Renata and Vincent’s vintage garden wedding in downtown Tucson was a beautiful start to a busy spring wedding season. There were two main sources of inspiration behind their wedding day. The various colors found in our desert sunsets were reflected in their flowers, wedding party’s attire, and assorted décor. The warm candlelight scattered all throughout the historic Stillwell House brought home the cozy, vintage vibe they were after.
Seeing Each Other in the Courtyard
I always ask my couples to mail me a copy of the wedding invitation. Why? Because it’s the one details that is so easily forgotten! You’ve already sent them out to all of your guests, tallied up the RSVP’s, and the big day is here. So bringing along an invitation to incorporate into your photos isn’t even a passing thought. By mailing me an invitation when you send the rest out, I can keep it safely put away to bring along with me and ensure it isn’t accidentally left at home!
Can you believe that Vincent’s sister hand-painted their wedding invitation’s design?! She did an incredible job! I’m always a fan of custom crests.
When I asked Vincent and Renata what they were looking forward to most on the wedding day, their First Look in the courtyard was at the top of the list. First, I brought Vincent out to the arbor, facing him away from where Renata would be walking out just a couple of minutes later. He was as cool as a cucumber, just super excited to see his bride. I went back inside to get Renata. “Are you ready to go see him?” I asked. It was in that moment that it finally hit her: her wedding day when she would marry her best friend was actually here.
Vincent had their wedding date sown into his suit jacket. Such a fun touch discretely hidden away.
Portraits before the Ceremony
After they finished scoping out each other’s outfits and exchanging lots of hugs and smiles, we took portraits in the garden courtyard that they adore so much! I love getting the chance to do portraits earlier in the day, especially right after the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Not only does it give us various photo opportunities in different locations than the evening, but my couples are just so freaking happy and excited finally being together!
Renata’s wedding day hairstyle was perfect for her! Like me, she’s not one to get all dolled up very often. I thought the soft curls and twists with the pearled accent piece really suited her personality!
As if being the Mother of the Bride doesn’t come with enough pressure and responsibility, Renata’s mom Lynda took on the task of making all of the floral pieces! She certainly delivered with the mixture of soft sunset-inspired pastel colors her daughter dreamed of.
Thinking back to their engagement session last fall, I remembered Renata telling me that she’s more of a tomboy/casual dresser. She felt much more like herself in a pair of jeans. As I began to talk her through doing this twirling photo, I told her, “Hey, of all the times that you should embrace feeling extra girly, this is it! You’re in your wedding dress!” When I asked her to tell me why she chose this dress as “the one” she said, “I love the vintage and romantic style with its subtle train and unique design! It’s simultaneously delicate and complex.”
After a little time alone together, it was time for their best friends (aka, their wedding party) to join them! They’re soft blue-green dresses were perfect for an early spring wedding.
Their Ceremony
Renata and Vincent brought in an antique rug to add a personalized touch to their ceremony setup. I asked them where it came from and Vincent told me it has been in his family for over one hundred years! Stillwell’s courtyard ceremony setting is certainly the winning centerpiece. Renata said it’s “naturally gorgeous, which is perfect because we are not huge on primping. Plus, I love this part of Tucson and the historic feel. It really supports the feeling we have as being old souls brought together.”
To begin the ceremony, Vincent’s mom Colleen read a very special poem aloud. Sadly, Vincent’s dad Gary passed away just over a year ago. The poem that Colleen read was the same poem also read on her and Gary’s wedding day.
They had exchanged their rings and Vincent knew the big “official” announcement was about to happen. He seemed pretty excited, don’t you think?
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Tiscornia!!!
A Chilly Reception
Initially, Renata and Vincent’s reception was planned to take place outside in the courtyard. However, the temperatures in early March can be pretty diverse. While it was almost 70 degrees during the day, the evening would drop into the 40’s before the night was over. In order to keep their guests as comfortable as possible, Vincent and Renata made the decision to move the reception indoors.
Whenever my couples ask where they should have their first dance at, I always suggest outside in the courtyard. ESPECIALLY when their DJ has placed accent lighting underneath the arbor that matches their wedding color scheme. I’ve seen the stone lit up in shades of red, green, and even a multi-colored rainbow!
After their special dances, Renata, Vincent, and their guests moved back inside into the 1901 Room to cut their wedding cake.
While I may have only been present for a few minutes of open dancing, I could tell everyone was ready to have a fun night together and truly celebrate!
Just a couple of days after the wedding, Renata and Vincent took off on their honeymoon: a week long trip to Costa Rica! They said they plan to do a little bit of everything there: relaxing, exploring, and creating their first vacation memories together as husband and wife. Congrats again, Mr. and Mrs. Tiscornia!
WEDDING VENDORS FROM THIS VINTAGE GARDEN WEDDING
Wedding Venue | The Stillwell House
Planner/Coordinator | Christianna Solano with Stillwell
Photographer | Christy Hunter Photography
Invitation Designer | the groom’s sister Abigail, owner of Millie + Dots Stationery
Flowers | supplied by Flower Moxie, assembled by the bride’s mom
Hair and Makeup Team | I DO Hair and Make-up Artistry
DJ | Michael with MasterMixx DJ’s
Cake Shop | Whole Foods
Valet Service | Southwest Valet
Best wedding photos ever! You are a gifted photographer and the storyline added to the photos makes it that much more fabulous! Thank you! Great choice Renata!
Thank you so much, Lynda! I’m very grateful I was able to be there with Renata, Vincent, and their families for such an important day. Getting to know them and their story together makes what I do even more meaningful!