Today's guest blogger is none other than Arizona wedding expert and event planner, Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs and the Blue Orchid Designs blog. Liene is amazingly knowledgeable, professional and passionate about her clients, so we can only imagine how many spectacular events she has helped bring together. We are honored to have her share her thoughts with us about all the fabulous new options for wedding ceremony and reception venues in her home state of Arizona. Read on to learn what she has to say, and to see some seriously cool wedding inspiration...
The Hotel Valley Ho isn't a new venue- it was built in 1956 in the
heart of Old Town Scottsdale and Hollywood celebrities could often be
spotted sipping cocktails at the resort. It recently underwent an $80
million renovation and reopened in a marriage of retro charm and state
of the art amenities. The rooftop is the perfect spot for a ceremony or
cocktail hour, overlooking Scottsdale on one side and Phoenix on the
other. The pool was designed to resemble a martini olive and is a
non-stop party come the weekend. The grassy lawns are perfect for a
ceremony-in-the-round prior to dancing the night away in the redesigned
ballrooms. In addition to their remodel, the Hotel Valley Ho has
launched a green initiative that includes using as much local food and
produce as possible in preparing their menus, so your wedding can be
retro-chic and eco-chic. (Above photos by Darby Elizabeth Photography and Melissa Jill Photography)
The Mondrian in Scottsdale is truly a lush getaway from the bustle of the city (and the heat!). Also in the midst of old-town, it has no identifying signs and most people drive right past it with no idea of the oasis just beyond its white walls. Formerly the James Hotel, it recently reopened as a chic urban hot spot. The interior is mostly white and the decor eclectic. The Asia de Cuba restaurant is fabulous for post-wedding brunches or rehearsal dinners and the Red Bar is perfect for some bachelorette bliss. I had a rehearsal dinner there the same evening as Al Gore's Nobel Prize party and while many venues would favor high-profile events over the others, the staff at the Mondrian went above and beyond to make sure my clients were treated with first class service. I cannot recommend this venue enough. (Above photos by Sloan Photographers)
Scottsdale isn't the only area in the Valley of the Sun getting a face-lift. Historic downtown Chandler is being infused with new businesses and is becoming a wedding Mecca in its own right. Inspirador is a new venue located on the old site of the O.S. Stapley Hardware Co. and hosts over 12,000 square feet of event space. Just through the Spanish colonial entrance is the Tryst art gallery. Dubbed "Manhattan in the Desert", and home to pieces from local, national and international artists, this area is a hip spot for a pre-ceremony welcome cocktail. The outdoor courtyard makes for a cozy lounge area under the starlit sky and the aisle for the indoor ceremony area is adorned with quotes from famous poets. (Above photos by Sloan Photographers)