Clare and James’s wedding at the Four Seasons Resort in Arizona perfectly combined timeless elegance and modern flair against the stunning desert landscape. From heartfelt moments under the open sky to an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, dancing, and joyful surprises, their celebration was everything they dreamed of—a day surrounded by friends, family, and unforgettable memories.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, US
Style: Chic and timeless
Time of planning: About 1 year
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Four Seasons Resort
Season: Spring
Clare and James first met in 2018 at work in Seattle, brought together by a shared project, and, as it turned out, they had a lot more in common. With HR’s approval, they quickly grew close and started dating. In April 2022, James proposed front of the iconic Trevi Fountain during a trip to Italy and Greece. With a vision of a lively celebration surrounded by their nearest and dearest, they began the hunt for the perfect venue to bring their dream day to life.
Vision & Photography
The couple dreamed of a wedding that felt both timeless and fresh—a perfect blend of classic elegance with a touch of modern style. They chose a neutral color palette and tasteful decor, incorporating contemporary accents that stepped beyond traditional wedding details. Scottsdale’s beautiful weather allowed them to have an outdoor ceremony and dinner, where everyone could enjoy the open air and stunning views. But as the night went on, they wanted to turn up the energy: the reception space indoors was transformed into a vibrant, club-like atmosphere where they and their friends, all lovers of the dance floor, could celebrate until the early hours.
The entire day overflowed with unforgettable moments, each artfully preserved by photographer Miranda Florer. With a blend of film and digital photography, she captured the essence of the celebration—from the heartwarming first looks to the breathtaking outdoor ceremony and the lively reception. Every detail, from candid moments to stolen glances, came alive through her lens, creating a timeless narrative of love and joy that the couple will treasure forever.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
The morning started with a serene yet excited energy, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. Clare looked stunning in her Suzanne Neville “Gigi” dress, a timeless fit-and-flare silhouette with intricate 3D embroidered flowers and a classic square neckline—exactly the subtle elegance she expected. Her custom veil was adorned with matching 3D blooms, crafted from extra dress fabric for a personal touch. She completed the look with classic pointed-toe slingbacks, simple floral stud earrings, and a delicate gold chain bracelet, matching those gifted to her bridesmaids. Clare’s mother’s wedding ring added a heartfelt touch, making her ensemble even more meaningful.
With soft curls and a natural makeup look by Makiaj Beauty, Clare stayed true to her everyday style, letting her radiant smile take center stage. Her bouquet, in neutral tones, was thoughtfully sized to complement rather than overwhelm. The scent of Jo Malone added to the ambiance, creating a signature fragrance for the day. Later, for the celebration, Clare changed into a custom strapless satin mini with a hand-draped bodice and sparkly block-heel sandals—the perfect outfit for dancing the night away.
James spent the morning reflecting on his vows and sharing laughs with his groomsmen. He wore a timeless black suit, custom-tailored by Indochino, paired with a white shirt and black tie. Inside the jacket, a small embroidery read “Clare and James, March 1st, 2024”—a subtle, meaningful detail. His choice was classic yet versatile, something he envisioned wearing beyond this special day. His slim black dress shoes completed the look, and his friends gifted him cufflinks engraved with an image of their beloved pup, Maple, adding a heartfelt touch to the day.
First Look
James and Clare’s first look was filled with emotions as they finally saw each other, ready to start their next chapter. As a wedding gift, they had exchanged watches earlier, with James proudly wearing his new Rolex for the day—a lasting symbol of their shared moments.
Later, the couple had a deeply touching first look with their parents, capturing a wave of emotions and gratitude. These intimate moments made the day feel even more meaningful, surrounded by the people who had shaped their lives and love story.
Ceremony
The ceremony setup was breathtaking, transforming the lawn into an enchanting space with string lights draped in delicate white wisteria. Rose petals lined the aisle, accented by pedestals adorned with floral arrangements marking the path’s beginning. At the top, an elegant floral arch framed the spot where Clare and James exchanged vows, creating a classic and timeless backdrop.
The ceremony’s beginning had everyone in tears. James walked down the aisle with his mother and sister to an acoustic version of Glad You Exist by Dan + Shay. He then was greeted at the end of the aisle with hugs by the officiant, groomsmen, and bridesmaids who followed. Clare’s entrance, accompanied by her father and the song Speechless by Dan + Shay, was unforgettable. Both bride and groom were visibly moved, their teary eyes meeting as they made their way to the elevated space where they would say, “I do.”
Clare and James’s close friend Josh, one of James’s groomsmen, officiated the ceremony with warmth, humor, and genuine love—everything the couple had imagined. His words kept everyone laughing and tearing up. Clare and James exchanged personal vows that had guests and each other laughing and crying throughout. When the newlyweds shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd erupted in cheers as they walked back down the aisle to Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift, with petals tossed by guests showering them in celebration.
Cocktail Hour
At cocktail hour, the newlyweds were welcomed with celebratory drinks, ready to dive into the celebration with friends and family. Held on a nearby lawn, the open bar served appetizers and the couple’s signature cocktails—a spicy margarita and an espresso martini. Decor kept to the couple’s timeless style, with simple bud vases on cocktail tables and floral accents at the bar, all in soft, neutral tones that perfectly complemented the relaxed yet elegant vibe. They also added a special touch by choosing a unique alternative to a guest book—guests signed bottles of wine, which the couple plans to open on their future anniversaries.
Moments Alone
The newlyweds stole a few quiet moments together, away from the celebration, with every beautiful shot captured by the talented Miranda Florer. Her photos perfectly captured the couple’s love and connection, making the moment truly unforgettable.
Reception Decor
For the dinner reception, the space was transformed into an elegant oasis under the evening sky. Tables were draped in white linens, complemented by matching white napkins to create a seamless and cohesive look. Each table had minimalist bud vases filled with fresh white blooms and tall, graceful candles that glow softly, enhancing the romantic ambiance. The ceremony’s floral arch and pedestal arrangements were thoughtfully repurposed at the couple’s sweetheart table, beautifully framing them in blooms as they enjoyed the celebration.
Celebration
Clare and James made their entrance unforgettable, opting for a grand entrance into the ballroom for their first dance instead of a traditional grand exit. The entire reception area was an enchanting mix of classic charm and modern elegance, creating a space that felt both intimate and grand. The couple swayed to Butterflies by MAX and Fletcher for their first dance, with sparkling cold sparks adding magic to the moment. Heartwarming dances followed, with James sharing a special moment with his mother and Clare dancing with her father.
They shared a playful champagne tower pour and cake cutting just before toasts. With that, the party began, as Clare and James took up the CO2 guns to surprise their guests and amp up the energy. The evening was filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of celebration as everyone came together to celebrate Clare and James’s love in the most incredible way.
Advice from the couple:
• Soak in every moment—everyone always says that, but the day really does go by so fast. Also, don’t be afraid to do what you need to do during the day. If you need to step away for a moment and take time for yourselves, don’t be afraid to do so. It’s your day, and your guests are there to celebrate you, so be selfish if you need to!
