3 Phoenix Wedding Ideas
Phoenix and its surrounding areas of Scottsdale and Carefree abound in award-winning resorts and spas in which to hold your wedding. But I'm not going to talk about any of them. Instead, this article focuses on thinking "outside the resort" for your Phoenix destination wedding. Think wildflowers, culture and zebras.
Desert Botanical Gardens
The Desert Botanical Gardens (1201 N. Galvin Parkway) is a lovely desert botanical garden located in red-rock Papago Park in North Central Phoenix. If you've never been to Papago Park, it's like a little mini Sedona in the middle of Phoenix. (Okay, at least, that's what it reminds me of) And the Desert Botanical Gardens is the perfect venue to experience the flavor and appeal of the desert. It might be obvious, but I'll state it anyway, you may want to skip this venue in the summer months. The spring months would be perfect, however, as the desert blooms come to life. You can choose to have your ceremony in one of the courtyards or terraces, or in the Wildflower Pavilion. There is also a ballroom, Dorrance Hall, which can accommodate several hundred guests. Call 480-481-8109 for more information.
The Heard Museum
Located at 2301 N. Central Ave., the Heard Museum has been a Phoenix institution for more than 75 years. Encompassing more than 130,000 square feet of gallery and education space, the Heard Museum has one of the finest collections of Native American art and cultural exhibits. And, the exhibits aren't the only things worth seeing at the Heard; there's also the interesting architecture and grounds, which include arched walkways, brick patios and lovely courtyards, which serve as picturesque backdrops for your wedding photos. The Museum is available Sunday – Thursday, 6 to 10 PM, and Friday and Saturdays, 6 to 11 PM. The Wedding Facility Use Fee ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. Call 602-252-8840 for more information.
The Phoenix Zoo
That's right, the zoo. We are thinking outside the resort, remember? The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway, close to the Desert Botanical Gardens, and offers numerous lovely settings for weddings from 5 to 10,000 guests. You can choose from a variety of settings, including a Columbian rainforest, Tropical Ramada, gardens, and The Stone House Pavilion, with a 90-foot wall-to-wall window, from which you can view the Papago Mountains at sunset. And, yes, you can also provide your guests with a sunset tour of the zoo on the Safari Train. Call 602-273-1341 for pricing and more information.
Resorts and spas are great, and the Phoenix area definitely has a lot of them. But, for something different, add these wedding venues to your short list.
Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Destination Weddings, where you can learn more about Arizona Weddings
Maui, Hawaii Weddings- A Destination to Remember
Maui, Hawaii weddings guarantee your nuptials to be held in a tropical, romantic locale; your accommodations to be memorable; and the joy you feel on that most important day of your life unforgettable. Few places on Earth can rival the beauty, serenity, and near-perfect atmosphere surrounding this popular wedding, reception, and renewal-of-vows location. Here we present a few Web sites that include wedding planners and other nuptial-assisting services you can browse to help you decide which may be right for you.
From Budget to Deluxe
In Maui, Hawaii, weddings occur daily – and nightly! At www.HawaiiWedding.com, you'll discover a number of wedding packages with one that's sure to be perfect for you and your future life mate. With Hawaii Wedding, you have your choice of three beautiful wedding sites – at the beach, within a church, or at a five-star hotel.
These packages range in price from $250 to $1,275, and all include generous benefits. Some of these include state licensing appointment facilitation and document submission, minister/officiate services, photographs by officiate or photography services, wedding lei(s), and more. The deluxe wedding package includes such luxury extras as manicure/pedicure and hairstyling for the bride plus many optional touches for the groom and mother of the bride.
Don't Let the Cute Name Fool You
Another company that provides Maui, Hawaii weddings with the clever name of "Just Mauied" at www.JustMauied.com features customized weddings to suit the desires of just about anyone. From last-minute nuptials to fully planned, all-day affairs, Just Mauied promises a delightful wedding experience.
They provide the license, a minister/officiate, photography and videography services, flowers, limousine service, formal attire, recorded music, and more. They also handle all reception needs for after the wedding. In business since 1988, Just Mauied has been featured in magazines such as "Hawaii Magazine," "Frommer's Guide to Hawaii," and "Bridal Guide."
For Those Who Want the Finest
Maui, Hawaii weddings offered at www.WeddingsonMaui.com consist of packages (including luaus) and optional "a la carte" services. Wedding packages start at $1,425 for their "Elegant Hawaii" package and go up to $4,975 for the "Pure Elegance" offering. Some of their a la cart features include the sprinkling of rose petals, a variety of floral arches, and bamboo topiaries with floral arrangements.
Handpicked resorts, private estates, beach settings, and gardens provide wonderful backdrops for weddings sponsored by this highly experienced company. They will, however, make every effort to accommodate their clientele if the bride and groom wish to be married somewhere not previously screened for privacy by the company. The site features easily navigable pages with sections including references, floral and location photo galleries, menus for reception-table foods, and even a section featuring photos and words from the ministers and reverends they use.
If you decide one of the Maui, Hawaii weddings offered by these companies might be the right one for you, don't hesitate to contact any one of them. All feature toll-free 1-800 telephone numbers and convenient e-mail addresses are prominently displayed. Be sure and give them plenty of notice, however, so they will have time to prepare that once-in-a-lifetime wedding of your dreams.
Visit Aragia.com for more on destination weddings.
Wedding Photography - 6 Shots you Need in Your Photo Album
As you plan your wedding photography, remember to think about the specific shots you want in your wedding album. While the typical posed shots are pretty and will guarantee that all important friends and family members are photographed, sprinkling your wedding album with some unique images will ensure you will cherish your photos for years to come. Browse our favorite ideas for creative photography shots. Try these special photo opps for images that will shine through the formal poses, capturing the true emotions of the day.
The Big Day
This is the day you have been carefully planning for months, and a lot of preparation is involved. Have your wedding photographer on hand as you primp and the excitement steadily builds. These behind-the scenes-shots at the salon, your parents' house or dressing room will record the nervous joy and anticipation. This is the day; your wedding photography should capture the poignancy of these special moments. Black and white film works perfectly here.
The Dress
You may only wear it once, but this gorgeous compilation of silk and lace is a work of art. Your wedding photographer should capture the masterpiece in all its glory. The perfect way to reveal its essence is to photograph it in its element. Hanging in a window in the dressing room with the sunlight pouring in, your dress will reveal its natural beauty.
Mom and Dad - Letting Go
Your wedding is an emotional day for your parents. They feel a mixture of pride, joy and sadness. Their little girl/boy is all grown up and entering a new stage in life. Capture these emotions and conflicting feelings during the wedding ceremony and throughout the day. Especially make sure your photographer takes a shot of each of them as they focus on you during the ceremony. Even though you won't be watching them as you exchange I Dos; these precious images will capture the full force of their emotions.
Just Married
On this busy day, there may be only a few moments when the two of you can steal away and spend time together. But just after you are pronounced man and wife, the two of you will just have each other. Married at last! Your wedding photographer should not miss those first few moments as a married couple. Try to give yourself a few minutes alone after the ceremony to relax and reflect the significance of the occasion. You will cherish these photos in your wedding album.
Candid Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Your girlfriends. You have laughed together and cried together and shared the gauntlet of emotions together. The images from your wedding day should reflect that special bond that only the best of girlfriends can share. While the line of bridesmaids is a good shot to have in your album, you should capture some more creative photography shots for your photo album. Make sure some of your shots reveal the vibrant personalities of you and your girls. Have your photographer capture the giggles, the private whispers and the carefree hugs and exclamations, for this is the true essence of your friendships. And don't forget the boys; get some creative shots of the groomsmen too!
Away into The Sunset
Get a parting shot of the two of you walking towards your ever after. One of my favorite versions of this shot: the two of you photographed from a distance, looking towards the horizon. Your new life starts here; the sky is the limit!
For a complete guide to planning your wedding photography and creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.
