villa siena Wedding

In the rapidly growing town of Gilbert, there is a piece of Italy nestled in its very own backyard. Villa Siena, filled with its historic Italian architecture, and its Tuscan region inspiration was designed in 2004 to provide an experience of an authentic Italian villa without ever leaving Arizona. In a state full of cactus and red rock there is no better way to transport you and your guests out of the traditional Arizona backdrop and into an Italian oasis on your wedding day. Here, on a radiant fall afternoon, Tyler and Becca arrived on the day they would finally say “I  do”! 

The morning was all celebration and laughter. Elegantly dressed in matching blush robes with the most intricate floral lace work on the sleeves, the bridesmaids were ready to celebrate Becca, as her makeup and hair were given their final touches. Mimosa toasts and huge bridal squad champagne glasses, slumber party Air BNB fun, Becca took a moment to just take it all in and sit with her girls as they congratulated her and gave her words of wisdom for her wedding day. As her mom sat on the bed with her, slung back a swig of champagne, she stared at her baby girl, and with the proud look of acceptance, told her it’s time to head to the venue. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen celebrated in their Air BnB laughing hysterically as they reminisced about their wild times together and patting his back in support of becoming a husband. The whisky poured slowly, jokes were consistent, and the toasts genuine, it was time to jump in the limo and head to Villa Siena.    

The moments before walking down the aisle were perfectly planned. Yet we all know how things that are planned often don’t. Becca stood there and stared at her mermaid gown, lace woven into delicate sections, the buttons paralleling down  her back, she stepped inside it, pulled it up, and proceeded to have it zipped by her mom. Then with a little panic, everyone realized the eyelet was gone… the dress in no way was able to hold the zipper as gravity was just not forgiving and wanted it to simply slide back down to the floor. Everyone franticly looked for a safety pin! Only to find the bridal emergency kit did not include one, bridesmaids purses and their deep abyss of random items offered no safety pin, and then she saw something … Becca looked down at her feet and right under the armoire was a shiny silver safety pin. Calmly she took a deep breath, pointed to the pin, and with help from her mom and maid of honor the dress was on & it was perfect! As Becca stood there and stared in the mirror, tears welled up in her eyes, the day she had been waiting for since she was a little girl, was finally here. With a deep breath she turned around and said “I’m ready” the doors opened wide and in came her bridesmaids, in awe, and  with tears flooding their faces, they all clapped and cheered as took in just how breathtaking their best friend was. Now it was finally time to see her fiancé for the last time.

Tyler stood there shifting side to side… with his back to the doors, he stood there waiting for the moment he had been looking forward to all day. The moment to just be with Becca, no eyes on them but the cameras that would capture the first moments of them on their wedding day. No guests, no parents, no wedding party… just Tyler and Becca. With his eyes closed, we positioned him with his back to Becca, fluffing her gown, and guiding her with eyes closed. We told her it was time … 3, 2, 1 … Tyler turned, smiling ear to ear… Becca started to cry… the shock and nerves that had been building up all morning finally were escaping and as Tyler walked towards Becca he embraced her, kissed her deeply and passionately, then he pulled back and checked out his bride in all her beauty.

With the first look over, Becca and Tyler snuck off to prepare to walk down the aisle. Escorted by her father down the aisle of cobblestone floors, Becca, in her sophisticated gown and heart stopping tulle and lace cathedral veil, absolutely glowed. And her groom even had to brush away a tear when he saw her!  Being the thoughtful planner and organized bride Becca was, she had every detailed planned down to the way they wanted their ceremony to be unique. As the officiant started the ceremony, Tyler and Becca thanked their parents first for raising them and supporting their decision to become husband and wife. They presented their parents with a rose, and hugged them both tightly. As the custom vows started, there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. Now, it was time for the surprise… they added the most creative ceremony addition we have ever seen and shocked the crowd. As they both walked to the tiny table nestled at the front corner of the alter… there were two perfectly shaped hearts of bread on the center of a plate. Two tiny glass jars sat opposite sides of the plate. They opened the jars and all of a sudden as if the jars signaled the music the sounds of “Peanut butter jelly time” blared through the loud speakers. The guests erupted in laughter and Tyler and Becca couldn’t help but laugh too as they knew in that moment they were authentic in the way they chose to say I do that day! Becca slapped her jelly heart on top of Tylers Peanut Butter heart and in unison took a bite of the sandwich. 

Under the expert guidance of the wedding coordinator, Jenna Conklin, at Villa Siena, the talented vendors painted an elegant scene. The romance of the floral arrangements by Jodi of Flowers by Jodi, was perfectly juxtaposed by edgier, more modern elements, like the green and marbled wedding cake, ornamented with delicate, gold embellishments crafted by A Piece of Cake. The table scape, overflowing with large glass vases and floral blooms, decorated with glassware and nostalgic “Perfect Match” match boxes that would be used later for the grandiose sparkler exit. Even the custom glass sign made by Kaydee at Crafted by Kaydee, welcoming the guests to the wedding, added the elegant embrace at the entrance of the venue.

Surrounded by a  glowing Mr. and Mrs. sign and the romantic scent of rose blooms wafting through the room, the festivities carried on well into the night. The toasts, from the best friend and maid of honor of the bride, and college roommate and best man of the groom were heartfelt and full of laughter. Celebration was added on top of celebration when, after the bride and grooms first dance, they invited every table to come take a picture with them.  After thanking each guest, and taking all the support in they felt it was time to party. The DJ turned up the jams and the lip singing started to surface among the many guests that were making their way to the dance floor. 

As the party came to a close, the crowd cheered and the bride and groom sprinted into the tunnel of glittering sparklers. Surrounded by friends and family, their life together as husband and wife began.  We are so thrilled we were able to document Tyler and Becca’s big day, and we can’t wait to see where life takes them. Check out some of the images from their breathtaking Villa Siena wedding, and let us know which ones you love best in the comments.

illa Siena located in Gilbert Arizona is a wedding venue that was designed and crafted in 2004. With a heavy use of groin vaults and gothic arches throughout the halls and the four manicured courtyards of the villa, the venue provides a graceful backdrop for any looking for timeless, classic, and elegant photos. Villa Siena offers custom tailored events, and welcome the interested to come in and tour and receive a custom quote for their special event.

Some of the things we as photographers loved about Villa Siena.

Bride and Groom rooms, though small, they are comfortable, they allow for you to hide and slip away while your guests arrive, or when you need to bustle up and freshen up before the reception. The decor & layout provide the opportunity for one of a kind photos.

Ceremony– The Piazza Toscana offers a picturesque setting of an outdoor garden ceremony. The location offers seating of up to 250 guests. There is a breathtaking stone fireplace that can be decorated by elegant floral work by your florist and breathtaking free standing fountains that can host rose pedals on your day. Options of an indoor wedding ceremony also can be accommodated and are often the choice in those hot summer months. Indoor ceremonies can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Reception– The breathtaking architecture adds detail to the room that will provide the experience for your guests. Villa Siena invites you to plan your reception festivities four weeks prior to your wedding day. However you choose to party with your guests, the support from the staff to the coordinator down to the chef and waiters will make your night one to remember. Finally, we love how open the room is yet intimate at the same time, as if you are at an enormous private dinner with your family and friends. Oh wait isn’t that what your wedding reception should be like… well here you have a double hitter with not only the feeling but the look to compliment it as well. 

We were honored to shoot at the Villa Siena. Tyler and Becca’s wedding will be one we remember for quite sometime. They were humbled enough to share some of their advice from their day. 

“Try to be present in the moment and take time to really soak in everything happening because it goes by so fast.” – Becca Stauffer 

the team that made it all possible

Wedding Planning and Designing: Bride and Jenna Conklin – [email protected]

Venue: Villa Siena 

Day of Coordinator: Jenna Conklin

 

Florals & Decor: Flowers by Jodi | Videography: David Nuttall My Event Film | Hair: Samantha Lopez | Makeup: Makeup by Velvet | DJ: Ray the DJ | Paper Goods: Beautiful Wedding Announcements | Cake: A piece of Cake | Officiant: Reverend Nick | Dress: Suzanne’s Bridal | Grooms Apparel: Mr Formal | Custom Glass Signs: Crafted by Kaydee