El Chorro

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

It wasn't her first trip to McCarran International Airport. As an Alph Phi at the University of Arizona, trips to Las Vegas were so commonplace Erin could point out every Wheel of Fortune slot machine, every Siegfried and Roy promotional poster. But this trip would be different than all the rest. Not only was Erin trading in sorority sisters for a student housing convention, but her Vegas buddy, Mike, said he didn't have time to see her. Although they never missed a chance to get together, Mike said he was busy with hockey and producing hand-crafted furniture. They were finally at a fork in the road. Mike and Erin first became fast friends at U of A, residing in the same apartment complex for nearly two full school years. They spent time together weekly, despite both being in relationships. When Mike transferred to UNLV, they kept in touch, falling into a routine of long-distance friendship. Mike knew Erin had a good heart and he wanted to keep her in his life so he continued to make an effort.Mike's embargo against seeing Erin during the housing convention didn't last long. "Totally booked" became dinner with her and her mom, an invitation to his hockey game and a tour of Las Vegas' efforts to promote environmental sustainability in their casinos. But his point was taken. Mike wasn't interested in buying real estate in the friend zone.Only weeks later, Mike asked Erin if he could sleep on her couch during a trip to Phoenix. He said he had planned a trip with his college buddies, but they had bailed and he still needed a place to stay. There were no friends. Mike and Erin shared their first kiss like so many others – on an apartment couch, watching a classic film of love and triumph. However, in a bit of foreshadowing for the laughter to come in their relationship, they passed on Humphrey Bogart or Patrick Swayze for Wreck-It-Ralph.It wasn't long after Erin got past the initial shock she was "kissing Michael Fildes" that the heroes of our story became the beautiful couple they are today. Mike told his mentor within weeks of dating that he saw Erin as marriage material. They still lived five hours apart from each other, but now they were armed with Southwest credit cards, racking up points to see each other on a monthly basis. After two years of long-distance dating, Mike moved to Scottsdale last year. They were finally together. Mike and Erin work as a couple because of their mutual desire to complement each other. They are both experts at offering a joke or a word of encouragement after a long day of work. They each understand the lift a beautifully cooked meal can provide to their relationship. They are completely comfortable with a lazy Saturday spent together, FOMO free. On the day of the engagement, a Friday, Mike planned to leave early from work to prepare. His parents and siblings had flown into town and he had a beautiful proposal spot lined up at the Phoenix Botanical Garden, luminaries lit amongst a cacti-and-mountain backdrop. Instead, he arrived back at his apartment from work with mere minutes to shower and change. He had received an unexpected job promotion, rendering his early exit moot. The couple left on time to meet his family at the garden, but Erin decided she needed a coat to brave the January night. Coat in hand, Erin was back out the door, this time with her cell phone lying alone on a kitchen counter. There was no time for a last-second rehearsal of his carefully-crafted words, no time for anything more than a walk with purpose to the proposal spot. Captured on camera by his hidden siblings, Mike and Erin's engagement was the perfect microcosm of their relationship: full of love, understanding, and a perfect sunset. We celebrated two of our best friends that night. Erin's dad, Bill, called it the biggest thing to happen to their family since her birth. He's absolutely right. Marriage shared between two people committed to each other in such a way they will sacrifice their own desires for the good of their (future) spouse is what makes humanity beautiful. Erin and Mike were blessed by God to find each other. Their friends and family's lives are enriched by their relationship. Erin and Mike operated for much of their friendship as an example of what could be. Now we get to be witness to the payoff. They are Finally Fildes.

Finally Fildes 

Our Story

Details

Photos

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort &amp; Spa delivers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort for your Arizona visit. Perched on 125 acres of immaculately manicured grounds in the scenic Sonoran Desert, our hotel sets the tone for complete relaxation. Our spacious and well-appointed private casitas and suites boast pillowtop bedding, large flat-screen TVs and sleek bathrooms with luxury products. Some also offer mountain views. Take advantage of our resort's unparalleled services and facilities during your Scottsdale visit; we offer a full-service spa, exceptional on-site dining and a heated outdoor pool. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted with our resort's Camelback Golf Club, which showcases 36 championship holes. Plan an event in our expansive venue space, or visit some of Scottsdale's top attractions; Camelback Mountain and a host of exciting outdoor activities are right at your doorstep. The luxury getaway of a lifetime awaits you here at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort &amp; Spa.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, AZ, United States

$265 per night Reservation # 890987

Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore

$163 per night Refer: Knoll-Fildes

Best Western Innsuites Phoenix Hotel & Suites

Travel

The Cactus League has long been a cherished Arizona tradition for locals, tourists and, of course, baseball fans! Millions of folks of all ages have walked through the turnstiles over the years to find the most pastoral of baseball pastimes, spring training. Pleasant temperatures and bountiful sunshine complement the intimate experience that only spring training offers, from meeting your favorite players to enjoying unique time with your family and friends. The Cactus League invites you to experience spring training, a beloved Arizona treasure.

Cactus League Spring Training Games 

Couple the past and the future on this exceptional tour. Whirl through the venerable, antiquated town of Scottsdale on a Segway—the transportation of the future. Reap the benefits of gliding with a small group for added fun and safety. Discover the historic charm of Scottsdale like never before.
 On this small-group tour limited to 12 people, a knowledgeable local guide leads you through the winding trails of Scottsdale while you are following on your very own Segway. After the initial tour you are free for a little leisure time at your own pace. Test your balance while maneuvering your easy-to-drive Segway through admirable art galleries, quaint gift shops, and dainty restaurants.
 As you feel a sense of accomplishment after seeing the vintage town of Scottsdale in a contemporary way, conclude your adventure as you share stories among the new friends you've made during this small-group tour.

Small-Group Old Town Tour

Sip your beer from a red solo cup as you pedal around Old Town Scottsdale aboard a group-powered party trolley. This BYOB tour is great way to explore the area with friends while never letting the party atmosphere stop. Let the driver steer you to hotspots, using your pedaling efforts as fuel.
With a group of 4–14 friends, make your way to the Tour De Tavern office. Don't forget to stop by a store to pick up your favorite beer, cider, and snacks on your way. Your energetic driver greets you warmly and explains all the party-perfect features of the trolley. Put your drinks in the cooler, plug in your tunes into the sound system, and pick out an adjustable seat.
If you're celebrating a birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette party, let the guest of honor sit on the comfy bench in the back. This seat doesn't have pedals beneath it, so it is perfect for anyone who needs a break as well. The customizable interior and exterior accent lighting casts a flattering glow, making for the best epic and goofy selfies.
Cruise down the streets of Old Town Scottsdale at 5–8 miles per hour (8-13 km/h) and just give a shout if you see any stops that tickle your fancy. Your driver can let you off to venture into quirky shops, take photos at iconic landmarks, or restock your beer or food supply. This party bike is the life of the party and attracts the attention of everyone you pass by.

Self-Peddled Party-Bike Tour of Old Town Scottsdale

Enjoy a day of pampering and shopping with a visit to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Whether you are searching for a completely new look or just need a day of retail therapy and rejuvenation, this package leaves you feeling and looking fabulous.
Begin your day with a private 30-minute facial at Spa Nordstrom. Once the stress melts away, you can devote your energy to maximizing the savings offered in your Shopping and Dining Rewards booklet.
Scottsdale Fashion Square is home to many of the top fashion and beauty brands in the world, with Barney's New York, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Kate Spade, Prada and Tory Burch among the iconic retailers you can find throughout the shopping center.
Your day of beauty continues with a makeup application, skin care, and color consultation at Sephora and a makeover consultation at Regis Salon. Evolve Spa and Salon provides a coupon for USD $5 towards a manicure/pedicure service to help make the day complete.
When your day comes to an end, celebrate your new look with a dessert or beverage at the Nordstrom Café and a piece of chocolate from Godiva.

Erin & Michael

Erin & Michael

Photos