1. Real Weddings

A Rustic, Romantic Wedding at Pioneer Living History Museum in Phoenix, Arizona

Mindy Adami (30 and an advocate) and Jon Shook (33 and a manager) worked together at a counseling agency for three years before their friendship flour

Mindy Adami (30 and an advocate) and Jon Shook (33 and a manager) worked together at a counseling agency for three years before their friendship flourished into romance. Jon proposed by leaving Mindy a trail of love notes that led her up the stairs at their home; at the top of the stairs, he was waiting and got down on one knee, ring in hand. Mindy and Jon were married at Pioneer Living History Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; the ceremony took place in the historic chapel, and the reception moved into the open Livery with the Arizona mountains in the background. The couple wanted a rustic, romantic wedding incorporating the colors of spring, aqua and peach with accents of antique brass. The bride does freelance work as a floral designer and serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona State Floral Association, so spectacular flowers were a priority. She carried a show-stopping cascading bouquet of peonies, blooming branches and sweet peas that dragged on the floor as she walked. Mindy also wore a veil handmade by her grandmother, which was a meaningful addition to her bridal fashion. As a unique touch to their wedding, Mindy and Jon did not have a wedding cake; instead, they had fresh, hot donuts for their guests with the option to add sweet toppings. “We just wanted to treat our guests to a fun, laid-back event that was unlike any other wedding they’d ever been to,” says Mindy.

Hunting-Inspired Groom's Wedding Ring
Flowers were one of the most important aspects of the wedding for Mindy. “My biggest request for the flowers was for my bouquet to be a show-stopper,” she says. “I requested lots of peonies, my favorite flower, with blooming branches and sweet peas, which are Jon’s birth flower.
Mindy’s bridesmaids wore aqua chiffon dresses and carried peach bouquets.
Jon and his groomsmen wore light beige suits with aqua ties to fit the spring season.
Blooming Branch Chapel Aisle Decorations
Ceremony Altar at Pioneer Living History Museum
Mindy and Jon Recessional from Pioneer Living History Museum
Exit from Historic Chapel at Pioneer Living History Museum
Mindy and Jon in Phoenix, Arizona
Lace, candles, antiques, antlers, moss and vintage blue glass bottles composed the rustic, eclectic dining table centerpieces.
Livery Reception Venue at Pioneer Living History Museum
First Dance at Pioneer Living History Museum
The wedding favors were tiny mason jars filled with honey. Each jar was adorned with a tag that read, “Meant to Bee” and included a brass bee charm.
“What’s better than cake? Hot donuts,” says Mindy. Instead of a wedding cake, the couple served fresh, hot donuts to their guests and provided sweet toppings for them to add.