Allie and James’s wedding at The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale was a masterclass in modern sophistication — where couture artistry met the warmth of the desert and every detail exuded refined intention. Conceptualized and produced by BTS Event Management, the day unfolded as a symphony of design and emotion, with each moment captured in luminous detail by Ashley Rae Photography.
Allie wore a sculptural gown with a sweeping silhouette — a work of art that perfectly balanced architectural precision with ethereal movement. Her all-white rose bouquet echoed the minimalist elegance woven throughout the day, while James complemented her look in a white dinner jacket and black bow tie, the picture of timeless refinement.
Their ceremony, framed by the desert landscape and brilliant Arizona light, gave way to an evening that shimmered with opulence. Guests dined beneath cascading chandeliers of glass and fringe, surrounded by dramatic floral installations by Bloom & Blueprint in layered white and green tones. The atmosphere was one of effortless grandeur — sleek, sensual, and unmistakably modern.
Beyond its striking aesthetic, the celebration was deeply personal. Allie and James beautifully blended their British and New York roots with local Scottsdale flair, honoring their faiths and family traditions through meaningful details — from the heirloom kiddush cup used in their ceremony to a curated welcome gift featuring nostalgic favorites from both sides of the Atlantic.
It was a wedding that transcended trend, leaving behind an impression of enduring style and heartfelt grace — the very essence of modern love.
“A celebration where couture meets emotion — effortless grandeur with the heart of home.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
While we briefly crossed paths at PJ Clarke’s in New York City in August of 2019, fate officially introduced us a few weeks later in Montauk at Navy Beach. Rumor has it, Allie slid into James’ DMs shortly after — and he responded… and kept responding — and the rest is history. Allie was immediately drawn to James’ British accent, while James was captivated by Allie’s confidence.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
One of the funniest moments of the day came during the cake cutting — we unknowingly sliced into the styrofoam display tier! We locked eyes and said at the same time, “Is it cake?” — just like the Netflix show that was trending at the time. No one else noticed, but it was such a perfectly lighthearted, hilarious moment to end the night on.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during wedding planning.
Blending our backgrounds and cultures was really important to us. With James being British and Christian, and Allie being Jewish and from New York, we wanted the weekend to feel inclusive and personal. We worked closely with our Rabbi to design a ceremony that everyone could follow, and incorporated meaningful touches — from a family heirloom kiddush cup to welcome bags filled with Walker’s Salt & Vinegar crisps and Greenberg’s Black & White cookies. Even the Four Seasons’ signature cactus chocolate dessert made an appearance — a nod to our Arizona setting. Every detail carried a story.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Family was woven into every part of the celebration. James asked his father to serve as his best man, a gesture that meant so much to both of them. During the ceremony, we used a kiddush cup belonging to Allie’s late Great Aunt Barbara and Uncle Mike, and Allie’s Nana, Evelyn, along with her brother, Jonathan, signed the ketubah — the traditional Jewish marriage contract — in front of our closest loved ones.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
The most meaningful part was seeing all of our family and friends — from both sides of the world — come together in Scottsdale to celebrate with us. After so much time and love poured into planning, it was incredibly special to look around and see everyone we cherish in one place, sharing our joy.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Allie is Type A by nature — always on the go — while James is more relaxed, with an old-soul sensibility. Together, we’ve learned balance. Allie helps keep life exciting and forward-moving, while James reminds her to pause and breathe. It’s the perfect partnership.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Allie loves James’ humor — even in stressful moments, he can always make her laugh. James loves Allie’s caring and supportive nature; she’s steadfast, always by his side through everything, and that loyalty means the world to him.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
As an event planner herself, Allie loved curating the details — seeing the designs, textures, and ideas she’s implemented for others come to life in a way that was deeply personal. Every choice reflected who we are as a couple, and experiencing that creative vision realized alongside our family and friends was unforgettable.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Once your wedding weekend arrives, be present. It passes faster than you can imagine, and it’s easy to move through it too quickly. Take time together, step back to take it all in, and savor the fact that all your favorite people are gathered in one place to celebrate your love.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is communication, kindness, and intention. It’s about prioritizing each other — taking the trip, having the date night, spending the day doing absolutely nothing but being together. Those moments are the heartbeat of a marriage and the memories you’ll carry forever.
A love rooted in intention and grace.
Allie and James’s story is one of deep connection — where style and substance coexist effortlessly. Their Scottsdale celebration was more than a stunning display of modern artistry; it was a reflection of who they are at their core — thoughtful, grounded, and endlessly devoted to one another. Every detail, from their heirloom traditions to the couture sophistication of their design, told the story of a couple who believes that love is both a choice and an art form — lived beautifully, every single day.
Planner / BTS Event Management / @luxurybybts
Venue / Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale / @fsscottsdale
Photography / Ashley Rae Photography / @ashleyraephotography
Videography / Amore Films / @amore_films
Content Creator / Socially Mee / @sociallymee
Styling / Risa Kostis Creative / @risakostis
Florals / Bloom & Blueprint / @bloomandblueprint
Lighting & Audio / Divinity Event Productions / @divinityeventproductions
Rentals / Cre8ive Event Rentals / @cre8ive_event_rentals
Entertainment / Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment / @benmallareentertainment
DJ / DJ Aaron Taylor / @djaarontaylor
Hair & Makeup / Heather Van Houten Makeup & Hair / @hvhfaces
Rabbi / Jack B. Silver
Bride / @alliehayley
Groom / @jamesplayer__
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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