Meet the newest member of our Real Bride Series, Nichole. Nichole and Brandon got married after dating for 10 years in February, 2015! The love birds met while working Cactus League in 2005 and the rest is history! Read more after the jump to hear all about their special day at The Clayton On The Park!
How did you and groom meet?
Brandon and I met in 2005 on my first day of work at a Spring Training sports bar, where he was also working at the time.
We are dying to know, how did he propose?!
I still can’t believe how clueless I was! Every year during the first week of March we plan an anniversary trip of our first date. Last year, on February 28, 2014, the day before we were leaving on our annual trip, he suggested we go out to a nice Happy Hour to kick off our vacation. I started to realize he was acting strange, as he couldn’t decide where to go, where to park, he even was dressed up more than usual for our Happy Hour dates. Once he decided on Fleming’s, we sat at the bar- where we always sit at restaurants. Eventually, he said he would be right back- and what seemed like forever later, he came back, and pulled out the box! I was speechless! I couldn’t even open it at first because I never thought the day would come. I was so shocked in fact- that I didn’t even realize I had forgotten to actually say ‘yes’!
What were your wedding colors? Did you have an overall theme?
Our colors were black, silver, and red accent. We did not have an official theme, but tried to keep everything very elegant and romantic.
How large was your wedding party?
We like to keep things simple. We decided to go with having his brother as his Best Man and my best friend as my Maid of Honor. Even though we didn’t have an official wedding party, we still incorporated our siblings into other aspects of the ceremony. His best friend even got ordained so he could perform our ceremony.
Where did you find your dress? Would you say that finding your dress was a relatively easy or a difficult process?
I found my dream dress at Brilliant Bridal in Mesa. It was my third store and my 17th dress I tried on. My mom was the only person I ever took with me to look for dresses and we both knew it was the one when I put it on and we both said it was the perfect ‘Cinderella’ dress.
Where did your ceremony and reception take place? Was there any special meaning behind the choice of venue(s)?
We chose The Clayton on the Park in Scottsdale. It was perfect because we could have all aspects of the day right there on sight. We loved how clean and modern the white walls and floor to ceiling windows looked. The staircase made for a perfect grand entrance as husband and wife.
What kind of flowers did you have in your bouquet and the ceremony/ reception?
To keep with the romantic feel, I wanted to keep it simple and have red roses as the only flower for our day. We had amazing bouquets and added centerpieces of long stem red roses for our guests to take.
What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Did you have a groom’s cake?
We are not really cake eaters, so we initially decided to do only an individually served creme brule dessert for our guests. But, to still have the traditional cake cutting moment, we had a 3 tier cake made, with the bottom 2 tiers being fake, and the top tier a red velvet cheesecake flavor with cream chess frosting on all tiers. We had only our parents and siblings a part of the cake cutting ceremony as an intimate memory. We can’t wait to unfreeze and share another piece on our 1 year anniversary.
Did you provide favors to your guests? If so, what were they?
We finally chose personalized shot glasses as our favors for our guests. We thought they were perfect, especially since we met working in a bar. Plus, they can double as candle holders.
What details from your wedding that made it unique to you?
I think there were a few. First, it would have to be Brandon’s friend marrying us. He knew we wanted traditional vows, but added personal touches with a brief summary of our history as a couple at the start of the ceremony, and then surprised us with a sand ceremony. Also, we decided to incorporate a traditional Lazio, in which it was nice to have our siblings take part in this tradition, where two become one.
Other than marrying your husband, what was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
If I had to choose one favorite moment, it had to be when my dad was walking me down the aisle. Every little girl dreams of that moment. He was so composed and held my arm tight when I started to get emotional. Having the man that has loved and raised me walk me towards the man I will spend the rest of my life with- talk about a dream come true!
Did you take a honeymoon? If so, where did you go?
We spent 8 days in Costa Rica at the RIU Palace- Guanacaste. It was amazing! We can’t wait to go back for an anniversary trip.
What is one piece of wisdom you learned from your planning experience that you would like to share with future brides?
For me, the best advice I received that I would want to pass on to other brides is to just enjoy every moment of the planning process and every moment of your wedding day. My wedding coordinator reminded me in every text, phone call, and email that everything was going to be amazing and to enjoy the special time. Even when things were chaotic, it kept me remembering the end result would be marrying the love of my life.
Who were some of the other vendors that were a part of your dream team?
I couldn’t have had such a perfect day without so many people! The Saguaro Hotel was amazing. Denise with What A Day Weddings was the best coordinator I could have asked for. Sarah with Sarah Horne Photography captured images that I can’t wait to frame forever. Jane with The Clayton ON The Park was amazing. Karen with Tyler Customs Designs did a fantastic job with our flowers and decor. Sandra with Alterations Etc. helped get my dress into the perfect fit. Voila Mimi Cakes– beautiful! I’m sure I am leaving people out, but I truly think that everyone we worked with was wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your day with us Nichole! It was such an honor to get you ready!!