I always get such a kick out of reading our couples‘ ‘how we met' stories, and love that more and more people who may never have crossed paths in their lives are finding eachother online.
(I cannot wait for our first Tinder wedding!).
And while many people used to think there was something less romantic about finding your one and only on a dating site, today's bride and groom show that it can be just as sweet a love story to tell the grandchildren in years to come!
Jennica and Paul married with an intimate ceremony and reception at The Clayton on the Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, and their day was beautifully captured by Jay & Jess Photography.
The airy, modern setting gave an elegant air to their rustic decor, with an outdoor lounge for the cigar smokers, while inside, bright floral centrepieces and glistening burlap runners added a warm, homely feel. Locally sourced beer, pint glass favours, and hop buttonholes gave even more of a personal touch.
Jennica looked so gorgeous in her Allure Bridal's gown (look out for the back of it, oh and check out her fab bouquet), and I just love the excitement on Paul's face ahead of their first look!
So many couples look for ways to honour loved ones who have passed away, on their wedding days, and I just love how Jennica kept a space for her late grandfather in the front row – such a thoughtful idea!
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Paul and I actually met online! I had a friend from work pestering me about dating and had me sign up for an online site – I was literally on the site for about five hours when Paul sent me a message (he was the only non-creepy guy to message me) and once we began talking I then deleted my account and we exchanged numbers and we quickly began dating.
As for the proposal, Paul and I were waking up really early on a Saturday morning to volunteer at the JDRF walk in Phoenix.
I was getting out of the shower and walked into our bedroom and on my makeup vanity there was an engagement ring sitting in a box.
I saw it and immediately started to cry and then Paul walked in and asked if I would marry him.
Our Wedding
The feel of our wedding was rustic. We are really inspired by “cozy” designs and style, we didn't want anything to feel too stuffy.
We chose colors based on the flowers we both liked – and ended up liking the vibrant oranges and pinks, even though those colors aren't necessarily fall season colors.
The Dresses
We wanted our bridal party to be comfortable, and I think that shows in the pictures. The girls were allowed to select whatever dress they wanted, as long as they felt confident and comfortable.
My wedding dress was extremely comfortable! I was able to keep it on all night, and was so comfortable and confident.
I also went with flats so I could really enjoy myself and have fun without worrying about aching feet.
The Photography
Jay and Jess not only have an artistic eye for capturing special moments they are the most genuine people.
We couldn't have imagined anyone else capturing our special day.
The Venue
We liked the accessibility to Old Town Scottsdale since most guests traveled from out of state. The venue is literally walking distance from hotels, bars, entertainment.
The Clayton on the Park also does in house catering so it was basically a one stop shop- we were able to have our entire ceremony and reception there. The food was also fantastic!
Personal Touches
Paul had an outdoor cigar bar with a lounge area that was very unique to him, and made the night enjoyable.
For myself, our DJ played several songs that I requested ahead of time, that meant something special to each of my friends. There were several non-choreographed dances that people thought were totally choreographed, which was so fun and special.
At the ceremony we had a framed photo of my Grandpa in the front row – he passed several years ago but I was very close with him so I wanted him to be remembered.
I also chose to have both my brother and my Dad walk me down the aisle. I am extremely close with my brother so I thought it fitting he was by my side as well.
The Music
Processional – Photograph (instrumental) by Ed Sheeran.
Recessional – You're the One by The Black Keys.
Family Entrance – The Wedding Song by Bob Dylan and Your Song by Elton John.
Grand Entrance and Wedding Party Entrance – Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
First Dance – Into the Mystic by Van Morrison
Father Daughter Dance – There Goes my Life by Kenny Chesney
We also played a dedication song to my parents who paid for our entire wedding which was their wedding song, Endless Love by Lionel Richie.
The Ceremony
During our ceremony our pastor shared the story of how we met and fell in love.
The Flowers
Bouquets – Ranunculus, Dahlias, Peonies, Barley, Hops
Boutonnières – Hops, and Barley
Centerpieces – Roses, Ranunculus Thistle, Barley, Peonies, Dahlias
The Budget
I splurged more on my wedding dress – otherwise we stayed within budget on mostly everything.
The invitations were more of a splurge too, they were around $600 for 80 invitations, however they were completely custom made.
In total, our wedding was around $32,000.
The Decor & Details
Almost all the ceremony and reception decor was done by our florist.
The arch that was behind us during our ceremony was custom made by our florist. It has felt circles in our wedding colors, glass orbs and flowers stringed along clear string to give a floating effect.
The seating chart was made by Paul and I. We found two vintage/rustic frames and wrote on the glass panels with a window marker.
The table runners were made by my Grandma using gold flecked burlap. My Grandma also sewed pillow covers for all the couches in the receptions and patio area.
Our favors were custom made pint glasses that read “Cheers, Jennica and Paul 11.14.15” and were filled with speciality popcorn.
The Refreshments
All beer was from our favorite local brewery, Four Peaks.
We had a formal sit-down meal with two selections – Herbed Steak or Cornish Game Hen.
Our wedding cake was a half dressed almond soaked three tier cake, with raspberry and buttercream filling.
Advice for Other Couples
Have FUN! Don't lose sight of why your doing all the planning in the first place.
Don't jump into anything, research all your options and don't feel bad turning down advice and input.
It is YOUR day and we only get that once in a lifetime so make it worth it. Don't go into your wedding expecting everything to be absolutely perfect, most of the little details that cause the most stress don't matter in the end.
I would highly recommend using an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of budgets and spending, when payments are due, remaining balances, contracts, phone numbers etc.
Such a lovely wedding, and it sounds like it was a fun one on the dancefloor too! I love the mixed assortment of florals in the centrepieces, and that cake is so beautiful, *almost* too pretty to eat!
Thanks so much to Jay & Jess Photography and of course, Jennica and Paul for sharing their wonderful wedding with us.
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