by DIY Bride on 23.01.2015 - 06:10 PM

We're always so pleased when we receive a wedding submission that redefines or refines a trend. Bethany and Dan did just that with their big day that takes the ubiquitous-but-lovely rustic trend and incorporates elements of Arizona's Salt River Valley. It makes for a beautiful - and unique - combination as you'll see below.

From photographer, Dina, of Dina Remi Studios:

When I think of Bethany and Dan I think of effortless charm. They are one of those couples that are just perfectly matched. Each of them bring their own set of wonderful differences and strengths but together it's a perfect storm of awesome. Attention to detail is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about all the wonderful, intimate and personal details that went into this wedding.

The venue, River Ranch, is actually the home of a mutual friend and a Scottsdale, Arizona based interior designer. Every piece of her property has little bits of Arizona history and each unique item has a story to tell. Bethany and Dan's wedding was the first official wedding held there and I am so incredibly blessed to have been chosen to document their day.

Bethany teaches home economics and has a passion for food and cooking so it was no wonder that her and Dan paid extra attention to the delicious details of the day. They started the reception with appetizers and drinks out of mason jars labeled with all the names of their guests as a take home. For the main course they hired a gourmet cheese truck and had menu's designed for each place setting that could be filled out and given to the awesome cooks behind the grill. Not only did Bethany and Dan put on custom aprons and serve their guests before themselves, but they also included her students in a special way.

Bethany's students were given the assignment of writing meaningful quotes and phrases on each dinner plate served to their guests. They ended the evening with gourmet s'mores and dancing around the bonfire. Bethany and Dan are the perfect blend of confidence, passion, kindness and gentleness. I can't wait to see what's in store for these two!

Noteworthy Details: Bethany's engagement ring was a custom design. She had been told that she would be getting a simple gold band at the wedding. Little did she know that Dan surprised her with a "little sister" to the original engagement ring made by the same designer. The couple had their guests highlight favorite verses in their first Bible together as a married couple. Polaroids were taken as the guests arrived and placed in a scrapbook. During the reception the guests had the opportunity to find their pictures and write a little note to the newlyweds. Bethany had her grandmothers vintage brooch made into a hair piece that adorned her lovely side swept curls that day. Bethany's best friends sang as she walked down the aisle. Dan's father married the couple.

Bethany & Dan
Rustic DIY Ranch Wedding
Private Residence, Arizona
Event Date: March, 2014

Photographer: Dina Remi Studios//Dress Store: Lillian Lottie Couture//Caterer: The Grilled Cheese Truck//Caterer:The Lunch Lounge//Floral Designer: Tylers Custom Design//Event Planner: What A Day Weddings// Submitted via Two Bright Lights