When we were asked to provide planning and styling services for Corwin and Julie’s wedding, we were intrigued. The groom was clearly at the helm in terms of navigating us through every detail of his vision. He was drawn to Show Stoppers because he knew we were a turnkey company providing flowers, lighting, draping and planning / styling services.  Corwin had done his homework.  He knew that Events by Show Stoppers was known for good taste, innovative details and fashion-forward style.  

When contracted as event stylists, Show Stoppers works with the brides to elevate the experience to a level that sets their wedding apart from the ordinary.  Of course, we always provide stunning floral concepts no matter who plans the wedding.  Our skills with lighting effects and draping are available to any of our brides that contract us for their florals.

Agave of Sedona is already a stunning Sedona venue and needs no dressing up whatsoever. It’s one of our favorites. However, Corwin wanted more…. and more!  He insisted on a total room transformation and he got it!  Our goal was to leave no wall untouched and enhance the ambiance by painting it with romantic draping and lighting.  Agave provided the perfect palette for executing Corwin and Julie’s vision.   

We just have to mention that Wendy Umstattd and Claudine Moore (Agave Of Sedona) could not have been more accommodating in assisting with the complicated installation.  It was particularly fun working with both of them and we look forward to our next adventure together.  If you are considering a Sedona Wedding, do yourself a favor and give them a call!    

Being the production designers for this wedding, part of our responsibility as the primary planners was to select the perfect vendors and supervise the installation according to a strict timeline. We brought BTS Event Management on board to oversee the bridal room, ceremony procession and gift bags.  We were grateful for their assistance. After over a year of planning, it all came together in a matter of hours, but not without some challenges. The wildcard… rain.

We paid attention to every area of the reception including the bar. Guests entered through this lovely gathering room and cocktail area so the ballroom would not be revealed until after the ceremony concluded.

The guests gathered inside the cozy pre-function area for cocktails and appetizers provided by our friends Tony and Frank at Creations In Cuisine. Clouds hung low in the distance as they drifted in and around the wet red cliffs.

After much hand-wringing and discussions as it rained on-and-off during the course of the day, we stood steadfast and urged the couple to go for it and keep the ceremony outdoors. There was just too much invested in decor, time and preparation that would have been wasted by moving the ceremony indoors at the last minute. That was not going to be an option even if we had to have a night-time wedding. Corwin and Julie agreed completely and went with our suggestion.  

We were literally hovering over the radar apps on Kevin and Tina’s (Sierra Blanco Photography) phones waiting for just the right moment for the clouds to break so we could begin the ceremony.  The opportunity finally presented itself, so Kevin quickly gave the “go-ahead” signal before the light faded. The ceremony happened on time although slightly abbreviated due to the weather.

Not only are Kevin and Tina incredible wedding photographers, but they are also renowned storm chasers and nature photographers, Nature’s Album, so they have all the cool stuff to locate and follow storm cells. It comes in handy when photographing outdoor weddings.

The bride walked down a white rose petal carpet. Smilax vine was attached to the chairs on each side of the aisle. “Sometimes rain can be a good thing,” as I explained to Corwin and Julie after the ceremony, “If there had been no rain, we would have had no rainbow for the ceremony.” Just as the bride was coming down the aisle, the clouds broke just long enough to make the red rocks blaze with color punctuated by a glorious rainbow.  Perfect call! 

Vintage white wooden screens helped block the roof-tops in the distance. All white flowers were used including hybrid delphinium, phaleonopsis orchids, white king protea, hydrangea and amaryllis topiaries. An old Ethiopian Coptic cross was displayed in the ceremony centerpiece. Smilax vine accented the vintage lattice screens that matched the metal lattice bowls with the hydrangea arrangements. 

The drifting clouds were gorgeous over the red rocks.

The beautiful bridal bouquet was fashioned out of designer French ribbons with heirloom jewelry, brooches, jeweled buttons, rings and pins provided by the bride.

Everyone loves this stunning photo of the couple in the rain by Sierra Blanco Photography. 

The Reception

We kept the guests out of the ballroom until after the ceremony.  The big reveal came as the huge window shades were raised to the delight of the crowd looking in.  It was so beautiful being outside looking into this dreamy and inviting setting.

Agave of Sedona was nearly unrecognizable with a full room transformation by Events By Show Stoppers.  Simply gorgeous!   

Some of the draping was up-lighted in a very pale lavender hue that worked very well with the blush color palette. 

On the surface of the table, gold mercury glass squares held assorted seasonal flowers that surrounded the base of the silver epergnes. 

The round tables featured tall, luxurious floral displays with phalaenopsis orchid sprays, roses, dendrobium orchids, delphinium, lily varieties, stock, tulips, hyacinth and assorted seasonal specialities.    

The sweetheart table was lavish to say the least, with a profuse floral display that cascaded over the edge almost to the floor.    

We tied back the draping by attaching elegant blush and grey tassels to the existing sconces. It was a perfect way to accentuate the beautiful mirrors that lie behind the drape and at the same time, double the effect of the gorgeous floral displays reflected throughout the room.  Our special up-lighting in blush and lavender tints finished the look. 

Guests had a big surprise when dinner was served. Creations In Cuisine brought out irresistible gourmet hamburgers.  We thought it would be fun to put couples initials on the buns.  So, we had custom brands made with the couples initials.  Such fun.  Photo by one of the guests.   

The Team:
Photography: Sierra Blanco Photography
Production Design / floral / draping direction / lighting:  Events By Show Stoppers
Venue:  Agave Of Sedona
Catering:  Creations In Cuisine
DJ:  Sedona Sounds
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals:
Portraits: Sketch My Wedding
Cake:  Sedona Cake Couture:
Videography: Normscar Video Productions 
Linens:  BBJ Linens
Day of Coordination:  BTS Event Management