by Melissa Larsen
Best Wedding Photographer: Bridgette Marie Weddings
A self-described dress junkie, Bridgette Marie blends a fashion influence with photo journalism; thus, her dreamy work is romantic and stylish with a classic tone. She has been a photographer for more than 10 years and is passionate about telling the love stories of her clients through her breathtaking work. bridgettemarieweddings.com.
Best Wedding Hair and Makeup: Luxxi Salon
The combination of experienced stylists and quality products equates to a very happy bride on her big day. Phoenix’s Luxxi is a full-service salon offering traditional cut, color and style for hair, as well as waxing, makeup application and a full range of hair extensions. There is even a VIP area in the back of the salon that’s semi-private and perfect for special-occasion sessions. luxxisalon.com.
Best Wedding Rentals: Prim Rentals
Don’t want to purchase vintage sofas or endless wine barrels for the wedding of your dreams? That is where Tempe’s Prim Rentals, founded in 2013, comes in. The team caters to the entire state, allowing brides and grooms access to its custom inventory of tables, rugs, chairs and more to make any theme come to life for their wedding day and is about to launch two new cocktail and bar lines. Kim Svor, one of Prim’s owners, says that while neutrals are always a hit, today’s weddings are showcasing more bold pops of color and gold details. primrentals.com.
Best Wedding Venue: Warehouse215 @ Bentley Projects
Brimming with cool industrial details (like original brick walls and a wood-beam bow truss ceiling), Warehouse215 @ Bentley Projects is a converted 1918 linen laundry building. With 11,500 feet of indoor and outdoor space and two large event rooms, the full-service, urban-chic setting offers enough space for even the grandest of wedding days. warehouse215.com. Also a 2017 winner!
Best Wedding Videographer: Love Story Films
Molly and Luke Williams are the husband-and- wife cinematography duo behind Love Story Films. Since 2012, the twosome has filmed intimate weddings and elopements worldwide, specializing in handcrafting love stories for adventurous couples. 2018 takes the couple to Iceland, Mexico and all across the United States. yourlovestoryfilms.com. Also a 2017 winner!
Best Wedding Cakes: Classic Cakes & Confections
For more than 10 years, Ella and Neil Levinson have been treating eyes and taste buds to their award-winning wedding cakes. This in-demand duo has worked with the likes of El Chorro, The Phoenician, Sanctuary on Camelback, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and endless other Valley wedding destinations. classiccakesaz.com. Also a 2017 winner!
Best Wedding Planner: Emily’s Events
The clients of Emily’s Events can always count on delicious food paired with exceptional service, as the staff is committed to making each wedding a complete success tailored to the couple’s taste. Rick and Emily Garner, a husband-and-wife duo, have been at the forefront of crafting memorable events for more than 10 years. No wedding is too big or too small for the Garners, who can be at a couple’s side throughout the entire planning process or aid with day-of logistics. emilyseventsaz.com. Also a 2017 winner!
AFM Fave! Best Wedding Venue: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
With a property that offers brides and their wedding parties the feel of a European destination wedding but without additional travel expenses, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is one of the area’s most desired spots for saying “I do.” Couples have four venues and a variety of packages (including an intimate elopement option) to choose from, plus top-notch, personalized service to make the big day a fairytale affair. omnimontelucia.com.
Best Wedding Dress Shop: Laurie’s Bridal and Formal
Laurie Dickman, the hands-on owner of Laurie’s Bridal and Formal, makes every bridal consultation engaging, fun and personal. Dickman says the shop has something for everyone—whether classic and elegant or boho-chic—and notes that many of her brides are looking for simple, informal looks for destination weddings. The shop specializes in bridal, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride or -groom, bat mitzvah, pageant and prom gowns. lauriesbridal.com.
Best Wedding Catering Company: Tom and Lin Catering
Tom and Lin Catering of Phoenix has a reputation for inventive New American-style cuisine and thoughtful presentation, combined with outstanding service. The team is committed to purveying food from reputable sources using locally grown produce and the top imported artisan choices whenever possible. Want your mouth to water? A sample wedding menu includes fontina fondue and tiramisu shooters. tomandlincatering.com. Also a 2017 winner!
Best Engagement Ring Store: Ganem Jewelers
For more than 30 years, Ganem Jewelers has provided couples with the finest engagement rings and wedding bands. At its two locations, one in Scottsdale and one in Ahwatukee, Ganem Jewelers focuses on product created from the highest quality materials, with bridal collections from Simon G., Hearts on Fire, Scott Kay and many more high-end names. ganemjewelers.com.
Best Wedding Florist: The Wildflower AZ
The Phoenix-based Wildflower AZ is a mother-daughter-run floral design studio that specializes in weddings, offering romantic, fine-art florals for their client’s special day. Nicole Helle, of The Wildflower AZ, says feminine florals with a lot of movement and texture, like fritillaria, hellebore or foxglove, are on the wish list of today’s brides. thewildfloweraz.com. Also a 2017 winner!
