My Tucson Wedding

Carmen and Julio were married at Saguaro Buttes on May 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM. It was a beautiful balmy evening, and a wonderful sunset.

I have a special place in my heart for Grandparents, especially at weddings.  First, they add a lot to a wedding and reception with their age, experience, and love for their grandchildren. In a recent survey, Grandmothers are the most popular family member. Many times they have difficulty getting around, climbing the stairs, etc.  We provide a special shuttle service, in order that they don’t have to climb any stairs, if needed. I personally enjoy visiting with them, and learning about their lives as they have a wealth of experience and know what marriage is really all about.  Many times they will be seated by themselves, after the ceremony while the pictures are taking place. They are very approachable and fun to visit with. I encourage the Bride and Groom to honor their Grandparents if possible by making them a part of the processional.

Phinny & Ronnesa were married at Saguaro Buttes on June 7th, 2009. Their rehearsal was on June 6th, at Noon.  They met at Sabino High School over 7 years ago and are both in the medical field.  They have guests coming from Hawaii, California, Colorado, and New York among other places and are planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Weddings are a time to look to the future, but they can also be a time to look to the past.  Many times the Bride and Groom may ask me if loved ones who are deceased can be mentioned during the ceremony. I always say, “Absolutely”. During the ceremony, you can begin by saying, “We have those here who are present in spirit but absent in body, who have meant a lot to both the bride and groom”.  This is a nice way of making note of these people who are greatly loved, but gone.  A table or the top of the piano can also be used to make a small memorial with pictures to those loved ones.  These touches do not distract from the happiness of the day in most cases, and can make a widow or widower feel comforted at the same time.

William and Cathryn were married on June 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, in a simple inside ceremony. They are planning to have a renewal of their vows next year on June 27th, 2010 at Reflections of the Buttes.  William and Cathryn have an interesting story, as they knew each other in High School over 20 years ago. After graduation each went their separate ways, and again reunited on their 20th High School Reunion. They have six children between them, Amanda, Stephanie, Tyler, Tory, Michael, and Patrick, who were a part of the intimate wedding ceremony on June 28th.

This sunset silhouette photo was taken on May 24, 2009 of Stacy and Joey Pacheco. The wedding photographer is also caught in the picture capturing their silhouette against the beautiful sunset backdrop at Saguaro Buttes. There is an unobstructed view of the Western skies from an elevated position, which is perfect for those beautiful evening photos. It is important to note, to not loose track of time after the wedding ceremony while taking family pictures, and miss out on your fantastic sunset pictures.

Zack and Jayme were married at Saguaro Buttes on May 23rd, at 6:00 PM on a beautiful balmy evening. Jayme wore a traditional wedding dress and Zack wore a nice white shirt and tie, as did his groomsman. They had a spectacular sunset.

 The Street Minstrels recently performed at a wedding at Saguaro Buttes and did a wonderful job, both during the ceremony and also during the cocktail hour. By visiting their web site you can hear a sampling of their music, and also the various music they can play. Franklin Ross, founder and guitarist of the group, began his musical interests as a child in Spain where he joined a group of students to play traditional folk music. His musical influences are varied, ranging from pop to jazz to classical. Their web site is:  http://www.streetminstrels.com

The Street Minstrels Info

The Street Minstrels began as a guitar-mandolin duet in 1986 playing mostly Irish, Classical and Traditional music. We would occasionally perform for tips at The Fourth Avenue Street Fair in Tucson, Arizona. It was while performing in this festive atmosphere that Frank got the idea for the group’s name. The duo eventually became a trio consisting of guitar, violin and flute our flautist also doubles on the clarinet. Our repertoire has expanded to include more International Folk Music, Renaissance and American and European Standards. Our unique sound is varied and festive.

• To Book The Street Minstrels:
• Contact: Franklin Ross
• Address: 5626 E. Third St.
• Tucson, Arizona 85711
• Phone: (520) 745-1732

CnN Imaging recently produced a slide presentation of a wedding a Saguaro Buttes. (click here)  Their web site is (click here).

CnN Imaging Information

Preserving Memories through Photography. Memories that capture life, love and family…  CnN Imaging was founded in 2006 by Tim Nichols (Owner/Photographer) and Jesse Clark (Owner/Graphic Artist), both veteran high school teachers at Cienega High School in Vail, Arizona. Professional Imaging Company designed as an affordable service for the community. We specialize in on-location photo shoots, while also providing a quality studio option.

• Website: www.cnnimaging.com
• Email: media@cnnimaging.com
• Studio: 520.867.6523

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Members Imaging USA attendees 2007 - 2008 Certified CTE Educators in the Vail School District, Arizona.”Providing Our Customers With a Quality Product is Our Top Priority”

Anthony & Amanda were married at Saguaro Buttes in a 9:00 AM Saturday morning service. They had guests from New Mexico and Colorado among other places. Their three children were also included in the service, Alex, Landon, & Faith.

The wedding colors for this wedding reception were Dusty Rose and Ivory with Calla Lilies for their center pieces, and chair ties with a bow. This made for a very warm and bright reception room.

Unity Sand is a wonderful way to add some color to your ceremony. We have written previously on the Unity Sand Ceremony on this site (if you do a search you will find a number of posts). There is now a web site that is devoted exclusively to this part of the ceremony. (Click Here)  Unity Candles work real well for outdoor weddings, and can produce some beautiful pictures like the one to the right that was taken by Solaris Photography recently at Saguaro Buttes.

Patio lights are a nice way to add atmosphere to the evening hour. The picture to the right is taken at Saguaro Buttes on a nice balmy evening. During the months of May and June, although it may be 98 degrees during the day, the evenings are very comfortable.

Ben and Victoria married on May 21st, at 6:00 PM. at Saguaro Buttes.   They met taking a Summer class at Mountain View HS in 2003 and have been together ever since. Both are recent graduates of the U of A and Ben has just been commissioned in the United States Air Force. They will be moving to Florida after the wedding.

Wedding are not inexpensive and it takes planning and budgeting to be able to afford the wedding of your dreams. Who pays for the various costs is a good question. With couples getting married later in life, many times the couples themselves are paying for the wedding. Another plan used for paying for the wedding is to split the cost is thirds, with the Brides family, Grooms Family, and the Bride and Groom each paying for one third of the costs. But still many will follow the traditional guidelines listed below.

• Traditional Responsibilities

◦ The bride’s family pays for:

• 
- Reception costs, including food, music, decorations, rental fees and entertainment
• - Ceremony Costs including rental fees, decorations
• - Flowers for Ceremony and Reception
• 
- The bride’s wedding dress and accessories
• - Invitations, announcements, programs, and mailing costs
• - Favors
• - Photography
• - Transportation
• - Their own attire and travel expenses

 ◦ The groom’s family pays for: 


• - The rehearsal dinner, including food, invitations, decorations and entertainment
• - Their own attire and travel expenses
• - A wedding present

◦ The bride pays for: 


• - The groom’s wedding ring
• - A wedding gift for the groom
• - Her hair, makeup, beauty treatments
• - Gifts for her attendants
• - Sometimes accommodations for any out-of-town bridesmaids

◦ The groom pays for: 


• - The marriage license
• - The bride’s engagement ring and wedding ring
• - The honeymoon
• - A wedding gift for the bride
• - The bride’s bouquet
• - Gifts for his attendants
• - Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers
• - Boutonnières for the men in the wedding party
• - Sometimes accommodations for any out-of-town groomsmen
• - Fee for the officiant

The beautiful picture to the right was taken at Saguaro Buttes at a recent wedding on the stairs leading up to the back patio next to the waterfall.

Many couples do not know there is an option in Arizona, of the type of marriage license that you may apply for.  In 1997, Arizona became one of three states (the other two are Arkansas and Lousiana) that offer a “Covenant Marriage”

What is a Covenant Marriage?

The bottom line of most covenant marriage laws is that a couple can not get a divorce easily. The covenant marriage laws try to put the brakes on quickie divorces by fostering a renewed commitment to having a long-term marriage. How do they accomplish this? By requiring pre-marital counseling before marriage, and also requiring counseling before a couple can get a divorce. It also limits the reasons for divorce which makes it more difficult to obtain a divorce. A covenant marriage does not provide “no fault” divorce.

Premarital Counseling

One should understand completely what a “Covenant Marriage” is before deciding to choose this option. If you do so choose this option, we offer the premarital counseling at Saguaro Buttes through a program called Prepare/Enrich.  If you have any questions about a covenant marriage or the premarital counseling that is offered you can call Pastor Dave for more information at 990-0672.

Once you are married and have a copy of a certified marriage certificate, with a raised seal that verifies its authenticity, which is the most important piece of your name changing puzzle, then you are ready to change your name.

Social Security Card

First,  get a new social security card. You will not get far without changing this first. You can download a form from the Social Security website, or you can call the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213. Then take the completed form, marriage license and your identification to your local social security office to get a new card.

Driver’s License

Next, Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). I know this is not your favorite place to spend your time, but they must see you in-person. Bring along your certified marriage certificate and the following forms of identification (not all may be necessary): Social Security card (old and new), Old driver’s license, Car Registration.

Next

Next, after you have your new Social Security Card and Drivers license, you will want to notify the following of your name change: • Friends and family • Employers • Schools • Post office • Department of Records or Vital Statistics (issuers of birth certificates) • Banks and other financial institutions • Creditors and debtors • Telephone and utility companies • State taxing authority • Insurance agencies • Registrar of Voters • Passport office • Public Assistance (welfare) office • Veterans Administration.

  Also, don’t forget to order new checks and credit cards
.

Finally

Start using it. 
It will sound a little funny at first, but as you start using your new last name, everyone else will catch on. Don’t be afraid to courteously correct people when they erroneously use your maiden name.

Nikki and Gerry were married on May 29th, 2009 at Saguaro Buttes at 5:30 PM.  They have guests coming from Texas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Mass. and Mexico. The couple met on May 21st, 2005 on Nikki’s Birthday.

Part of the Premarital Counseling that we offer at Saguaro Buttes is an assessment of your relationship by Prepare/Enrich. It provides a lot of great charts and information about the dynamics of your relationship.  The Chart below is one of those charts, that looks at how flexible and how close your relationship is, and also your family of origin. This information is not only interesting but also helpful for couples in making your marriage a success. In our time together we spend time explaining this chart and what it means to you.  We encourage couples to spend time in premarital counseling, which is included in every wedding package. This is time well spent, remember a wedding is one day, a marriage is a life time. 

Cherie Johnson on Ezine writes that the five biggest mistakes in preparing for your weddings are:

1. Not Budgeting Costs,
2. Not Giving Yourself Enough Time,
3. Not Delegating Responsibilities,
4. Not Hiring a Wedding Planner, and
5. Not Fully Considering the Wedding Reception Venue.

These are all valid in my opinion, and mistakes that are made by many couples. At Saguaro Buttes we try to address this by providing all inclusive wedding packages that give the total out the door cost. No hidden fees, taxes, gratuity, etc.  We also provide a wedding coordinator that attends to every detail, and by having it at a location that you can have both your wedding and reception, it makes it easier on everyone involved.

Ideas for an inexpensive wedding centerpiece can help save some money in this time of economic down turn. Here is a picture of a center piece that uses one of vases that are provided by Saguaro Buttes with glass pebbles. Placed inside is beautiful rose. Simple but elegant.

 Here is a beautiful picture take by Lupita from Solaris Photography at Saguaro Buttes on a beautiful moonlit evening.  Her web site is: wwwsolaristucson.com  and her phone number is: 520-591-9313.  You can see more of her photos here, click here.

Bio Information

Lupita writes on here web site these words. Hello–I’ve been taking pictures as a professional since 2004, but my background and love for photography date back since my early childhood; my late father was a photographer in Mexico. I decided to pursue photography as a career when he passed away and I was given all of his photography equipment. Right after I learned the developing and printing of film, the digital era came and I moved into taking digital pictures. My photo classes in college taught me a great deal about all the elements of picture taking, but the greatest asset is definitively my love for photography; I’m always looking for the opportunity for taking pictures and create a work of art from any occasion. Weddings are the perfect excuse and this is where I found my true vocation.

Danny and Hilary married on June 30th, 2009,  6:00 PM at Saguaro Buttes by Pastor David Hallstrom.  Their wedding date is also the anniversary of their first date which took place on June 30th, 2007.  Danny works for Geiko and Hilary is a teacher is the Sahurita school district.

Mark and Natalie were married on May 15th, 2009 at Saguaro Buttes at 5:45 pm surrounded by family and friends. Mark is in the Air Force and Natalie has her own business. They met for the first time in August 2005 at their children’s football practice.

After the wedding ceremony and before dinner hour, there is time for your guests to enjoy the evening sunset on the back patio. The photographer is usually busy taking pictures of the newlywed couple and their family. Wedding pictures are very important in capturing this special day, and they usually take a fair amount of time. So it is nice to have drinks and hors d’ouervers for your guests to enjoy while they are waiting.