This month’s Real Bride had a beautiful wedding almost two years ago and
had some great pops of classic elements and some bright colors!
Read more below!
What is your name and when was your wedding?
Lolita McCarthy, August 2nd, 2014
How did you and your groom meet?
We actually met at a Starbucks after exchanging emails online. It was 2010 and I had suffered a high ankle sprain. I was off of work and upset that I was unable to get my daily morning cafe latte. I had been watching Fox10 news one morning and they featured 
a local dating site called My Dating Place. It got me thinking. ‘Someone should be here taking care of me!’ So I was determined to create a profile and hopefully meet someone special. After a two disaster dates, I met Declan and we just clicked. We got coffee one January morning and after that we just never stopped hanging out. I couldn’t have been luckier to have finally met my husband and best friend.
We are dying to know, how did he propose?!
We flew out to Las Vegas for our birthday week. His is one the 1st and mine on the 3rd and as a tradition we always go out of town and celebrate. He had bought me a beautiful dress for dinner and made secret reservations at the wonderful Eiffel Tower restaurant at the Paris Paris. It was about dessert time and the waiter brought out a special dessert when I removed the silver top there was a small tiny box. I looked at him and he told me to open it. I was so happy it and was a beautiful custom-made diamond ring. He proposed and I accepted. It was unforgettable and one of my most favorite moments.
What were your wedding colors? Did you have an overall theme?
We decided on Royal Blue and Gold. We did not go with a theme but I wanted a romantic elegance element.
How large was your wedding party?
We had 12 people in our wedding party.
Where did you find your dress? Would you say that finding your dress was a relatively easy or a difficult process?
After endless searching and nights on Pinterest I finally found my dress at Susanne’s Bridal Boutique in Gilbert, AZ. I wouldn’t say it was easy because there are so many beautiful dresses. Sometimes you think you know what you want but you try something on that looks okay on the hanger but when it’s on your body, you know it’s perfect.
Where did your ceremony and reception take place? Was there any special meaning behind the choice of venue(s)?
We chose to have the ceremony and reception at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Estate. It is just such a charming historic property that nothing else could compare. It is centrally located in the heart of Phoenix and I felt that it was just perfect for an intimate wedding occasion.
What kind of flowers did you have in your bouquet and the ceremony/ reception?
There were beautiful vibrant colors. We featured a late summer inspired bouquet designed with orange/red/deep plum florals including roses, dahlias, ranunculus, leaves and berries tied with a gold/champagne sheer ribbon.
What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Did you have a groom’s cake?
It was an Almond soaked yellow cake with an Italian crème center. Delicious!
Did you provide favors to your guests? If so, what were they?
Yes, we went with a beautiful 11′ decorative dish from D’Lusso Wedding favors. My favorite part is when I visit friends and family and I see it on their dining tables.
What details from your wedding that made it unique to you?
We loved our band and that it brought a live music element to the wedding. We had a 9-piece band complete with a horn section. It filled the room with an energy that only live music could bring.
Other than marrying your husband, what was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
My most favorite moment was having the most important people in my life all celebrating at the same time. Everyone was dressed beautifully and it was so special to have all the people we care about with us on our special day.
Did you take a honeymoon? If so, where did you go?
We spent 5 days at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui. It was absolutely gorgeous.
What is one piece of wisdom you learned from your planning experience that you would like to share with future brides?
You can have it all but it will cost a fortune. Make good decisions on the things that are important to you. We wanted to have awesome entertainment and opted for a live band which took up a good portion of the budget. Have a beautiful event but don’t go crazy with every little detail. You will be the only one who notices and believe me, with how fast and crazy the day goes chances are you won’t even see it to enjoy it.
Who were some of the other vendors that were a part of your dream team?
“Petal Pusher – Tamara Noack
Brooke Photography – Brooke Stevens-Patrick
The Hamptons Band
Something New Media
Kate & Company Wedding Planners – Leslie Honaker”