Our new issue comes out in a few days and after all the hard work, we like to relax a bit. So we do that for about 10 minutes then we get right back to work and since this next issue is AMAZING, we just want to give you a little preview. A short teaser, if you will, to whet your Tucson wedding appetite.

One of our photo shoots for the new issue was catering driven so we have a treat for you today! This is the Hacienda Corona de Guevavi where the shoot took place. It’s historic, picturesque and full of character.

I can’t give everything away but I can tempt you a bit. All of the food for this photo shoot was done by Annette Hartman Catering whose food is both delicious and beautiful!

Annette Hartman generously shared a few recipes with us!

Fiesta Chicken Salad

Ingredients: 4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken • 2 cups frozen corn, thawed or on can of corn • 1 cup chopped red or orange bell pepper • 1 cup chopped red onion • 1 small jalapeño chopped fine • 1 cup minced fresh cilantro • 1 tablespoons lime juice • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon mixed pepper blend • 1 cup of name brand mayo or enough to blend until creamy

• Tortilla chips or scoops

Blend well and scoop on you favorite tortilla chip. This is an awesome and easy appetizer. Enjoy!

BLT Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients:  2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 32) • 6 slices of cooked bacon • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup finely grated cheese • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Cut off the stem ends of the tomatoes. Using a small paring knife, remove the seeds and place in a bowl, place the tomatoes cut side down on paper towels

2. Finely chop your bacon.

3. Stir together the mayonnaise, bacon, cheese and green onions spoon into a resealable bag. Cut off the tip of one corner.

4. Place the tomatoes cut side up on a platter and pipe mixture insides tomato. Garnish with additional chopped green onions.

 You might want to double this recipe they go fast.

 

Here’s the crew for the day!

Many warm thanks to all who participated!

Catering and Styling: Annette Hartman Catering

Photography: Amanda Rockafellow Photography

Location: Hacienda Corona de Guevavi

Videography: Beyond Video

Floral Design: Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers

Linens: Tucson Party Rentals

Stationery: A Fine Line Stationery &  Gift Boutique

Cakes and Sweets: Village Bakehouse

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I will never say that vintage weddings are completely “out” because I think the reason they became so popular is that some couples genuinely like the vintage aesthetic. They are a bit more “classic romantic”  than “contemporary romantic” and I get that. But for many couples, rustic design elements are a better match for their wedding than vintage. Since we are seeing an influx of rustic weddings (as opposed to the vintage look that has been so popular in the last few years), I thought it was a good time to clear some things up about the two.

Here’s a picture from a beautiful vintage wedding at Seville Golf and Country Club (see the complete wedding blog post here):

When talking wedding decor, many people use the terms rustic and vintage interchangeably and while they do have some things in common, they are distinctly different. So how do you know the difference between rustic and vintage and how can you incorporate rustic elements into your wedding planning?

First, rustic is more provincial and unrefined; usually with a country-ish slant. Vintage is classic, antique and more refined. If your grandmother has lots of pretty glassware from the 30′s and you want a vintage wedding, scoop it up.

But what if you want a rustic wedding? Here are some suggestions to make your wedding more rustic from wedding blogger and author Cara Davis (of Cheap Ways To…) :

1. Barns: Rustic barns are the quintessential location for a rustic wedding. Dress it up with sweeping curtains (sew together fabric drop clothes from a home improvement store) and hanging lights (borrowed white Christmas lights work, too). A farm, open field, country church or plantation home can also provide the perfect backdrop to your themed wedding.

(Image by: Courtney Sargent Photography, Styling by: Ashley Gain Weddings and Events)

2. Use Painted Wood Signs: Add some personality to the big day with whimsical or romantic painted signs that signal to your guests what’s happening where. Look locally for free reclaimed or salvaged wood to add rustic charm and eco-friendliness. For inspiration, check out this Etsy artisan’s sign work.

3. Burlap: Nothing says rustic like burlap and this versatile fabric can be used in a number of ways. Use it as table coverings, then top with smaller borrowed vintage tablecloths.  Use it as an aisle runner or atop haystacks for extra casual seating.

 (Image by: Jose Villa Photography, via Project Wedding)

4. Mason Jars: Mason jars are perhaps the most-seen wedding accessory these days — and for good cause. They ooze charm, they’re economical, they come in a variety of sizes and they go with just about anything. Throw a handful of wildflowers into a mason jar and you’ve got an instant centerpiece. You can also use them to hold utensils or candy at the reception. Fill them with something sweet and top with burlap and ribbon for wedding favors.

5. Homemade: A rustic wedding is not complete without something homemade. And there’s no better place to feature homemade than the reception. Pies are a big trend in weddings this year, and local vendors are making it easier to find baked goods and more with that down-home taste.

(Image by: Simply Bloom Photography via The Knotty Bride)

6. Music: More than decorations, music tells the story of the rustic wedding and instantly sets the mood. Whether it’s country, bluegrass, folk or a combination, your choice of musicians, deejay or soundtrack will complete your theme and leave your guests tapping their feet for days to come.

So, is it OK to combine rustic and vintage? Of course! Actually, I think most “vintage” weddings are a combo of both rustic and vintage elements. Check out this vintage frontier wedding:

(Image courtesy of Emily Porter, via Ruffled Blog)

Because I often feel the need to add my own 2 cents…bring in wooded elements for surefire rustic appeal. They are used above in #5 as pie stands but you are going to see wood ALL over weddings in the next year or so. I like that wood is versatile- it can be rough cut or elegant, depending on the vibe you are going for. And don’t be afraid to mix rustic and elegant- they play nicely together and offer a chic yet comfortable atmosphere.

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog,

Kelly

 

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