“On a splendid sunny day in Arizona, Anthony and Nicole were married in a darling backyard wedding in Scottsdale near Royal Palm Resort on November 14, 2015 surrounded by Italian landscapes and lots of love. My heart overflows with so much joy seeing how they love one another. I am honored to have documented their first day as husband and wife. I’m so thankful to be invited into their lives and I look forward to seeing what those two will do as a team!” –April Maura Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Wow, I don’t know if I can pick only one favorite memory! I loved every minute of my wedding day and I continuously replay everything in my head! One of the most meaningful parts of the day was the wedding ceremony. I always wanted my Grandfather to play a big part in my wedding ceremony. I didn’t know if he was going to be able to make it as my Grandmother had been ill, but he was able to make it and play a special part in our wedding which I will forever cherish.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

We did a lot of DIY for the wedding! Anthony and his Dad made the arbor that we got married underneath. Anthony and his cousin made the amazing bench that our guests signed as our guest book. Anthony’s cousin made the table that our cake was on. Fun fact on that table, it was a wedding present and is now our dinning room table! I DIY’d our invitations, menus, ceremony programs and table numbers. I also made the escort cards which were wine cork key chains! I made the stands that held the table numbers and our bar sign both out of wine corks! I handlettered all the wedding signage + chalkboards, guest book bench, bar menu and dance floor. Lastly, I DIY’d the box that our wedding rings were in.

Something old, new, borrowed and blue?

I had all besides a something old. My something new was my wedding dress. My something borrowed were the bobby pins in my hair! Lastly, my something blue were my wedding shoes!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Enjoy it! A fun thing to do is to journal things throughout the wedding process. I started to journal things, but got too busy. Looking back, I love what I did journal and miss what I didn’t. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I utilized my crafty friends when putting things together and I couldn’t have done it without them! -Nicole, the bride

Event Credits

Photographer: April Maura Photography // Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Planner: Events by Stephanie Antoinette // Florist: Stephanie Antoniette // Catering: Rolling Stone Pizzeria // Wedding Cake: La Dolce Pesca // Invitations: Teesha Derrick // DJ: Got You Covered Music // Engagement Ring: Shane Co. // Bride's Attire: Kaira's Bridal // Bride's Shoes: Focus Shoes // Bride's Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal // Bridesmaid's Attire: Azazie // Hair and Make-Up: EGlow Boost Beauty // Groom's Attire: Men's Warehouse // Groomen's Attire: Men's Warehouse