Guess where I was for a few days in February while it was all dreary and chilly here? Scottsdale, Arizona! Sunny and 70’s. Yep, rubbing it in. :) Sam and Alison are from here in St. Louis. They have no family ties in Scottsdale, but it is special to them. It is one of their favorite places and therefore a perfect choice for their destination getaway wedding! It is safe to say that these two are unique, which they proved by choosing a bright, 100% red room at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art as their ceremony venue. And I mean head to toe red. Even the music stand Matt the officiant used was red. I was told by the venue that this was the first ever ceremony to take place in that room. Cool right? Wait until you see it below!

Alison and Sam were absolutely not into details or formalities. Don’t get me wrong, I love pretty details as much as the next gal, but this was so refreshing! With about 50 guests in attendance, basically they just wanted to make sure that everyone there had a wonderful time and could eat and drink the best Scottsdale dining had to offer. So it makes perfect sense that the “reception” (which was more of a relaxed and delicious dinner with friends and family) took place at Cowboy Ciao in the Historic District. Home of the Stetson Chopped Salad! (So yummy – see photo below.) It really was a great couple of days. I think that Steve and I ate short ribs at 3 different restaurants. Yum!

Ok, enough food talk, getting hungry over here. Back to photos! When Alison and Sam head to Scottsdale, they always treat themselves to a stay at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. Which is where Alison and the girls got ready for the wedding day.

Alison’s gown with beaded chiffon cape was so her.

Did I mention this shindig happened over Valentine’s weekend?  Fitting with the red room, roses and sweet little books with quirky quotes about love.  Love is quirky isn’t it?

Pretty Alison!

Meet our handsome man of the hour, Sam.  Kinda looking like a fashion model in the one on the right.

First look…

That is a good, engulfing hug.

Wedding party shots on Camelback Mountain!

And a few more around the grounds at Sanctuary.  Is it strange that one of my favorite spots was basically in the parking lot?

If you thought I was exaggerating about the red room, please think again. :)

Ok, there are some black chairs.  I take it back.  But before they set it up for the ceremony there were a bunch of red crate benches!

I thought the bridesmaids sitting together on their lone little chair looked like they themselves were a modern art installation.

Everyone is relaxed and ready to get this show on the road!

I’m not going to say this was easy to photograph, but it sure is cool.

Married!

Mmmm…Cowboy Ciao.  The first of many short ribs I had on this trip.  Along with my first taste of the famous Stetson Chopped Salad.

Rustic, warm and comfy.

Arizona post cards at each place setting.

A few quick toasts and back to the party!

Guests enjoying the evening festivities! Thank goodness no one got out of hand since Dirty Harry was keeping a squinty eye on everyone…

Big congrats to you both!  Steve and I had a wonderful time getting to know you and your families and friends.  It was a great group!  Thank you so much for all of your hospitality.  With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE
Wedding Planner: A Day to Cherish – Cara Morrison
Getting ready location: Sanctuary
Ceremony: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Lounge (SMOCA)
Reception: Cowboy Ciao Heaven & Gold room
Stationary: Two Blue Doors
Linens: BBJ Linens
Runners: Modern Revival
Ceremony music: Vinyl Station

L Photographie Scottsdale Wedding Photography