A Winter Solstice Wedding With An Herb Bouquet
With a unique blend of photography and partnership, the memorable moments from Rey & Izzy’s special day are brought to life through the lens of Kym Ventola. The offbeat duo tied the knot on December 21, 2016 at Warehouse 215 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Our winter solstice wedding at a glance:
Our special day took place on Yule/Winter Solstice, coinciding with the spectacular Ursid’s meteor shower. To complement this unique occasion, we set up a charming Tea Bar, substituting traditional cocktails with a variety of teas served from an antique apothecary table beautifully refinished by my mom and me. The aromatic blend of herbs, including sage, mint, and rosemary, permeated the air, making for a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Not only did we savor the fragrance, but we also repurposed some of these fragrant boughs in our cooking at home. The remaining herbs were thoughtfully composted into the garden of our new residence together. Furthermore, we collaborated with a Zero Waste Caterer committed to eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship. To pay homage to our loved ones who came before us, we displayed family tree wedding photos and treasured artifacts.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As I reflect on that unforgettable day, it’s hard to forget the all-female chorale formed by my mom, aunts, and cousins – each one a talented vocalist in her own right. They brought the house down with their rousing performance of Holst’s ‘In the Bleak Midwinter.’ My mom even took center stage for a stunning solo that left everyone in awe. Meanwhile, our dear uncle played the role of officiant as we exchanged our vows amidst a whirlwind of romance and magic.
The atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting, with fresh herbs and dozens of white candles illuminating our intimate gathering in the warehouse.
Tell us about your reception:
As we savored dinner, my brother’s jazz guitar combo set the tone for an unforgettable night. The sounds of improvisation filled the air, enticing everyone to join in on the rhythm. Meanwhile, my husband’s great-aunt took center stage, leading La Marcha, a lively and traditional wedding dance that effortlessly gets guests on their feet and swirling around the newlyweds in a joyful procession – arguably one of the most exhilarating and contagious wedding traditions out there.
What was your most important lesson learned?
When embracing a new chapter of life through engagement or marriage, it’s essential to recognize that your relationships will likely undergo significant changes. While these shifts are often healthy, they can also be challenging. Even the most harmonious relationships, such as those with family members, may experience unexpected twists and turns.
In my personal experience, I found that intentionally setting aside quality time for loved ones during the planning process was crucial in maintaining strong bonds. By allocating individualized attention to each person close to me and inviting them on different wedding-related errands, I created a sense of involvement, investment, and appreciation among those around me. As a result, their enthusiasm and happiness for my big day were palpable.
Vendors
Captured by renowned photographer Kym Ventola, this special day brought together the talents of Eternal Event Design as floral and coordinator, Atlasta for catering, and the unique setting of Warehouse 215 as venue. This exceptional team worked in harmony to create a truly unforgettable celebration.
