Radiant Orchid Phoenix Wedding: Brendan + Katherine

Seven years ago at a winter youth camp for high school and college age students, Brendan and Katherine spoke their first words to each other. After a few years went by, Brendan came back to Arizona and they began to reconnect. Plans to meet were made and they spent quality time together at the well-known LoLo’s in Phoenix. This is where their first date became the foundation of their relationship which led to it being a monumental moment that will be close to their heart. To read how Brendan proposed to Katherine and see their engagement photos at Lost Dutchman State Park, click here.

The endearing bride and groom chose the one of a kind Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church because it had the taste and style of the wedding they uniquely wanted to design. The Presbyterian Church is also home to where the bride performed her high school senior piano recital. With the personal history and the unending potential, this venue was their number one choice.

The overall vision, style, and color tone for their wedding day had a classical romantic and vintage touch. Orchid colors, navys, rose golds, champagnes, and ivories brought that kind of simplistic elegant style to life! Brendan and Katherine purposely incorporated unique handmade wedding details including her dress and veil which was handmade by her mother. Every guest escort card had calligraphy writing on a magnolia leaf. The choice of flowers were straight from the bride’s rose garden. For them, roses go way back on the bride’s side of the family originating from the deep South in Georgia. For their ceremony, they asked their close friends to perform the music.

Commitment and reverence was the most important detail for the bride and groom. Along with their excitement to celebrate with those they are closest too, they knew they wanted to communicate respect and faithfulness to each other and to their loved ones.

Thank you Brendan and Katherine for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. It was an honor to see your grandparents there to celebrate your day. Between the support and the help you had from your bridal party leading up and on the wedding day, to your intimate first look….your day was full of thoughtfulness and unconditional love. Loved how your ceremony pointed diretly to God through the worship music. And Katherine, how special it was when you even surprised your father with a song during your first dance. We are excited to see how God uses you two to change the world together.

The girls set the stage as the bridal party began their getting ready at South Mountain. Enchanting rose gold painted wreath wedding invitations, combined with sparkling champagnes and girly ivories.

A sweet moment of Mom of the Bride helping with her daughter’s veil. The bold orchid bridesmaid dresses added a splash of Spring to the desert Spring scenery.

Bridesmaids wore a collection of tiaras including a delicate leaf tiara, gold tiara, leaf halo, and a gold leaf headpiece.

Loving these shoes!!!! Katherine wore Kate Spade New York glitter sneakers to add the perfect dose of sparkle with a ribbon lace up.

The stunning bride smiles effortlessly as she adds her BHLD – earrings to finish off her charming look.

The softly scented perfume of choice cock-tailed with endless and natural laughter between the girls.

Azazie bridesmaids had so much fun in their orchid chiffon dresses with equally as beautiful floral arrangements. The flower colors complimented the deep orchid color of the bridesmaids along with many creams, champagne colors, and touches of yellow.

The bridesmaid bouquet showing off all of its prettiness.

The bride’s favorite detail of the wedding day was her dress and her cathedral veil especially when the wind got a hold of it. Her mom did an amazing job designing her dress.

The groom’s  bowtie was a unlikely surprise gift from the bride. The Mother of the Bride handmade and designed his bowtie with the same materials that were used for the bride’s dress.

Now it’s time for the groom to get ready by straightening his handsome cufflinks from his paternal Grandfather.

The groom’s cologne leaving a scent that will create lasting memories.

The groomsmen being supportive of their close friend in his decision to commit to marriage.

They showed their support through prayer.

The sweetest first look with her father.

An epic first look with the groom being blindfolded before seeing his bride.

Loving their candid moments during the first look.

A lovely prayer over their marriage and wedding day. Their love for each other is built on a foundation of faith.

A bridal party portrait with the breathtaking rocky mountain range at South Mountain in the background.

When you have a bridal party who will hold your marriage accountable to what you commit to on that day, those are true long lasting friendships.

It was a fun day in the sunny weather with a light breeze.

The strapping groomsmen stand straight and tall in firm brotherly love for their dear friend.

There were so many timeless moments of their wedding day. You can see their excitement for the future together! 

Loving their playfulness and the joy they express for each other through all circumstances.

Katherine’s beauty is flawless…full of her genuine kindness and soft heart.

A cathedral veil carries a depth of beauty that is indescribable.

The ceremony was held at Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church. The couple holds a deep respect to the biblical beauty of marriage. They had many loved ones involved in making their wedding day special.

A gorgeous altar set up with a communion table having flower arrangements on both sides. At the entrance of the church, the bride’s great grandmother’s vintage mirror hung and was repurposed into a precious welcome sign!

The joy of a groom seeing his bride walk down the aisle And the joy of a bride walking down to her groom.

The bride and groom chose to have worship during their wedding ceremony. Every one of the groom’s grandparents were there. It is so special to have the generations of their Christian faith praying over their future marriage.

Sharing smiles during the message brought light and fullness.

A tender moment when Brendan and Katherine exchanged their rings to represent their commitment.

A moment of prayer.

It became official for the newlyweds. This was followed by the couple ringing the church bell in celebration and declaration.

The guests enjoying the Sonoran desert and a festive 50’s style photo booth during cocktail hour.

They newlyweds enjoying the first hour of their new marriage.

Their faces light up with so much joy for each other as they look with adoration.Their marriage will stand the test of the ages and continue through the mountain highs and valley lows.

The newlyweds walking hand-in-hand gleeful for the journey that awaits them in all the joys and trails of walking with your spouse in marriage.

Their magical spark in how the two interact with one another……

Magnolia leaf escort cards that were handwritten made their highlight in the night. The bride and groom had sweetheart signs with their adorable nicknames. Brendan calls Katherine “Liefje” which is dutch for sweetheart, and Katherine calls Brendan, Thor. so, Thor and Liefje. For dessert, guests enjoyed vanilla cupcakes with raspberry filling.

The Couple loves breakfast so in honor of their favorite meal the couple chose to serve a wedding brunch. Each brunch placement was adored with a bible verse the couple had selected. Each reception table was decorated with a piece of a green leaf runner, accented with vintage tea cups, saucers, vintage vases and fresh florals. Their wedding was completed with lots of support and love from their family who had traveled from around the world….including some family from England.

After the bride and groom shared their first dance, the bride surprised her dad with a father-daughter dance. The song was a surprise for Katherine’s dad. It was overall an intimate day for them both to treasure and look back on.

IF YOU LIKE THE EXPERIENCE SEEN IN THESE PICTURES YOU CAN BOOK YOUR MEMORY MAKING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY!

Many thanks to the wedding creative team who helped in the celebration of two souls committing the promise of forever:

Getting Ready Location: South Mountain

Ceremony Venue: Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church

Reception Venue: Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church

Photographer: April Maura Photography

Wedding Planner: Susan Brickley

Caterer: Bride’s family and close family friends

Florist: Bride’s Aunt: Bunny Eubank

Dress: Hand embroidered (mother of the bride)

Make-up/Hair: The Edge Salon

Bride’s Jewelry: BHLD – earrings | Anna Marguerite via Esty

Bride’s veil: Cheryl Waggoner

Bride’s Shoes brand: Keds for Kate Spade New York

Bridesmaid dresses (store): Azazie

Grooms attire: Men’s Warehouse

Groom’s cufflinks: Paternal Grandfather’s cufflinks

Groom’s tie/bow-tie: Cheryl Waggoner

MC : Patrick Sanford

Wedding Cake: Sweet April Cakes | Cupcakes by JoEllen Gilbert

Linens: Linen Table Cloth

Calligraphy/ Invitations: Minted

Wedding Rings: Jared