USA TODAY Announces the Top 8 Budget Friendly Wedding Destinations

Destination Weddings are on the rise and Sedona, Arizona, has recently been named as one of the top eight locations by USA Today and Oyster.com. Sedona’s natural beauty is awe inspiring and you and your guests will find the community brimming with things to see and do.

Sedona, is home to many wonderful hotels however, you may want to book your wedding at the only premier wedding and event center in Sedona. The Agave of Sedona Wedding and Event Center is centrally located in the heart of Red Rock Country. This stunning venue will wow even the biggest skeptics. A private venue offering indoor and outdoor areas with breathtaking Red Rock views. For further details on this fabulous venue just click on the following link: http://www.agaveofsedona.com/

 

 

For more details on the other budget friendly locations please click on the link below.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/07/01/budget-destination-wedding-hotels/29516251/

Vendor Spotlight: Birdsong Photography

Agave of Sedona Wedding and Event Center would like to congratulate one of our favorite photographers, Birdsong Photography, on being voted into the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the Nation.  They have just been inducted in the Best of Weddings Hall of Fame at The Knot and have won Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Awards from 2011-2015.

Birdsong Wedding Photography is owned and operated by Jess and Genie and is based right here in Sedona.  They aim to set themselves apart from “New School Wedding Photographers” by using a photo-journalistic style that captures spontaneous, candid moments.  They have shot many times at the Agave of Sedona Wedding and Event Center and we HIGHLY recommend them. 

Of course you can check out Birdsong at their website and see other examples of the beautiful work they’ve done. 

Bridesmaids

What is the deal with bridesmaids?  How many should you have?  What’s the difference between a maid of honor and matron of honor?  What if I want a man as my honor attendant?  We are here to answer all of your questions and give you a little history lesson on bridal attendants.  

The tradition of bridesmaids started in ancient Rome.  They were highly honored wedding guests whose jobs were to protect the bride.  They dressed the same as the bride to confuse evil forces.  (Similar to the protection “something blue” was believed to provide in the Four Somethings)  There were always ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen, simply because ten witnesses were required at ancient Roman weddings.  Eventually the tradition faded away.  Now bridesmaids dress differently than the bride in dresses of the bride’s choosing, and their responsibilities aren’t quite as dire (unless you’re like us and consider planning the perfect bachelorette party dire)

A bride can now have as many bridesmaids as she wants, whether that is 1 or 12.  Of course one of the big decisions is to decide who will be your maid and/or matron of honor for your wedding.  What’s the difference?  Simple: a Maid of Honor is an honor attendant who is unmarried, and a Matron of Honor is an honor attendant who is.  It is perfectly acceptable to drop the maid or matron and just call them Honor Attendants as well.  Honor attendants are typically a bride’s best friend or sister.  Is your best friend a man?  Then have him be your Man of Honor (also if the groom chooses a female as his honor attendant then call her the Best Woman)

The most important thing is to be surrounded with the people who matter most to you on your special day.  They are there to support you, whether that is fixing the train on your dress, or giving you a hug when you need one.  Choose the people who have been there for you and have seen and helped your relationship bloom into the beautiful marriage now taking place.  

Vendor Spotlight: LIV Photography by Jennifer Ann Marie

My name is Jennifer Ann Marie and I am the owner and photographer of LIV Photography. I have photographed over 50 weddings in the past 24 months, and have specialized in wedding photography for the past 10 years. My style of photography holds a variety of looks, lighting, and posing, all depending on what the bride and groom envision for their day. I have extensive knowledge in off camera lighting to create emotion and shadows, however, I also love the soft and beautiful look of natural light photography. I have 10 years of studio experience and communicate posing techniques very well to all clients.

I have a true love for wedding day portraiture since I constantly get to witness two people experiencing the best day of their lives. All of the emotion and warmth that is generated at a wedding sometimes even brings a tear to my eye. I consider being asked to photograph a couple's wedding as a wonderful honor and I look forward to continuing my journey of capturing those once in a lifetime moments!

 Below is my wedding portraiture pricing specifically for Agave of Sedona Wedding and Event Center. These packages include travel time and mileage for me to come from Phoenix, AZ. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions at LIVPhotographyAZ@gmail.com

The Basic - $1,200

§  3 Hours of Photography Time

§  1 Photographer

§  200-300 High Resolution Images

§  DVD and/or Private Online Image Storage

§  Copyright Release

The Classic - $1,700

§  5 Hours of Photography Time

§  1 Photographer & 1 assistant

§  300-400 High Resolution Images

§  DVD and/or Private Online Image Storage

§  Copyright Release

The Signature - $2,200

§  8 Hours of Photography Time

§  2 Photographers

§  400-500 High Resolution Images

§  DVD and/or Private Online Image Storage

§  Copyright Release

The Ultimate - $3,200

§  10 Hours of Photography Time

§  2 Photographers & 1 assistant

§  600-700 High Resolution Images

§  DVD and/or Private Online Image Storage

§  Custom Wedding Album

§  16x20 Gallery Canvas

§  Copyright Release

            To add additional time to any photography package, the fee is $150/Hr.

The Four Somethings

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”.  But what does it mean and where did it come from?  The tradition originated in England in the 19th century.  There is symbolism in each piece of the traditional rhyme.

• Something old represents tradition.
• Something new to look forward to the future.
• Something borrowed was traditionally the undergarments of a woman blessed with fertility (We suggest skipping that idea, though)
• Something blue was used along with “something old” to ward off the evil eye, which could make a woman barren.

Nowadays, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” has taken on some new meanings.  We have some ideas for new twists on this treasured tradition:

Something Old:

Nothing says tradition like reaching back through the generations of your family.  A locket with pictures from your grandparents or parents wedding could be a beautiful addition to your bridal attire.  Whether you wear it as a necklace, bracelet, or attach it to your bouquet it will be a special reminder of their love.

Something New:

Traditionally the wedding dress is a brides “something new”, however this could be almost anything you want.  Treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry, new shoes, a new hairdo, whatever you want; it’s your day!

Something Borrowed:

This is usually borrowed a happily married couple so that they can pass their happiness on to you.  This can be anything you like.  Think about including your dad in this tradition; borrow a button up shirt to get ready in, or wrap your bouquet in his wedding tie.

Something Blue:

There are many ways to bring something blue into your wedding, whether it be your shoes, jewelry, garter, or a sash on you dress.  One creative idea is to sew the date of your wedding inside your dress in blue thread.

As you can see there are many ways to incorporate this age old tradition into your wedding.  Let us know in the comments what you did or plan to do for your wedding, and don’t forget the silver sixpence in your shoe!

2015 Wedding Dates Still Available

2015 wedding dates are still available. How about a November or December wedding in the Red Rocks!

Beauty abounds in the winter months when snow covers the red rocks. A beautiful sight to behold, and what better way to view the scenery than from the Agave of Sedona terrace.

If snow on the red rocks doesn’t entice you, how about special discount rates? Contact us for further details: 928-554-4995 or fill out our contact form.

Our Latest Wedding

Lannete Romero of Contessa Catering did a fabulous job at our latest wedding. Food stations were the theme with delectable delights such as an Ultimate Raw Bar with lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters, and king crab legs. Another favorite of the evening was Mashed Potato Martinis, Whipped mashed potatoes with all the toppings and served in a martini glass! The pasta station was cook to order penne pasta with an assortment of ingredients. The desert bar was loaded with lollycakes, assorted mini cheesecakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate caramel tarts….What a Show Stopper!  www.contessacatering.com

Most Popular Wedding Dates

Did you know that the most popular wedding months in Sedona, Arizona, are September and October?

Spring and fall dates are usually the most popular in all areas of the country but in Sedona, September and October are a bride’s favorite.  Little rain, warm days and cool nights make these months perfect for a ceremony with the beautiful red rocks as your backdrop. So if you are planning a wedding keep that in mind as those dates book quickly.

On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget ask for off season rates. Off season in Sedona is July, August, January and February. Keep in mind that weddings can be beautiful any month you choose. This particular wedding was in February and it was a stunner!! Thanks to LIV Photography by Jennifer Ann Marie for this gorgeous photo!

Vendor Spotlight: Heart of Sedona Weddings

Dawn and Nick tied the knot in October of last year at one of Sedona’s most beautiful wedding venues, the Agave of Sedona; located right in the heart of Sedona’s red rocks. Earlier in the year Wendy, the manager of the Agave, invited me to perform their ceremony. It had just been reopened after many months of renovations and I was looking forward to officiating there again.

Working with the couple, their photographers, Sierra Blanco Photography, and with Wendy, who is very personable and professional, was an absolute pleasure! Everything came together so smoothly, as if we had been working together as a team for years. Performing the ceremony was a joy, full of humor, romance and lots of laughter and tears… It was an unforgettable moment for everyone present.

Leaving after the ceremony I glanced in to see the reception arrangements and the Ballroom looked gorgeous! It’s always a delight officiating at the Agave of Sedona. It’s an amazingly beautiful facility with incredible views and a wonderful staff!

www.heartofsedonaweddings.com

928-204-5934

Vendor Spotlight: Sedona Cake Couture

Pantone Color of the Year 2015 Marsala Sugar Succulent Cake

We are in love with Marsala! It is the perfect Sedona color – a true reflection of our fabulous red rocks. Our Marsala wedding cake is adorned with hand-made sugar succulents. Mini cakes for the guests had individual sugar succulents.

Sedona Cake Couture
www.sedonacakes.com
www.sedonacakesblog.com
(928) 204-2887

As seen in: BRIDES, Get Married, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Instyle Weddings, Phoenix Bride & Groom, Arizona Bride, Arizona Weddings and many more…..

Top 15 Cake Designers in America – Brides 2013
TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off Winner
Food Network Challenge Medalist


NACE Arizona Cake Competition Champion

Vendor Spotlight: REDS Restaurant

REDS Restaurant is proud to offer comfort food in gourmet fashion. After all, in a city known for its mystical healing power, there is nothing more healing than wonderful food. REDS cuisine is prepared with an American flair and complimented by an extensive wine list comprised of new and old-world wines. REDS serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features live evening entertainment daily.

REDS was acclaimed Sedona’s Best Restaurant and Lounge, for the best Appetizers and Best Happy Hour by Kudo’s Readers’ Choice Awards. As you delve into Chef Ron’s famous Mussels & Chorizo or Caramelized Sea Scallops, your taste buds will cry out for more. No matter your craving, you’ll leave REDS with a satisfied tummy and a satisfied spirit.

REDS Restaurant, bar and lounge, contemporary in design, is a gathering place for visitors and residents alike. Acclaimed for its lively and comfortable atmosphere, REDS features live evening entertainment daily.

Visit us at www.sedonarouge.com/reds-restaurant

Vendor Spotlight: Jazz Bouquet

Jazz Bouquet is a full service Sedona wedding and event florist specializing in unique and creative bouquets. We work hands on with every bride throughout the design process. We customize wedding floral with colors and textures that create a unique experience for each couple. We pride ourselves on creating one of kind floral that fits your budget and style perfectly. Call us to set up a free consultation, 928-204-1091 or email kim@thejazzbouquet.com