Wedding | Desiree & Michael

Tell us a little about yourselves! 

We met at an ice cream social while attending The Design School at Arizona State University. We both were getting our masters, Michael in Industrial Design and Desiree in Visual Communication. Other than design, we both have an interest in traveling, seeking out new restaurants, concerts, comedy shows, but our most favorite activity is definitely eavesdropping and gossiping.

Why did you decide to get married where you did? 

We have always been drawn to Arcosanti and Cosanti Originals - and maybe that’s because we are both from Arizona. Cosanti Originals was always a place we would visit to seek peace and inspiration while in school. When we got engaged, I really struggled finding a venue because I hated everything we looked at. We stopped by Cosanti Originals to clear our mind and we both turned to each other and said this place is it! Cosanti Originals is not a venue but their staff were very easy to work with while planning.

How many guests did you have? 

For the ceremony we had 75 and for the reception 140.

What was your budget? 

$60k.

Tell us about your outfits. 

I wanted something simple, sophisticated and flirty and I think my dress hit all those marks for me and Mikey looked amazing too.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding? 

Intimacy with our closest friends and family. I also wanted to make sure we went with our own flow and not get caught up in traditions we didn’t care about. I think Cosanti Originals helped us achieve that, it brought everyone physically close together and it also added an element of non-traditional flare. I also enjoyed the casualness of having the reception at his parents house, it felt special.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate? 

Other than great food and music, it was very important to us to be able to share a unique space with our friends and family (especially people from out of town). We focused a lot of attention on the ceremony, adding things like draping, a Spanish guitarist, a string quartet, and personal handwritten notes for every attendee. It was also important for us to share our vows out loud - I personally needed to hear this man profess his undying love for me in front of everyone.

Any tips for couples getting married? 

Make separate lists of top 3 priorities for your wedding and then share it with each other to make sure they align. For us our priorities were: Food & Drink, Music & Entertainment, Photography & Video and Florals. 

This helped us focus on researching which type of vendors we wanted to work with.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about? 

My photographer Chloe Huls was so easy and comfortable to work with. I am the type of person that does not enjoy having their picture taken - but with her, I was able to completely relax. Her energy helps calm down any chaos going on during one of the biggest days of your life and I think that’s a huge factor in capturing such magical moments. I really think the beauty of her work is a testament to who she is as a person. 

My florist Randi Cavanaugh with Carte Blanche Design - I was absolutely stunned with her ability to do so much with both spaces! She not only arranged the most gorgeous florals but she was able to work wonders with draping! She was able to take my vision and bring it to life effortlessly.

Photography & Super8 Film: Chloe Huls @chloe_huls | Planning: Adeena Fox @amandapevents_ |

Flora: Carte Blanche Floral @carteblanchedesign | Ceremony Location: Cosanti Originals @cosanti_originals | Reception Location: Private Residence | Celebrant: Serena Louise

@serenalouisesound | Rentals: The Confetti Studio @theconfettistudio | HMUA: Le Beige Beauty @lebeigebeauty | Catering & Beverages: Cloth & Flame @clothandflame | Cake: A. Cakes Bakery @a.cakesbakery.az | Stationery: Designed by bride | Entertainment: Amani Jae Entertainment @foreveramanijae | Dress: Sarah Seven @sarahseven | Wedding Rings: Hila Jewelry @hilalijewelry | Shoes: Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo |.Dinner Tables & Bride Bouquets: Katie Thomson @Katie.r.thomson