the head of the ballroom but looking out onto a field of the sunburst tables, and we could see everyone. As people talked and ate, we would have moments of eye contact and a smile, and there we were hand in hand, sharing this amazing moments with all our guests. No words needed to be spoken, and many raised a glass, but those moments of brief shared eye contact with our guests was a touching treat that I know we had not expected. It is a time that I remember as being one of my favorite moments of the day.
The Honeymoon: Our first vacation together as friends was a trip to San Diego. Years later, when we were dating and wanted to get away, we’d head there! So when Rob wanted to propose, he booked a surprise trip to San Diego and got my girlfriends to take me for manis/pedis before the trip and shopping for a fun outfit. It was only fitting that we also spent our honeymoon there. The wedding itself was so big it literally took us 4 or 5 days to actually relax! I think we are really happy that we just did a low key and relaxing honeymoon instead of planning anything elaborate. The wedding is the elaborate part- the honeymoon should just be for fun and to wind down together and let it all sink in!
Wise Advice: The actual day will go fast, and things do go wrong- but in the end, it is amazing. I know lots of people say this, but it really is true! Most of the things that went wrong are things that none of the guests will ever know about, and in the end, the important thing is that the bride and groom to-be worked together to create a celebration of family, friends, and their love.
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Ceremony and Reception Site: Arizona Biltmore
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Photographer: Ryan and Denise Photography :: Florist: Butterfly Petals :: Cake: Classic Cakes and Confections :: DJ: Sedona Sounds :: Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas (designed by Kristin) :: Gown: Lillian Lottie Couture :: Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids :: Suits and Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse :: Makeup: MAC :: Officiant: Mike Kennedy
Kristin and Rob, thanks for sharing your day with us and congratulations!
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The post Real Arizona Wedding: Rob and Kristin at Arizona Biltmore appeared first on Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine Blog.
