1. Real Weddings

Allison & Chris: A Traditional Wedding in Phoenix, AZ

While students at neighboring prep schools, Allison and Chris shared a crush but always seemed to be dating other people. It wasn't until their junior

While students at neighboring prep schools, Allison and Chris shared a crush but always seemed to be dating other people. It wasn't until their junior year of high school that they finally became a couple and instantly fell in love. The Bride Allison Lee, 25, research assistant The Groom Christopher Thoeny, 24, advertising and marketing The Date May 10 The couple's relationship grew stronger when they both attended the University of Arizona. More than seven years after they first started dating, Chris surprised Allison with a proposal. Her family, however, was already in on the secret. Earlier that week, Chris had gone to a baseball game with Allison's father and was so nervous to ask for her hand, he waited until the 7th inning to get her father's permission. Old-world charm set the tone for Allison and Chris' May wedding held at The Wrigley Mansion, a historic building atop a grassy knoll overlooking the entire city of Phoenix. Rich hues of plum and champagne helped define the glamorous feel of the couple's evening nuptials.

Allison's mermaid-style, ivory gown was made of Chantilly lace and featured a champagne-colored sash at the waist, a small train, and a low back. As a vintage accent, she wore a birdcage veil. Allison's seven bridesmaids wore gold, strappy heels and eggplant, satin, tea-length dresses in different silhouettes.
Each groomsman wore a modern, light purple orchid, which complemented the hues of the bridesmaid bouquets.
Menus sat atop gold chargers with purple napkins. Choices like cornbread-stuffed pork chops with andouille pepper gravy, honey orange-glazed salmon over risotto, and a vegetable napoleon had guests raving. The meal was finished with tuxedo-dipped strawberries.
Allison's white and ivory bouquet was a lush arrangement of roses, lilies, and peonies.
Champagne-colored fondant ribbons and dots decorated each tier of Allison and Chris' cake. The top and bottom tiers had a red velvet base with lemon chiffon filling and fresh strawberries. The middle layer was a marble cake with strawberry mousse and fresh strawberries.
Allison and Chris' invitation was a folded design featuring eggplant card stock with an ivory label bearing the couple's names and wedding date.
Allison and Chris shared their first dance to Nat King Cole's Unforgettable.
The bridesmaids carried rich jewel-toned bouquets with flowers such as roses, orchids, irises, and lilies in shades of purple, pink, green, and blue.
Allison and Chris held their ceremony at Brophy Chapel, which is part of Brophy College Preparatory where Chris went to high school. They exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony, and the officiant read excerpts from letters that Chris and Allison had written about their love for each other.