Elizabeth and Robert had a whirlwind romance as soon as they came into each other's lives. When a mutual friend introduced them at an event, they hit it off right away and went on their first date that week. After two years of dating, the couple found themselves on a work trip to Paris, as both Elizabeth and Robert work in the beauty and entertainment industries. They went on an afternoon walk near the Eiffel Tower and stopped for a picnic. Robert took the opportunity then and there to pop the question. "It was so sweet, special, and very unexpected!" Elizabeth says.
The California natives invited 80 guests to dress in their very best cocktail attire and watch them tie the knot in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the couple's current home. "With a small guest list, every person there was incredibly special to us and our relationship," Elizabeth says. Looking for a venue that offered character and charm, they chose the Royal Palms Resort and Spa and spent 11 months planning their old-Hollywood-glamour-themed nuptials on October 20, 2018.
They pulled together an intimate event with a white, ivory, gold and black color palette—all with the help pf their wedding planner from Outstanding Occasions. "We wanted our wedding to feel timeless and elegant for years to come, so we kept the palette very monochromatic," the bride shares. "We gave our planner our inspiration, and she really took it and ran with it, coordinating the design and all of our vendors for us."
The Engagement Ring
Elizabeth's engagement ring was inspired by her grandmother's, which she admired her whole life. For another special touch, both Elizabeth and Robert had "mon amour" engraved into their bands; this translates to "my love" in French as a nod to their Paris engagement.
You're Invited
Ahead of their nuptials, the couple sent out simple white invitation suites with a black-lined envelope. The main invitation featured white calligraphy on translucent vellum paper.
Her Bridal Look
Elizabeth initially had her eye on a wedding dress that she came across on Schaffer's Bridal Boutique's website, but when she went to the boutique in person, she ended up falling in love with a completely different gown. She tried on about 10 more before deciding on a beaded Lazaro number with a sleek satin mermaid skirt. On the big day, she paired her ensemble with a veil that she also found at the boutique.
The Finishing Touch
To complete her bridal look, Elizabeth wore strappy Bella Belle pumps. "I loved the black lace detailing on the toes!" she says.
The Bouquet
Elizabeth held a petite bouquet during the ceremony, which included all-white flowers with a touch of greenery.
The Groom's Suit
Robert wore a timeless Tom Ford suit that he purchased on a trip to New York with his bride-to-be. He paired it with a classic black bow tie and black Ferragamo shoes.
Little Bridal Party
The bride and groom decided to forgo the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, they had a flower girl and a ring bearer. The flower girl wore a white embroidered dress found at a boutique in California and a lush white flower crown. The ring bearer matched the groom in a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and shoes. He held a small white ring pillow as he made his way down the aisle.
The First Look
The first look was Robert's favorite part of the entire wedding day. Looking back, both he and Elizabeth are grateful that they created a special moment for the two of them. "We are both incredibly happy we selected having that moment together rather than in front of all of our guests," Elizabeth says.
The Ceremony Location
Following the first look, the ceremony took place at 5 p.m. in the garden at Royal Palms, where gold-and-white chairs were set up in front of an outdoor fireplace. Guests took in views of mountains and palm trees before the ceremony began; white-and-ivory floral arrangements were mixed with candles in gold holders throughout the space.
The Ceremony Details
Elizabeth walked herself down the white petal-covered aisle while an acoustic version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" played. The friend that introduced the happy couple officiated the ceremony; both moms gave special readings. For the recessional, the pair chose an acoustic and translated version of "La Vie En Rose," which was also the song they shared their first dance to later in the evening.
The Cocktail Hour
Guests gathered for the cocktail hour on the property's lawn, where they enjoyed the couple's signature cocktails—a French 75 and whiskey neat.
The Seating Chart
The couple's escort cards were made from blocks of acrylic and complete with calligraphy marking guests' seat assignments.
A Reception Under the Stars
Elizabeth and Robert wanted an outdoor reception under the stars. A long head table was set up underneath a flower-embellished pergola; the couple shared dinner there with their closest family and friends. The remaining guests were seated at round tables. While the round tables held tall lush flower arrangements placed in thin gold vases, the focal point of the head table was a long garland of greenery and ivory roses.
The Place Setting Details
Each place setting included gold cutlery, ivory napkins, and a sprig of greenery. The menus mirrored the monochromatic design of the invitations and featured white-on-white lettering.
The Dinner
Along with Champagne for toasts, guests enjoyed a duet plate of chicken and short ribs during the reception.
The Cake
At the end of the evening, the newlyweds cut into their wedding cake, which was a vanilla confection with vanilla Bavarian cream and chocolate chips. The square three-tiered dessert featured a textured lace design and a garland of greenery.
Sources
Photography, Elyse Hall Photography
Venue, Royal Palms Resort & Spa
Event planning and design, Outstanding Occasions
Catering and cake, Royal Palms Resort & Spa
Stationery and Calligraphy, Celebrations in Paper
Flowers, Lux Wedding Florist
Bride's gown, Lazaro via Schaffer's Bridal Boutique
Bride's shoes, Bella Belle
Hair and Makeup, Heather Van Houten Makeup & Hair
Groom's suit, Tom Ford
Groom's shoes, Ferragamo
Rentals, Event Rents; Prim Rentals