It can sometimes be tricky merging cultures when a couple from different backgrounds gets married. But it's both important, and fun, to introduce all your guests to elements of your new family's traditions and customs.
And Britt & Diego's fun fiesta wedding did just that with ease, (and some creativity, planning and long distance driving!) bringing lots of colourful Hispanic vibes to their beautiful backdrop in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Their wedding in the meaningful location of Palm Lake Oasis, was captured by Jay & Jess Photography in their signature, sweet romantic style.
Britt was a gorgeous bride, with her side-swept waves and strapless Maggie Sottero wedding dress, while Diego looked fantastic in his navy Tommy Hilfiger suit.
We're loving the trend for bridesmaids in separates, and Britt's girls show how it's done with their floaty skirts from Etsy.
Oh and the flowers, wow! Britt's bouquet would be the perfect autumnal arrangement for a hot weather location, with orange poppies and ranunculus and pink and cream peonies – I'm in love with it!
But it's the DIY wedding decor that makes this travel-loving couples' bash really stand out From the papel picado bunting and string lights overhead, to the cactus centrepieces and bright pottery, to the sweet table ornaments and serape-style runners, it all ties in together and sits beautifully in that idyllic Arizona backdrop.
Fancy ditching traditional wedding decor and having a fiesta instead? Prepare to get your pin on!
Our Wedding in Three Words
Food, fun, and fiesta.
The Attire
Our bridal party lived in five different states and two different countries so when we were looking into the bridal party attire we wanted outfits that matched but also allowed for some individualism.
The groomsmen wore matching navy blue pants while the bridesmaids wore matching long grey satin skirts.
When it came to tops, we wanted our bridal party to be able to wear something that showed their personality so each bridal party member was able to pick their own white shirt with no restrictions.
Our Love Story
Diego and I are high school sweethearts and were together for eight years prior to getting married. During high school we met through a summer foreign exchange program as a sophomore and a junior.
Although we did not travel to the same country, we met each other upon our return and the rest is history.
Throughout the years, we have continued to explore our passion for travel which originally brought us together. During college we spent a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain and since then have continued to explore the world, one country each year.
So far we have traveled to nine different countries together, our honeymoon with the last one.
The Photography
We chose our photographers based on our first conversation together. Not only did we love the photos they took but we also we felt so comfortable with them.
Jay and Jess were calm, cool, and collected during our wedding day which really helped me relax.
Photographers can be by your side all day so you really want someone by your side that you enjoy.
The Venue
During college my husband worked construction for a number of summers in the Arizona heat.
One summer he spent the majority of the time helping to build a lake and a number of hills at a private property. The hard work he put in ended up becoming the backdrop of our ceremony.
We loved having the opportunity to get married at a location that was significant to us.
The Music
Processional: Canon in D and Jesu Joy
First Dance Song: Jason Mraz, “I Won’t Give Up”
The Decor & Details
My mom is an artist so when it came to decorations we decided to go completely DIY. From each centerpiece, to the personalized papel picado wall, to the cactus cookies as party favors, we did it all ourselves.
Two of my favorite decorations however were not DIY. I drove from Austin, Texas to San Antonio one afternoon and picked up 500 ft. of white papel picado streamers to hang at our reception.
I also loved having a piñata guest book. The piñata is now part of our living room décor.
Special Details
My husband and I come from two different cultures and we really wanted to have representation at our wedding.
Throughout the wedding we added touches that represented my husband’s Hispanic culture like serape table runners, papel picado streamers, a guest book piñata, the meal choice and the maraca exit.
Advice for Other Couples
Your budget for the wedding can easily get out of control if you let it. To help mitigate that determine what you care about most, whether that be food, photography, a dress, venue, or florist.
Don’t skimp on photography if that is what’s most important to you but make sure you don’t then also work with the most expensive florist.
Something is bound to go wrong on your wedding day but you do not want to be the one dealing with it. I found having a day-of planner is essential.
The Honeymoon
We went to Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia for our honeymoon through a Costco travel package.
It was an amazing experience and would recommend it, definitely if you have a honeymoon registry. We had a great time jet skiing and swimming with sharks and sting rays.
So cool, right? I really am just obsessed with Britt's bouquet, and I love Mexican bunting, it's such an iconic look that really transforms a space, even an outdoor one!
Thanks so much to Jay & Jess Photography, and of course to Britt & Diego for sharing their fun fiesta wedding with us.
