I haven’t been lucky enough yet to visit Sedona, but after the complete swoon fest that is this wedding, I am moving Arizona to the very tippy top of my Travel Bucket list. Let me just say, if it is half as gorgeous as Amy & Stuart Photography‘s images let on, its definitely a magical spot. Because only a super special spot could produce a wedding this fabulous – a super special spot AND Some Like It Classic – Wedding & Event Design. It’s totally fabulous, and it’s all right here!
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My first love was Sedona. Amongst my fondest childhood memories are skipping rocks and wading through Oak Creek. I always knew I wanted to get married in Sedona. Anyone who knows Sedona, knows there is just something about it. I just needed to meet someone as special and beautiful to marry. Jameel and I met in law school (you can see all our law books throughout the wedding). When he immediately fell in love with Sedona after a visit early in our relationship, I knew I’d found “the one.”
Distracted with appreciation for the life we had created together in the Bay Area, the February 2011 proposal alongside Oak Creek under Sedona’s famous Cathedral Rock was an unexpected but dreamy moment I will never forget.
In October, we were to be married alongside the banks of Oak Creek, at L’Auberge de Sedona, exactly the spot I dreamed about since visiting as a kid. We wanted our guests to not only join us in celebration of our union but we also wanted them to fall in love with Sedona, to experience the beauty and the magic of the place that was such an important part of who we are as a couple.
Our vision for our wedding day was one in which every element of the event reflected not only our love for each other, but also our love for family, friends, and our cultural identities. Aesthetically, we sought classic, vibrant, and very personal décor with turquoise and orange accents to compliment the breathtaking red rock views. We incorporated Mexican (my culture) and Palestinian (his culture) inspired cultural elements throughout the day: from Arabic inspired lanterns at the ceremony site with mexican flags to wave us on after the ceremony, a mariachi serenaded cocktail reception overlooking the red rocks of Sedona, a reception kickoff with the Mexican Wedding Marcha, the Palestinian Debke that lifted everyone off their seats after dinner , and a N’argileh / Hookah lounge that closed out the night for guests to relax outside after dancing.
The entire wedding day was magical, a perfect combination of who we are and what matters to us and a compliment to the natural beauty of Sedona.
Jameel’s favorite part of the day was the ceremony. Surrounded by our family and closest friends, married by two friends we love and respect under the trees and the peacefully running water at the edge of Oak Creek, we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful and personal setting in which to share our vows.
My favorite part of the day is when Jameel surprised me after our first dance—he played the beautiful song “In a Sentimental Mood” on his Saxophone for me. He has been playing the sax since he was 11 years old—no one knew he had that surprise up his sleeve.
Photography: Amy & Stuart Photography / Event Planning & Design: Some Like It Classic – Wedding & Event Design / Cinematography: My Wedding Film / Flowers: Bliss Floral / Cake: Sedona Cake Couture / Ceremony Location: L’Auberge de Sedona / Reception Location: L’Auberge de Sedona / Invitations + Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas & PaperCrazy / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Dress: Angel Sanchez / Bridemaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung