A picturesque and idyllic setting for Cam & Cody’s wedding with the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, so called because it resembles a kneeling camel in profile. The setting of palm trees juxtaposed against a mountainous backdrop created a unique setting for their day!
From the bride… “Cam and I met in Phoenix eight years ago and it only seemed fitting that we would get married in the backdrop of Camelback Mountain. We knew we wanted a venue located close to the life we created together in Arcadia; a venue that allowed us to pass it every day as we drive by and bring back fond memories; around the corner waiting for us when we need to sneak back over for a date night or anniversary. To be tucked away in a beautiful setting like Alegria Garden at the Royal Palms couldn’t have been more beautiful or a more perfect place to share our special day with loved ones.
On our first weekend visiting venues I fell in love with Royal Palms’ stunning grounds—Every corner of the resort is lushly planted and covered in history with its historic casitas scattered around the original 1929 Spanish estate from the resort’s origin as a single-family home. When I envisioned Cam and I standing under the gorgeous, shaded Ficus trees in the garden during our ceremony, followed by walking out to introduce ourselves as a couple in the original orange grove with 100-year-old citrus trees and rustic Spanish tile murals, I knew our wedding would feel comfortable, serene, and secluded. We were married on a gorgeous fall day in November—with Camelback Mountain turning pink as the sun set during our ceremony, followed by a cool evening lit by fireplaces, candles, and string lights.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
I came up to phoenix for the weekend from college at The University of Arizona and met Cam through a mutual friend. He was smitten. I was hesitant at first, but thought he was adorable and he gave me his business card and asked me out on a date. The rest is history!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Like most couples during the Covid pandemic we had to push our wedding day a year out from our original date. It was a large hurdle having to balance the schedules for our vendors, venues, and family, and we were bummed to lose the momentum of planning our wedding day. But in the end, it gave us extra time and we used to add more thoughtful touches to our special day.
Our desert rose and gold decor theme was the perfect complement to the rustic but elegant ambiance of the venue. We worked with Lisa at Beautiful Things Rentals to find the perfect wooden dining tables detailed with turned legs—creating a sense of warmth and casual elegance. Linens were provided by La Tavola, with the Aurora Runners and Rouge Ezra Napkins providing the perfect complement to our Confetti Studio Avery Lace chargers, glassware, and candles. Kelly Ott-Martin provided our floral arrangements and did a stunning job showcasing blush, terra-cotta orange, and desert-rose florals that accentuated the seasonal theme and venue. I had a special vision for our seating chart, and after visiting numerous glazed-pot shops in Southern Arizona, found the perfect mix of matte-brown terracotta pots and vintage glass vases. From there, Amanda, at Writing on the Walls, brought my inspiration concept to life by adding beautiful cursive font to the pots and vases tying everything together. Finally, “A Bakeshop”, located in North Central Phoenix, provided a stunning three-tiered blush-colored cake with cascading roses to match our floral arrangements.
Other details from our wedding day included special touches from friends and family. My cousin Christine, who runs Christine’s Custom Cookies in Plano Texas, baked sugar cookies with our monogrammed wedding initials as favors for our guests. We made custom matches and matching cigar wraps for our cigar bar provided by Fumar Cigars. And Cam’s sister Matisse made a beautiful “just married” sign adorned with flowers to hang off the back of Cam’s vintage Corvette.
Our wedding would not have been what it was without the amazing support of our families, friends, and the creative direction of our vendors. We were so fortunate to work with Sandy Walker, of In Awe Weddings & Events, who ensured every meticulous detail of our day went off without a hitch; Rachel Solomon, of Rachel Solomon Photography, who captured every breathtaking moment to perfection; and Arthur & Jutah Meucci, of Awesome Phoenix, who created a stunning video of our day. We truly had an amazing group of people who worked seamlessly together, and we are so appreciative of their collaboration and flawless execution of our creative details—it allowed us to soak in every moment and enjoy the most memorable day in our lives together.”
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The most important part of our wedding was sharing the day with friends and family. Early on in the planning process we decided we wanted small, scenic, intimate venues, close to where we live in Phoenix for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. And by having a smaller wedding we were able to spend more time with each of our guests and share a spot at the Royal Palms that was very special to Cam and me.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about Cam is how kind he is. He’s the sweetest man who always puts everyone’s needs before his own and I love that about him. Cody is thoughtful, loyal, protective, and caring. I could not ask for a more beautiful partner in life; inside and out.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Take your time and try to enjoy the planning process as much as possible. It can be stressful and overwhelming trying to plan your perfect wedding. Always keep in mind things happen, but at the end of the day it’s about how much you love one another and remembering to put your relationship first.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest. It always comes down to realizing your a team, a partnership, and your love for one another always comes first.
Photographer: Rachel Solomon
Venue: Royal Palms
Stylist / Planner / Designer: In Awe Weddings
Floral Designer: Kelly Ott Martin
Dress Boutique: Uptown Bridal
Dress Designer: Enzoani / https://www.enzoani.com
Cake Designer: A Bakeshop
Makeup Artist: Allison Pynn
Hair Stylist: Allison Pynn
Mens Formalwear: Celebrity Tux & Tails
Rentals: The Confetti Studio
Stationery: Minted
Accessories / Decor: Beautiful Things Event Rentals
Film Lab: The FIND Lab
Band: Neon Band
Guitar: Miguel Melgoza
Video: Awesome Phoenix
Linens: La Tavola
Calligraphy & Signage: Writing on the Walls
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bridesmaids: Revelry
Cigars: Fumar Cigars
Photo Booth: Xperience Entertainment
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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