1. How did you two meet or what was the proposal like?: We met online. For our first date, Tobias asked if he could surprise me. He picked me up in a suit and tie and took me to dinner at Camelback Inn. We had a beautiful dinner on a flowery patio overlooking Camelback Mountain at sunset. After dropping me off, Tobias sent me a text confirming our mutual feelings. Neither of us had ever felt this way before. We instantly knew we wanted to spend our lives together.
A month after meeting, I had gotten into a horrible car wreck on the highway that left my arm burned and my car totaled. Tobias was at a conference when I gave him the news and he immediately left to be by my side. He took me to urgent care, as well as to get a rental car. He then took me home to rest, as I was both physically and mentally exhausted.
When I woke up from my nap, Tobias wasn’t home, so I decided to call my Mom to let her know what had happened. As I was on the phone with her, Tobias came in the house bearing flowers and balloons. I told my Mom I would call her back.
Tobias asked who I was talking to, and I told him my Mom. He insisted I call her back immediately, which I did. (My parents live in Chicago.) With my Mom on the phone, Tobias brought in a teddy bear holding the most beautiful engagement ring I had ever seen and got down on one knee. It was simple, sweet and could not have been more perfect. My Mom was ecstatic about being able to be a part of my proposal, which was something I never expected after the horrific day I had.
2. Were you happy with the venue?: The venue couldn’t have possibly been any more perfect!! We originally looked at eloping in Tuscany, but decided we would rather have a small, intimate wedding with our closest family and friends. Tobias picked the venue with the thought that it looked like Tuscany.
3. Describe the theme or color scheme of your wedding, and what you chose for your table setting at the reception: We wanted a Tuscan theme for our wedding. My vision was elegant romance. The two main colors were merlot and blush. I knew I wanted roses, but was open to the accompanying flowers. I wanted simple décor, so for our table settings, we did antique style place settings, with simple silverware and simple glassware. The runners were merlot and the napkins were blush. The floral centerpieces were surrounded by free floating flowers to give the look of garland. Different sized tall glass votive holders were mixed in with the flowers. In keeping with our Tuscan theme, we served a homemade pasta with beef shortrib ragu for dinner. Our cake was tiramisu with cheesecake bites and cannolis. We are HUGE dog lovers, so our cake topper was custom made with our three dogs pictures. Our favors were personalized bottles of our favorite olive oil – Tuscan Herb from Olive U Naturally in Prescott, Tobias’ hometown. Throughout the ceremony and evening, a violin and cello played in the background, finalizing our romantic, Tuscan atmosphere.
4. What piece of advice would you give other couples planning their big day? Your wedding day is all about YOU!! You can have any theme of wedding on any budget if you do your homework. Don’t get talked into anything you don’t want to do, and don’t let anyone discourage you from having the wedding and day of your dreams. On your wedding day, when others are trying to do everything for you – let them!! Enjoy your moment because it’s once in a lifetime and it goes by so quickly, even though you’ll want it to last forever.
