Venue at the Grove Wedding: Pete + Cali

All through their school years, both Pete and Cali went to the same school yet never actually met. They eventually did meet thanks to their mutual friends. Set up on a blind date, they met at a pizza place called Mellow Mushroom on Friday January 13th, 2012. Just two days after, they had their first official date at a Scottsdale music club. They enjoyed each other’s company so much so, two weeks later Pete made it official with Cali, asking her to be his girlfriend. Since then, Pete and Cali have never been apart.

Pete eventually got down on one knee to then ask Cali to be his forever bride. To read their “Disney” happily ever after proposal story, click here. With Disney being such a aport of their proposal story, it was only fitting to add touches of Disney to their wedding day charm. Those details included songs from Disney, a lady and the tramp cake topper, and a “Be Our Guest” seating chart.

When you stepped into their wedding day you felt like you were stepping straight into a fairytale. With vintage vibes and a roaring 20’s flair, their garden wedding was all together enchanting. With an elegant venue such as Venue at the Grove, as their wedding venue, they had the best of both worlds: a Phoenix landscape with a rare green scenery. From the style and sophistication of a secret garden to the fun and pure magic celebrations of a 1920’s inspired style, the wedding day was glittering with success and celebration.  

Thank you to Pete and Cali. It was an honor to document all your hard work in custom designing your electric classic wedding. Cali, as a wedding photographer, it is a dream moment to capture a bride in two different dresses on her special day, and you made that happen! Pete, thank you for serving our country. I loved being able to photograph those special moments of your units’ reunion. The air was full of love and warmth.

For Cali’s “Getting Ready Location” with her closest girl friends, they booked a room at the Sheraton Phoenix located in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

A sparkle and a sequin to create that vintage esthetic to the 1920’s Hollywood theme.

Feathered toe shoes designed by Badgley Mischa. These are just a little slice of beauty.

Cali, the bride, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fashion and costume design. And those talents of hers were a stand out come the wedding day. BHLDN suited her style beautifully. She found two perfect gowns. I personally loved that she had two gowns to have two separate but similar looks on her wedding day. She wore one for the ceremony and the other for the reception. The style was very eclectic, so these two gowns each fed both sides of my fashion sense: The whimsical/fairytale/feminine side, and the artistic vintage side. Especially that elegant soft blue of Cali’s wedding dress for the ceremony!

Delicate, loose, and effortless long curls looked so soft and sweet on Cali.

Her bridesmaids pouring love over the bride as they wrap her in close.

The bride and father’s first look was nothing short of joyful.

The groom with a sophisticated and cool look for his bride.

The groom wore Calvin Klein with a Giorgio Armani cologne, behaving like a true gentlemen waiting to see his future wife.

Enjoying the time together before the celebrations get going.

Pete and Cali stepping into their first look dressed as bride and groom.

A candid moment of love after their first look.

The secret garden greenery simply takes your breath away.

The bride’s bouquet was constructed by Wild Child Floral Design, with a lot of vivid colors and pastels. It included, wildflowers, lavender, orange flower, and eucalyptus. Her bouquet was like a cloud floral dreams and had such an organic feel in the details while maintaining rich color and elegance.

Head to head they are taking on the future together with their hearts now tied as one.

They interlock in commitment and unity as they decide to choose the other over and over again.

A gorgeous moment of intimacy between bride and groom, with the sunlight in the background.

It was a perfect Spring Arizona day for a garden wedding.

Genuine candid moments of laughter and playfulness to keep their day light and fun.

The bridesmaids surrounded Cali with such unconditional support and love for her wedding day.

Those flower girl dresses are hard to get over! They are just so precious on the most precious of flower girls.

The bridal party throwing their hands in the air for the almost “Mr. and Mrs.”

It was all in the details from the arch, linens, loose petals down the aisle, to the beautiful and elegant outside garden.

The groomsmen officiated their commitment to forever love.

The flower girl in her tiara, having a fun time with her flower petals.

The grooms get his first glance down the aisle towards his bride.

The grand and tall trees, embraced the ceremony with coziness and intimacy.

It is now official for Pete and Cali!

Their guests spent the in-between time for cocktail hour.

The stunning bride came out in her new dress and sophisticated up-do.

We made sure to take advantage of the Arizona sunset with some soft, sunset portraits.

The cascading cobalt blue ribbon was the perfect way to tie the “juicy” colored bouquet all together. Just like Cali’s arm is the perfect way to wrap her new husband all to herself.

A sneak peek, around the shoulder look had the couple wooing over each other.

A sweet moment in time to soak in all that was happening.

A clever “Be Our Guest” seating chart for some Disney inspiration from Beauty and the Beast.

The reception courtyard was absolutely magical at Venue at the Grove. The bride is a lover of showing her artistic skills. All the decor was hand-picked by her. There were many antiqued details and vintage elements. There were these unreal eucalyptus table runners that were placed on each table. The bride also styled each table with pastels, wildflowers, eclectic flowers and mismatched vintage decor. For guests favors, they donated money to an organization like the Salt River Foundations and/or the Animal Society.

They water colored calligraphy on the escort cards.

It was an eclectic wedding cake with wood cut in the model of Lady and the Tramp. Another Disney themed touch. The floral colors and design created this pop of vibrancy and life. There was so much life to be celebrated!

Their shared a first dance as the night began.

Cali had a first dance with her dad, leaving the bride’s mom in joyful tears as she looked proudly towards her daughter.

To wrap up the reception evening, they created a laid back, intimate and cosy atmosphere. The lights twinkled overhead throughout the night. It was exceptionally beautiful. The perfect Arizona Spring wedding day, in terms of both, weather and vibes.

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:

Ceremony Venue: Venue at the Grove

Reception Venue: Venue at the Grove

Photographer: April Maura Photography

Caterer: ENSEMBLE CATERING

Florist: Wild Child Floral Design

Dress: BHLDN (both dresses)

Make-up/Hair: Haley Weaver @beauty.dresseraz for hair

Bride’s Jewelry: earrings, special handkerchief from her grandma (around bouquet)

Bride’s Hairpiece: Zara

Bride’s Shoes brand: Badgley Mischka  (both pairs)

Bridesmaid dresses: various stores

Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein

Groom’s tie/bow-tie: Calvin Klein

DJ: Infinity Entertainment

Guest’s favors: We are donating money to an organization Salt River Foundations or Animal Society

Wedding Cake: My Goodness Cakes

Calligraphy: Calligraphy: Erin Ross @elmross

Wedding Rings: Shane Co