| Desert Inspiration
Jessica Straub and John Tsai's October wedding in their new hometown of Tucson was a destination affair for the majority of their guests. As such, they sought to capture the essence of Tucson in the decor and style of their wedding and reception at Hacienda del Sol.
The historic location and the rich desert colors inspired them throughout the planning process. The Save the Date cards invited guests to "Dance With Us in the Desert" and featured a large saguaro adorned with a fuchsia flower.
Jessica accessorized her gown with a stunning turquoise necklace, while the wedding party sported flashes of bright pink. The bridesmaids, in midnight blue gowns, carried bouquets of fuchsia roses, while the groomsmen wore pink rose boutonnieres on their lapels. The wedding party was a family affair that included the bride's two sisters, the groom's brother, and the groom's best friend, who is also the bride's brother-in-law. Nieces and nephews served as flower girls and ring bearers.
The sunset ceremony took place under a full moon, beneath the bell tower in the inner courtyard at Hacienda del Sol. After a cocktail hour in the outer courtyard featuring prickly pear margaritas, the guests returned to the inner courtyard for dinner and dancing. Tables were adorned with glowing votives and remarkable centerpieces of three giant palms surrounded by a collar of fuchsia roses. Each setting was marked with a personalized menu card.
Two burning candelabras highlighted the wedding cake—a square, three-tiered, quatro leches cake with a midnight blue damask pattern applied to white frosting and topped with a single fuchsia rose. After enjoying a dinner of grilled filet mignon accented with mustard cognac demi glace, the guests danced the night away under the harvest moon.
At the conclusion of the evening, each guest was treated to chocolate ganache cupcakes packaged in Chinese take-out boxes. Each artful box included a card printed with a gold Chinese double-happiness symbol tied with a fuchsia ribbon.
Location:
Hacienda del Sol
Photographer:
Ted Hewitt Photography
Wedding Coordinator:
Creative Arrangements by Sylvia
Florist:
Villa Feliz Flowers
Overnight Accommodations:
Loews Ventana Canyon
Cake:
Ambrosia of Tucson
Gown:
Destiny's Bride
Rentals:
Arizona Party Rental
Transportation:
Arizona Shuttle |
