Desert Romance at The Lodge at Ventana With a Heartfelt Focus on Family

Nicolle and Edmundo envisioned a wedding day that was both classic and timeless, with a heartfelt focus on family. Their 2-year-old daughter, Mia, played a special role as the adorable flower girl, even taking part in the emotional first look. Every detail was thoughtfully planned to honor their love and heritage, including a beautifully crafted invitation suite in both English and Spanish, a nod to Edmundo’s roots. The planner, Meagan Crain of Crain & Co., worked hand-in-hand with florist Alexis Grace to create a romantic, timeless atmosphere with lush florals and elegant touches that reflected the couple's deep connection to family and tradition.

The couple’s daughter, Mia has been the center of their universe since the day she arrived and because of the importance of their daughter and closeness of the family Edmundo decided to propose at Mia’s first birthday party. This was already a special celebration, surrounded by family and friends, but Edmundo had something even more magical in store. Halfway through the party, Nicolle was pulled aside by her mom and sister to help assemble one of Mia’s gifts. A few minutes later, someone rushed in, saying, “something’s wrong with Mia.” Worried, Nicolle hurried back into the room, only to find Edmundo standing in the center, holding Mia, in a room completely transformed with a beautiful floral installation. Mia’s shirt had the sweetest message: “Mommy, will you marry Daddy?” as their song, “Better Together,” played softly in the background. Edmundo got down on one knee and proposed with a stunning emerald cut engagement ring, creating a moment filled with love and surprise. After she said yes, they spent the rest of the party celebrating with their loved ones. It was a day they’ll never forget.

Nicolle’s bridal style was a stunning blend of timeless elegance and personalized touches. She wore the “Mary” gown from the Signature Justin Alexander collection, a show-stopping choice with its classic silhouette and modern flair. To make the dress uniquely her own, Nicolle added glitter tulle to the skirt for a touch of sparkle and custom-designed a dramatic bishop sleeve, which she wore for the first part of the day and during the ceremony. The soft, ethereal sleeves added a regal vibe as she walked down the aisle, but for the reception, Nicolle removed them for a more streamlined, dance-ready look, perfectly blending sophistication, fun, and comfort.

Nicolle’s bridal party looked effortlessly chic in a beautiful array of light pink and peach tones, perfectly complementing the romantic desert setting. Each bridesmaid’s dress added a unique touch, with the Maid of Honor standing out in a stunning tiered floral print dress from Revolve. Another floral bridesmaid wowed in a design from Revelry, while the rest of the bridal party wore a mix of satin and chiffon dresses from Birdy Grey, and a playful ruffle dress from Baltic Born. Little Mia, the couple’s daughter, wore a custom dress, while the flower girl’s sweet attire came from Dillard’s. Nicolle’s mom radiated elegance in a Mac Duggal gown, and all the bridesmaids, along with Nicolle’s mom and mother-in-law, completed their looks with beautiful earrings from Olive & Piper. The soft, cohesive palette made the bridal party shine while still allowing each individual’s personality to come through and it perfectly brought out the peach colors in the bouquets and florals.

Edmundo and his groomsmen brought a stylish and personal touch to the wedding day with their sleek, custom attire. Edmundo looked dashing in a custom black suit from Indochino, which featured a meaningful surprise—a Día de Los Muertos print lining the inside of the jacket as a tribute to his Mexican heritage. This thoughtful detail added a personal and cultural nod to his look, making it both sentimental and unique. The groomsmen complemented Edmundo perfectly in matching black suits from Generation Tux, creating a sharp and cohesive style for the day. Together, they exuded elegance, sophistication, and a sense of unity, while Edmundo’s custom suit added a memorable and personal touch with a hidden pop of color.

The dining experience at Nicolle and Edmundo’s wedding was nothing short of exquisite, with a thoughtfully curated menu catered by the venue, Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge. Guests were treated to a fresh and flavorful start with mixed greens, poached pears, candied pecans, feta cheese, and red seedless grapes, all drizzled with a red wine vinaigrette. For the main course, options included a decadent artichoke and parmesan stuffed chicken breast with herb pan jus, pan-seared filet mignon with a rich Sauce Godart of prosciutto and mushrooms, and grilled salmon with a bright Meyer lemon beurre blanc. Vegetarian guests enjoyed a roasted poblano chili, while all dishes were complemented by herb-roasted marbled potatoes with rosemary and parmesan and grilled broccolini with lemon vinaigrette. The menu was a perfect balance of elegance and flavor, offering something for every palate, and adding to the unforgettable experience of the day.

The florals by Alexis Grace Florals were a stunning highlight of Nicolle and Edmundo’s wedding, bringing their vision of timeless romance to life. The color palette was elegantly showcased through an array of ranunculus, sweet peas, roses, lisianthus, and lush greenery. The ceremony featured an impressive floral installation that surrounded the couple on a raised platform, with breathtaking mountain views in the background. After the ceremony, the florals were repurposed for the reception, decorating the sweetheart table and cake display with the same vibrant beauty and architectural flora artistry that Alexis Grace is know for. Every bouquet and centerpiece carried the same romantic charm, perfectly tying the day’s design together with elegance and grace.

Nicolle and Edmundo’s wedding cake was not only a beautiful centerpiece but also held sentimental value. Crafted by Village Bakehouse, the three-tier cake featured layers of lemon, red velvet, and pink champagne, with a vanilla almond sheet cake too. The tiered cake was elegantly finished with white frosting and delicate edible pearl details, adding a timeless touch to the design. Having created every birthday cake for Nicolle throughout her youth, it was a meaningful full-circle moment for Village Bakehouse to be part of her wedding day. The cake was as special to Nicolle as it was delicious, blending tradition with sweet nostalgia.

One of the most heartwarming and unforgettable details of Nicolle and Edmundo’s wedding day was the inclusion of their daughter, Mia. In a sweet surprise, Mia had her very own first look with Edmundo, who thought he was about to see Nicolle in her wedding dress for the first time. When he turned around, there was little Mia, who instantly ran into his arms, creating a tear-filled moment that no one will forget. Mia was also featured in the flatlay, with her hair bow included among the special details, and she made several appearances throughout the day in family photos and walking her Mom down the aisle with her grandparents. It was so important to Nicolle and Edmund that she was part of every cherished memory. Even the cocktail hour had a nod to her with a special “Mia” themed drink, custom kid cups, and fun coloring pages for all the young guests. Mia’s presence throughout the day added an extra layer of love and joy to the celebration, making it all the more special for everyone involved.

The couple beautifully incorporated Edmundo’s Mexican heritage and the Spanish language throughout their wedding day, creating a celebration that was inclusive and culturally rich. They ensured that every guest felt welcome with bilingual signs and a stunning invitation suite from Big Little Lines, seamlessly designed in both English and Spanish. The cocktail hour was brought to life by the vibrant sounds of a live mariachi band, adding a festive and authentic touch to the celebration. And, of course, Edmundo’s custom suit featured a meaningful nod to his heritage with a Día de Los Muertos print lining, a detail that tied the day’s cultural elements together perfectly. From the music to the language to the surprise hidden suit detail, every aspect of the day celebrated their love story while honoring Edmundo’s Mexican roots.