On January 19th (the day after we moved, I’m insane), I grabbed my mom and we did my first big wedding thing. We attend the 2nd annual Downtown Mesa Wedding Walk. The walk consisted of 8 venues completely set up for reception/ceremony so you could get a feel for the space and dozens of vendors from florists to photographers to food to hair and make up. They had every thing! My wedding designer (see: person to help keep me sane) Tony came with us too. My mom loved him – of course. We hopped around to each venue, tried food, and I got within a foot of a real wedding dress and freaked out a little that this was all getting real.
The coolest part about the wedding walk is that everyone who attended and visited all 8 venues got an entry into a drawing to win a prize pack from the event. It could be the cake, the wedding dress, a photographer, there were a bunch of prizes. All I heard was I could maybe get stuff for free. Haha. My friend & bridesmaid Jamie works for the Mesa Arts Center so we got to see her while we were out and get the low down the museum and arts center. She’s been amazing with helping understand what we need to actually pay for with the venue and what we hire out. I feel like such a n00b and this is totally what she does, thank goodness.
The days started off at the Marriott hotel for registration. They had a bridal fashion show there. I saw two girls in big poufy flower girl dresses and fell in love. They had 4 different rooms set up for receptions and a pretty outdoor area for ceremony by a fountain. I found my favorite florist there too (picture below).
Next we hopped in one of the cabs provided for the day (love that!) and headed to Regency Garden. This was one of the venues I was at the wedding walk to see. I had looked up all the venues at the walk before hand. I’m neurotic like that. 🙂 The picture of the garden area doesn’t begin to do the gazebo and the outdoor ceremony area justice. It’s GORGEOUS!!
{photo via Regency Garden website}
Next, we went and visited Jamie at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. I had been seriously thinking about having everything at the MAC (Mesa Arts Center), but Jamie mentioned the museum too, so I had to give it a good look see. Cassidy from My Chic wedding Designs did the most amazing job making the rooftop look beautiful. She’s fabulous!
Arizona Museum of Natural History Rooftop Terrace
{photos from My Chic Wedding Designs facebook page}
Tony needed a picture with the mammoth.
We found the most amazing photographer at the Mesa Arts Center. Maria was super fun, she was taking pictures for everyone on site, and was one of the few people who just went with the fact that Tony and I were both wearing “I’m the Bride” stickers. My mom LOVED her, and so did I. Just have to see the cute picture she snapped of us all. She’s on my “to call” list for the wedding.
One of the venues I was surprised by was Tre Bella. They have 2 large rooms for reception options, and a ceremony room. The all white rooms let you choose lighting to turn the room whatever color you want. It was really pretty, and they had the most comfortable couch in the groom’s room. There was a string quartet in the ceremony room. Tony and I walked down the aisle to Vivaldi’s Winter from the Four Seasons. He even foot popped. Haha.
A little shimmy from the girls.
{we walked to the slow part, around minute three}
The Brown Sculptural Garden at the Mesa Arts Center was my first choice of venue going into the wedding walk. But I could only find a few small pictures online of the area. When we got there, it was really pretty, but kind of an odd shape, and it didn’t feel nearly big enough for the number guests we were inviting. So no go there. Oh well. Good thing we got to see so many places at once. There were some awesome vendors at the MAC though. Maria (the photographer) and Jennifer from Touchstone Crystal Jewelry. There were the sparkliest necklaces and earrings, no wonder when they’re parent company is Swarovski crystals. I’m so having a jewelry party with her before the wedding. I’m thinking bridal party presents all day!
Mesa Arts Center Brown Sculptural Garden
{I’m kind of obsessed with the sprinkle cake with gum paste ribbons}
{how cute are those heart cake toppers}
We hit a few more venues, and met some more vendors. These bartenders were great. full or personality, great conversationalists, and knew their drinks.
That’s the owner Chad (he was great) and (she blogs at ).
Saw this picture and knew what I wanted to do for bridesmaids dresses. Same color pallet, and then have fun!
This got Mike all ramped up to get the ’55 up and running for the wedding. Mission accomplished!
Long story short, it was a wicked fun day. I had the best time with my mom and Tony. And and and…
I won one of the prize packs!!!
Yeah. Like $3,000 worth of stuff for the wedding. Holy Schnikes!
Check it :
Engagement photo session with Maria Fossler – including photo right, photo CD, and a print
1 hour displayed hours d’ ourves from A Savory Affair Catering
1 dozen rose bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere from Crismon’s Flowers
A vest, tie, and handkerchief set from Parker & Schmidt Clothiers
2 hour photo booth rental from PhotoBOX
Lighting (up to 6 colors) for the reception dance floor from Birkett Entertainment
Hair & make up for the bride and maid-of-honor from Babydoll Weddings
3-tier wedding cake from A Piece of Cake Desserts
{I had been eyeing this one from them already}
Totally insane, right?!?!
And if you’re wondering if we went with any of the venues…
We’re looking at the rooftop terrace at the museum for the ceremony, and having cocktails and the reception at 12 West Main.
We’ll see how the meetings and price quotes go. I’m cheap. 🙂