Although Jennie is from Louisiana, she totally embraces Dave’s southwest home. Their fiesta wedding in downtown Tucson beautifully incorporated the rich culture, cuisine, and colors of Arizona. I feel like the whole vibe and atmosphere of the day couldn’t help but be joyful and vibrant. How could it not be with such bright colors and fun fiesta touches throughout the venue?! The weather was perfect and a definite sign that Spring is officially here.
Dave and Jennie were referred to me by the Stillwell House (which is always so humbling to me!). Jennie said the Stillwell House blew her away and she just knew this is where she wanted to marry Dave. We instantly connected on our love for our pets and our eagerness to visit Japan in the near future. Also, I’m insanely jealous that her brother only lives about an hour away from The Shire in New Zealand! My nerd heart was in heaven visiting New Zealand with Mike. If I get the chance to visit there again, I can’t promise that I’ll ever leave.
The Colorful Wedding Day
The girls’ getting ready location was a total show-stopper. Since I don’t live in Tucson, I’m not super familiar with the flow and layout of the city. I just put my destination into the GPS and follow directions haha. I was sitting in the turning lane on one of Tucson’s busiest roads, about to turn onto the AirBnB’s road, and I wasn’t quite sure what I would find. I could see a huge house as I rounded the corner and, to my surprise, my GPS told me I had arrived. This place was stunning! The exterior does not do it justice. When I walked in, Jennie filled me in: this place had once been the home of movie star legend Clark Gable! How cool is that?!
Their wedding’s color palette was meant to bring their theme to life, each bridesmaid and groomsmen in a different color. Jennie said she was inspired by the various colors seen in authentic Talavera pottery while going for this modern fiesta look.
Tears and Laughs
Dave and Jennie both kept pretty cool demeanors about them throughout the morning. I knew they were both really excited to see each other for the first time all dressed up. Once they finally got to hug each other, the real emotions began to surface.
I gave them some privacy while they read private vows each other. I could hear sniffles from both of them brought about by sweet words and happy tears.
Once they had gotten all the nervous butterflies out, it was time to go have fun with the bridal party– their best friends– before the ceremony.
We also had time to get some beautiful portraits at their ceremony site before all of their guests arrived. I LOVED the contrast between the bright colors and the neutral stone of the courtyard!
Making it Official: the Ceremony
Both Dave and Jennie were eager to greet all of their guests. And, honestly, I think they actually did greet them all haha. The ceremony started a few minutes late because they were enjoying seeing everyone and thanking them for attending.
Jennie was in a bit of a hurry and missed a few words during the exchange of vows. She just wanted to kiss her husband!
A Few Portraits and then Time to Party
Before the sun went down, Jennie and Dave had their first photos together as husband and wife. The Twiggs House gave this portrait such a historic, stately feel, don’t you think?
For a veil to easily fly (one of my favorite things to introduce during portrait time!), it’s best for it to be long and light-weight. Jennie’s veil was covered in small pearls, but we still got a great shot with it romantically floating behind her.
Now it was time for the real fiesta to begin: the reception! Mini piñatas lined their guest book table and the smell of tacos was in the air.
At the bar were custom cocktails named after their pets, matching up to each of their unique personalities.
Ah, the shoe game. A time for laughs and, as Dave said during this event, “getting in trouble.”
Jennie and Dave’s DJ blew me away with this custom lighting setup. It brought this dark courtyard back to life and kept their theme front and center.
As I post this, Dave and Jennie should be on their honeymoon in Jerome! I hope you two have a blast and thank you again for letting me be a part of such a special day. Give all the fur babies big kisses for me when you get home!
WEDDING VENDORS FROM THIS FIESTA WEDDING
Wedding Venue | The Stillwell House and Gardens
Getting Ready Locations | local AirBnB’s
Florist | Eric’s Flowers
Cake Artist & Bakery: La Estrella Bakery AND Nadine’s Bakery
Caterer | Seis Mexican Kitchen for Agua Fresca
Hair and Makeup | Allie and Jessica with Desert Beauty
DJ | Michael Lopez with Master Mixx Events
Styling Mat | Olive & Oak
Missed seeing Jennie and Dave’s rainy indoor engagement session in Bisbee? See it on the blog!
Great pics!! Really well done! What a great day!
Thanks so much, Larry! I told Jennie and Dave that their wedding has been one of the most relaxed, smoothest, on-time weddings that I’ve had in a long time!