This was a long shoot in the making with some amazingly talented vendors.  Ricki and I were flatted to be asked by The Arcadia Room last fall to shoot a bridal shower inspiration at their venue.  We finally picked a date in the new year and with the collaboration of all, including models, was absolute perfection.  Please enjoy this blingy, fun bridal shoot held at Arcadia Room which is open for wedding receptions, showers of all sorts, and intimate weddings in their back space.

All food was prepped by Arcadia Room which is part of the La Grange Orange and Chelsea’s Kitchen family.  Yes, that’s what I said, which means all of this food was absolutely divine.

Sweet treat bags, menu and invitation designed by Amy Wallace of Page & Mason.  Cupcake cake made by Butter & Me.

How about instead of a game, glamming it up a bit and icing yourself with some vintage goodies by Twice Loved Vintage.  Each vintage piece has been selected by mom and daughter owners to be recreated to something new! Shop their etsy store here.

The spring makeup palette is soft pinks, and we went for a California beachy casual chic, and that’s exactly what Mariana Marie created.  Wardrobe provided by Heidi Boutique.

Thank you to The Sweetest Occasion for featuring this session on their blog today! See more of the shoot HERE.

Venue & food: Arcadia Room / Design & florals: La Ricki / Makeup and Hair: Mariana Marie / Wardrobe: Heidi Boutique / Jewelry: Twice Loved Vintage / Invitations & menu: Page and Mason / Cake & cupcakes: Butter & Me

Additional thanks to our lovely models who you have probably recognized from seeing them on my blog – former bride and models and PHOENIX magazine models Jami, Nicole, Ashley and Jennifer.  Also much gratitude to Kayla and Leigha for their amazing help during the shoot!

Diana Elizabeth loves the wedding bands with no main solitaire – can you tell?  She made sure Ashley was wearing one that looked similar to her very own.

Engagements, Weddings

You know the feeling when you just know?  Whether it’s finding that perfect dress, the sassy shoes, or the love of your life, you just know?   I sorta knew that about the perfect clients, Lizzey and Trevor.  Lizzey’s emails were bubbly, full of happiness, and I just knew she was in love.  When I saw her and Trevor come in with cheery smiles and arms full of clothes I knew we’d have a great time at the Arizona Biltmore, their future wedding spot.

“Give her a kiss,” I suggested to Trevor from behind my camera.
“Oh that’s not a problem, that’s all we do,” joked Lizzey.

And, every time I positioned Trevor first he would hold out his arms like he was about to catch a football, waiting for Lizzey to cozy on in up to him.  It was adorable.

Lizzey and Trevor, you both give me butterflies.  You make me laugh, you give me a wonderful peacefulness within my soul and your love is contagious.  I cannot wait for your fabulous Cinco de Mayo wedding at the Arizona Biltmore.  Lizzey, don’t cut your gorgeous hair, and Trevor, I’m glad we found your “good side” or rather, Lizzey’s favorite side of you. *wink*  On all sides, you both are just so so lovely.

To see more from this session, CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW!

Pow.  Lizzey, you are gorgeous.

A little Cinco de Mayo wedding preview I suppose…

Diana Elizabeth and Lizzey and Trevor escaped a Haboob (that’s a ridiculously fancy word for dust storm for those of you who are not from Arizona).  It was just coming in before they wrapped up their session.  Phew!

Engagements

In case you haven’t heard from my Twitter or Facebook fan page status updates…

Mr. Wonderful asked me to be his Mrs. Wonderful.

Yep, I’m getting married! We’re having a private ceremony in Sedona this December and two receptions in Phoenix and Champaign, Illinois in the new year.

Stay tuned for the planning details, turbo speed!

Oh and of course I have my wedding photographer already.  It’s Ryan Ray!

Diana Elizabeth will soon tell you the story of how she met Mr. Wonderful.

Personal

Are you ready for part 2 of Jami and Mike’s Orange and Costal themed wedding designed by la Ricki? The private backyard ceremony was adorable and then following evening was the reception at Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Scottsdale.

I love the outfit changes, the little touches and Mike looked just as sharp and stylish as he did on his wedding day!

Enjoy this beautiful couple and the little touches made by Ricki Uster of la Ricki.

To view the wedding and the reception slideshow, CLICK HERE.

Wedding Reception Venue: Tommy Bahama Restaurant at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, Ariz. / Event Designer: la Ricki / Hair & Makeup: Erica Grossman / Bride’s dress: Saks Fifth Avenue / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s Suit & Tie: J. Crew / Reception Steel Drummer: Paul McDermand / Floral design, Banners & Props created & styled by: la Ricki / Flowers: Fred’s Flowers / Invitations: Page and Mason Invitations / Vintage items: Rust & Roses, Found, The Willows Home & Garden, Zinnias at Melrose

Diana Elizabeth thinks she now needs to head to the beach.

Weddings

The only way to describe Joanna and Jacob’s wedding at the Monorchid in Downtown Phoenix is W-O-W.  Creative, unique, modern, with loads of personality minus the typical wedding tradition was exactly what this wedding was.  My kind of couple!  I loved everything about this wedding!

Yes, French Bulldog Hank made his cameo appearance at the wedding, after all, it was a year to the day that Joanna and Jacob met at a pool party.  This wedding was W-O-W just like Joanna and Jacob and their amazing love.  Thank you to the Monorchid staff for being incredibly amazing to work with.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hale, I adore you both.  And I’m pretty sure you already knew this.  xx

To see the entire wedding in slideshow (you don’t want to miss this) CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW!

Venue: MonOrchid / Makeup: Noelle Chacon / Hair: Vonn Wynn / Second Shooter: Amy Gallagher / Wedding dress: White by Vera Wang / Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: BHLDN / Groom’s suit, shirt, belt: Hugo Boss / Groom’s shoes: Dolce and Gabbana / Groom’s tie: Band of Outsiders / Groom’s pocket square: Paul Smith / Florals & Rentals: Flowers by Ellen / DJ: Curtis Whipple / Vintage decor: BHLDN / Desserts: Cakes by Nadine / Cupcake toppers & All You Need Is Love Banner: Purple Peony Couture / Food: Magic Touch Catering / Photobooth: Mr. Fun Booth

Diana Elizabeth loves her creative, edgy brides.  Just loves them!

Weddings

“Do you want one of your Christmas presents early?” asked Nick from the kitchen as Haleigh sat on the couch.

He popped in a DVD in the player and up popped a photo slideshow starting with their journey five and a half years ago.  Images flashed across the screen, moments, laughter, and affection from when they were so very young to the years they grew together.  Words popped up about the time they were apart for over a year and did a long distance relationship, then words appeared about how much he loved Haleigh.  How he has been welcome into her family and vice versa, and that he couldn’t imagine life without her, asking if she would be his wife.

He was behind her as she sat on the couch and before she could read the rest of the text her eyes were filled with tears as she happily said yes.  Congratulations Nick and Haleigh!  It is my prayer that you continue to grow closer together as you have over the years and continue to have as much fun as you already do.  xoxo

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Hair and Makeup: Brenna Heater

Diana Elizabeth says being a photographer is what gets her out into nature more often.  For real.  She often finds herself taking lots of allergy medicine before shoots.  She can’t help it she’s just a delicate flower…with pollen allergies.

Engagements

Isn’t Martha Stewart just lovely?  Apparently Angela Saban and myself thought so when we both signed up on Martha’s Dreamers Into Doers and that’s how we connected.  We met at Starbucks and shared our love for weddings and all things pretty.  We soon decided we needed to collaborate and here you go!

Meet the lovely Angela Saban who is everything upscale and classy.  With years of interior design experience Angela jumps on the wedding scene with a creative visual eye for all things pretty. AND, for Gluten free brides, she can create the ideal menu for you and your guests!

For the elegant upscale bride, check out Angela Saban who can create your perfect dream wedding – from custom table cloths and a gorgeous presentation, Angela will surprise you.  Enjoy this little interview.

You were an interior designer, tell me a little about that and how you decided to go into wedding planning?
I have worked in Interior Design for more than 20 years with my husband who is a natural stone subcontractor. I also designed and manufactured custom natural stone pieces for homes and businesses as 7th Avenue Designs. I’ve always felt a certain flow as I listen to someone tell me about their dream environment, their wishes, dreams, and desires for the space that surrounds them.  I designed interior and exterior spaces for so many people, and then in my spare time, I was planning the next family party, wedding, or holiday gathering.  Each one had to be a little more spectacular than the one before.  I realized that weddings, celebrations and events were my passion.  So, I studied Bridal consulting, joined The Association of Bridal Consultants and became a Professional Bridal Consultant.

What inspires you?
Inspiration can come from anywhere, so I try to keep my eyes, ears and heart wide open.When I met Kirstin at Nourish Restaurant, and felt the raw, organic nourishment of her restaurant, I knew that I wanted to design a gathering of friends and family to celebrate how we nourish each other emotionally as family before and during a wedding. The smallest thing can spark an idea and bloom into a theme for the day.

How would you describe your style?
I guess I would describe my style as “Eclectic”. I’ve found that I love a lot of styles, even my own home is a combination of French Country, Retro, Vintage, Traditional and outside I love a more Mediterranean feeling.  It’s just so much fun to figure out someone else’s sense of style and run with it. I feel that it serves no purpose to impose my taste on a client. My job is to help them discover their style, and then help them share it with their guests.

What are your specialties as a wedding planner and designer? I understand you also make the yummy goods on the dessert tables?
Just like an interior designer creates the spaces you love in your home, I am an event designer that creates spectacular environments that celebrate love.  I do love to bake, and like my grandmother before me, I love to create cakes and other delicacies that celebrate life.  I especially love the concept of the “Dessert Table” and I specialize in designing “over the top” fabric treatments, trims, themes and tastes that thrill guests.

Designer: Angela Saban Design / Venue & Food: Nourish Restaurant / Outdoor Venue: Optima Camelview Village / Florals: Elba Brown, (480) 707-3687 / Invitations: Swanky Press / Gluten Free Dessert Table, Table Cloths & Floral hangings: Angela Saban Design

Diana Elizabeth used her 100 Macro lens for many of these shots, she loves details!  She often found herself talking to the desserts after snapping an image saying, “Beautiful!” as if it could hear her.

Weddings

She was calm, yet excited.  Ready in her custom embroidered jumpsuit, Ashley sat on a pillow on a chair as her makeup was applied.  Her feet didn’t even touch the ground.  Her future husband was Bobby, who she had met nine years ago during senior year in high school.  After the two connected during homecoming leaving their dates and wandering off to spend the rest of the night together, it was inevitable the two would spend the rest of their lives together.

Ashley and Bobby are from Southern California so it seemed right to have the wedding back home, close to family, in Orange/Anaheim, which coincidentally also happens to be close to you know, the happiest place on Earth.

I was so excited to travel to So Cal not only to get out of the Phoenix heat, but to see them again.  After having so much fun capturing their engagement session, I couldn’t wait for their big day.  I also wanted to take Ashley’s mom home, she made me laugh so much!  Congratulations Ashley and Bobby!

To see more images WATCH THE SLIDESHOW!

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Orange California / Event Planner: Catherine & Jaclyn Hollenbeck, Cats Events / Officiant: Carolyn Leal / DJ: Carcano DJ / Wedding Gown & Bridesmaid Gowns: Uptown Bridal & Boutique / Custom Embroidered Hoodie:  Michael Angela / Shoes: Candie’s / Over the Door sign & Accessories: Uptown Bridal & Boutique / Cake: Rockwells Creative Cakes / Florals: Sarah’s Flowers / Hair: Julie Hiles / Makeup: Kristy De Leon, Be Beautiful (951) 206-5787 / Second shooter: Amy Gallagher

Diana Elizabeth loves the CA-60E and I-5 South.  She never missed her home state of California more than while on this trip.  Of course, nothing tops PCH.

Weddings

I have so much to tell you about it.  Thrilled to have you all in class!

- Join the Diana Elizabeth Workshops Facebook group so you can get help
- 4 weeks of learning! And watching me talk to white noise (luckily I have had practice with my regular video blogging)
- $125 for all 4 weeks!
- Take this course and get a discount for the next workshop – How to Run a Photography Business!

Diana Elizabeth felt a bit lazy not cleaning her office, but at least you got to see the rest of her office, right?

Photography, Video Blogs, Workshops

I met Jillian and Patrick for the first time last fall when we walked the premises of Troon North.  The two lived in Chicago, did some google searching and found my work featured on azcentral.com and booked me.  When I first met them I was instantly drawn to their friendliness and very casual fun attitude. I just knew it was going to be a fun wedding.  Then, when I found out Patrick was a UofA alum, I was sold and I knew it was going to be a really fun wedding.  And, it was.

I can’t exactly pinpoint my favorite part of the wedding.  It could have been the fact that Jillian and Patrick had their moms sign their official wedding license as witnesses, their incredibly energetic bridal party that kept me laughing for hours, or the best man speech that was one of the most entertaining I’ve ever listened to.

Patrick and Jillian, you have a wonderful, loving collection of people around you.  And, I’m pretty sure I didn’t have to tell you that.  Thank you for allowing me to capture one of your most important days and the start of your life together.  Patrick, Bear Down.

To view more images from this wedding CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW!

Venue: Troon North Golf Club / Wedding Coordinator: KGM Weddings / Reception Band: Affinity / Officiant: Ted Baird / Ceremony String Quartet: Sweetwater Strings / Floral: Flowers by Jodi / Wedding Cupcakes: Sprinkles / Makeup: Heather Wilson / Hair: Kortni Harting / Second Shooter: Amy Gallagher

Diana Elizabeth edited images so much faster than usual due to circumstances of meeting other deadlines.  Time to jam.

Weddings