| “It truly was love at first sight for us,”
...explains Kristen Shiflett of meeting Jacob Livingston. “We were engaged within four months of meeting each other, married less than a year later.”
The New Mexico pair chose to celebrate their good fortune by bringing family and friends to southern Arizona for a destination wedding.
“ Tucson has always been a favorite place of mine and we couldn’t think of anywhere more perfect than the Westin La Paloma,” recalls the bride.
On a “perfect day with perfect weather,” the bride and her father were transported by horse-drawn carriage to the ceremony site in true Cinderella fashion. “I was in awe when we finally arrived, from the flowers, to the quartet, and my groom.”
As the couple exchanged vows, they took time to remember the bride’s younger sister, who had passed away two years earlier. “My mom, dad and I joined arms and lit it a candle? in silence at the beginning. We also released 3 three white doves to Alan Jackson’s “Sissy’s Song.” At one point during the ceremony, a breeze caught my veil and lifted it over the candle, and the fire flickered out and back on again. Everyone felt her spirit there.”
Following their heartfelt ceremony, the couple celebrated with their guests under a full moon. The reception site was decorated in a fuchsia and black color scheme, romantically adorned with candles, roses, and hanging amaranthus. A gourmet dinner was served prior to a champagne toast and a special presentation by Kristen’s mother.
The mother of the bride penned a poem about the couple’s first meeting, entitled “The Wink,” which she read prior to the couple’s first dance. “We had a choreographed first dance and it turned out spectacular and was a surprise to all of our guests,” says Kristen.
Guest favors included New Mexico-inspired chocolate-covered pecans in elegant monogrammed boxes.
Location:
Westin La Paloma
Photographer:
Patrick Grimes Photography
Floral Design:
In Full Bloom Floral Studios
Videography:
Black Sheep Video
Bridal Gown:
Destiny’s Bride |
