You voted for more than 4,000 nominees in nearly 400 categories (equaling 1.5 million-plus views at AZFoothills.com). Now, it is time to get to know your Best of Our Valley 2014 winners. From your favorite restaurants and resorts to your choice schools and shops, Arizona Foothills Magazine presents Best of Our Valley 2014.
Weddings are one of the most precious times of your life, but they are also one of the most stressful. These companies make your Phoenix wedding—and everything leading up to it—a piece of cake.
Story by Lauren Featherstone
BEST ENGAGEMENT RING STORE – HAMRA JEWELERS
AT HAMRA JEWELERS, the exquisite platinum, gold and gemstone jewelry is selected with the customer in mind. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Hamra also creates unique, custom designs that are sure to become family heirlooms. In 2014, expect to see classic and timeless designs, with accent bands including right-hand rings to complement the engagement ring. www.hamra.com.
BEST WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP – ALLISON PYNN, MAKEUP AZ
ALLISON PYNN PRIDES HERSELF ON two things: makeup and hair that photograph well and timeliness during an already-stressful wedding day. (Plus, she is a great communi- cator who is very easy to get along with.) She believes messy top knots and high buns will be added to this year’s wedding hair trends. However, Pynn prefers 2013’s smoky eyes, flirty lashes and wavy, sexy hair, which will never go out of style. www.makeupaz.com.
BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER – ELITE PHOTO PHOENIX
Most people would agree their wedding is the most important day of their lives. Elite Photo Phoenix’s passion is to capture every precious moment so the bride and groom can relive their big day for years to come. With a focus on documentary-style, candid images, Elite Photo will capture the moments that will make you laugh, smile and shed a tear. www.elitephotophx.com.
BEST WEDDING CATERING COMPANY – SANTA BARBARA CATERING COMPANY
Since 1992, Santa Barbara Catering has led the greater Phoenix catering and event industry, creating unforgettable events by exceeding your expectations with innovative cuisine, exceptional service and creative presentation. One
of the company’s signature wedding dishes is the lobster macaroni and cheese bar. This interactive display includes bacon, roasted tomatoes, herbed bread crumbs, roasted green chilies, blue cheese and chopped chives. www.santabarbaracatering.com.
BEST WEDDING DRESS SHOP – MARIEE BRIDAL
Scottsdale’s Mariée Bridal has displayed wedding dresses by the world’s leading bridal couture designers since 2003. Gowns from around the world are systematically selected and treated as beautiful works of art. This repeat winner values every customer and ensures their experience is magical. www.marieegallery.com.
BEST WEDDING FLORIST – WHITE HOUSE DESIGN STUDIO
With 75 combined years of floral and event design experience, White House Design strives to set the perfect tone for your event or home with lush, aromatic arrangements. The design studio guides brides to create their own unique vision then turns those visions into reality. www.whitehouseflowers.com.
BEST WEDDING PLANNER – CELEBRATIONS BY AMY BACON
Celebrations by Amy Bacon accepts each bride and groom into its family, but the company’s personalized service doesn’t end there. Whether they need Tums or a sewing kit, Celebrations by Amy Bacon will make sure everyone is happy and taken care of, especially those most important to the bride and groom. www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com.
BEST WEDDING VENUE – THE FARM AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN
Your wedding guests won’t believe they are in Arizona when they enter 10 acres of pecan groves, grass lawns, blooming flowers and rustic elegance at The Farm at South Mountain. The Farm can accommodate large and small weddings with various venues including the new Stone Grove, opening this year. Another Best of Our Valley winner, Santa Barbara Catering Company, is The Farm’s exclusive caterer. www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com.
