Simply put, Lucy and Casey got it right. They remained true to themselves and created a wedding day that was a reflection of their personality. As you read on, you will see that they have a deep love for each other and treasure each other every day. I love this stuff!

I am totally loving the paper flower bouquets from Desicra, an Etsy shop that specializes is paper flowers

Lodge on the Desert offers indoor and outdoor space that is Tucson through and through. It’s a boutique hotel so you get personal service and an intimate atmosphere where there are mountain views coupled with close proximity to the city.

Lucy and Casey opted for cookies and cupcakes for their wedding sweets- love this personal touch!

KG: Now that you have had a chance to settle in, what is your favorite thing about being married?

L/C: We lived together before we got married so that greatly affects our response. For me (Casey), I especially relish the historical perspective that Lucy has now joined my family. When I think of telling stories to our grandchildren 30-40 years from now, when I think how future generations will remember us and pass down our little slice of history, I really do love that Lucy is my better half, not just for the rest of my life, but for history. For me (Lucy), the symbols of marriage are the best parts. Everything from changing my last name, to being part of his family, and of course catching glimpses of my wedding ring, all remind me that I have a partner in life who adores me.

KG: Tell us about your Honeymoon

L/C: We actually just returned from our honeymoon to St. Lucia. A wonderful vacation that was much needed after a very stressful semester working on my Ph.D. We chose St. Lucia because it had the beaches and snorkeling, but also the impressive natural scenery that made it unlike any other place. Living in a cold climate (Pennsylvania), a vacation to the beach in December is always perfect. The one piece of advice we would recommend is to consider delaying your honeymoon until a few months after the wedding. We found that this allowed us to have something to look forward to and created two wonderful and different moments of our first year of marriage.

KG: What advice do you have for brides-to- be?

L/C: First, at some point during the reception, find your new husband and get away to a corner for five minutes, just the two of you. Take it all in, watch your friends and family celebrate, capture the moment. It truly goes by so quickly that you want to be able to have that little respite alone with your husband. Second, and this is very difficult to actually follow, but keep in mind that all the planning and details etc. are attempting to make reality what is in your head. Nothing is perfect and your wedding/reception probably won’t be either. But that does not mean it won’t be fabulous. If something isn’t just right, only you will know, the guests will think that is the way things should be. You are not being judged, you are being celebrated so don’t sweat the small stuff. Cliche, but true.

KG: Did anything about your wedding day surprise you?

L/C: What surprised us is how fast things seemed to go. We spent almost a year planning our wedding, flying to Tucson to find the ideal setting, menu tasting, dress fitting, everything…and in the span of one day, it was over. It was perfect, it will be one of the happiest moments of our lives, but it was very, very sad when everybody started to fly home and we were left thinking the celebration is over. Sad, but sweet.

KG: What was your favorite thing about the day?

L/C: My favorite thing (Casey) was seeing Lucy. She is beautiful, even when she is sick and coughing in bed, but that first glimpse of her in her dress, her hair made up, her smile and the way her eyes lit up…that will stay with me the rest of my life. Every guy should be so lucky.

Final words of wisdom from the Bride and Groom: create a wedding that fits you, don’t create an elaborate show simply because it is what you think people expect. Friends and family know your personality, make your wedding fit your personality. Have fun, make it a celebration.

I think Lucy and Casey are off to a great start! Congratulations on your beautiful life together and thank you for sharing your wedding day with us!

Lucy and Casey’s Real Tucson Wedding Team:

Wedding Coordinator: Arizona Event Management

Ceremony and Reception Site: Lodge on the Desert

Photographer: Willo Art

Bridal Gown Store: BCBG Max Azria

Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew

Tuxedos: J. Crew

Florist: Desicra, on Etsy (paper flowers)

Invitations: Love at First Invite

DJ: Snaptive

Ceremony Musicians: Jennifer SPAGS Spingola

Hair Stylist: Gadabout Salon Spas

Officiant: Rev. Stuart Taylor

Rentals and Linens: Arizona Party Rental

 

 

 

 

 

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I love love in it’s simplest form and sometimes you don’t need a lot of fancy-schmancy for it to show. Jannina and Miguel are one of those couples; Jannina glows and Miguel dazzles…it’s serendipity. Just look at these two!

This was one of the first gowns from Gigi Bridal Boutique and it fit Jannina beautifully!

They’re pretty glam

Jannina explains how her mother-in-law made her reception gorgeous: Yamile is Miguel’s mother. She’s a wizard with flowers, decorations and party planning. We didn’t think twice about letting her take the reigns on the decorating front. I didn’t have any themes set in stone as to what I would like at the reception. I simply showed her pics of table settings and centerpeices that I thought were pretty and let her work her magic. The end result was beautiful! She stuck with the white and green theme and every centerpeice was different. She varied from high and low centerpieces and in my opinion kept the reception looking crisp, clean and perfect for a summer wedding.

One thing that so many couples grapple with is what to do for favors but Jannina and Miguel knew exactly what they wanted to do- they made a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in honor of Jannina’s mother who is suffering from the disease. The bride also added each guest’s name to the foundation’s contact list in the hopes that if one of them needs the resource someday, they will know where to go for help. This thoughtful touch is money well spent and your guests will appreciate it more than any box of jordan almonds.

KG: Now that you have had a chance to settle in, what is your favorite thing about being married?

J/M: We both agree that the most amazing thing about being married is that we’ve begun living the rest of our lives with our best friend. Every morning is the start of a new adventure with the person we love the most. Every night is peaceful rest in the arms of the person who loves us the most. It’s the greatest feeling. Knowing that our love and respect is mutual and reciprocated is motivation to keep striving to be a better version of ourselves.

Building our home is our big project. Slowly but surely, we’re making it our own and coming home everyday to something we’ve created for each other and ourselves is a dream come true.

KG: Tell us about your honeymoon

J/M: Initially, when we were deciding where to go for our honeymoon; we both agreed that we wanted to go to a beach (didn’t matter where). We wanted to go somewhere we could have options to go out for a night on the town or stay in for a romantic dinner. We chose Laguna Beach after Miguel’s Great-Aunt was kind enough to offer her beach house for us to stay in. We spent our time lazying around the pool, eating, and napping… a lot! We took the Ferry to Catalina Island and spent a few days there. We kayaked, hiked, and even zip-lined! It was a nice change from the laziness in Laguna. It was the best of both worlds and a week that we both didn’t want to end.

KG: What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding?

J/M: My advice for brides to be is to create a timeline. Every week have a project for the wedding that you have to accomplish. This way you’re not stressing out at the last minute to do everything that you forgot. Don’t sweat the small stuff… if something goes wrong at the wedding… laugh it off and enjoy your day. More often than not, you’re the only one who noticed. Lastly, have good music! Our DJ was awesome! He kept people on the dance floor all night! He did a great job of reading the crowd and playing music to their liking and was nice enough to honor a few “request” songs. DJ selection is a big portion of having a successful wedding.

Jannina and Miguel, CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for sharing your day with us!

Jannina and Miguel’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony Site: Santa Cruz Parish

Reception Site: La Mariposa Resort

Photographer: Butterfield Photography, Maria

Bridal Gown Store: Gigi Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: A Tailor and Tuxedo

Tuxedos: Top Hat Formal Wear

Florist: Yamile Lopez

Invitations: Jannina Catalan

Cake: Irma Corona

Entertainment: Mariachi San Juan

DJ: Robert Escalante

Make-up Artist: Stephanie Hernandez

Hair Stylist: Aholibama Ayala

Officiant: Father Thomas Reeves

Happy Planning from your Tucson Wedding Blog!

Kelly

 

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