Our next couple, Becca and Will, wanted a classic black-tie winter wedding in the desert. Although they live in New York City and got engaged in Manhattan at Gramercy Park where they live, Becca always dreamed of a wedding in the Arizona desert, her hometown. To her, there is nothing more beautiful than the contrast of a wedding dress in the desert, and we couldn't agree more.
Every single detail was on-point at this ritzy desert wedding - the ceremony set up, the Champagne flute escort card station, the floor-length black bridesmaid dresses, and the flawless all-white wedding reception. Their entire day had a major Cinderella vibe happening. Please scroll down to take in this fairytale day. To see even more photos visit the full gallery here.
Don't miss their wedding music playlist and their complete budget breakdown.
Becca got her Rosa Clara wedding dress custom made in New York City, with beautifully detailed lace sleeves and a dramatic veil. She paired her long-sleeve gown with the classic Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels, that Cinderella would have worn. Becca completed her bridal look with pearl earrings, a wedding gift from the Groom.
We often see the bride and her bridal party in matching getting ready outfits, but we have never seen the Mother-of-the-bride in one. We love that Becca had a special pre-wedding outfit for her Mom as well.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, was where Becca dreamed of getting married for many years. Their aesthetic was both classic and timeless.
An outdoor ceremony is set up with the desert landscape as the backdrop. A vintage mirror adorned with white florals is used as the welcome sign. The focal point was a beautiful wooden wedding backdrop adorned with all white florals.
All of Becca's bridesmaids wore floor-length black bridesmaid dresses, and Will's groomsmen wore black tuxedos. Please scroll down, and you will see that all the men at the wedding reception are in Black tuxedos.
How did they get all the men to wear tuxedos? Becca and Will stated on their wedding website that it was a Black Tie Wedding, which indicates that the host expects tuxedos to be worn unequivocally.
At cocktail hour, a beer burro draped in white florals brought a little bit of Southwest flair to the day. We've seen this cutie before. You can check him out here and here.
With unexpected rain in Arizona, the bride and groom moved their reception inside three days before the wedding, leading them to transform the ballroom from their original outdoor vision.
As guests arrived at the candlelit reception, they were greeted with a champagne escort card station. The reception decor was everything you'd expect a wedding at The Ritz Carlton to be. Gorgeous! The tables are impeccably set, each fork is aligned perfectly and the centerpieces are spilling over with white roses and peonies. The scene has been set for a magical evening.
The couple chose a classic carrot cake to share with their family and friends, throughout a very lively reception with songs everyone knew and loved. Please scroll down to see more of their wedding playlist.
As the dancing went on, the night ended with a sparkler exit and fireworks, which at the very end, it began to lightly sprinkle - a sign of good luck.
Bridal Party Processional: "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by Bach
Bride Entrance: "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
Recessional: "You’re My Best Friend" by Queen
Bride & Groom Reception Entrance Song: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston"
First dance song: "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
Father/Daughter: "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
Mother/Son: "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel
Sparkler Exit: "The Best of My Love" by The Emotions
Fireworks Song: "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay