Born 7,000 miles apart, Sirine (from the Middle East) and Ryan (from Arizona) began their search for a wedding location that would allow them to bring together a piece of both of their families. They chose the Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley for its Arizona location and Mediterranean feel. I love the dark wood, lace, lanterns, and decor elements they used to evoke the journey that had brought them to that moment, and the new one they were just starting on!
The Couple: Sirine and Ryan
The Wedding: 10.28.11 – Intercontinental Montelucia Resort – Paradise Valley, AZ
From bride Sirine: Nestled against the beautiful red sandstone of Camelback Mountain, our outdoor wedding ceremony was on a secluded lawn at the resort that was sprawling with white flowers and lanterns down the aisle. Keeping with classic vintage theme of the wedding, dark wood tables and lace runners held medicine bottle table cards, our parents’ original wedding pictures, and a puzzle guest book to round out the ceremony site. We also incorporated Spanish touches to tie in our honeymoon plans to Barcelona. Our signature drink was sangria; the menu cards had a Spanish touch and I wore a Spanish style veil with Chantilly lace.
How did you incorporate your personality into your bridal look? Both my veil and dress were by Monique Lhuillier, but my dress was truly one of a kind! I asked to change material on my bustier top to reflect more of a vintage feel with old lace and beading from another dress in Monique’s collection. I was granted permission after a lot of persuasion! My favorite accessory was a locket that Ryan gave me for Christmas with a picture of our grandparents in it. I carried it on the handle of my wedding bouquet.
What were some fun details you incorporated into your wedding decor and events? 65 of our 100 guests were from out of town so we spent a lot of time on our guest bags. Among other things, our bags included cookies from our favorite local deli, pashminas, personalized cards, an itinerary for whole weekend, cava, sangria, pretzels, Ryan’s favorite snack (chips and salsa) and my favorite snack (packs of Nutella). Incorporating part of my Middle Eastern heritage, Myryka, a belly dancer, performed at the cocktail hour that was held at the ceremony site. Moving from a performance of the traditional wedding dabke folk dance with the groom, the dancer led both me and my groom from the wedding site to the reception hall where we were welcomed with an aisle-way of 100 guests holding sparklers for our entry.
Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding? The whole weekend was magical! Opening the 20 foot recovered wood doors my breath was taken away as everything we had planned for months came true. The room had dark wood floors and a Spanish cathedral feel with six-chandeliers; perfect for creating the intimate dinner we planned for our 100 guests. With rectangular dark wood tables, lace runners, and sprawling white flower table arrangements the guests were served a plated dinner, cava, and plenty of fresh sangria from local wines. As I was being twirled by my new groom to Ray LaMontagne’s ‘You Are the Best Thing’ during our first dance, I got to see all the little details that had come together to create that moment. Other favorite moments were watching my niece serve as the flower girl in her Hello Kitty rain boots and my nephew as ring bearer; having my best friend serving as the officiant; and all our brothers and sisters serving as the wedding party. But, the very best moment is when we were pronounced husband and wife! Simple words with such profound meaning.
Wedding Team:
Photographer: Erica Velasco Photographers
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Intercontinental Montelucia Resort
Videographer: Serendipity Videography
Officiant: Donna Cromer – Bride’s friend
Invitation Designer: The Invitation Lady
Catering: Intercontinental Montelucia Resort
Florist: Angelic Grove
Wedding Cake: Julia Baker
Candy Table: Couture Candy Co.
Wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridal accessories: Shoes – Christian Louboutin, Earrings – Alexis Bittar
Bridesmaids Apparel and Accessories: BCBG and Dillard’s
Groom’s suit – Ermenegildo Zegna
Groomsmens’ suits – J. crew
Hair and Make-up: Hair – Zach Gilemi, Make up – Linda Wagner
DJ: SKM Entertainment
Live music: Myryka (Belly Dancer)
Transportation: Ollie The Trolley
Favors: Place card bottles from Joblake on Etsy.com
Rentals: Angelic Grove
Rings: Addison Taylor Fine Jewelery
Sirine and Ryan, your wedding day was beautiful and romantic; thank you so much for sharing it with our readers!
Readers, for more gorgeous garden weddings, visit our Real Weddings Library!
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