We loved Lila instantly when we first spoke with her. She had such a sweet personality and when you add the dash of free spirited joy that we sensed as we talked,  we just knew wonderful things were going to happen with this elopement as we made plans.

Her color scheme included soft muted pinks, yellows, warm corals, both vibrant and bright, yet soft, and she had requested a ribbon arch which we were so excited to create for her and Chet. We chose a watercolor palette to work from, and included for the main table, hand lettered place cards made on custom watercolor papers to allow the watercolor pinks, corals, and yellows to mimic the amazing vibrant sunsets of the southwest, and to blend just like a watercolor painting. Thanks to Foil and Ink for the stunning water colored cards.

We turned to our favorite floral artist to help us bring just the right touches of southwest sunsets to our floral scapes, to match Lila’s warm personality. So Charlene, our floral design genius, chose a wonderful rose that just fit Lila perfectly called the “Free Spirit Rose”, an awesome flower that has a vibrant watercolor feel and blends corals and pinks, and warmth all in one stem. Amazing. Thanks Charlene and The Front Porch Flowers for exquisite work! We then asked our bakery Gimme Some Sugar if they could make a water colored pink, coral, and cream cake and of course, they rose to the occasion and created a spectacularly yummy work of edible art. And the mini pink coral cheesecakes, oh my cheesecake goodness! So Yummy!

Well, enough of all the details – the real stars of this story are Lila and her love, Chet. Lila walked the aisle with her father, where Chet waited under the multi colored ribbon arch fluttering in the breeze, against the coral rock and sandstone of the natural beauty of the Seven Sisters rock formations in the Valley of Fire. That was pretty touching, especially when Dad took off his jacket and put his coat around Lila to keep her warm. Little touches of kindness and love for a treasured daughter that touched us all. Lila had chosen the violinist to play “You are My Sunshine,” her fathers’ favorite song for her. I get misty-eyed thinking about it again. Ok, truth, I am wiping tears here..seriously, you could just feel the love surrounding them all. So, I will end on that wonderful and loving note.

Chet and Lila, and all your family; it was a wonderful pleasure to be involved in the creation of your simply amazing wedding day. Come back to the fabulous Valley of Fire and visit sometime! Best wishes and all our love and hope for both you and Chet’s  future happiness.

Warmly,  Lory and Rachel, here at Cactus and Lace Weddings.