Over the past few years, Erika and I meet regularly for lunches, divulged about our passions, home decorating, work, and dating life.  It was Erika and Shannon who I have to thank for the union of me and Mr. Wonderful as I hinted to Erika I was interested and she later told Shannon who passed along my phone number to him.  The night before Erika and Ryan’s wedding I laid in bed and thought about the friendship and parallelism we have shared in our life and started to tear up.  I couldn’t be any happier or honored to witness this divine plan God had for her, with an amazing man named Ryan.  It has been so neat to watch their love mature and to then be asked to capture their commitment to each other as husband and wife.

They were married this past weekend back at the same place where Ryan did a surprise proposal that I photographed.  Erika was excited and giddy at the same time but once she and Ryan did a first look not in their wedding attire but normal clothes just to pray quickly, her nerves were settled and a calmness took over.  The ceremony was absolutely lovely, giving praise to God for his perfect timing and I love that they braided rope citing Ecclesiastes 4:12 “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  The two of them representing each of them, and the third cord being God.  What a treasure to display in their home!

No joke, all day I was teared up out of happiness, and possibly because I’m a newlywed, but most likely because the bride is my dear friend Erika and this is her happy ending.  Ryan, thank you for loving such a sweet special friend of mine like you do.  Lots of love to you both!

To see more images CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW!

Venue: The Montelucia Resort and Spa / Wedding Coordinator: Rochelle Sterne of Every Girls Dream Wedding / Cinematography: Bright Bokeh / Bride’s Dress: Demetrios / Veil: Almond Tree Wedding Boutique / Bride’s Shoes: Nine West / Jewelry: Nadri / Groom’s suit: Caravelli / Harpist: Debi Gorton / Florals: The Garage by Ivy / Linens: Munkeboe Party Linen Rentals / DJ: Erik Nelson / Cake: Julia Baker / Bride’s Hair: Amy Gownaris of The Verve Salon / Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Paper: Celebrations in Paper / Second shooter: Amy Gallagher

Diana Elizabeth asks if you’ve ever had food at the Montelucia.  She loves the Joya spa there and goes all the time, but the food is always always always amazing!

Lizzy and Chris knew each other in high school.  They are the best of friends, long time sweethearts and getting married in New York this upcoming summer in a small, intimate ceremony.

Having worked together on numerous occasions (which also meant I saw a lot of Chris and got to know him), Lizzy requested we use my best friend’s farm in Buckeye, Arizona as a location spot.  So off we went to enjoy the open fields and country charm!

Lizzy and Chris I love you guys, thanks for being such great friends and I’m so happy for you both.

Oh, and take a peek at Lizzy’s beautiful chocolate diamond engagement ring.  It’s gorgeous!

To book Lizzy for your wedding or any of your makeup needs, visit her website.

Diana Elizabeth highly suggests getting your makeup professionally done for any photoshoot you do, or anything that might be framed or seen for a long time.

I packed for it.  I talked to y’all about it on Twitter, here and Facebook. I had every intention of going – had my pass, booked a hotel and flight.

I had already been away from Mr. Wonderful for a few days.  I hated it.  I couldn’t imagine another three days.  On top of that, I really don’t like Vegas and I always come back with a funky sinus infection from all the smoke.  I’ve already done two years at WPPI and just wan’t feeling it this year.

With back to back travels, and just shot my good friend’s wedding on Saturday, I already had to double pack and I was a bit pooped.

So, as I sat on my flight to Vegas, I decided mid plane ride to jump off grab my bags and go home.

I had to pay an extra $200, pick up both of my bags from baggage claim, walk across the airport to recheck in, go through airport security again, and wait for the next flight.  I’ve never done anything so impulsive and so off track in my entire life.  I always stick to plans.  It’s my Type A personality.  Even friends were shocked when I told them I changed my mind.

But it was was worth it.  This morning, I got to wake to my hubby’s face.  Something I wouldn’t have seen for days had I been in Vegas. You can call it newlywed fever.

Diana Elizabeth is definitely sad to miss all of her friends she was looking forward to seeing but perhaps next year!

I must say that nearly most of these shots were taken by my second shooter and friend Amy Gallagher – she is my right hand gal who I trust wholeheartedly to nail shots and deliver!  I am so thrilled she came and wanted to capture some images – I just edited the best that I love!

I hope you enjoy these images that capture our backyard reception!  Thank you to Cyd of The Sweetest Occasion for featuring our reception here.

Venue: Private backyard / Photographer: Amy Gallagher / Event Designer: la Ricki / Desserts: Butter & Me / Catering: Pita Jungle / Bride’s dress: Spun Sugar Shift dress by BHLDN / Tent Fabric: SAS Fabrics / Outdoor Bowling: Pottery Barn

Diana Elizabeth had a great time with friends and can’t wait to do it all over again in May – only this time in Champaign Illinois!

I hope you all had a special Valentine’s Day.  This was our first Valentine’s Day together, ever.  Remember, the Mr. and I wed six months after our first date.  I think our timing was perfection since we hit all the holidays together, the firsts together – and as a married couple, it’s way more fun if you know what I mean.  Hey, I’m married, I can talk about those things.

I woke up two dozen roses placed by what else, my 27″ iMac.  Benjamin knew that’s how I start my day.  The card cracked me up, this past  Christmas he got me a little fox ornament saying that I was his foxy wife so I think his radar is set for anything regarding foxes now.

Um, yes I asked for Twilight for Valentine’s Day!  Duh.  I’ve been talking about it and reminding him about it since I found out its release date.  Mr. Wonderful totally handled the day – every single detail!  I sorta felt like all I gave was his gifts. I know, that’s what Valentine’s Day is about, the girl, but I really felt spoiled.  Yay for Mr. Wonderful being so amazing.  I bought him a zip up sweater from Brooks Brothers (our favorite store, the prep of all prep stores) and the book, What I Love About You, which is a book that consists of I wanna say at least 100 questions that you answer about your loved one.  I came across the book about four years ago and remembered that I wanted to buy it but I never had a reason to yet.  And we all know Mr. Wonderful is the reason for all good things in my life.  Back to the book for those of you interested – the questions are fun and reminds you how much you adore that person, and who wouldn’t want to read how much they are loved?  You even get to sketch some fun pictures and attach those movie ticket stubs and fun things you shared in there.  I spent a few several plane trips over several weeks taking the time to answer the questions.  He’ll need some luck reading my penmanship.

Benjamin opened up to a question and read my response, “You’re a little odd but I am too, and I think it’s cute.”
“No!  That was OCD!” I corrected him.

Oh boy, I sure hope he can read my cursive.

Diana Elizabeth is shooting her first wedding of the season this weekend then heading to Las Vegas for WPPI.  This will be her third year in attendance, and she’ll be taking it easy catching up with friends and occasionally going to class.  Hope to see you there!

He kissed me with both hands on my face.  And, we live happily ever after.

Diana Elizabeth loves this photo and seeing happy smiley faces of those she loves around.  And the adorable fur coats too.

All photos by Ryan Ray.

Getting Ready

I didn’t find it necessary to have a bridal party with our wedding being small.  My girlfriends who were there in attendance are my best friends, the ones I talk to regularly, who have been by my side through thick and then, prayed for me and with me, and those who I want to be more like.  They all got ready in the same room as I did and though I was fairly quiet, I enjoyed hearing their laughter, dialogue, and just having their presence with me that morning.  It was such a peaceful and calm time for me as I watched the snow fall and reflected on so much happiness while Lizzy did my makeup.

The series of these shots of me getting ready with my girls that has been getting all the attention was actually in front of a sliding glass door that Ryan Ray opened up so the cool air was coming in as the snow fell.  It was magical!

The First Look

I’m a wedding photographer, of course I did a first look.  However, this was a bit modified. Because I wouldn’t be walking down an aisle to any music and our guests would see me for the first time as they circled around us, standing for the ceremony, I wanted my dad to walk me to my first look with Benjamin. The above photo is one of my absolute favorites.  Umbrellas are from Brooks Brothers, of course.  I think the Phoenix store wasn’t quite sure why I needed three umbrellas, it was probably the most they’ve sold all season.  But, I knew there was a chance for rain or snow, and I wanted to be prepared in style.

The Guests

Ryan Ray said it perfectly on his blog when he described our ceremony as, “You couldn’t tell a friend from family.  The support was that great.”  That was exactly how we envisioned it.  The decision wasn’t easy when it came to the guest list, when we thought it would just be our parents.  As we started to plan, we decided to extend it to the friends who really were like family.  We also didn’t want to deal with a big wedding, wanted to honor a budget, but most of all, we didn’t want to do anything for show.  And I especially didn’t want to turn into a bridezilla who was still managing wedding details the week of.   I wanted my sights to be on the fact that I was marrying my best friend, not wedding details, so the smaller the wedding and guest list and details, the calmer the both of us would be.  Our wedding was about us getting married in front of God who brought us together, and our family and closest friends who have supported us individually, and together, rain or shine, or snow.

Our resolution was having a fun, and larger casual reception with all of our wonderful friends a few months later.

The Vows

We wrote our own vows in an almost identical format.  I’ve heard a few vows here as I’ve shot weddings but I never thought what my own vows would be like. If you come to our house, you can read them as they are proudly framed and titled “Our Promise.”  And yes, those are my vows above typed out, matching the invitation.  Benjamin wrote his on a post-it, and every one laughed when I pulled mine out and then he pulled his out.  I love him for it.  Benjamin cried a lot and he would only occasionally look up at me.

How adorable is my mother-in-law in her cute outfit?  And I know you’ve already seen this photo of my dad but I just love it.  He was right up there in the action holding the umbrella over Benjamin and me.

The Moms

I’ve captured some beautiful weddings.  The wedding of Jillian and Patrick really moved me when they had their moms heavily involved.  It was Jillian’s mom who zipped up her dress, and their moms who signed their marriage license.  After I saw that, I thought, I’m definitely going to do that at my wedding.  And since we didn’t have the traditional bridal party, we had our moms do the honor.  Benjamin’s mom held our rings, my mom held my vows and bouquet, zipped up my dress, and our mothers were our witnesses for our marriage license.  It’s so special to look at it and see our moms signature.

The Toasts

You can probably tell by now that Benjamin and I hold a high priority for family.  Our fathers gave toasts as we cozied up by the fireplace, and my dad started off with saying, “I’ve waited 10 years for this,” in which my initial thought was, sheesh Dad, way to rub it in that it took me a long time.  But what immediately followed was a story that began 10 years ago when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (Lymphoma) and while he didn’t know the Lord yet, he asked God to save him so he could see his kids get married.  He explained that he was thrilled that the day came, and God gave him what he asked for.  You can say that Benjamin and I both cried, a lot.

Benjamin’s dad gave a sweet toast, he mentioned Benjamin’s grandfather who I never head the pleasure of meeting but I know really molded Benjamin.  He passed along his blessing and though we had met for the first time the night before, he called me, “refreshing.”  I liked that.  We felt so honored to have our dads give toasts to those around us and we felt so loved and so very blessed to have been raised by such amazing fathers.

Diana Elizabeth says she’s so glad she did a first look especially with the weather – by the end of the ceremony her hair was sopping wet!

Now onto the details!

All photos by Ryan Ray.

The Dress

I fell in love with this dress by Tadashi this past summer. Remember, I knew I was going to marry Benjamin early on.  I showed one of my best and long time friends Jackie when I saw her over the summer (she lives in LA) and she gasped.  Then, I knew I had to get it from the Nordstrom Wedding Suite. I love Tadashi and had actually wore one of his gowns when I competed at the Miss Arizona pageant back in my college days.  I wore an ivory sash from J.Crew and switched to a black sash from BHLDN. The fur coat believe it or not, is from Forever 21 I bought a few years ago.  My sweet friend JMar let me wear it after I sold it to her at a garage sale (my garage sales are upscale) and she let me keep it!

I did get the dress tailored, because every dress needs to be fit perfectly – thank you to Rita’s Custom Dress and Tailor in Chandler and one of my bests, Rachelle for coming to me to all three fittings until it fit like a glove.  Of course I took my beauty queen friend and current Miss Arizona United States with me!

If anyone is interested in buying my dress (size 0-2) please email me.

The Invitations

I know you all know me as a photographer, but I started creatively as a graphic designer.  I knew I had to design my own invitations.  As for selecting colors, I decided that the classic black and white would be perfect for an outdoor winter wedding.  Just because a wedding is small and intimate doesn’t mean it has to be casual.  And as for a small pop of color, we added yellow, but the primary colors were black and white.  With 23 guests, we were also able to communicate to our guests our request to wear black and white, a touch that would make photos look lovelier, and go with our theme.  The invitation was tucked in a lace cut out pocket, and a RSVP card with details of champagne and cake to follow was tucked behind the main invitation.  Printing was done at Biltmore Pro Print.

The Shoes

I love metallics.  Gold is my favorite, hence my toe nails covered with Deborah Lippmann’s Shake Your Groove Thing.

I wanted metallic heels, but the heel had to be just right, there were so many versions of this glittery heel, but I knew that Badgley Mischka’s Humbie II was exactly what I was looking for.

The Accessories

I don’t wear Vera Wang’s Princess because I was named after a Princess.  I was given this scent years ago as a birthday gift by my friend Marisa for my birthday and I fell in love with the fragrance.  I had to use it on my big day, but my current one was beat so I bought a smaller version.  The gold sequin clutch is from Nordstrom, as well as my accessories, bangles and earrings by Nadri.  All gold, of course, my favorite metal.

His Suit – Zegna

I’m speechless.  I’ve been staring at this photo for I’m not sure how long.  My husband is so smokin’ hot.  We found his suit in less than 30 minutes, because that’s the maximum amount of time he likes to shop.  It’s a good thing everything looks good on him and he knew exactly what he wanted.  Suit was done, black skinny tie, white pocket square, and French cuff shirt by Thomas Pink.

I squealed when I saw him in his suit and felt like it was a bit unfair for me to see him already.  He asked me to take a photo of part of my dress, just so he could “see the color of it.”  Um, no.

The Wardrobe Change

At first I bought a black sash, then I wanted ivory.  Then I thought, I want more photos in different wardrobe with different looks!  So, I got married wearing all white, wore a white fur coat during our ceremony, and after, changed into my black silk sash and bought Benjamin a scarf and he kept his Kenneth Cole peacoat on.  I always knew I’d have to add a little something after the wedding after all the styled shoots I’ve participated in.

Diana Elizabeth is actually believe it or not, going to sell her gown and accessories.  She doesn’t get attached to things she just needed them for the photos – the true life of a model!  She knows her daughter will never want to wear it, and she will never want to wear it again. The photos are the most important!

All photos taken by Ryan Ray.

The Photographer  - Ryan Ray

I found out who Ryan was from seeing his work published nearly everywhere – Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, the guy is mega popular if you hadn’t heard of him before I started freakishly obsessing about him and rubbing his name in all of your faces.  I realized we had a few mutual Twitter friends who would RT his blog posts.  And like all who sees his work, I became a Ryan Ray fanatic.  I followed him on Twitter, then he followed me back.  Occasionally we started dialog and I told him that one day, he was going to be my photographer.

Benjamin even knew about Ryan Ray before we even discussed being married and I actually think at times Benjamin got slightly annoyed wondering who this Ryan guy was!  I loved his storytelling style and it was a San Francisco wedding I saw on his blog that made me decide I too, wanted a small wedding if it could be captured like that.

So why Ryan Ray, a photographer in Dallas, Texas?  I chose Ryan because I love his images, the moments he captures, his composition, the way he captures light and the overall grandness of locations. I knew that if I had him, paired with a gorgeous venue, I’d have some winning photographs. I also believe that each individual is gifted with a unique talent that cannot be mimicked, therefore, we had to fly Ryan out. Benjamin agreed, and so, Ryan was it!

As I watched Ryan work outside in the falling snow, I would smile and excitedly say, “Look! He’s putting my stuff in the snow!  I’m going to have snowy photos!” Ryan was the second person I was most excited about that day – the first being Mr. Wonderful of course. www.ryanrayphoto.com

The Venue – L’Auberge de Sedona

I shot a sweet fishing engagement session one early summer morning, two months after Benjamin and I started dating. The funny thing was this couple actually heard about me through the bride’s sister who was cutting Benjamin’s hair when he was talking about a date he had with me later that night!

Anyway, I fell in love with L’Auberge de Sedona‘s charm and I immediately called and told him that I wanted to get married there. Without hesitation, he told me to inquire. See, when you know you just know, and it goes for your venue too. I was beyond thankful they were available December 3. Many have asked, Did you know it would snow on your wedding day? Absolutely not! I thought with the long summer that it would be sunny. But the snow was even better!

The best part of L’Auberge de Sedona is not only their beautiful venue but their amazing service. They tell you not to tip because it is included in your room rate which relieves so much pressure from trying to find single bills.  You also don’t feel restrained to ask for assistance, especially when it’s snowing and you need to light a fire and your new husband thinks it’s OK to use a can of hairspray!  I also am pretty sure no one on staff will tell the guests no, (Can we check out late?  Can we still order breakfast even though it’s lunch time?) which makes it one of the most pleasant and accommodating places to stay. Thank you to the staff of L’Auberge for making our day so gorgeous and memorable, and keeping the fire going, we can’t wait to return! www.lauberge.com

The Event Designer & Wedding Coordinator – Ricki Uster, of la Ricki Events

Ricki has become a very close friend of mine this past year as well.  After our Anthro mock shoot that was featured on Wedding Chicks that we did together, I knew I found my creative soulmate. Together, we have decorated my office, home, she has taught me how to cook, make a latte, and be more domestic.

Ricki found the touches to complete what I wanted – simple, elegant and classic. She took over with working with Bliss Extraordinary Floral selecting the flowers in my bouquet (I had an “absolutely not going in my bouquet list”) and working with the pastry chef at L’Auberge to design my cake.  She ordered a cuter cake stand, found the basket for the handwarmers for the guests, the list goes on with the details she handled!  She kept the guests occupied as they stayed warm inside, directed them from out of the room to circle around to begin the ceremony, and I was happy to have her talk with me when I was ready to move inside, or to prepared for the toast.

I cannot stress the value of an experienced and professional event designer and coordinator is on the days leading up to your wedding.  I work with many in this industry and each is unique in her own way.  Find one who you can completely trust, you love her taste, and let her do what she was born to do! It also allowed me to take things off my plate and know that she had it all handled! You should know that once you have a coordinator you no longer have to deal with details in regards to set up times, correspondence or details.  She is your agent/manager for the day and you can just deal directly with her – she’s like your BFF that day so pick a good one!  Ryan also loved Ricki’s assistance just as much as I think she loved helping him as he worked. Knowing my wedding was in her control kept me calm and allowed me to enjoy the day all while having my talented good friend by my side! I am so thankful my bouquet, cake, and little details turned out so adorably!  www.laricki.com

I also loved touches from the custom cookies designed by friend Casey Jones of Casey’s Confections and the vintage cross from Twice Loved Vintage, owned by my friend Ashley Mullins and her mother.

The Hair & Makeup Artist – Lizzy Marsh

Oh Lizzy.  Where do I even begin with this girl and the talent she has at her fingertips?  Lizzy has become a good friend of mine starting the day she first did my makeup for a wedding I was in as a bridesmaid over a year ago.  I fell in love with her work and I quickly referred her to many of my brides.  Then, she did my makeup for my Adorama TV interview, then my promo video you see at the top of this blog, my FORD Models comp card, other miscellaneous shoots I’ve participated in, and well, of course my wedding.  I couldn’t imagine anyone else there by my side as I got ready and to be there on such an important day of my life. I requested an Asian JLo with Victoria’s Secret supermodel hair, and, she delivered.  I also prepared ahead of time with eyelash extensions, I’m not a fan of eyelash strips, they’re too obvious.  Thank you Layla Laney of Wink Facial & Lash Bar.

I love Lizzy to pieces and I don’t know what my face or hair would have looked like without her expertise and talents that day. I am looking forward to the weddings we have together this spring.  Phoenix brides, I beg you to book Lizzy, you’ll be so thankful you did.  www.lizzymarsh.com

Diana Elizabeth never felt more beautiful than she did on her wedding day.  Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?

It’s going to be Wedding Week here on my blog!  Today is the day I can finally debut Ryan Ray‘s amazing talents and the details of our wedding.  Why the long wait?  Because today, you can see it on … *drumroll*… Style Me Pretty!  Weeeeee!  You can also see see it on Ryan Ray’s blog – We decided to launch all on the same day to give you the big wedding reveal!

To see more, visit today’s Style Me Pretty feature and come back every day over the next few days with more images and details about the wedding! We have so many photos from our big day, so for this first post, I’m going to share my favorites and you’ll see more moments and details as the days go on.

All images taken by the talented fantastic, amazing Ryan Ray.

Photographer: Ryan Ray / Venue & Cake: L’Auberge de Sedona / Event Designer & Coordinator: la Ricki / Hair & Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Florist: Bliss Extraordinary Floral / Cookies: Casey’s Confections / Invitation: Bride designed / Bride’s Dress: Tadashi Shoji / Black silk sash: BHLDN / Ivory silk sash: J.Crew / Groom’s suit: Zegna / Groom’s Shoes: Bruno Magli / Bride’s fur coat: Forever 21 / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Clutch: Ellian / Bracelet & earrings: Nadri / Bride’s robe: Victoria’s Secret / Umbrella: Brooks Brothers / Vintage Rhinestone Cross: Twice Loved Vintage / Guest gift bags: The Wedding Chicks Shop / Eyelash extensions: Wink Facial & Lash Bar

Diana Elizabeth now thinks of her wedding day whenever she sees falling snow.  She’s from California originally and went to college in Arizona, it’s not as if she’s seen much of it!  God was so good to give them snow instead of rain on their wedding day.