Can you host a destination wedding during pandemic restrictions and guidelines? The answer is yes! The key is social distancing, following CDC protocol and making sure your friends and family feel comfortable and safe during the process. That’s exactly what Hannah + Timothy did for their desert-inspired day at Four Seasons Scottsdale. From the look of these pictures, you would never tell this day came together after countless re-plans and Covid-19 adjustments. Calluna Events planned with the couple for 1.5 years and the result? A beautifully designed day with socially distant family-style reception seating, a moody color palette, and a wedding dress that the bride dreamed about for 4 years! H shares:
Our inspiration for the day was to highlight the beautiful rich tones of the desert. Pulling the warmth of the sunset with colors like mauve-y pinks and oranges, while complementing them with cool moody purples and green tones. Both of us feel strong pulls to nature, despite living in the city. So feeling completely immersed in it was key in design for us. The large-ticket items for us were “Disco music, Bolo Ties, earth tones, and family”. Whether it was hiring a vendor or communicating a design, this list really helped steer our planning process to hit our goal.
The Shepards Photography captured such stunning images of the day! If you’re curious to see how H + T nailed this Covid-19 destination wedding, then scroll on with us!
Details of the Day
You can really see the desert theme take shape with these Summit and Sage wedding invitations + Megan M Makes calligraphy.
We love that H paired her tulle gown with these bridal boots!
Sweet Moments With the Bride
H was positively glowing on wedding day! She kept her bridal beauty look natural with golden makeup and flowing waves by Makiaj Beauty.
Moody, sunset hues just like H described! The Wild Flower used some of our favorite blooms like ranunculus, tulips, scabiosa and zinnia.
A great idea for a Covid-19-approved day? A Sanitizing Station! Stock up on face mask wedding favors here!
Desert Destination Wedding Ceremony
This setup is giving us major boho desert vibes and we’re here for it!!
Isn’t this Dang Fine Rentals wooden ceremony backdrop a fun and unique backdrop idea?!
Let the Wedded Bliss begin!
The Newlyweds
Instead of a classic wedding rehearsal party, Tim and I decided to hike Pinnacle Peak trail with our guests at sunset. It was a unique way for us to hang out with each person, witness a kickass sunset, and follow COVID safety protocol! Tim and I will never forget the moment we rested at the base of the mountain to catch our breath and looked up. All we could see were our friends and family mingling together and enjoying themselves, while their laughter echoed down the winding trail. After months of planning, and the threat of this day being postponed at any time, all the emotions hit us. This moment was so powerful for us to witness because it all became real and it was finally happening, all because of us, and a whole ton of faith.
All About That Wedding Dress
We are in love with this muted blush Inbal Dror wedding dress and we can see why H pined for it for over 4 years! She shares:
When I was working in the wedding industry, I had the opportunity to assist a bridal trunk show at Dimitra’s Bridal. As I was platting food for customers, a model passed by me wearing this dress, and my heart knew that that was my dress. Being incredibly single at the time, the chances of it still being available when I was a bride were slim. I told myself positive things like, “At least I know what style I liked!” or “Maybe something close to it will exist when it’s my time!”…
Fast forward to when Tim proposed, I immediately messaged Tina at Dimitra’s Bridal and asked if the dress was still there. Sure enough, it was, 4 years later! My mom and I booked an appointment immediately, Tina pulled it from the mannequin for “safekeeping”, and it became mine within the hour!
Destination Wedding Reception Pandemic Protocol
H + T held a socially distant wedding reception with the needs and comforts of their guests in mind. Keep scrolling to see how they did it!
I think the best decision we ever made in our planning process was to make COVID rules subtle, but with a strong purpose. One way we did this was by seating our guests at tables based on their “bubble exposure.” When our guests saw this at reception they were absolutely thrilled with it. This decision relieved any tension they may have had about potential COVID exposure and it also was a refreshing change to typical wedding seating. Our guests saw it as an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful date with their partner, or a night out to a fancy dinner with their kids. This truly was a huge win all around and we believe this and mandatory mask-wearing were the reasons we had a successful COVID-free wedding.
Glamour + Woods furniture and table top rentals prove that you can still provide a beautiful atmosphere with socially distant seating for your guests. One extra tip from H + T on finding the best wedding vendors during the pandemic?
Choosing your vendors is an intimidating and overwhelming process. If you go into it with the mindset of finding people you want to be friends with (who also happen to be mega-talented) you can’t go wrong. These are people you are not only communicating with for a long period of time but also choosing to capture some of the most intimate moments of your life. Thinking of them as a family or friends will make you feel more comfortable to enjoy your wedding day and be yourself.
Tackling a destination wedding during pandemic regulations isn’t easy, but Hannah + Timothy proved that it IS possible! Congratulations you two! The GWS team applauds your creativity and commitment to creating a beautiful and safe day. Wishing you only the best in the future!!
photography: The Shepards Photography // venue name: Four Seasons Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA // event design: Calluna Events // planning: Calluna Events // florals: The Wild Flower // wedding dress: Inbal Dror // wedding dress boutique: Dimitras Bridal Couture // hair stylist: Makiaj Beauty // makeup artist: Makiaj Beauty // videography: Pen Weddings // paper goods: Summit And Sage // calligraphy: Megan M Makes // catering: Four Seasons Scottsdale // cake: Four Seasons Scottsdale // tabletop rentals: Glamour +Woods // furniture rentals: Glamour +Woods // music: Vox DJs // ceremony backdrop: Dang Fine Rentals