September 2nd, 2012 was a beautiful sunny, warm day for Donna and Mike’s wedding. Arizona temperatures stay warm long after the rest of the country begins to cool down, so the couple cleverly doubled their programs as fans by adding Popsicle sticks to them, which helped keep guests comfortable. Donna was stunning in a strapless gown with slight detailing around the bust that opened into a softly flowing affair. She looked like she had stepped out of the pages of a magazine with a tiara and hair pulled off her face. Her veil was attached under the bun. Surrounded by her bridesmaids wearing garnet strapless dresses that finished just above the knee, the women were a picture of confidence. Red and yellow roses comprised the bouquets. The groomsmen wore garnet colored vests and ties, while the groom wore a gold vest and tie and a yellow rose in his lapel. The other important man in Donna’s life, her father, walked Donna down the aisle. While her mother was no longer with them, she was there in spirit and remembered throughout the day. Donna gave tribute to her mother by lighting a candle in her honor near the guestbook as well as recalling memories of all those unable to celebrate the occasion through a card thanking family and friends for their love and support. Family was a large part of the wedding with the sister of the bride reminiscing about how they had make believe weddings as children and now Mike was now filling the role of the dream husband.
The couple started the dancing with a solo dance to Then by Brad Paisley. Donna’s father had the next dance to My Wish to Rascal Flats. Then the guests joined in to for a lively night of dancing, including Shout, where everyone got down a little lower. Cutting the cake didn’t interrupt the ceremony for long, even though the cake was a three-tiered vanilla cake, each layer held up by columns with red roses in between. As the night ended, guests went home feeling the love of the new couple, the bond and importance of family and maybe a remembrance of those watching down over them. Congratulations Donna and Mike
Photography By: Roy Bracamonte Photos