Weddings

From what’s gracing their ever-important ring finger to the bouquet they are holding as they walk down the aisle, Valley brides—and their grooms—turn to these experts to ensure marital bliss on their big day.

BY MELISSA LARSEN 

BEST WEDDING FLORIST

>>THE FLOWER STUDIO

The Flower Studio, located in Phoenix, was created as a one-of-a-kind, artisan studio, one step above your typical retail flower shop. Quality, care and uniqueness go into each and every arrangement. The 3,500-sq.-ft., appointment-only showroom and warehouse was built to facilitate the perfect environment for producing amazing flower arrangements, outstanding floral sculptures and housing extensive props, without the typical retail distractions. flowerstudioaz.com.

PHOTO BY MELISSA JILL PHOTOGRAPHY 

 

BEST WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP

>>BABYDOLL WEDDINGS

Babydoll Weddings is dedicated to providing on-site bridal hair and makeup services for your wedding, engagement photos and more, believing that every bride should be the most beautiful woman in the world on her special day. In addition to traditional and airbrush makeup, bridal updos and on-trend hair styling, Babydoll Weddings also specializes in tattoo cover-up, hair extensions, false eyelashes and accessories. babydollweddings.com.

2014 WINNER

BEST ENGAGEMENT RING STORE

>>HAMRA JEWELERS

Hamra Jewelers is a family-owned business that has served Scottsdale for more than 25 years. The high-end shop offers the finest selection of bridal jewelry and accessories—some of which are exclusive to Arizona. Outside of Hamra’s custom designs, customers can find baubles and watches from the likes of Patek Philippe and more. hamra.com.

BEST WEDDING CATERING COMPANY

>>FRESH FROM THE KITCHEN LLC

From linens and bar service to tiered cakes and miniature desserts, Fresh from the Kitchen offers one-stop wedding catering services. The Phoenix-based company keeps up to date with wedding trends and even offers fun, unexpected luxuries for hungry guests, like a s’mores bar, late-night nibbles and much more. freshfromthekitchenllc.com.

BEST WEDDING DJ

>>DJ ELITE

Jay Hague (a k a DJ Elite) has been in the wedding business since 2001. Using only high-end, high-quality equipment, he boasts a 100-percent positive, five-star feedback on many wedding sites. He also provides DJ services for grand openings, private parties and corporate events, with past clients including the NFL, Disney Cruise Lines, Macy’s, Home Depot, Aramark, Gap, Origami Owl and many others. djeliteaz.com.

BEST WEDDING DRESS SHOP

>>SCHAFFER’S

In 2011, Sue Hagedorn knew the timing was right to open a location of her bridal shop in the Scottsdale area after servicing brides all over Iowa for more than 60 years. As a full-service bridal salon, Schaffer's offers bridal, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride, prom and pageant gowns, in addition to accessories. Schaffer’s consultants are extensively trained in fabrics, silhouettes and the latest bridal trends. schaf fers.com.

BEST WEDDING VENUE

>>THE CLAYTON ON THE PARK

Located in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale, The Clayton on the Park offers a modern, chic and non- traditional style for weddings and events. The space holds 150 guests for the ceremony and reception; up to 350 event-goers for a cocktail-style party. The Clayton on the Park dishes up award-winning in-house catering as well as three event spaces, including an outside terrace. theclaytononthepark.com.

2014 WINNER

BEST WEDDING PLANNER

>>CELEBRATIONS BY AMY BACON

It is no secret that your wedding should be one of the most joyous days of your life, though planning it can be the most stressful time. Celebrations by Amy Bacon takes the headache out of wedding planning by providing organizational templates, vendor referrals, site walks, timeline construction, ceremony rehearsal coordination, final payment distribution to vendors and many more services to her clients. Celebrations by Amy Bacon’s goal is for you to enjoy your wedding day just as much as your guests will. celebrationsbyamybacon.com.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WEDDINGS

>>AMAES PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennica Maes started her photography company three years ago, shooting everything from weddings and engagements to families and professional sporting events. She relies on natural lighting to capture wedding- day memories with some of her favorite shots being the moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time and the father-daughter dance. In the future, Maes hopes to grow her company so she can shoot out-of-state weddings. amaesphotography.com.