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)
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I love how both are so modern! Great post!
Great piece! I love all those new venues!!
What awesome venues! I love the “retro charm” of the Hotel Valley Ho. All 3 venues offer such different styles. Love it. Thanks for sharing Liene. Your posts always rock!
awesome blog and great write up!
Love these venues! – Sarah @ The Invitation Lady
What a great post and informative blog!
I’m so excited to see that my photos with Sloan Photographers made it on the post today, thanks Liene! There were so many amazing places to shoot at the Mondrian, and have to say that the rooster was my favorite location. Malia
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Great information on newly renovated resorts to hold wedding receptions! I’ve seen the Mondrian–it is quite contemporary. I will definitely check out the others!
Valley-Ho is one of the best places to shoot in AZ. At least, that’s been my experience.
Wow beautiful locations!
May fav is the Mondrian in Scottsdale, soo retro and cool!
These pictures are absolutely gorgeous. Wedding couple looks so good. It really makes me a wedding redo! Beautiful wedding & Thanks for sharing!
Photos are absolutely stunning! Very retro, yet modern look theme! Very lovely!!!
The photos are great! I love it! Also, the wedding venue is really elegant. I like it!
Photos are awesome. I love all the poses. The wedding venue is really good one.