Photo: Brandon Werth
In April of 2013, seven years after they met, Robbie Knight invited his college sweetheart Jessica Wakasugi to his family home in Silverthorne, Colorado, for a weekend getaway. When Robbie suggested they go on an evening hike with their three dogs, Jessica agreed. And, as snow began to fall, he seized on the romantic atmosphere and knelt and popped the question.
The couple swapped snow for the desert when they chose Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, as their venue for their September 20, 2014, nuptials. “First, Robbie loves the desert scenery. Second, I really wanted a unique venue where not many people get married,” Jessica says. “We were both so excited to share this special place with our family and friends.” With help from planner Amina from Some Like It Classic, this bride and groom planned a timeless, floral-inspired wedding. See the stunning photos, as captured by Brandon Werth, below.
For her wedding day look, Jessica chose a Vera Wang ball gown that she paired with a statement necklace and Kate Spade shoes. “I never thought I’d be ‘that girl’, but the second I put my dress on, the tears started flowing!” Jessica says.
For her bridesmaids’ dresses, Jessica focused on finding looks that were versatile and comfortable. She chose a floor-length Jenny Yoo dress in mist gray hue, which allows her attendants to customize their own neckline. Jessica carried a large bouquet of white dahlias, ranunculus, and roses accented with touches of greenery. Her ‘maids carried a smaller version of the bride’s arrangement.
Robbie and his groomsmen went classic with charcoal grey Vera Wang tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse.
The bride wanted her best friend’s daughter, Nora, to have a flower girl dress similar to her own gown, and found just what she was looking for in a tulle-covered dress on Etsy. The couple’s ring bearer, Oliver, matched the groom in a deep grey tuxedo.
The ceremony was held on an outdoor patio, where gold Chiavari chairs faced a flower-covered arch. A mirrored sign welcomed guests to the space and aisle-facing chairs were decked out with garlands of roses, dahlias, and andromeda.
The arch itself was decorated with a swag of white and pink flowers and hanging crystals, adding a touch of drama to the desert backdrop.
Jessica and her father walked down the aisle while a quartet played traditional musical selections. Guests watched the bride and groom exchange personalized vows, complete with a few jokes, before being they were officially pronounced husband and wife.
The reception began in the venue’s intimate dining room just as the sun had set, with tea lights illuminating the space. Everyone found their seats with the help of glitter-covered place cards.
Tables were topped with ivory linens and centerpieces filled with white, pink, and lavender flowers in an array of different sizes and heights. To further dress up the space, each chair back was decorated with cascading white fabric.
The wedding party sat at the head table that was arranged on a lofted level of the dining room. The long wood table was situated in front of a dramatic moss wall covered in cascading flowers. While the table settings were consistent throughout the room, the head table stood out with a long floral runner and diamond napkin rings that were created by the mother of the bride.
Photo: Brandon Werth
For dinner, guests enjoyed a duo entree of grilled beef tenderloin and scallops with fennel
risotto and baby carrots. This pizza-loving couple offered late night slices with their favorite toppings, too. “Our guests definitely didn’t leave hungry!” Jessica says.
The couple’s tiered wedding cake wasn’t simple in design or flavor. Beneath layers of frosting and plenty of fresh flowers, three decadent flavor combinations awaited guests: chocolate cake with raspberry filling, lemon cake with lemon filling, and caramel cake with Kahlua filling.
Photo: Brandon Werth
Along with a mini-moon to San Diego, Jessica and Robbie had planned a honeymoon in Europe, but with news that would soon be welcoming a new baby, they turned their focus on celebrating their growing family.
Venue & Catering: Desert Mountain || Wedding Planner: Some Like It Classic || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Vera Wang || Shoes: Kate Spade || Hair: Hautie Rouge || Makeup: Linda Wagner Makeup || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse || Flowers: Petal Pusher || Invitations: Sarah Drake Design || Other Paper Products: Celebrations in Paper || Music: Got You Covered || Cake: Classic Cakes and Confections || Rentals: Classic Party Rentals || Favors: The Salty Tart Bakery || Videographer: Serendipity Cinematography || Photographer: Brandon Werth
Want more desert wedding inspiration? Then check out another couple’s Scottsdale celebration in the video below.