To you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving from the Tucson Bride & Groom team!

(Grateful for this cool sign from I Love It All, on Etsy!)

This is a great shot of the Michael as he sees Michelle coming down the aisle

The pumpkin escort card are so cute…

Michelle and Michael’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony and Reception Site: The Stillwell House and Garden

Photographer: Patrick Grimes Photography

Tuxedos: A Tailor Tuxedo and Bridal

Florist: In Full Bloom Weddings

Cake: Ambrosia of Tucson, Mini’s Cupcakes

Entertainment: Desert DJs

Make-up Artist and Hair Stylist: Ivan’s Studio

Rentals: Pro EM Party Concepts

Hotel Accomodations: The Westin La Paloma Resort

Rehearsal Dinner Site: Piazza Gavi’s

Brandy tells us about the hats they are wearing: James and I thought it would be neat to mix up the pictures a bit and wear different items. The hat I’m wearing is a hat I bought from back home in Alabama. It’s a beach style hat (I lived on the Gulf of Mexico my whole life before I moved to AZ). And the hat James is wearing is also from AL but it’s more of a cowboy hat. I guess you could say that we were mixing the South with the West!

Brandy says of choosing a location for their e-session: …we did not want your typical “studio/posed” portraits. If you want that, go to Sears or JCPennys. James and I are both fun, outgoing, and modern people and we wanted the pictures to reflect that. It doesn’t hurt that my degree is an art degree so I like things to be ”different”. Downtown Tucson has some really great history and urban settings to have pictures taken. You just have to think outside of the box. We also love the fact that most of our pictures are photojournalistic (not posed).

What does this couple love most about each other?

Brandy says: James keeps it real. Who you see is who you get. Love him or hate him!

James says: Brandy is really adventurous. She always likes doing and trying something new.

I also asked Brandy how they chose Studio Z Photography for their wedding photographer. I love what she says about how they chose Studio Z (TAKE NOTE: they followed their gut and found the perfect wedding photography team!).

When James and I were scouting out a venue, we looked all over Tucson! Every location would typically have photo books of past weddings held at their location. Every time we would go to look at a venue, we would look through the photo books and before I would even see Z Weddings logo, I could tell who’s pictures they were. We would continue to look through the album and at the end, certain enough there was the logo! We set up an appointment with Karen and Philip and from the initial consultation, we fell in love with them! They could read our minds on what we wanted in our photography. One of James hobbies is photography and he happens to know a lot about it. James could really tell that Karen and Philip knew what they were talking about and Karen and Philip did not treat James as if he had no idea what he was saying. I think Karen and Philip could tell James knew alot and they treated him with respect and did not act like “they knew it all and James knew nothing”.

One more lovely tidbit from Brandy: Everyday is a different day. Just when you think you know everything about your partner, you don’t! I love learning new things about James everyday. I love sharing my life with someone that takes me for me. James hasn’t ever tried to change. I love being able to have a life and a home that I can come home to at the end of the day and share all the day’s happenings with someone who cares.

Brandy, James, Karen and Philip of Studio Z Photography, thank you so much for generously sharing your images and story with us!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Whatever the need,  I get it  so here is a little reprieve for you:

-New Years is coming up and here is a stylish way to wish your loved ones well in 2011:

-Our lastest issue of Tucson Bride & Groom magazine is on stands now and you are going to LOVE our Wedding Insider features- there are a ton more photos that I cannot wait to share with you soon…here’s one that I am particularly smitten with (courtesy of Chris Richards Photography):

-Enter to win a 2 night Romantic Getaway at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Tennis and Golf Resort where you will enjoy spa massages and breakfast for 2. For details and entry information, visit Tucson Bride and Groom or pick up a copy of the magazine!

- Holiday Make Up can be fun. It can also  go horribly wrong. Visit make-up maven Corinna B’s holiday make-up tips on her blog where she will help you avoid holiday make-up mistakes. She’s a girlfriend you can trust!

Ok Readers, it’s time to get back to your holiday happenings!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

We often turn to Victoria Canada of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events to show us the hottest wedding goodies and today you get a glimpse at how Victoria, one of the industry’s most creative forces, thinks. She treats us to chair covers that go way beyond the basics- you may not know that such beautiful options exist but thanks to this pro, you now have the inside scoop!

This is my favorite chair cover simply because it is like no other. It is fashion luxuriously fitted to a chair!

For those who don’t want bold color but can’t resist dressing their chairs a little on the glamorous side, I offer these:

If these are a bit much for your taste, don’t fret! You certainly don’t have to cover all of your reception chairs with these statement pieces. You can choose to dress your head table with these dramatic covers and the other chairs with complimentary covers. Or you could choose to sprinkle these throughout the reception. Maybe one table gets the fancy chair covers while another table has more statuesque centerpieces. This is where hiring the right team of professionals is critical.

Here are some more lovely chair cover options from the Style Central article in our latest issue:

(All images above courtesy of Sedona Bride/ Linen: Wildflower Linen/Location: Four Seasons Resort at Troon North/Rentals: Classic Party Rentals/Stylist: Victoria Canada)

Don’t forget, your chairs deserve a little love too!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

I felt that way not too long ago when I met Kristine Bentz of Sweetgrass Ceremonies at the most recent Tucson Bride and Groom Event. Kristine is lovely and calm and exudes authenticity. I was, well, probably a little too loud, way over-excited and was still feeling my way about the Tucson crowd. I am always friendly but Kristine managed to be friendly AND calm. I’m a fan!

As she told me about her work as a Life Cycle Celebrant, I felt like I had met a guide. You should definitely get to know Kristine and Sweetgrass Ceremonies a little better so here is our Q&A:

1. What pre-planning element do you think is most critical for couples planning a ceremony?

Deciding upon what they value the most, then devoting energy accordingly. For example, a couple I am working with just told me what is most important for their March wedding: family, food and good music. They are putting their resources and budget in alignment with these three elements. Doing this brings clarity to the whole decision-making process. Specifically, when clients want families involved in the ceremony, I provide ideas to give them creative roles beyond readings. When food is important, I offer relevant alternatives for rituals involving food a couple loves. When music is valuable, we work together to find the perfect songs to play from an ipod, have a DJ play or find the right musicians for performing live music. By developing a theme to tie this all together, the ceremony becomes like a commissioned piece of art!

2. What are some of your favorite moments in a wedding ceremony?

I always love to witness the range of emotional expressions: seeing couples and their guests with tender smiles so full of love, hearing hearty laughter, or pausing for tears of remembrance. These moments occur at various points, because each ceremony I help a couple create is so unique to them. And because I am an animal lover, some of my favorite moments also occur when people include their animal companions. 

3. What do you think new couples should do AFTER the wedding to keep their marriage a priority?

I believe it helps if new couples can embrace marriage as ongoing and loving work. Marriage definitely involves new patterns of living and opportunities for growth. It is dynamic! So, they ought to prepare to be surprised and place friendship at the center of their bond. Saying a simple renewal of wedding vows upon each month anniversary during the first year – and annually thereafter – can be a creative way to keep wedding promises a familiar priority.

 4. What do you wish couples would do at a ceremony that many overlook?

This might sound ridiculously simple! Yet here it is: truly be themselves. A wedding ceremony is a rare opportunity to create a shared experience like no other. When couples dare to be themselves and tell their love story or exchange personally worded vows, they make the experience more precious for everyone present. For example, when I write a couple’s own everyday language into their vows, it brings the vow exchange alive. It often brings laughter, too. Guests love to hear some of the real and funny aspects of a couple’s life. When a couple I work with dares to be themselves and the ceremony truly reflects their way of being in the world, guests often remark to me afterward how they never thought a wedding could be so much fun! 

5. What advice do you have for couples planning their weddings when it comes to balancing their expectations and their families’ expectations?

Great question! Balancing expectations may present challenges.  I help people find a delicate discernment here, because I believe an enjoyable wedding is a collective experience. Although the couple is surely at the center of the event, it is not purely about them alone.  Balanced participation during a ceremony tends to give people a sense that they are contributing.

6. Where are your favorite locations for ceremonies and why?

My favorite ceremony locations are not so much about the space itself, rather the resonance a couple feels with it. I love to experience and lead ceremonies in a place that is very meaningful to the bride and groom. Whether that happens in an outdoor scenic place, an old chapel or mission, a home garden or a special resort, it is about the couple’s affection for the place and the memories they share there together. I think there is a palpably comfortable ‘at home’ feeling when a couple chooses a place with which they are familiar, and that sense carries throughout the whole celebration. We are fortunate here in Tucson, because of the wealth of scenic places and beautiful event spaces for ceremonies from which couples can choose!

7. I like your title of Life Cycle Celebrant; have you ever helped a family with a wedding and then the whole series of life celebrations?

Thanks! I dig it too, because I help people and their animal companions acknowledge all of life’s milestones: new life, love and loss. When we think of the life cycle, we really can’t have one of those without the other, can we?! So I help expecting parents with mother blessing ceremonies, I help gay and straight couples with weddings and I help families with memorializing their departed, too. I am kind of like a modern day parish priest, because I meet individuals and families where they are at in their living, and I bring no judgment or rules. I base ceremonies on my clients’ stories, beliefs and values. Plus, I work to build ongoing relationships with families. So ultimately, over time, I am a resource for them and can serve as their Celebrant for the whole cycle of life celebrations. It may take me a good chunk of time before I help a family this way. I do know for certain that I am ready and willing!

She has such a wonderful outlook on people and relationships. Visit Kristine at Sweetgrass Ceremonies for your ceremony needs and beyond. I think she will know exactly how to help you celebrate this exciting stage of your life!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Recently, she divulged so many invaluable tips and bits of wisdom with us that we are writing a series for you, “The Destination Honeymoon Couple”.  Today, Corinna talks makeup!

When it comes to makeup there are so many options to choose from – it can be overwhelming. But there are seven simple steps to streamline what to pack and how to vary your look a little.

1. Pare it all down! You only need a few key products. Keep your makeup story simple. Take one eyeshadow set, such as a neutral color palette, or for fun a plum palette, and then change it up with different colored eyeliners and lips.

2. Transfer foundation from its heavy bottle into plastic travel bottles or jars. Face Atelier sells sets of travel jars, ideal for foundation, concealer and lip glosses. Buy travel sized primers and powders.

3. Pack a slimlined blush and a bronzer so you can add a little color where and when you need it!

4. Change your look with different fun lipsticks and lip glosses. A soft pink, a hot pink and a tangerine give you plenty of options!                                                      

5. Makeup Forever Aqualiners are waterproof. Grab a couple of different colors for variety or to change up your look.

6. Buy a waterproof or water resistant mascara. Nars has a fabulous water resistant mascara that builds lovely long lashes without clumping or bulking.

7. The ultimate travel makeup product is Nars The Multiple Tint. These are super sheer buildable colors that can be used on cheeks, eyes and lips. For a mere whisper of color, or for bold fun color – you decide! 

Try the limited edition colors Cadaques (fuchsia) Beverly Hill (bright red) or Turks and Caicos (orange)

Pack your makeup into well structured beauty bags, such as the ML Traveler by Stephanie Johnson. (For more info on Stephanie Johnson travel accessories, click here!)

Look sexy, beautiful and totally lovely as you’re jetting off into the sunset on the honeymoon of your dreams with your brand new husband and GO HAVE FUN!

*Corinna B is an award winning makeup artist.  Her blog is read daily all around the globe in many languages and she is also seen most weeks as beauty expert on SheKnows.com . You can follow her on Twitter and on her Facebook page.  Her makeup brushes can be found at CorinnaB.com.

Image by Light Rain Images, a Phoenix wedding photographer

Shot on location at the beautiful Scottsdale Resort

Chatting Soon~Kelly

When I got married eons ago, my “something blue’ was the spectacular blue water of Grand Cayman where we spent our honeymoon!

Visiting this wonderful island was something I considered once in a lifetime….yet here I am!

This is the view of the serene blue water and the fabulous Ritz Carlton pool from my room on the 8th floor–Penthouse Level!

When I received the invitation to explore the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman, I jumped at the chance to see what today’s honeymooners could expect.

Fine dining, luxurious ocean-front accommodations, pristine Seven Mile Beach, and the aqua lounge–drink service while you float peacefully in the ocean. Oh yeah!

These are just my iphone pics. When I get the images from the Ritz Carlton, I will be sure to update you all. A slice of heaven like this, is just too good not to share!

Remind me to tell you about Sting Ray City!

Until later, your editor on location

Stephanie Gandy Riley

There are many reasons to plan a destination wedding or honeymoon in Jamaica. It’s lovely, the weather is great, you can enjoy wonderful food, and the list goes on. But, for me, the list should be topped with the Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica.

This resort is a destination in and of itself. There is a Jerk Cooking School on the beach here, the rooms are wonderful, and the service and cuisine are tops. Cuisine…..best meals, perfectly paired with wines, exquisite presentation…best of any destination in the Caribbean. Hands down.

This luxury destination offers an “all inclusive” meal package, which even includes beverages and room service. It’s not the customary drunk fest you might expect from all inclusive resorts. This is a fun place, but people are respectful. Even the few kiddos we saw were a delight.

This is the view from my room, taken with my iPhone (I was too excited to pull out my “real” camera!). The room I had was spectacular, and truly larger than my first college apartment.

When we arrived on property, we were greeted by the staff, who always had a warm smile to offer. That’s one of the things people like best about Jamaica–the friendliness of the people.

World-recognized friendliness + Ritz Carlton = perfect vacation.

The special event team at Rose Hall offers spectacular decor, and they have an impressive collection of preferred vendors. This is an outdoor party they set up on the veranda, that boasts fab views of the regal green lawn below and the blue water beyond.

If I were getting married again, I’d choose to wed on that fab circular lawn, and then have my guests dine and party on this veranda.

Many guests choose to wed on the beach, and the set up there is also lovely, but I like to wear heels and they seem more suited to lawns than shifting sands.

Check out this floral arrangement and chic table setting. It’s not all shells when you are decorating in the tropics.

and this mini arrangement was on each of the chairs!



If you’ve read our Summer/Fall issue, you know we love fancy chair covers and embellishments. Even in the Caribbean, we are scouting out the best for you, our dear reader!

Look for better shots of this prestige destination in our Winter/Spring 2011 issue. And when I get back to the states and plug in, I’ll share my own camera images too!

This location is about as perfect for newlyweds as they come. I couldn’t possibly make you wait until December to hear about it.

Just book the flight. Next time I’m bringing my husband.

Your editor, Stephanie Gandy Riley

on location in Jamaica

This little cutie, actually Frederick Theodore Schlosser, debuted at 5 lbs 6 oz–less than a Louis Vuitton handbag–but he’s been stealing hearts in a man-sized way ever since his debut.  

The world’s most glam grandma, Tucson Bride & Groom publisher Fran Samuel, is over the moon with the new addition. Of course, so are his parents Rachel and Ted, and new big sister Savannah.