Haley and Russel got married at a little oasis in Gilbert called Val Vista Lakes. This venue not only had a lake, but also large shady trees, a gorgeous water fall behind the ceremony alter, and a garden on top of the waterfall! The perfect spot for a June wedding in Arizona!
Haley & Russel were surrounded by family and friends from all over the continent on their special day. Haley’s family traveled the furthest from Alberta, Canada! They also had a lot of guests from Iowa and of course from the valley too. During the toasts, her dad had a contest to see how loud guests from each area could be!
The day started off, as it always does, with getting ready. We helped the two exchange gifts before the ceremony. Haley got Russel a watch he had his eye on to wear on their wedding day. And Russel got Haley a puppy! (To be picked out at a later date, of course!) I am not sure who got the better present (but I am leaning towards puppy). After we did their portraits with the groomsmen and bridesmaids it was time for them to sneak off into hiding before the guests arrived. But not before sneaking in kisses to their daughter.
Their ceremony was truly a family affair with their daughter being the flower girl, and Haley’s nephews being the ring and rope bearers, and other family members being attendants to help the little ones come down the aisle. When it was time for the flower girl to walk, she made it half way to the aisle before she started dropping her flowers and her shoe came off! Luckily Haley’s brother was there to save the day and carry her down the aisle. During the ceremony they exchanged personal vows and had a rope tying unity ceremony. They must have practiced, because they tied the rope like pros!
After the ceremony we snuck up to the top of the waterfall to give them a few minutes together. It was Russel’s request, and I think I may start doing it with all of my couples! It was so sweet to see them have a moment alone together to process this life event. When they were ready, we wondered around from shade tree to shade tree for their portraits until it was time for family pictures and the reception.
The reception included first dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and a garter toss. One of the younger boys caught the garter and he was so excited, until someone told him what it meant. His face turned white and he threw the garter on the ground! Everyone had a great laugh about it. Haley and Russ spend the rest of the evening dancing the night with their friends and family to those great classics like Sum 41 and All American Rejects.
Haley and Russ, I hope you have an amazing time continuing to grow your family. I know Arya will absolutely love having a puppy to play with! And I know you two with continue to support and love each other until the end of time.
First Dance Song – “I’ll Follow You Into The Dark” Death Cab For Cutie
My Favorite Detail – The bouquets and bouts were made with WOOD flowers!
My Favorite Moment – Haley & Russel spending a few minutes together alone after the ceremony.
The Creative Team (Vendors)
Thank you to the amazing creative team that came together to make the day truly memorable!
Venue – Val Vista Lakes, Gilbert, Arizona
Coordinator – Angie with Val Vista Lakes
Photographer – PMA Photography
Florist – DIY with Sola Wood Flowers
Caterer – Dad’s Catering
Cake/Dessert – Dad’s Catering
Hair Stylist – Lindsay Cohen (All Done Up!)
Makeup Artist – Lindsay Cohen (All Done Up!)
Bridesmaid’s Dresses – David’s Bridal
Shoes – Converse for the reception
Officiant – Affordable Wedding Ministers
DJ – Goodyear Compassion Studio
Want to check out more amazing weddings? Click here: Weddings by PMA Photography.
