- Carina Inganamort, The Wedding Therapist
Happily Ever Aronfeld
Updated: Feb 20, 2020
The past two months have whizzed by in an absolute blur as I have been prepping for the impending wedding season, all the while reminiscing about the greatest Disney-themed wedding I have had the fortune to plan. Now that the photos are in and I have somehow managed to select my favs, let's take a little walk down memory lane.
Chelsea and Julian are high school sweethearts who share a love of choir, Disney, The Office, internet memes, and cats. They also happen to be my baby sister and brother-in-law. Even though discussion had already taken place regarding my planning their wedding, it obviously didn't really hit me until about a month after their engagement that I would have to start early on the Disney extravaganza that was to represent their love story. And once again I found myself both in the wedding party and planning the wedding, only this time I was Maid of Honor.
We spent 19 months meticulously crafting every single detail of their wedding day to be one cohesive, pink and gray journey back to 1955, when Disneyland first opened in Anaheim, California. This not only included 50's style attire for the wedding party, but also included many homages to the park's original state, such as original ride posters on the centerpieces and quotes from Walt Disney greeting guests at every turn. When the day finally arrived, it was like stepping into a fairytale time machine.
Set in the beautiful mountain-desert landscape of Phoenix, the ceremony commenced at 5pm at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ. Its floor-to-ceiling windows lit up the smiling faces of all who attended and provided a breathtaking backdrop as Chelsea and Julian said ,"I do!". Complete with wooden Mickey heads for each guest to sign, a monogram "A" in soft pink petals, and a lovely rose ceremony for the moms, it was the perfect start to a lifetime of happiness. And don't even get me started on the tears the groom shed when he saw his bride for the first time. My heart!
Over at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, guests were greeted with "A Hint of Magic", the new couple's signature cocktail of Prosecco and magic shimmer dust that created a truly enchanting experience. As they grabbed their FastPass escort cards, informing them of which "ride" they will be sitting at, a quote from Walt Disney greeted them upon crossing over into the ballroom: "To all who come to this happy place, welcome."
Rose gold sequins, surrounding uplighting, white-twigged trees with beautiful blush florals, and Disney detail in every element filled the senses. The bride and groom were beaming when they boogied their way into their celebration and took the floor for their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Aronfeld. Guests were shocked when the selected song was an arrangement of "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Hall & Oates, performed by myself, the MOH, and my husband, the Best Man. Guests enjoyed their plated dinners, personalized menus, and a few entertaining speeches. But no one expected it when the bride and I broke out into song and dance to an old favorite.
A magical time was had by all, and everyone danced the night away under crystal chandeliers. It was the perfect fairytale beginning to a perfect happily ever after.
Photographer: Brooke Marcella Photography
Venue: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Church: Shadow Rock UCC
Florals: Tyler's Custom Designs
DJ: Ray the DJ
Tux: Men's Wearhouse
Videography: Robert Goldstein Videography
Dress: David's Bridal