The Sedona Weddings and Corporate Events Guide

Recently I was inspired by a program I saw about a festival in Tibet where thousands of flower petals were used to create an intricate carpet for seekers to trod upon as they entered a holy site.  Being a seeker of new things to do in my field, I decided to put my own spin on this idea and incorporate it into our weddings in Sedona. These great shots were taken by Katrina Wallace, Sedonabride.com, and really give an idea as to what can be done limited only by imagination and budget.  This bride from Manhattan wanted a carpet of yellow and green.

From above you can see the subtle crisscross pattern of peach roses against the yellow.  A space was left in the green grass and dotted with yellow craspidia and apple green Yoko Ono mums.  A yellow row of rose petals finished the border.

This detail shot gives a good idea how tedious one of these designs can be.  All of the flowers have to be right side up and spaced perfectly for the best effect.

Rose Petal Carpets Get Raves

Here is another special carpet we enjoyed designing.  This carpet was designed for a wedding reception at Seven Canyons.  The Sedona family owns one the the largest Navajo rug showrooms in the Southwest.  We thought it would be appropriate to design a piece inspired by the beautiful patterns seen in Native American rugs.  The pattern was first drawn onto graph paper then translated onto the grass inside the tent.  Pin spots with the palest pink gels popped the design.

We incorporated eagle feathers for the corners and added traditional Navajo crosses outside the perimeter.  Care had to be taken to choose pointed white rose petals to form the sharp lines of the concho design in the center.  Also, colors had to be selected that would contrast against each other to get the crisp lines of the piece.  In all, the petals of about 1000 roses were used for this carpet.

The bride and groom were announced.  They entered the tent walking through the carpet of petals to the astonishment and delight of all the guests.  Everyone was stunned.  If you would like to see more of this reception, please see a wonderful SLIDE SHOW HERE:  ( Notice our custom sewn and painted tent walls )  This became a Sedona Wedding to remember.

We have created dozens of these innovative carpets and have been overwhelmed with their popularity.  We will be featuring more in the future so please visit us often.  We would love to hear your comments and become acquainted.

This luscious carpet was designed for one of our New York brides.  We used Sterling Silver roses and a combination of ivory toned petals.  Jenawa wanted green incorporated somewhere so we narrowed the width of the piece to show more of the green lawn.  We used a champagne glass shape to keep within the spirit of a celebration.

You can see more of Jenawa and Adam’s wedding under our featured Weddings category.

This rose carpet was created for a autumn wedding at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff.  We used two colors of red roses and deep orange roses to get the effect.  Petals were sprinkled along the outside edge to soften the reflections of light streaming in from the glass windows at the end of the aisle.  Photography by Cameron Clark,  www.cameronkellystudio.com

Return to Show Stopper’s website HERE:

Eventsbyshowstoppers.com

If you are planning a Sedona wedding, L’Auberge de Sedona should be among the venues you are considering.  There are so many things to take into account before you make your decision.  L’Auberge has everything a bride could want for a picture perfect wedding.  Ceremony sites range from serene creek side settings to dramatic red rock views.  There are numerous accommodations in every price range at L’Auberge and her adjoining sister properties Amara Resort and The Orchards.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped with lovely flowers everywhere.  The log cottages are charming with many being right on Oak Creek.  The fragrance of juniper burning in the fireplaces hangs in the trees during the cooler seasons.  Huge trees are everywhere and autumn brings spectacular colors of yellow, rust and reds to all the foliage.  L’Auberge is gorgeous during every season.

The food is simply superb.  World class chefs prepare the finest cuisine imaginable and the service can’t be beat.  Depending on the number of guests, there are several choices for the reception, including the Monet ballroom and the popular Creek House.  L’Auberge is being expanded and will soon have chauffeured Gemcars to whisk guests right up the hill to uptown shopping, restaurants, sightseeing and trolley stops.  One huge advantage is that guests do not have to drive after a night of celebrating.

Kara Clark Cristman and Meghan Rudolph are in-house specialists when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning your wedding.  There are several wedding coordinators endorsed by L’Auberge that can assist with even more detailed planning if you wish.  L’Auberge de Sedona is already one of the most popular wedding venues in Sedona.  With the completion of their marvelous expansions, L’Auberge will be the undisputed resort of choice for a wedding in Sedona.  Please visit L’Auberge HERE: You will find much more information, great photos and discover why L’Auberge is a Show Stopper favorite for a beautiful Sedona wedding.  You may click on the photos to enlarge them.

Don’t miss these beautiful slide shows by Katrina Wallace and Andrew Mejia spotlighting different areas at L’Auberge and see why L’Auberge is one of Sedona’s most popular wedding venues.

1.  “A Journey to Marrakesh”  This was the wonderful Moroccan themed wedding of Tara and Micah.  The ceremony was on the cottage side lawn.  The reception was held in the Monet ballroom:  See the SLIDE SHOW HERE:

2.  “Sweet Love”  This was a lovely cottage side wedding for Jennifer and Josh: See the SLIDE SHOW HERE: 

3.  “Jayna and Dan”  This charming wedding was Creek side at the Creek House:   See the SLIDE SHOW HERE:  

4.  “Love is in the air”  This was the beautiful hillside wedding of Laura and Grant:   See the SLIDE SHOW HERE:   

Return to Show Stopper’s HERE:

“The Heart and Soul of Sedona”

Tlaquepaque has to be one of the most charming venues in all of Arizona much less Sedona.  It is one of Show Stopper’s favorites for weddings and events.  Many brides choose Tlaquepaque as the location for their Sedona wedding because of the lovely Chapel and the courtyards where beautiful weddings and receptions take place.

Huge sycamore trees surround Tlaquepaque and provide cool peaceful shade while shoppers stroll through the stylish shops and restaurants.  The architecture is reminiscent of an old world village in Mexico.   All the courtyards have lovely fountains with the centerpiece being the grand fountain in Patio Del Norte.

The huge fountain is a Show Stopper favorite every Thanksgiving and Christmas when we fill it with lavish seasonal floral displays.  Here we have used gourds, pumpkins. red pyracantha berries, fruited persimmon branches, sunflowers, marigolds, chrysanthemums, squash, cattails and hops.  When finished, we turn on the water and let it spill through the display.  Click the photo to see more detail.

Tlaquepaque at Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit.  We love to decorate the Chapel’s arched entry and try something new each year.  It is a big bonus for the December bride who chooses Tlaquepaque for her Sedona wedding.

Last year in 2007, Show Stoppers designed the Chapel arch with granny smith apples, lemons, giant sugar cones, lichen covered branches, gourds, fir boughs and copper ribbon.  One of the best things about installing Tlaquepaque decorations is the audience that gathers around and watches us work.   Be sure to click on the photo to enlarge the details.

In 2006, we decorated the chapel with stark white winter branches, red apples, giant sugar cones and blue spruce.

Evening wedding receptions at Tlaquepaque are magical.  Guests are always thrilled with the ambiance and brides never forget their really special wedding that would not have been the same at any other venue.

You can see why Sedona brides line up to reserve this gorgeous property.  Its about the ambiance and romantic settings that cannot be found anywhere else.

Check back often for more show stopping photos of recent weddings and events we have created at this exceptional property.

Tlaquepaque books quickly.  For more information and more great photos, go to Tlaq.com.  Jill Kryiakopulous will be happy to speak with you.  Be sure to mention we sent you!

While you are visiting Tlaquepaque, please visit our sister store, NECTAR Suite A.114.  We carry fabulous turquoise and silver jewelry by important Native American artists.  The store also carries imported decorative items, religious items, folk art, home furnishings, textiles, and much more. You can even shop at NECTAR by going to the online store on the Tlaquepaque web site, Tlaq.com

                           Return to Show Stopper’s HERE:

Eventsbyshowstoppers.com

Margaret Van Damme is one of Sedona’s finest coordinators.  The fact that she brings years of experience to the Sedona wedding professionals community places her squarely on our vendor endorsement page.  Margaret is among the most respected and well liked wedding professionals in Sedona.

Margaret and Show Stoppers have a great working chemistry.  Every wedding we have done together has been a joy for several reasons.  Listening is such an important factor in understanding what a bride needs, even if she may not know exactly how to put it into words.  Margaret has the insight to immediately pick up on those little clues and translate them to us in simple, clear language.  That kind of intuitiveness only comes with experience.   Communication skills like this makes our jobs so much easier and ultimately makes the bride forever grateful.  Every single bride raves about Margaret and her abilities.

Margaret offers several wedding packages so there is always just the right plan to suit every budget and requirement.  Her time lines are well thought out to make everything run smoothly and take all the stress right out of her bride’s wedding.

Hiring a wedding coordinator, no matter how small the wedding, is the best thing you can do.  You will avoid wasteing time, money and those big problems that can come from overlooking some seemingly small detail.  Margaret will guide you right through to the end of your special day.  Visit Margaret HERE:  You will be glad you did!  Margaret Van Damme is one of Show Stopper’s very favorite professioals.

Return to Show Stopper’s website HERE: