Anna and Jared kicked off 2022 by saying “I do” at the beautiful Saguaro Buttes Weddings and Event venue in Tucson. When they first inquired with me and I saw their wedding date, I was a bit worried. I wondered if the “cool” January temperatures might be a concern for them. Nope! For those of you that haven’t seen their story that I shared in their sunset desert engagement session feature, let me explain… Anna and Jared have been living in Minnesota for the past couple of years. So having a winter Saguaro Buttes wedding in Arizona basically felt like a beach vacation to them! Plus, the higher-than-average temperatures and constant sunshine didn’t hurt either.
Their Winter Saguaro Buttes Wedding
Anna and her girls showed up to Saguaro Buttes looking flawless! As always, Renee and her team did an incredible job making them look and feel amazing for such a special day.
In addition to her wedding dress, Anna was also wearing a puffy red jacket in her bridal suite! Like me, she’s one of those people that’s basically always cold haha. So we went outside to warm up in the sun. The soft pink of the bridesmaids’ dresses paired with the bright, coral-filled bouquets was a gorgeous combo! I will never get tired of seeing those stunning desert colors.
Tying the Knot… Literally
The moment had finally arrived to watch Anna and her father walk down the aisle together. The sun was starting to set behind the main building at Saguaro Buttes. The music began to play and the flower girl, Ellie, made her debut.
Anna’s mom started to tear up as soon as she saw her daughter walking down the steps. It was such a sweet moment!
When one of your best friends officiates the ceremony, they’re bound to make everyone laugh!
In case you missed reading about how Anna and Jared got engaged, their time together has been filled with exploring the outdoors. Hiking… Rock climbing… They love it all. So I just couldn’t help but smile a huge, cheesy grin when I saw their officiant get the rope for them to tie the knot together. Talk about a fitting addition to their wedding ceremony!
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Matzke!
Bride and Groom Portraits at Sunset
After making things officially official signing the marriage certificate, I took Anna and Jared to a few of my favorite spots at Saguaro Buttes. Capturing that sunset glow peeking through the desert shrubbery is a must-have for an Arizona wedding! And… when Mother Nature cooperates… you can get an incredible sunset, too.
I think the sky was showing off a bit for us. A sunset, saguaros, and snuggles!
The Indoor Reception
As we left Sunset Point, we could hear the guests making their way from Cocktail Hour on the lawn to the indoor reception space. Anna and Jared’s guests were surprised with a lovely musical performance to kick off the evening. Saguaro Buttes always has this classic piano on display in the reception space and this was the first time I had seen someone put it to good use. Great job, ladies!
The applause kept rolling as the Best Man Lucas gave his toast to the bride and groom. I think Jared might have been a little unprepared for what his best friend had to say though…
I loved the way that Anna looked up at her Maid of Honor and twin sister Judith as she gave her speech. Judith truly admires the incredibly loving heart that Anna has and couldn’t praise her enough for the amazing woman she has become.
This was the moment that Anna and Jared thought the toasts were over and the more casual part of the evening was about to begin. Well, there were a few more surprises in store for them.
The musical talent kept flowing as Anna’s dad serenaded the audience. Jokingly, Bob warned everyone that the two of them hadn’t been able to actually practice together before the wedding, but they did a great job! I think Anna was the one left speechless this time.
To wrap up the surprises, Anna and Jared were presented with their own custom wedding newspaper. It featured the bride and groom, their story together, along with stories about their families. What a thoughtful wedding memento!
After one last “cheers” to their guests, Anna and Jared went to cut the cake. Its clean, simple design featuring those same vibrant desert colors went perfectly with the style of their day.
Anna and Jared ended the night with a quick and creative wardrobe change. As their guests were showing off their moves on the dance floor, Anna and Jared amazed them all by returning in traditional German attire, paying homage to Anna’s family heritage.
Anna and Jared have a pretty extensive honeymoon planned. They’ll be returning to San Diego where they first met each other. A stop in Joshua Tree will also be on their California agenda. These two will also soak up plenty of sunshine and outdoor adventures in Zion National Park and the Red Rocks. I’m sure it’ll be difficult to return to chilly Minnesota after that vacation!
VENDORS FROM THIS WINTER WEDDING AT SAGUARO BUTTES
Venue Coordinator and Catering | Sarah Patten with Saguaro Buttes
Photographer | Christy Hunter Photography
Florist | Atelier de LaFleur
DJ | Harmony Entertainment
Hair and Makeup | Renee Rodriguez: Radiate with Renee J
Dress Shop | Free Ever After Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
