Stonebridge Manor by Wedgewood Weddings

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

A young boy, Luke, saw a girl, Rachael, and fell in love. But, this is no meet-cute, there were many obstacles in their way. Let us first set the scene. The year is 2014. Luke and Rachael attended the same high school in Arizona though their circles never really crossed. It was not until their senior year when a trip to a faraway magical land known as Europe was planned. They both wanted to go on this perilous journey and so both signed up. This is where our story begins. On this trip Luke (so he claims) is smitten and hittin' on Rachael, but alas, our first obstacle! Rachael is already with another, but this does not stop Luke from putting on the skillful moves of any 17 year old boy. They become friends, Rachael oblivious to his advances and Luke biding his time. Eventually Rachael and our antagonist part ways and now it's Luke's time to shine! But wait, our second obstacle! Rachael is now away at university while Luke attends community college. They meet over the breaks but because of the distance their love can not fully blossom but a spark ignites. With distance and time though the two slowly stop talking but remain friendly. Sometime passes and Rachael makes the trip to that distant desert town to attend her sisters high school graduation. It is here once again where Luke and Rachael's paths cross but this time they do not part ways. Feeling the spark once again Luke tells Rachael that he will be attending the same university in the fall. They decide to stay in touch over the summer and when it comes time for school to start again they begin to hang out. However, they are both slow to discover their feelings, our third obstacle. Rachael realizes her affection for Luke first but bides her time to see if he feels the same way. Then in the early morning of November 1, 2016 after a fun Halloween night with Vanessa (bridesmaid) and Sterling (the bf) Luke pops the question! Of course Rachael says yes and they officially start dating. A few months go by and the love Luke and Rachael share grows. Rachael is ready to say the L-word but is worried about scaring her dear Luke away. Then one night while she is dropping Luke off at his dorm they go to part ways and Luke, without thinking, says "bye, love you". A slip of the tongue! Oh! What luck, he has revealed his thoughts! Luke freezes and Rachael excitedly, but in a hush tone, tells him that she loves him too. Luke was in shock though! Without saying anything else, he leaves! Rachael is not sure if he heard her and after blissfully driving home he confirms that he did later that evening. Oh happy days! Years go by after that. They have their ups and downs like any couple. After dating for 2 and half years Rachael moves to the glitz and glam of Hollywood to strike out in her career in Film Production leaving behind her beloved as he grows in his career as an Engineer. They survive 3, long, perilous, lonely, years of long distance and video-call dates. Then in July of 2022 Luke whisks Rachael away for a magical get away to Sedona, AZ. Disguising the trip as a celebration for their birthdays' Luke manages to surprise Rachael and pops the REAL question as they stand alone under the trees by a flowing river. Rachael surprised and thrilled, says Yes! They tell all their friends and family and Rachael soon moves back to Arizona as they begin to plan their wedding. That brings us to today, April 12, 2024. After seven years together Rachael and Luke tie the knot and begin their... Happily. Ever. After.

Once Upon A Time In A Distant Desert Town... 

Our Story

Photos

Rebecca is the younger sister of the bride. She love's the color blue, sipping on tea as well as spilling it, and long walks to the bookstore. She can't wait to marry her sister off for the allotted dowry of five goats.

Rebecca Fondren

Lauren met the bride when she was 7 and the bride was 4, looking at over 20 years! (Dang she's old) She loves cooking/baking, recycling memes, is a Hufflepuff and a Taurus which tells you everything you need to know

Lauren Kopecky

Ammah has been BBFF's with the bride since freshman year of high school. Her phones always dying but it doesn't affect her island living. She loves all things girlie, nature, and dipping her toes in the sea.

Ammah McMullen

Vanessa is the brides college best friend. Picked only to make the bride look taller. She loves her dog Eggsy, videogames, and getting turnt to All Too Well (10 minute version). Did someone say dance party?

Vanessa Solorzano

Friend since 2010 -  life long drinking buddy

Brian Abraham

Friend since 2010 - strong motivator and a man of passions

Cameron Udall

Friend since 2010 -  man who set me on the path of engineering

Geoff Angle

Friend since 2008 -  partner in crime for random shenanigans

Alex Schneider

Friend since 2016 - man who has always had my back when I needed help

Levi Clayton

Friend since 2016 - reason for my interests in cars

Arik Jacobson

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

How to get to Mesa, Arizona? You really only have two options you can fly into Sky Harbor Airport or drive. If flying I would recommend coming in on Thursday April 11th just incase there are any delays with your flight. If driving it depends where you are coming from but for many of you who may choose this option it's a day trip. Depending on the driving distance I would look at coming in a day earlier so you are not too tired or stressed. Distance from Sky Harbor to wedding venue.Can be from 20 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Sky Harbor is our main airport so if you aren't looking to lyft/uber or planning to make a trip out of your stay it is easy to rent a car.

If you are looking to make your visit to AZ a weekend trip it may be fun to visit the Grand Canyon while you are out here! It is about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix and the drive is beautiful. There are some fun stops you can do along the way; Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood, Flagstaff... It may be a bit snowy right now so check the weather before you go!

Grand Canyon National Park

A fun drive-thru wildlife park! You can visit on your way to/from the Grand Canyon or Flagstaff. Located in Williams, AZ and is about a 3 hour drive from Phoenix. Ticket prices range from $20- $35.

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Jerome is an old mining town built on the side of a mountain. A fun place to explore on your way up north. In to spooky things? Check out the haunted hotel and mine while you're there!

Jerome, Arizona

Sedona is a beautiful red rock town and is where Luke and I got engaged! There are lots of fun activities to do here like hiking, shopping, getting your aura or palms read. They also have some great restaurants that look out over the river and mountains. It may be a bit snowy right now but that adds to the beauty. It's about a 2 and half hour drive from Phoenix.

Sedona Arizona

Check out Montezuma castle and other indigenous ruins on your way up to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. The castle is truly a sight to behold. Ticket price: about $10

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Flagstaff is a small Mountain/College town. Great food, fun to explore, hike, etc. One of my favorite things here is Lowe's Observatory, it's where Pluto was discovered! Cool nature stuff that is near: a national park, meteor crater, and the petrified forest. Check the weather as there may be snow.

Flagstaff AZ

Lots of restaurants and a fun vibe! I recommend looking around here for hotels

Downtown Gilbert Water Tower

Located in downtown Gilbert is this cool speakeasy. Make sure to check the website for instructions and the evenings code. I recommend making a reservation.

The White Rabbit

A fun old western themed town. They have a couple of shows, food, and you can take a little tour of an old mine.

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours Inc.

Mythical Coffee

Room price is around $170 a night. Has free breakfast and parking.

Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix East Mesa

Price range about $150 a night. Free breakfast and parking.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix East - Gilbert, an IHG Hotel

Price range is about $160 a night. Has free breakfast and parking.

Staybridge Suites Phoenix East - Gilbert, an IHG Hotel

Museum going over the history of local indigenous groups. Tickets are $22.50 each

Heard Museum

Phoenix Art Museum

Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library

Local coffee chain. There are lot's so google to see if there is one near you!

Cartel Roasting Co.

It's a zoo! Tickets are $37.95 each

Phoenix Zoo

Desert Botanical Garden

Arizona is know for a lot of hiking and outdoor activities. Below is some hiking trails to check out: South Mountain: Multiple Trail heads to pick fromSuperstition Mountain: Multiple Trail heads to pick from

Hiking Places

Looking to make this into a trip? There are loads of things to do in the Valley! Looking to make this into a road trip weekend? I got you! THINGS TO DO IN PHOENIXPhoenix has a great night life and loads of great restaurants. FOODDown Town Gilbert has loads of restaurants and bars. Here is a couple:The Culinary Dropout: 383 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234Postino East: 302 N Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85234Barrio Queen: 388 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Tum Nak Thai: 2060 S Power Rd #102, Mesa, AZ 85209Cornish Pasty: 1941 W Guadalupe Rd #101, Mesa, AZ 85202 Breakfast:The Broken Yolk: 2034 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204Hoosier Cafe: 393 W Warner Rd Ste 102, Chandler, AZ 85225 Quick Bite To Eat:Salad and go: cheap and delicious Cafe:Dutch Bros for a quick fixMythical Cafe: 1090 S Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Drunk? Late Night?Filibertos BARSThe White Rabbit: 207 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234This is a speak easy so check the code to get in: www.twr.bar Undertow Gilbert: 3150 E Ray Rd Suite 184, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Recommend getting a reservation 12 West Brewing Co: Barnone, 3000 E Ray Rd building 6, suite 110, Gilbert, AZ 85296 DURING THE DAYTop GolfThe Main EventOld Town Scottsdale: There is a fun old school ice cream parlor in the area SHOPPINGChandler MallTempe MarketplaceSan Tan Village (also loads of restaurants)Scottsdale Fashion Square ROAD TRIP!!!

Rachael & Lucas

Rachael & Lucas

R&L

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

5:30 PM–9:00 PM

Reception