Destination weddings are my favorite, and Alisha and Kyle’s beautiful wedding in Sedona was featured on Destination I Do!

When I heard that Alisha and Kyle were having a destination wedding in Sedona, Az at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, I was the epitome of excited for so many reasons. The colors were amazing, and they based their entire wedding decor around the setting sunset of Sedona, Az; pairing fall colors heavily with greenery. But truly, the first reason being that Alisha and I grew up together, and watching people I know grow up into beautiful adult versions of their childhood selves is my favorite thing of being in the wedding industry.

The second being; Alisha and Kyle had their dogs as Best Man and Maid of Honor. I am firm believer that every wedding needs at least one dog, and this amazing couple not only had two, but they also had outfits fitting the occasion.

“Louie, the best man, has THE BEST personality. He’s funny, charming, gives great hugs, brings a smile to everyone’s face when he walks in the room. He also a 30lb french bulldog. Penelope(MOH), weighing in at a whopping 16lbs, is just as cuddly and great at hugs but brings a ton of sass to the table. We’re those crazy dog parents and we’re not ashamed of it. We chose to have our dogs as our best man/maid of honor because we couldn’t imagine spending this monumental day without them. There was no way Kyle was going to walk down the aisle without Louie in his little suit, by his side. ”

— Alisha

Alisha and Kyle chose Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona, Az for its ability to look absolutely nothing like Washington state, where they live. You read that right. Alisha and Kyle truly wanted a wedding that encompassed everything Washington is not; including hot desert sun, red rocks, and beautiful viewpoints. Alisha confided in me that she originally wanted her wedding at Platform 9 3/4 in London, but logistically they knew that their family wouldn’t be able to celebrate their day with them- which was of course of utmost importance. The Patio De Los Campanas at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona, Az provided a perfect reception space to accommodate the unique U shaped head table for all of their guests.

“Neither of us are good at being the center of attention and while we did want to be celebrated, we also wanted to celebrate the joining of families and the reunion of friends. I’m also not a big fan of attending weddings and awkwardly sitting at a table of ten or so, off to the side where you can’t really see the bride and groom so I planned this big U shaped table with Kyle and I at the head where we were able to yell across to talk to everyone. Not the most romantic of imagery for most people but it fit our loud families perfectly. ”

— Alisha

Everything about Alisha and Kyle’s intimate destination wedding in Sedona, Az screamed wedding bliss. Alisha comments that the best part of the entire day was getting to spend time with every guest invited, and I have to say that is a true benefit for an intimate wedding. From the U shaped table, down to the casual reception with board games and music; Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village provided a magnificent venue to highlight not only their love of Arizona but of each other.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village Wedding in Sedona, Az | Jennifer Lourie

“I think the main highlight (of the day) was the interactions between guests. We did not have a set dance floor and there was not really a big emphasis on dancing. We created a wedding playlist that we streamed through my phone with songs that would make you sing AND dance. So there were people everywhere mingling, playing the games we provided but also dancing right where you stood. At one point at least 10 people had joined hands and were swaying where they sat the the tables while singing Sweet Caroline. That was a great moment.”

— Alisha