| Arizona: Naturally!
College sweethearts Kelly Sotomayor and Chris Wainhouse moved to Seattle after graduation, but they left part of their hearts in the desert. Returning to Kelly's hometown of Tucson fulfilled the bride's dream of an Arizona wedding and also provided the couple's guests with a uniquely Arizona experience.
"Our wedding was the epitome of an Arizona wedding," recalls Kelly, "The guys' golf outing on Friday at Starr Pass was filled with javelina, lizard and snake spottings. That was a real treat for our guests from the Northwest."
Kelly and Chris chose a fall evening for their nuptials at the Westin La Paloma. The ceremony was held at the Catalina Basin, with a beautiful view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Although many weddings save the "wildlife" for the reception, Kelly and Chris had a surprise guest at the ceremony: a wild bobcat who lept onto the scene just before the processional.
The bride and groom's invited guests included 150 family and friends, including the bride's 93-year-old grandmother. Kelly carried a sentimental reminder of a beloved aunt who had just passed away: she wrapped her aunt's rosary around her bouquet. A close family friend served as officiant.
The newlyweds and their guests celebrated in the Murphey Room, which was decorated in ivory, gold and black for the elegant reception. In addition to a delicious meal, the guests were treated to two desserts. The first, a traditional three-tier cake, included alternating layers of strawberry champagne cake and classic white cake. In honor of the couple's favorite pastime, an apple pie with a baseball topper was also served.
A Night Blooming Cereus, which blooms just once a year, chose the wedding night to open right before the eyes of the amazed guests. The rare flower's fragrance can fill an entire room, yet the showstopper bloom lasts just one night. "We were so lucky that our videographer got it on film!" exclaims Kelly.
Location:
Westin La Paloma
Photographer:
Patrick Grimes Photography
Wedding Coordinator:
Sylvia Drew
Videographer:
Beyond Video
Invitations:
Celebrations Ink
Floral Design:
Janice Fenimore
Cake:
Village Bakehouse
Entertainment:
Haymore DJs
Transportation:
Integrity Transportation |
