Featured Sedona Wedding
Nicole Benson and William Harris
Coordination: Weddings in Sedona / Susan Perry
Photography: Maurer-photo.com
Ceremony Venue: Rancho Los Lagos
Reception: Private Residence / Oak Creek Canyon
September 2, 2007
Ken’s love of everything Autumnal is clearly evident by the splendid September wedding he designed for Nikki and Billy. The color pallet read more like a menu with chocolate-cherry, peach, salmon, shrimp and apricot and was as delicious looking as any cuisine. The ceremony was on the banks of the lovely lagoon at the base of the magnificent towering red cliffs of Ranchos Los Lagos.
Susan Perry of Weddings in Sedona was the key to making everything come off without a hitch. Every detail was perfect due to her flawless planning.
Our client’s vision was to have Show Stoppers design a casual but dramatic set incorporating the designated color schemes and using natural elements of the southwest to give a regional edge. The warm colors could not have been better with the hues of the red cliffs at sunset and the fluttering leaves of the giant old growth cottonwoods reflecting in the water. Marla draped our birch trellis with peach and chocolate fabrics that moved gently in the breeze. This time, for height, we added a gable to the trellis that mimicked the roofline of a small country chapel. We adorned it with garlands of dried magnolia rosettes, large dried gourds, grasses, vine, lilies, rose hips and vibrant roses.
We chose natural wooden chairs and avoided any white whatsoever as to make Nikki the center of attention. Two colors of rose petals created a dense striped path down the center of the aisle that was swagged with matching fabric and chair markers. As the bridal gown moved across the petals, they mixed and swirled giving an effect of thousands of duel colored fall leaves against the emerald green lawn.
The reception was held at the family’s spectacular multi-level log home nestled in the side of a natural ravine in Oak Creek Canyon. The vacation home consists of a grouping of five tall log structures connected with enclosed glass bridges on several levels. A natural waterfall cascades in the central outdoor atrium formed by the surrounding architectures. This inspiring home, having been featured as the winning log home design on a HGTV special, was a treat to decorate. We relied on the surrounding ponderosa pine forest for our direction. Huge pinecones were used throughout the decoration including the chandeliers, mantles and entry ristras. Among other things, kiwi vine, lilies, roses, chocolate orchids, James story orchids, green peppercorn berries, fresh pine boughs and mosses finished the effect. Samyo chose salmon. apricot and peach lighting to illuminate the exterior of the home and to give a dramatic sparkling effect to the beautiful waterfall that spills into a serine trout filled reflecting pool beneath the glass enclosed entry bridge. The wild blackberries surrounding the pool were abundant and worked perfectly with our concept. The drive became a dance floor surrounded by salmon colored lanterns that reflected in the same adjoining pond. The open garage was transformed by giving it a trendy nightclub effect with fabrics and special lighting.
The wedding cake was topped by dozens of salmon and shrimp colored Kerry orchid sprays that entwined with a garland of fresh green peppercorn berries and chocolate cymbidium orchids cascading down the side. A continuous row of votives lined the table’s edge and reflected in the plate glass giving a glowing double view from the living room and the outside terrace. Matching tassels and floral garnishes detailed all the corners of the table.
The centerpieces were groupings of multiple sizes and heights of water filled cylinders with submerged orchids and colorful maple leaf branches. Smaller cylinders sported varieties of flower grouping and several heights of glass votive candles and holders.
Ken and I really enjoyed working with the family and everyone involved. We were thrilled with the results.
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