Hip, Modern + Minimal Tucson Desert Wedding

Tucson Wedding

Emily + David have been together for nine years; they met through the Tucson music scene and their relationship has only grown since then… Around fashion, music, and their home: the desert. Inspired by those three things, they wanted to keep their wedding simple, natural and THEM. Emily owns an online based women’s shop — Fine Life Co., so she has a keen eye for details + decor, and has found that keeping things clean + simple is everything.

Right after David proposed last year (in one of their favorite cities, San Francisco), she got right to work planning the big day. She asked her friend, Brittany of Best Buds Botanical to create the most gorgeous florals; utilizing natural greens, air plants, wild florals and simple pops of color, she did just that. Letting the historic area of Tucson shine, along with their venue of Borderlands, E + D really nailed the whole simple, modern + hip wedding — which was so them.

Let’s take a look at all the gorgeous captures by Vienna Glenn Photography!

protea bouquet

Oh my goodness… How stunning is this bouquet against the dilapidated turquoise door?! Especially with the coral pink protea in the middle!

bridesmaids gifts

These darling clog sandals for the bridesmaids are from Emily’s shop, Fine Life Co.!

Tucson Wedding

Chris Riley Dress

 Her dress is by Chris Riley and the florals are by Best Buds Botanical. The clogs she is wearing are from Bryr Clogs. Love, love, love!

bridesmaids

natural bridesmaid bouquets

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS! The all white bridesmaid dresses are by Elizabeth Suzann.

groomsmen

groom

Such a dapper gent in his suit by Black Tux; shirt + sharp details by Taylor Stitch.

first look

Chris Riley Dress

Tucson Wedding

What a cool shot!

Chris Riley Dress

And that coral wall!!

Chris Riley Dress

Tucson Wedding

wedding signage

Tucson Wedding

Emily shares We incorporated personal touches here and there, by playing our favorite records while getting ready, my grandmother’s rug (which we stood on at the ceremony) + candle favors from my shop!

Tucson Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: For Your Precious Love by Otis Redding

Recessional: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

First Dance: Girl From North Country by Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash

Tucson Wedding

Emily shares During the ceremony, my niece — our flower girl — started mimicking us holding hands at the front of the altar and grabbed her brother (my nephew)! It made for some really sweet laughs and lightened moods. 

Tucson Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

There were so many sweet moments, but one of my favorites was shooting some shots of just David + I after the ceremony. We were headed to a nearby desert landscape, but David forgot his hat to wear for the photos at the AirBnB. We swung by to pick it up and our photographer asked if she could take some photos of us with David's guitar (which I had gifted to him for the wedding). It was calm + quiet in the room, unlike how it had been all day. Just the sounds of him strumming his guitar rang through the room, while we sat together on the couch — just married. I remember our photographer telling us, "Take this moment in..." and we did. It was really special!

Tucson Wedding

Tucson Wedding

Tucson Wedding

Tucson Wedding

These two!! All the feels…

Tucson Wedding

Tucson Wedding

All the florals + the leafy greens on the back of the chairs by Best Buds Botanical… So, so good.

protea centerpiece

Tucson Wedding

Tucson Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Find what makes your wedding special to you two. For us: the Downtown Tucson venues, the music, the beautiful greens + cactus, us and the most important people in our lives to share the day with us. I may have planned every single detail, but when we got to the big day, I let go and went with the flow. Some of the most special moments to us couldn't have been planned if we had tried.

Additionally, invest in a photographer! I can't put into words how special it is to relive our day through the photos that were taken!

sparkler exit

We LOVE a good sparkler exit + every last detail of this wedding! A huge congratulations to the two of you, Emily + David!!

photography: Vienna Glenn Photography // venue name: Borderlands, Tucson, Arizona, USA // planning: Melissa Matriss // florals: Best Buds Botanical // wedding dress: Chris Riley // bride's shoes: Bryr // bridesmaid dresses: Elizabeth Suzann // hair stylist: Heather Wyko // makeup artist: Georgina D Makeup // groom attire: Black Tux and Taylor Stitch // groom's shoes: Grant Stone // videography: Gerren Ford // paper goods: People I've Loved // handmade details: Candle Favors // catering: Maynards // cake: Ambrosia

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