A Desert Wedding At The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Is there anything better then a sunset in the Southwest? Ashley and Carson don't. That's why they planned for their Tucson, AZ wedding to be held just as the sun sank below the horizon and painted the desert in brilliant oranges and golds.
Talk about a breath-taking backdrop! This Desert wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain was captured beautifully by Elyse Hall Photography. See so much more of this sunset wedding in the full gallery here. Plus, be sure to keep reading to hear this couples adorable love story, as well as get some great wedding dress advice from Ashley.

getting wedding ready

sparkly wedding jewelry

peach garden rose and succulent bouquet

from the bride

My best advice for brides and couples would be to select a vision and be okay if things doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Basically, don’t get stuck on the really small details but instead, have a big picture vision for your day. Inevitably, some things will not go as planned but if you have a vision, you can get passed it and most people won’t even notice. And remember, your wedding symbolizes a lifelong commitment you are making in front of God, your family, and your friends.

elegant bridal looks

I wish I would have known how much the alterations would have cost upfront. It wouldn't have changed my selection or what I had altered but would have been nice to account for in our budget.

I also wish I would have had the bustle placed higher on the dress -- since my top layer was lace and very delicate, it was stepped on and tore easily during the reception. I probably spent a good hour of the night having it re-pinned.

Dessy bridemaid dresses in grey

bridesmaid bouquets in pretty pastel colors

sharp looking groom in black and blue

We wanted our wedding to show everyone how beautiful Tucson is and how amazing our sunsets are. From the ceremony to the reception, our wedding perfectly reflected us. It was a mix of elegant and rustic without being overly formal. Doves were released as the ceremony began and the setting sun lit up the mountains with beautiful colors. Succulents were incorporated into all of the floral arrangements and bouquets.

We were married by one of Carson’s closest friends from Pepperdine University, who is now a minister, on the Sunset Lawn looking back toward the Tortolita Mountains. A mariachi band played as we came down the aisle as husband and wife.

organic wedding arch

dove release

rose petals and hanging floral aisle decor

wedding program with wedding monogram

sunset wedding ceremony

Carson and I met in Tucson, Az., at a birthday party when we were in middle school. We didn’t go to school together but we quickly became friends, talking on the phone all the time. Carson liked me from the day he saw me at Spring Fling (when we were in 7th grade) but we didn’t start dating until our senior year of high school. After graduation, we both went to different colleges. Fast forward 13 or so years, a few rough spots, many memories and lots of laughs – we were engaged!

Ritz Carlton Tucson Arizona

potted succulent escort cards and favors

Arizona wedding ideas

rose and succulent flower box centerpiece with wooden table number

A bit about the wedding venue

Cocktail hour took place just south on another lawn, allowing our guests to see the Tucson lights sparkle in the distance. The reception was held on the Cayton’s patio above the two lawns so our guests could still see the city and the moon as it rose throughout the night. We had a big party with all of our friends and family and danced the night away!

We filled our day with personal touches that hold special memories or meaning to us. Our coffee table was brought out on the dance floor toward the end of the night as an ode to many dance parties we had after college at Carson’s house. Our party favors and escort cards were small terra cotta potted succulents so all of our guests could take a piece Tucson home with them.

succulent wedding favors