Blending Timeless Elegance With a Fresh Mediterranean Twist at El Chorro Lodge

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Navy, Light/Slate Blue, White (Accented with Lemons, Eucalyptus, And Light Pink)[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

This wedding design blends timeless elegance with a fresh Mediterranean twist, featuring a sophisticated palette softened by delicate accents. Lush greenery, abundant florals, and vibrant lemons infuse the setting with natural beauty and a warm, romantic atmosphere.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From The Bride Caroline “JR and I had been together for almost 5 years, 2 cross country moves and multiple family vacations! However we had never once had both of our families meet! We decided that Thanksgiving was the perfect time. On paper it made sense, rent a big house, get everyone under one roof, cross your fingers and hope for the best! It all started almost too good to be true, our mom’s clicked immediately and everyone was enjoying the beginning of an unforgettable week. JR’s sister and brother in law were flying in late Tuesday evening and I was somehow tasked to pick them up from the airport. Since our house was far North Scottsdale and I had just left my office that was right next to the airport, I thought it was silly to drive all the way down south to pick them up and come back at 8pm! In reality, Uber and Lyft seemed like a totally normal answer! I couldn’t understand why everyone was pushing SO hard for me to pick them up. I was angry, upset and so frustrated! I think I had some strong words with JR before I left. Something like “you owe me big time mister”. I couldn’t understand why he got such a good laugh out of that at the time! So at 8pm, I started my long trek to Sky Harbor as chauffeur! Little did I know what was happening while I was gone! When we finally arrived back to the house, we walked in the front door and it was empty! My mom came out to say a few of JR’s friends had stopped by for a drink. As I said earlier, I was NOT in the mood. I had to work the next day and was exhausted! I walked outside ready to have some strong words with JR only to find the beer burro standing in the middle of the yard, surrounded by hundreds of twinkle lights and candles. In the middle of it all with Mija, the beer burro, JR, and our whole family. Almost all of them were holding a phone and had our best best friends on facetime so they could witness everything! Eventually, after I calmed down and realized what was actually happening, JR got down on one knee and asked if I wanted to have a party on June 14th. From the first day we started dating, I told him I was going to get married on June 14th. Yes, I talked about marriage on our first date. Everything the rule book tells you NOT to do. June 14th was the day my mother and late father got married. It was special in so many ways! I guess to this day, I’m still waiting for him to actually ask me to marry him! From all I know we’re just having a big party! With the clock slowly ticking down, we’re planning the most Greek and Italian wedding there ever was! Opa! Chin Chin!”[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride graced the day in a bespoke Mikado silk ballgown, featuring a deep V-neckline, an exaggerated pinched waistline with subtle pleats, and every bride’s dream—pockets! The gown’s horsehair netting underskirt added structure, while a custom veil with a horsehair trim perfectly complemented the look. Her low chignon, adorned with pearls and studs, elegantly framed the exposed square back of the dress, highlighted by satin-covered buttons and a short, bustle-ready train. For a playful touch, she wore “something blue” low stacked heels by Jack Rogers, featuring bright lobsters as a nod to the couple’s Boston love story. To top it off, a blue pinstripe lining on the underside of her dress added a charming, personal twist.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore the perfect summer-friendly lightweight georgette dresses, in light slate blue. The dresses featured a fitted bodice with princess seams and a chic apron neckline. Adjustable spaghetti straps crisscrossed gracefully over an open back, while a billowing maxi skirt cascaded from the elasticized waistline, creating a flowing, sophisticated silhouette. The hidden back zipper with a clasp ensured a flawless finish, making these dresses perfect for the special occasion.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom looked incredibly polished in a custom-tailored navy blue suit from Nick’s Menswear, perfectly complemented by a pale pink tie to blend in the wedding accents. His pocket square, made from the bride’s father’s wedding cummerbund, added a touch of sentimentality, while he also honored tradition by wearing the bride’s father’s wedding ring, inscribed with both their wedding dates. Finishing his look were classic brown leather Cole Haan shoes and his tie clip was engraved with the coordinates of the place where they first met, making his attire both meaningful and stylish.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]The menu was a delightful journey of flavors, starting with an organized Caesar, Tuscan kale, or arugula salad for the first course. The second course featured a savory spread of red wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle mashed potatoes, glazed baby carrots, or the Southern oven-fried chicken, polenta cakes, and julienned vegetables—all served family-style for a warm, communal experience. El Chorro’s famous sticky buns added a touch of indulgence, and a charming gelato cart provided a sweet, playful finish to the meal.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding décor was a vision of lush elegance and down to earth Mediterranean themes. Cascading lux greenery was dripping from the ceilings, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Luxurious linens adorned the tables, while opulent lush florals and greenery added to the richness of the setting. Accents of lemons were abundant throughout the entire theme, infusing the space with vibrant pops of color and a fresh, sophisticated and clean touch.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was a vision of timeless elegance, with a classic white design adorned with simple yet sophisticated eucalyptus accents. In contrast, the groom’s cake playfully celebrated the couple’s spirited rivalry—decorated as a Chicago Cubs cake, it surprised everyone when cut open to reveal orange and black layers, a nod to the bride’s love for the San Francisco Giants. This clever twist added a fun and memorable touch to their special day.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, capturing the essence of the couple in every way. It was deeply personal, filled with moments that had the couple laughing and tearing up all at once. The officiant, a close family friend, added a unique touch by breaking out a kazoo mid-ceremony, even playing a song on both guitar and kazoo, creating a lighthearted and memorable experience that was as fun as it was touching.

The reception was an absolute blast, thanks to the lively band that kept the energy high and the dance floor packed. The groom’s Greek heritage brought a special touch to the evening, as the couple and their guests joyfully performed traditional Greek wedding dances like the Kalamatianos, Sirtaki, Tsamiko, and more. The groom also played a game ” Don’t spill the Greek Ouzo” while doing the Greek dance that was incredibly entertaining. The festivities took a playful turn with a spontaneous round of limbo, adding a fun and unexpected moment to an already unforgettable night.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]For her first dance, the bride chose to share a deeply meaningful moment with her mother, honoring her late father’s memory. The dance was a tender and emotional tribute as well as silly and full of fun, filled with love and connection, as mother and daughter embraced this special moment together. It was a heartfelt reflection of their bond, creating a memory that would be cherished forever.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The couples adorable and beloved dog Millie is incredibly important to them, as such they made sure to include her in their big day. She played a heartwarming role in the first look, adding a touch of joy and comfort to the moment. Millie’s presence made the morning even more memorable, reflecting the deep bond she shares with the couple.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple added an extra layer of personalization to their wedding by hiring a talented artist to recreate an engagement photo we took soon after they were engaged as a painting for their save-the-date. They chose an image that featured their beloved dog Millie, making the artwork even more special. The painting was beautifully enhanced with cactus elements, reflecting their desert wedding location and adding a unique and meaningful touch to their celebration.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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