| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Make Your Wedding Pop with These Expert Uses of Color

We are currently loving that color is making a huge comeback in wedding design this year.  We wanted to share some of our favorite ways you can incorporate your favorite tones without your wedding looking, well like a circus.  Today, we are featuring images from Ben & Kelly Photography and Bradford Jones, both based out of Scottsdale, Arizona.  You will see they all are experts in their use of color, and do a phenomenal job drawing rich tones into their photos.  Check out these ideas below in preparation for your big day! 

Smoke Bombs

Smoke bombs - horrible name, we know!  But, stay with us, and check out these fantastic photos from Allison and Adam’s wedding at The Saguaro, located in Old Town Scottsdale.  We love the effect these have because you and your bridal party can have a lot of fun in the moment, and you can order them pretty affordably right from Amazon.  Plus, you can mix and match which hues you want to use, and they won’t stain your dress or other garments.   We also love that if you truly only want a pop of color, these are perfect for a few shots!

Photos of Allison & Adam's Wedding by Ben & Kelly Photography

Dessert and Treats Table

We are in love with this treats table pictured below.  Just look at these adorable saguaro sugar cookies, (perfect for the couple’s venue, The Saguaro Hotel!), and the sprinkles cake.  We also have loved seeing other eye-catching ideas for a treats table, like a donut wall (best for indoor weddings) or a colorful candy buffet.  

Photos of Allison & Adam's Wedding by Ben & Kelly Photography

Ceremony Aisle Runner

You may not want to have to bright or punchy a bouquet next to your face, but are craving color in your floral pallet.  Why not use your ceremony aisle as the perfect opportunity to incorporate some bolder tones as Christine and Ryan did at their wedding?  You can also continue your theme up through your ceremony arch while still holding some slightly softer hues in your bridal bouquet.  We especially love how the structured floral runner gave way to a softer effect at the alter in these photos below.  Check them out!

Photos of Christine & Ryan's Wedding by Ben & Kelly Photography

Venue and Environment

Another way to subtly incorporate color is through your venue or the environment you are holding your wedding.  Take a look at these photos below from Samantha & Nate’s wedding that was held in Sedona, Arizona.  The red rocks created a stunning backdrop, not to mention the rainbow that peaked out that day was a major bonus! If you prefer an indoor wedding, an art gallery or children’s museum would also make for a colorful backdrop.  

Photos of Samantha & Nate's Wedding by Bradford Jones

Whatever your fancy, there are hundreds of way to bring any color palette to life.  At Sip and Twirl, we are passionate about helping couples' realize their wedding day visions.  Reach out to us at info@sipandtwirl.com or 480-648-0663 to see if your date is available. 

| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Creative Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

Want to avoid a “pindictable” wedding?  There are lots of way that you can add some personal touches to your wedding day to make it look and feel as unique as you and your partner’s love story.  As wedding planners, we have seen countless ways that couples have gotten creative, and we’ve complied some of our favorites in these photos below.  Check it out! 

1. Table Names and Numbers

Creating unique table numbers is one of the easiest, (and cheapest!) ways to personalize your wedding day look.  There are lots of DIY options, and some materials that we have loved seeing repurposed in the past are wine bottles, painted faux concrete numbers, and metallic wire to name a few.  Here are two unique options from a couple of previous weddings we had the pleasure of planning.

Samantha & Nate’s stately table cards and centerpieces

Photos of Samantha & Nate's wedding by Bradford Jones

Jamie & Eugene’s table childhood photos featuring guests

Photo by Jedidiah Roberson

2.  Ancestor’s Wedding Portraits

Another unique and meaningful way to personalize your big day is to create a family wedding portrait table.  Collect wedding day photos of your parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, or other special people in your life, frame them, and assemble them in a prominent place  guests will see, like near the guest book or gifts table.  

3.  Guest Book

There are hundreds of ways to craft a "guest book", and you can get extra creative on this one!  We love alternative guest books that become a keepsake or a piece of art, like this one pictured below from Samantha and Nate’s wedding.  Some couples have guests sign quilt squares, antique plates, a book of polaroids portraits taken of each guest, or even a surfboard!  Whatever you choose, you have the option to make this a reflection of you and your partner.  

Photos of Samantha & Nate's wedding by Bradford Jones

4.  Signature Drink

Why not mix things up at your cocktail hour with a few creatively named drinks?  You can really personalize your cocktails by incorporating you or your partner’s names or by drawing on your venue or even by searching a few crafty ideas online, (“Mint to Be Mojito” anyone?).  Here are a few pictures from Diane and Phil's wedding, plus one more of Erin and Russell's wedding.

Photos of Diane & Phil's wedding by Bradford Jones

Photo by Man in the Moon

Recently engaged?  Sip and Twirl is a passionate group of wedding planners, and we are located in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Whether you have just started envisioning your dream wedding day, or are in the thick of planning, we'd love to hear from you!  We plan for both small and large scale weddings, and genuinely love what we do.  Reach out to us at (480) 648-0663 or email us at info@sipandtwirl.com.  

| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Four Fabulous Ways to Celebrate the Fourth in Phoenix

Whether your looking for the best fireworks in town, a family friendly event, or just want to make sparks fly with your love, we’ve got four festive ways to celebrate Independence Day this year.  Happy Fourth of July!

Photo by Pinkerton Photography

Fireworks at a neighboring country club

If you’re looking for a romantic spot to catch fireworks this year that is less crowded and more adult, look up resorts, country clubs, or golf courses in your neighborhood.  We love catching fireworks in this setting because the crowds are a bit thinner, and you can usually valet.  Pack a picnic blanket, two camping chairs, and if permitted, the bubbles!  You can even head an hour early and catch the sunset.  A couple of spots in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area that are open to the general public this holiday are the Fairmont Princess for their Freedom Fest and The Wigwam for the Red, White & Boom event.

Water balloon dodgeball

This game is great for kids of all ages and brings the fun factor to your annual backyard BBQ.  Start by shopping for red, white, and blue water balloons, and don’t forget to bring two large buckets to hold the filled balloons in between the two teams.  Rally your most adventurous and spontaneous pals and may the driest person win!  Time your water balloon fight just before dinner is served to work up an appetite.  

Red, white and blue picnic

We love meals that are holiday themed, and the Forth of July is the perfect time to whip up something festive. Our favorite red, white and blue, creations start with blueberries, and strawberries or raspberries, and are accompanied with something white this summer.  We love berry dishes because they usually require little to no heat, and you can indulge guilt-free! They are the perfect picnic side dish, and here are three recipes we love.

Patriotic Parfaits

No Bake Red, White & Blueberry Cashew Bars

No Bake Greek Yogurt & Berry Cheesecake (pack individual slices with a freezer pack)

Of course, adding a bottle of red or white wine to any picnic will only enhance your basket!  Check out the McCormick Ranch area in Scottsdale to find a shady green patch for your perfect picnic setting.  

Photo by Delish.com

Go on a sunset hike in Carefree

Yes, it’s brutally hot in the desert in the summer, but trek to the Carefree area to enjoy the outdoors a few degrees cooler.  Leave for your hike just before sunset, and make sure to pack a blanket to enjoy the view at the top, and headlamps to enjoy a safe journey down.  If you pick the right trail, you will get a spectacular view of the Valley where you will get a panorama view of the different fireworks.

Photo by Pinkerton Photography

Know of any other noteworthy ways to celebrate the Fourth?  Leave us a comment below, and in the meantime we wish you a very Happy Fourth of July, from all of us at Sip and Twirl!

| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Dos and Don’ts for Creating Your Wedding Website

If you’ve attended at least one wedding in the last decade, you’ve probably stumbled upon some pretty amazing websites that couples have used to share everything from their ceremony details to their love story with their guests.  When it comes to creating a wedding website for your own big day, it can seem overwhelming to determine just how much information to share.  Ultimately, a great wedding website will act as a helpful guide to your wedding weekend, and will get guests excited about attending.  Here are our top dos and don’ts for putting together your wedding website, and how this can help you in the planning process. 

Photo of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale by Bradford Jones

Do have the very basic details, including date, time, ceremony and reception address(es) shared on your website’s homepage in plain sight.  If you’ve chosen a website layout and style that doesn’t lend to this information being shared on your homepage, make sure in the least that it is easy for your guests to find.  

Don’t use your wedding website to share other wedding related event information, such as the rehearsal dinner, your bachelor or bachelorette party, your bridal shower, or other exclusive events.  Instead, communicate directly with these smaller groups of people, as this will help avoid any confusion and frankly, socially awkward encounters.  You can, however, share other events, such as a welcome party or farewell brunch, where everyone is welcome.  Team up with your wedding planner to create a fun timeline for both the wedding day and wedding weekend that you can post in general terms on your website.  

Photo by Bradford Jones

Do come up with some fun, basic branding that your guests can use on social media.  You can share your hashtag or let your guests know that you’ll have a Snapchat filter available at your reception.  Don’t want to blow social up?  That’s ok too!  Here is a good chance to share your preferences with guests if you prefer to have an unplugged wedding.  

Don’t leave your guests guessing about the dress code.  Let them know what is suggested attire, whether it’s black tie, cocktail attire, formal or casual, as they will want to be dressed appropriately.  Additionally, if you are envisioning a wedding where guests all where the same color, (check out this festive photo from Robert and Talal’s wedding below), make sure you mention it here, well in advance of your wedding day.  Finally, if you’re getting married on a ranch, in a barn, or, swoon, at a vineyard, make sure to let your guests know if the grounds don’t lend to stilettos or fabric that isn’t very breathable.  

Photos of Robert and Talal's wedding by Bradford Jones

Do compile a list of recommended places for accommodation and food, as some of your out-of-town guests won’t know the local area very well.  It’s helpful to also share information about transportation options, such as shuttle services, or whether or not your hometown has services like Uber or Lyft.  Do your best to provide links and contact information for all of your recommended places/services so that guests can call and book ahead.  Having this all in one place will help your guests stay organized and will reduce the number of times that they reach out to you for the same information from one party to the next.  

Photo of Jenelle and Kurt by Bradford Jones

Sip and Twirl is a passionate group of wedding planners, and we are located in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Whether you have just started envisioning your dream wedding day, or are in the thick of planning, we'd love to hear from you!  We plan for both small and large scale weddings, and genuinely love what we do.  Reach out to us at (480) 648-0663 or email us at info@sipandtwirl.com.  

| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Turn Up the Heat on Your Romance with These 10 Summer Dates

Things are heating up this summer, and you’re looking to keep the spark in your relationship.  We’ve got you covered with 10 dates ideas that will carry you through the season.  Going on intentional dates, not to mention, trying something new, will spark romance and excitement in your relationship.  Read on to find a date that is just right for you and your partner. 

Photo of Chelsea and John by Andrew Jade

Go wine tasting at your local vineyard or wine bar.  This combines two of our favorite things in life.  One is red.  One is white.  Need we say more?  Here’s a guide to Arizona’s wineries.  

Go glamping.  While pitching a tent might not be your style, glamping with your boo is actually a blast!  Think about stargazing while sipping on your favorite bottle of wine, watching your man (or woman!) start a fire, and of course, making s’mores together.  Camping is a great excuse to cozy up with your person, plus it will feel great to go off of the grid for a few days.  Just a head’s up, some parks will require an advanced reservation due to demand, so make sure to check out a campsite’s website before hitting the road.

Get outdoors.  Even in the summer heat, it's important to get outside.  Run, walk the dog, play catch, or stretch in the grass.  Outdoor activities can bring out a more playful side in your relationship.  To accommodate the 100+ degree heat, plan a morning date before 9am, or head out after the sun goes down at night, like a walk after dinner. 

Cook a new dish at home.  The summer is the perfect time to go all out in the produce section of your favorite grocery store.  Pick out a new recipe in advance to get all of the ingredients you need to make your meal to perfection.  Two blogs that we love are the Woks of Life and Nourishing Wild, where you can get some tasty ideas for your dish.  

Photo of Lindsey and Gregg by Trevor Dayley

Do a food truck tour.  You will support your local economy while enjoying a variety of yummy bites.  Some food trucks are all parked close to each other and offer an extra-small portion on their menu so that you can truck hop and enjoy each flavor.

Go to a concert.  Summer is usually the month that most artists tour, and seeing one of your favorite bands together will give you something exciting to look forward to all season.  Find some mutual friends that are going too, and share the cost of an Uber or Lyft so that you don’t need to coordinate parking and who will be the designated driver.  

Hit up a rock gym.  If you’re from Arizona or hot climates like us, you know that hiking in the summer isn’t awesome in 100+ degree weather.  There are lots of rock and bouldering gyms in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area that you can try instead.  Bonus, belaying for the other person is a great way to build trust! 

Grab gelato. Gelato always makes life better.  

Do something unexpected for your partner.  This one is great any time of the year.  Fill up the tank or get their car washed.  You can also leave a appreciation note in their lunch or work bag.  Make a quick selfie video lip syncing a funny love song, or pick up flowers on your way home from work.  We realize this isn’t a date per say, but have a hunch that your spontaneity will lead you to share a special moment with your person.

Check out a National Park.  While you are on your camping trip, you might just been close to a National Park!  Head to the National Park Service website to find your closest park, searchable by state.  You might even be able to score free entry if you plan your trip around one of these days.

Photo of Katie and Chris by Daniel Kim

We at Sip and Twirl are always here to help.  We get more than a bit excited about helping couples with planning everything from the perfect first look to the last toast on wedding night.  We are located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have many years of experience in wedding planning.  We’d love to hear about your dream wedding day, and learn how we can help make this vision a reality.  Contact us at (480) 648-0663 or info@sipandtwirl.com.