Desert View Weddings & Events

Wedding Day: Ceremony & Reception

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Send off

Our Wedding

Desert View Weddings and Events

Address: 2014 S. Starr Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119Travel Time: 35 minute drive from Scottsdale MarriottThe venue is the location for both the ceremony and reception

Transportation: For guests who RSVP'd for transportation, Pickup is at 3:00pm at the Hilton Canopy then the Scottsdale Marriott at 3:10pm then drop off at the venue. The buses depart at 10:15pm from the venue with drop off at the Marriott and then the Hilton Canopy. Bus transportation is currently full

Attire: Semi-Formal

The Venue & Transportation

Jenna Johnson

Logan Ward

Elizabeth Brummer

Jack Ward

Elena D'Angelo

Luke Ward

Nayla Gebara

Mitch Rawson

Wedding Party

Canopy By Hilton And Scottsdale Marriott Old Town

Hotel Accomodations

Friday Welcome Party @ Old Town Scottsdale Marriott

Date: 1/16/26

When: 7:30pm-9:00pm

Sue and Steve Reggentin, Ava's Grandparents, are graciously hosting an open bar at the outdoor courtyard of the Marriott. All guests are invited! Attire is Upscale Casual. We recommend wearing a light jacket or wrap.

Welcome Reception

Lunch- The Original Chop Shop (within walking distance of hotel) Sandwiches, Bowls, Salads, etc.Coffee- Schmooze (walking distance) Large outdoor patio with fountains + greeneryFun Activities- Hiking: Papago Park, Double Butte Trail (10 min drive from hotel), 2.2 miles, easy trail that takes around 45 min- Lane Park: Duck pin bowling, Curling, Axe throwing- Hiking: Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon (10 min drive from hotel) VERY tough, but rewarding hike! 2.6 mile round trip, takes around 2 hours- Tubing: 2-3 hour trip down the salt river. Can book a tube and bus drop off and pick up through the Salt River Company, $20-25 a person (may be cold in January?)- Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall (walking distance), Mega mall with every store known to man- Ride in a Waymo (driverless Uber)- Top Golf (10 min drive from hotel)- Turquoise Candy Custom Hat Bar (walking distance) Make a custom cowboy, baseball or bucket hat. Expect scottsdale prices :)- Phoenix Zoo (10 min drive from hotel)- E-Bike Tours of ScottsdaleCocktail Hour/Dinner- Olive + Ivy (walking distance) Fun atmosphere in a lively location- Tommy V's Urban Kitchen &amp; Bar (walking distance) right across from the Marriott- Postino's Highland (3 min drive) Charcuterie boards + wine. Great happy hour- Grimaldi's Pizzeria (walking distance) Have a nice outdoor area in a lively location- Evo Italian Old Town (walking distance) Great homemade pizza- Citizen's Public House (walking distance) Get the Original Chopped Salad, the salad has its own Instagram page!- Canopy by Hilton Rooftop Bar (walking distance) Great rooftop views of scottsdale- Elephante (2 minute drive) Cool atmosphere, very dark inside haha- Pinyon (walking distance)- Fancy Mediterranean food- Call Her Martina (2 minute drive)- Great Mexican foodDessert- Sugar Bowl (walking distance) 70 year old ice cream parlor with lots of fun ice cream options- Gelato Cimmino (walking distance)Stay Out Late Bars- Boondocks Patio (walking distance) Large indoor + outdoor area with live music. Be prepared for long lines after 9pm- Rusty Spur Saloon (walking distance) Very busy and crammed, but great live music- Coach House (walking distance) Christmas decor all year long- Wasted Grain (walking distance) Large indoor + outdoor area. Often times have live music.- Belle's Nashville Kitchen (walking distance) Country bar and eatery with live music daily- Gilligian's (walking distance) Atomsphere reminds us of Iowa City.

OUR LOCAL FAVORITES

Things to Do

LIFE UPDATE: Greg and Ava are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina! It would be greatly appreciated if gifts could be sent to:

Greg Ward and Ava Johnson1632 Mainline Blvd Apt 9104Charlotte, NC 28203

We are so grateful for the love and thoughtfulness behind every gift! Because we’ve received many personalized items already, we kindly ask that future gifts not be customized. Thank you for understanding and for celebrating with us.

LINK: <a href="https://www.myregistry.com/wedding-registry/ava-johnson-and-greg-ward-/4760062" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Registry</a>

Our Registry

Where do we stay?

We have worked with two Scottsdale hotels to provide room blocks for Friday and Saturday night, but the Scottsdale area has a lot of other hotel options, AirBNBs, and VRBOs!

What are transportation options to get to and from the venue?

We are providing transportation services to and from the venue. Spots are limited so please RSVP ASAP. There is parking right outside of the venue for guests who want to drive themselves. Lyft/Uber is also an option, but please keep in mind the venue's distance from Scottsdale and rides may be limited.

Why aren't the hotels near the venue?

Apache Junction is a beautiful place for a wedding, but it is kinda out in the boonies :) There is a lot more to do in Scottsdale! Expect a 35 minute drive to the venue from Old Town Scottsdale.

What's the weather like in mid-January? 

The weather in January is usually in the upper 60s during the day and down to the 40s at night. Rain in the winter is uncommon, but can happen.

What kind of attire should I wear? 

Semi-formal. For men, dress pants, a button-up shirt, and a blazer/sport coat. For women, dresses of any length.

Greg & Ava

Greg & Ava

Hotel Accomodations

Canopy By Hilton And Scottsdale Marriott Old Town