Melissa and Daniel are both from New York, born and raised. When we first met this wonderful couple, they had actually come to Vegas to scope out places where they could have their wedding ceremony. Because they loved it so much, they decided to come to Vegas and get married. We met them at Valley of Fire, which, as you all may know, is our very favorite places in the world. We found them to be a warm and gracious couple. We were so excited and honored when they booked us to create an intimate and stylish wedding for them. As we began the planning, Melissa and Daniel wanted to make sure that their many guests who would travel from the east coast would have a wonderful time. Truthfully, though, these two families were so delightfully vibrant and happy, they would have a great time anywhere.  We wanted to adopt both families, everyone was so friendly and kind.

There was a lot of hugging and laughing constantly going on, and we were making sure lots of family had lots of pictures taken so those memories were captured forever, because that is why we do what we do. From the grandparents on down to the smallest littles, we took pictures of happy, loving, people that special day. Most of them had not seen the Valley of Fire before, and were a little surprised that the pictures they saw on our website were actually how it all really looks. Pretty amazing stuff, this Valley of Fire.

We always love to provide yummy desserts, and Peridot Sweets  really came through for us. Tiffany Jones, owner of Peridot, made a delicious ruffled vanilla bean wedding cake with smooth, rich,  butter cream filling and dozens of the most delicious cupcakes as well. The weather could not have been more perfect to eat them outside, a soft playful breeze kept us cool, and lots of sunshine and deep blue, clear skies made the fiery colors of the sandstone rocks so vibrant and rich.

Melissa was lovely, with hair artfully arranged and flawless makeup done by Ruby Finch Salon. Melissa and her bridesmaids had wonderfully designed custom bouquets from the Front Porch Flowers. We used fresh flowers to highlight the arch, and stunning florals and succulents were used under tall apothecary jars as accent pieces. A tall, white, wooden hand-carved vintage door was set up against our couple’s sweet-heart table as a backdrop, and to remind them that doors symbolize hope, a new beginning, and will always stay open for those we love. Antique and vintage books provided the bases to set the flower filled jars on, and a tiny antique well loved leather bound copy of Emily Barrett Browning’s Sonnets to the Portuguese was nestled near by. We hope Daniel and Melissa will always remember those famous words, as they travel their path along life and remember “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”

We want to send our best and most warm wishes to Melissa and Daniel and the wonderful family and friends who traveled to be with them! Congratulations from all of us here at Cactus and Lace! Remember, you have family in Vegas now!