Channeling the vibe of Sam’s proposal, the couple chose The Lounge at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for the ceremony—making them the first couple to marry in the stunning all-red space. Before the ceremony, the wedding party took photos at the magical Camelback Mountain nearby.
artful palette Once they settled on a location, it was important for the couple to keep the rest of the details true to their contemporary style: modern, elegant and clean. Because everything in the SMoCA Lounge—from the walls to the lighting—was a bold red hue, they chose a simple color palette with red accents, partially inspired by the renowned Robert Indiana “Love” sculpture displayed near the museum. Alison’s ivory gown, which she found online through Neiman Marcus, was traditional except for the unexpected touch of a handbeaded cape that stood in for a veil. Bridesmaids wore knee-length black dresses, and the groomsmen donned black suits. Alison carried a bouquet of lush red roses complemented by the bridesmaids’ bundles of white roses—all of which Alison arranged herself.
Close to the heart Because they wanted their wedding to be fairly
intimate, Sam and Alison chose to include just family and a few dear friends in their special day. Alison’s bridal party was made up of her three sisters and a close cousin, and Sam’s groomsmen included his two brothers-in-law and stepbrother. One of Alison’s sisters read the E.E. Cummings poem “I Carry Your Heart With Me,” and a close friend of the couple performed the ceremony—which Sam and Alison wrote themselves. Alison’s aunt gifted the bride a European hand-laced handkerchief to carry with her bouquet and use in tearful moments throughout the day—a family tradition. Perhaps the most memorable detail of all came from artist and family friend Tim Kuklo, who used a photo of the couple kissing right after the proposal to create an original artwork that was projected at the front of The Lounge during the ceremony for a unique and artistic backdrop.
ROCKIN’ RECESSIONAL Sam’s and Alison’s shared love of art included similar
tastes in music, so they knew they wanted to forgo the standard hymns and processionals expected at a wedding ceremony. Instead, the couple hired Vinyl Station, a Phoenix-area duo, to play some of the couple’s favorite songs during the ceremony. The bride walked down the aisle to “In My Life” by The Beatles, and they chose “I Melt with You” by Modern English as the recessional song. Some of their other favorite songs, like “Pictures of You” by The Cure, “New Slang” by The Shins and “California Stars” by Wilco, were played over the course of the ceremony as well. NOSH IN THE CITY For the reception, guests moseyed over to Cowboy Ciao, the
couple’s favorite Scottsdale restaurant. The menu featured a legendary chopped salad (which Alison says guests are still talking about) and a choice of Koreanstyle barbecue short ribs, Ahi tuna or filet mignon. In place of the traditional wedding cake, they ended the meal with pumpernickel banana bread pudding, followed by a short walk to Kazimierz World Wine Bar in downtown Scottsdale for a champagne toast.
September 2013
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