When you spend the day with Lilia and Lou, you can’t help but fall in love with their creativity, class, and complete admiration for one another.  A couple months ago we all went out to dinner and Lilia said something that I’ll never forget.  She told us about a conversation that she had with her friend and future wedding officiant Robert.   They talked about relationships and how they should be simple and easy.  That the person your with should be your escape from the rest of world and not someone that adds drama and tension to your life.  You work all day long and you want to come home to someone who makes you happy and comfortable.  Lilia and Lou are the perfect example of that kind of relationship.

It was October 23rd and the day was finally here!  We met up with Lilia at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix where she was getting ready.  When we arrived she was as calm as could be in her room with some close family and friends.

(Please sign the guestbook if you’d like to be notifed when the rest of their photos are online.)
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Lilia’s wedding dress was not only stunning, but it was also hand made by someone very special – her mom!  She also made a totally separate dress that Lilia wore the weekend before for their bridal session.  So talented!

Lilia wasn’t your typical bride, so her shoes had to be something special too.  You’ve gotta love the fringe on her Minnetonka boots!  So Lilia!

The super talented ladies at The Root Salon did an amazing job with Lilia’s hair and makeup.  She looked stunning.

While Denise was shooting the girls, I got to slip out and hang with the guys for a while. This is always so much fun for me.  Lou was very relaxed just hangin’ out with his nine groomsmen.

Yes, nine groomsmen!  While I was finishing up shooting the guys getting ready, Denise went out and found this  grungy ally for shooting some portraits.

The grungy ally was awesome for portraits of the guys, but we decided to steer clean of  the garbage smell for the ladies.  I’m sure they appreciated that.

The bouquet, bridesmaids’ flowers and boutonnieres were all hand made by Lilia.  So colorful and creative!  The progression in the colors for the attendants flowers added such a unique look.

After everyone was done getting ready, we headed over to Corona Ranch in Phoenix, where the ceremony and reception was to be held.  It was such a beautiful day for this venue.  It had a very warm rustic feel which was perfect for their style.

Puppy in a tuxedo?  YES PLEASE!  Who wouldn’t love this adorable guest at their wedding?

Their ceremony was so sweet and full of laughter.  Prior to the big day, the officiant talked to them separately and had them come up with a response to some questions about each other without the other knowing.  Some of their answers were hilarious!

Married!!!

Such a great look we captured as they were walking back down the isle together.  They look pretty excited to be man and wife!

The few minutes following the ceremony are always full of emotional moments as the bride and groom greet their bridal party and family for the first time as a married couple.  This shot of Lilia says it all.

I can see why they had such a large bridal party.  These two are so easy to love!

We had some time after the ceremony and before the reception to walk around the venue taking some amazing shots as the sun was setting.

So adorable.

Showing off her mom’s fine work.

Absolutely love this shot from Denise’s perspective.

Earlier, while Lou was getting ready, I got to watch him open up this handsome Burberry timepiece that Lilia got for him as a wedding gift.

What an amazing couple!

Party time!  Love this shot of Lilia & Lou enjoying their first dance.

Lou’s family and groomsmen gathered out on the porch at Corona Ranch to commemorate the occasion with their “traditional tequila shot”.  I especially enjoyed this part because I was standing up on the bar to shoot this!

The cupcakes, made by Lilia’s maid of honor, were a nice touch.

And of course, with Lou’s music background, the entire reception was artistically mixed by his long time friend, Anthony Hart a.k.a. DJ Hartbreaks. Totally rocked it!

 

 

To see more photos from Lilia & Lou’s wedding day preview, click on the slideshow button below.

To Lilia and Lou: We had such an amazing time with you two!  Thank you so much for letting us share this day with the both of you and your awesome family and friends.  We know your having an amazing time right now in France and can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home!

Hugs from the Gotchers!