Ocean in the Desert Scottsdale Wedding

Deserted Ocean Private Estate Scottsdale Wedding

We are so so excited to finally show off one of our favorite weddings we designed and planned for a lovely couple in Scottsdale, Arizona on Martha Stewart Weddings today!! When Kari the bride first called me we were discussing a cool Sedona elopement after her hectic previous attempt at wedding planning which she scratched for an easier, less stressful route. With so many people to coordinate and schedules to consider she was wanting to just ‘do it!’ with out the worry. When her family friend offered her gorgeous Scottsdale esate after hearing of her woes, we jumped at the chance to move it there to accommodate her guests easier. The only catch? The season was getting hot soon and we had 4 weeks to plan the whole thing!! We jumped into action and made this spectacular back-yard wedding a hit!

Kari and Charlie both loved the ocean but also the desert. I came up with the creative vision of a ‘deserted ocean’, a dried up ocean bed in a magical desert. After bringing on the fantastic Luna of Arrangements Floral Design we whipped up this fantastical evening which turned out to be pure magic. Gina Meola did a fabulous job of capturing the day’s beautiful details and was such a pleasure to work with!

Arrangements Floral & Party Design crafted a stunning bouquet of coral charm peonies, king proteas, ranunculus, astilbe, and tulips. Wrapped in gold sequined trim, the finishing touch was a skeleton leaf. Kari worked with stylist Alex Evjen of Ave Styles to create her stunning ensemble. After trying on the blush pink Monique Lhuillier “Candy” dress at Destiny’s Bride in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kari knew it was her gown. A custom sash, veil, and earrings by Paris were added to the ensemble, which was rounded out with nude Jimmy Choo pumps.

Charlie sported a gray Savvi tuxedo by Mr. Formal.

For the invitation I hand illustrated a jellyfish and had it foiled onto a croco embossed glossy paper for a fun contrast of styles. More to come on this invitation as well!

Boutonnieres were made with ivory roses, brunia, and dusty miller—a heart-shaped charm once belonging to Charlie’s late mother was attached to his as a special way of honoring her memory.

The matron of honor and best man carried seashells housing the wedding bands. Kari’s sister Lori carried a clutch of coral charm peonies, king protea, yellow roses, brunia, and dusty miller. Kari’s other sister Susan’s bouquet was comprised of a king protea surrounded by white roses, brunia, dusty miller, and coral charm peonies.

Guests were treated to cool lemonade as they arrived. Since we knew the day was going to be so hot we dip-dyed fans to match the decor and tied on feathers and beads with leather cord.

To work with a backyard and actually have the ceremony on their driveway I knew we had to transform the space. I designed a geometrical wall to be built on which we applied mirror to reflect the gorgeous desert landscape.

In lieu of a traditional guest book I created a ‘Message in a Bottle’ table were guests could write their sweet notes to the couple and float them in the infinity pool. They’ll be read at their one year anniversary which is coming up soon! We also created a wall of photos with fun facts about the couple that guests would be quizzed on later.

To bring in the ocean vibe we had to serve fresh delicious seafood!

To create the feasting style dining table I built a structure which we mirrored and then hung shelves of floating candles and flowers for a seemingly floating tablescape.

I wanted to create a beautiful tablescape that seemingly floated in our modern mirrored structure so that you saw nothing but the desert around you and make you forget you’re dining on a driveway. The open structure built around the long feasting-style table allowed for showcasing the landscape, while adding drama and romance with candles hanging overhead on white-washed wood shelves also filled with floral arrangements and gnarled grapewood. Constructed with help from a framing contractor, mirror acrylic panels were added to created the illusion of a disappearing structure. Trailing down the middle of each table was a collection of oceanic elements, including ceramic sea urchin votives, air plants, and aqua sea glass. Ombré napkins tied with leather cord and sea urchins topped geometric plates and silvery placemats. The petite cake, by Classic Cakes and Confections, was inspired by the bride’s gown. To bring in more of the ‘ghost-like’ creatures that used to live in this ‘deserted ocean’ I found these incredible jellyfish lanterns from designer Roxy Russel which I hung in front of sheer panels of fabric and twinkle lights for our Jellyfish Lounge.