I have known Kiersten since the early days of college in the ASU Music Therapy program, so naturally I was thrilled when she asked me to be her wedding planner! She and Josh are both incredibly talented musicians and were together for years before deciding to tie the knot. Josh proposed in the beautiful deserts of Sedona and Kiersten eagerly said "Yes!". It wasn't long after that they began planning their desert-inspired wedding dreams.
Kiersten had a pretty clear vision of what she and Josh wanted for their wedding day. They worked as a true team through the planning process and incorporated their musical careers along with their love of desert colors and elements to create an event that was as unique as their love. After looking at several venues with them, they ultimately chose Superstition Manor for its breathtaking desert views of the Superstition Mountains. And with that, the date was set for October 24th, 2019.
Conveniently, I was 38 weeks pregnant on the day of their wedding, but that didn't stop me from making sure every detail was perfect! From the place cards to the pocket squares, everything was, indeed, flawless for their special day. Kiersten's squad spent the morning primping and enjoying mimosas while Josh's crew played pool and kicked back.
Before the ceremony began, Kiersten and Josh shared a "first look", but not before Kiersten's "Man of Honor" surprised Josh in a wedding dress of his own. It got a big laugh from everyone involved when the groom turned around expecting to see his bride. Of course, it made the moment all that sweeter when Josh got to see his beautiful wife-to-be for the first time in her Enzoani gown.
As guests arrived for the ceremony, The Phoenician Four, a local jazz band, played romantic jazz tunes to set the mood. The ceremony began with a full crowd of over 100 guests gathered to witness the blessed event. Hints of turquoise popped in pocket squares and dress sashes, exquisitely tying together their theme and color palette. Kiersten shed a tear as she walked down the aisle with her father who then passed her off to her stepfather to finish the journey into holy matrimony.
The weather was matched in perfection with the background of mountains behind the altar. Kiersten and Josh added several beautiful details to their ceremony reflecting their relationship, including planting a tree for their unity presentation and inviting a quartet of singers to sing an Eric Whitacre piece in lieu of ceremony readings. The new Mr. and Mrs. sealed their personal vows with a kiss and excitedly took their first steps into their new life.
As Kiersten and Josh were whisked away to take stunning desert portraits, their guests enjoyed bites and drinks before being seated in the ballroom. Everyone admired the detailed thought put into the wedding design, incorporating eucalyptus and succulents found in the bouquets into the centerpieces along with glass prisms, turquoise napkins, and shimmering gold chair sashes. The dramatic drapery and chandelier that hung from the ceiling gave the space an air of grandeur.
Family and friends raved about the dinner and enjoyed a continuation of The Phoenician Four's jazz tunes. Taylor from Save This Memory then got things going with speeches and dances that put a smile on everyone's faces. As the dancing proceeded, to everything from oldies to classic rock, to jazz standards, no one could have anticipated the crazy group scavenger hunt that had bridesmaids running without their shoes, groomsmen diving to get a seat in the circle, and the bride asking guests for dollar bills and tissues. It made for an incredibly memorable reception.
As the party began to wind down, guests enjoyed watching Kiersten and Josh cut their succulent-topped, gluten-free cake and made sure not to depart without their party favors: candles and personalized matchbooks. When the final dance was danced, everyone made their way outside for a dazzling sparkler exit that was filled with the same fire and loved that could be seen in the couples' eyes. And off they went to begin a life of sparkling, musical, laughter-filled bliss.
With love, The Wedding Therapist
Venue: Superstition Manor, Mesa, AZ
Florals: Moelleux Events
Bridal Dress: Uptown Bridal
Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Photographer: Save This Memory
DJ: Save This Memory
Cake: Lemme Eat Gluten Free
Makeup: Kasey Nicole Beauty
Hair Stylist: Chauntel Tucker, Savante Salon