The one thing you cannot control on your big day is the weather. No matter what, it will always be a gamble. However, the bride Berenise, was not about to give up on her dream of the perfect outdoor weather. And would you know it, with all the good vibes she and her friends and family were sending out, the clouds parted just as she walked down the aisle. Magic!
You can see every last gorgeous detail of this elegant and rainy day wedding in Arizona when you visit the full gallery. All of the fabulous photos were provided by the talented Melissa Jill Photography.
Meet Cute
Adam and I met in Arizona on a day out with mutual friends. I soon moved to Chicago for work, and Adam followed shortly after. Our dog was with us when he proposed because he always wanted to make sure to include her. He’s the sweetest, most genuine man I’ve ever known and I can’t believe he’s my husband now! ❤️
Looks Like Rain
Adam and I had planned for a beautiful February wedding in Arizona — usually expected to be in the mid-70s with sunshine. Instead, it ended up being one of the craziest and rainiest weeks Arizona had seen in ages!
We kept the faith, though, and waited until the last possible second to decide whether we would move the ceremony indoors or not. Things were looking grim and rain clouds were settling in closer, so we feared we would have no choice but to discard our planned ceremony site. The pre-ceremony portraits had to be paused and moved under cover several times because of intermittent rain.
I feel like so many of my friends, family, and vendors from my makeup and hair stylist, to the photographers, to my dress alterations gal were praying for us! And those must have been powerful prayers because just as our ceremony was set to begin, I felt the conviction that it HAD to take place outdoors, as I’d been dreaming about. So we made the call to hold the ceremony outside. Just as the music started, the clouds parted and the sun began to shine. Guests and vendors alike have told me how magical it was to literally see the sun come out for me as I made my walk toward Adam as he stood at the floral altar. It was just the two of us in those precious moments. The wedding was absolute perfection from there on out!
Wedding Influences
The inspiration for our wedding was classy elegance with clean lines. Greenery was also a focal point for us, as you can see in the men’s corsages and the flower girl’s headpiece. We really wanted to tie in our lost family members, namely our grandparents who were such huge influences in our lives and so I had special pins made from MagnoliaTreeandCo. on Etsy for us to wear.
We also were super proud of the Garrett Popcorn because while we met in Arizona, we currently live and work in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
Venue, Catering, Bar, DJ: $20,551.73
Photographer: $3,400.00
Flowers & Decor: $3,385.45
Stationery & Signage: $2,164.63
Wedding Planner: $5,500.50
Wedding Gown & Accessories: $2,652.70
Groom’s Tux & Accessories: $1,403.52
