1. Real Weddings

A Classic Wedding at Bella Rose Estate Wedding in Chandler, Arizona

Melody Madi (22 and a full-time student) and Marty Stiles (24 and a stream ecologist) met at their church’s college group event; Marty quickly introdu

Melody Madi (22 and a full-time student) and Marty Stiles (24 and a stream ecologist) met at their church’s college group event; Marty quickly introduced himself to Melody, and after a night of getting to know one another, he asked for her number to go swing dancing sometime. Seven months later, Marty brought Melody to an auditorium on campus where he asked her to dance with him on the twinkle-lit stage. The couple’s closest friends were below and a jazz band serenaded them with their favorite swing dance songs, including “Beyond the Sea,” which would become their first dance song. Marty got down on one knee and read a poem that ended with, “I want to pursue you for the rest of your life, will you marry me?” Nine months later, the couple got married at the Bella Rose Estate, which offered a garden for their outdoor ceremony and a spacious, classy ballroom for the reception. The bride has always loved vintage styles and culture—hence her love of swing dancing—so she incorporated vintage elements into the wedding, such as burlap, crates, window shutters, lace, books, suitcases and glassware to create a rustic atmosphere. A highlight of the reception was when the bride’s best friend from college gave a speech to the rewritten lyrics of “The Best Thing” by Relient K, including two of their friends acting out the roles of the bride and groom. “It ended with a simple chorus where all of our wedding guests ended up singing along to—an odd, silly, sweet element to our reception!” says Melody.

Melody wore a white flower hair piece with rhinestones and feathers.
Melody wore a Maggie Sottero dress from Brilliant Bridal and added rhinestone embellishments.
The bridesmaids chose their own dresses in dark red with black flats.
Simple Neutral Ceremony Program with Black Print
Gray Groom's Suit with Red Tie in Chandler, Arizona
First Look at Bella Rose Estate
The bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres were all DIY from flowers from the Arizona Flower Market in downtown Phoenix.
Red and White Bridal Processional Wagon in Chandler, Arizona
For their first kiss as a married couple, Marty dipped Melody. “It was a pretty dramatic first kiss!” says Melody.
Recessional at Bella Rose Estate in Chandler, Arizona
Instead of a guest book, guests signed Jenga game pieces. “We will actually look at it often, because we are game people!” says Melody.
The couple’s first dance—a swing dance of course— was to “Beyond the Sea.” “My dress was able to take all the quick turns beautifully and smoothly,” says Melody.
The couple hired their friend from church, who was starting her own bakery business, to create their desserts. She made cake pops, cupcakes, petit fours and a simple white cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting.
Bride and Groom by Chandler, Arizona Sunset