Planning a Wedding? Where to start?

Photo by: Mi Amore Photography AZ 

Let’s talk about wedding checklist – there are a thousand out surfing the internet and which one is best for you?

Today, we are going to cover a VENDOR booking guide. We are focused on vendors and when you should book them for the best results.

This timeline can be applied 12 months or 6 months, all it means is that you are booking those vendors faster. Our vendor booking guide comes from our friends at WeddingWire.

So, why vendors?

It’s simple- these are the people who you are going to trust to make your wedding day exactly how you imagined it. You will not be spinning the music or passing out the drinks at your wedding day, no, you are going to trust the professional to do it. With that in mind, it’s time to focus on the Vendors and know the small other details will come together.

WeddingWire has done the work for you, not only providing you with a timeline but also the WedddingWire App to make the process a snap! Take the time to check out the WeddingWire checklist site- I promise it will keep you so organized that even your wedding coordinator will be impressed! 

Hoping this will not be you - "If I cry at our wedding, it's only because I will be overjoyed that the planning of our wedding is finally over". 

XOXO 

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Arizona Wedding Venues

New York Wedding Venues

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Everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Arizona

Let’s start from the beginning you fall in love, you say yes to the proposal and start to plan the wedding. A month prior the wedding you realize you need to get your marriage license.  It may seem like a simple piece of paperwork, but a marriage license is the single document that legally marks you as married. 

Here are the top 4 things you need to know . . . 

Here are the top 4 things you need to know about a marriage license:

1.    Where do I get my marriage license?

Marriage license offices are held in different courts around Arizona. All location hours are from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm (excluding holidays)

LOCATIONS:

Phoenix Downtown Clerk of the Court: 601 W.  Jackson, Phoenix, AZ  85003

Northeast Phoenix Regional Court Center: 18380 N. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ 85032

Northwest Phoenix Regional court Center: 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85326

Chandler San Tan Justice Court: 201 E. Chicago St. Suite 102. Chandler, AZ 85225

Gila Bend- Ironwood Justice Court: 209 E. Prima Gila Bend, AZ 85337

Gilbert Highland Justice Court:  55 E. Civic Center Dr. Ste 55 Gilbert AZ 85296

Mesa Southwest Court Complex: 222 E. Javelina, Mesa AZ 85210

To see the full list of courts in other Arizona cities please visit: www.arizonabridalsource.com/wedding-tips.php

2.    How much does my marriage license cost?

In Arizona – the fee is $76.00 (subject to change) and if you want certified copies of a marriage license they are $27.50 (subject to change)

3.    What are the requirements to apply for a license?

• Both Bride and Groom must be present to apply and obtain the license
• No Physical examination or blood test is required 
• You are required to provide a government issued photo ID such as a driver license or passport to show proof of age and identity

4.    When will I get my license?

There is no waiting period, you will receive your marriage license and may be married on the same day you apply for it.  Note: Marriage license expires one year from the date purchased

Last Tip:  When or where should you sign the license? And who signs the license?               Most brides and groom like to sign the license after the ceremony in private with close family and bridal party. However, you can sign during the ceremony, there are no rules or traditions against either way. One thing you will want to make sure no matter where you sign is deciding your witness before! Yes, Can I get a witness? You'll need two witnesses - one from each bride and groom chose. Traditionally, it has been the Maid of Honor and Best Man but truly it can be anyone whom you trust or has the best signature. In the end you want to make sure you've chosen your witnesses before it comes time to sign. 

You’ve worked so hard to get to the moment and you finally sign your license, its official!! Make sure that your photographer snaps a few photos of the special moment.

xoxo

Peaches & Tiwne Photography

Ashtyn Nicole photography

ROMANCE IS THE ICING BUT LOVE IS THE CAKE – Julia Child

We’ve got three wedding cake designs that will never go out of style and are more than worth taking a yummy bite out of them.

First, our traditional towering tiers of white fondant. This traditional cake can be simple but also over the top with floral, texture and color. If you are going simple lean towards a white or ivory cake, two tier and flowers from the top to bottom. If you want to make a statement, you need the combination of color, texture and large vibrant flowers that say, "look at me". 

Our next trend is the complete opposite! It’s the single one tier cake that you've been dreaming of since your tea party days with all of your favorite stuffed animals. The best part of this cake style is that it's all about you! If you love purple, make it purple with over the top purple flowers which will shout, "this is who I am".  Lastly, if you are sold on the one tier cake, then make sure to go with a large cake topper that represents you, from harry potter to your new last name in gold glitter.

The last trend has been around forever, but is making a full circle back- it’s the naked cake. Yes, I said naked – meaning skip on the fondant and dress it up with a bit of buttercream here and there. We love naked cakes, they look divine decorated with fresh flowers on the side or piled on top for a dramatic look.  We’ve also notice that fresh fruit or sugar glazed fruit gives it a sweet style that leaves your guest wanting more.

No matter what theme or style you go with make sure to make the cake one of the focal points of the day. Someone once gave me the best advice out there – “you can’t buy happiness but you can buy CAKE and that’s kind of the same thing”.

XOXO

Ryann Lindsey Photography

Lauren Buman Photography

Lisa Eley Photogaphy

Meagan Gibson Photography

 Ashtyn nicolephotography

Peaches & Tiwne Photography

Lisa Eley Photography