# Venue at the Grove > This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most ## Pages - [Thank you - Contact Submission](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/thank-you/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/privacy-policy/) - [Booked Couple Resources](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/planning-resources/) - [Video Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/video-gallery/) - [Barn Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/barn/) - [Grove Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/grove/) - [Indoor Hall Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/indoor-hall/) - [Outdoor Patio Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/outdoor-patio/) - [Wedding Gallery](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/wedding/) - [Payment](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/payment/) - [Galleries](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/galleries/) - [Photography](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/services/photography/) - [Corporate & Social Events](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/services/corporate-social-events/) - [Weddings](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/services/weddings/) - [About Us](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/aboutus/) - [Sample Page](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/sample-page/) - [Services](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/services/) - [Contact & Pricing](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/contact/) - [Blog](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/blog/) - [Home](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/) ## Posts - [Inside Julia & Tristan’s Wedding Day at Venue at the Grove!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/inside-julia-tristans-wedding-day-at-venue-at-the-grove/) - [You May Now Be Seated!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/you-may-now-be-seated/) - [Creative Guest Book Ideas for Your Wedding](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/creative-guest-book-ideas-for-your-wedding/) - [More Than Photos: Picking the Right Person Behind the Lens](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/more-than-photos-picking-the-right-person-behind-the-lens/) - [Why Sharing your Wedding Day Timeline is a Game Changer](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/why-sharing-your-wedding-day-timeline-is-a-game-changer/) - [The Secret Sauce behind Ensemble Catering](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/the-secret-sauce-behind-ensemble-catering/) - [Top 10 Questions to Ask While on the Venue Hunt](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-10-questions-to-ask-while-on-the-venue-hunt/) - [Wedding Trends We’re Loving in 2025](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-trends-were-loving-in-2025/) - [When You Know, You Know: Why the Right Venue and Team Make All the Difference](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/when-you-know-you-know-why-the-right-venue-and-team-make-all-the-difference/) - [Celebrate the Season in Style: Corporate Holiday Party Dates Now Open!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/celebrate-the-season-in-style-corporate-holiday-party-dates-now-open/) - [Firsts That Last Forever: A Look, A Kiss, A Dance, A Lifetime](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/firsts-that-last-forever-a-look-a-kiss-a-dance-a-lifetime/) - [8 Meaningful Ways to Personalize Your Wedding!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/8-meaningful-ways-to-personalize-your-wedding/) - [June 2025 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/june-2025-special-open-house/) - [Top 5 Reasons why Couples Love Getting Married at Venue at the Grove!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-5-reasons-why-couples-love-getting-married-at-venue-at-the-grove/) - [Seated with Love](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/seated-with-love/) - [Venue at the Grove throughout the Seasons](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/venue-at-the-grove-throughout-the-seasons/) - [Favors that Your Guests will LOVE!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/favors-that-your-guests-will-love/) - [You're Married! Now What?](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/youre-married-now-what/) - [From Rise & Shine to Last Dance: the Ultimate Wedding Timeline!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/from-rise-shine-to-last-dance-the-ultimate-wedding-timeline/) - [Garden Party Dreams: Bringing Color and Life to Your Wedding Day](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/garden-party-dreams-bringing-color-and-life-to-your-wedding-day/) - [5 Key Things to do After Getting Engaged!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/5-key-things-to-do-after-getting-engaged/) - [Outdoor Weddings Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/outdoor-weddings-inspiration/) - [In Your Bridesmaid Era](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/in-your-bridesmaid-era/) - [Signature Drinks: A Primer](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/signature-drinks-a-primer/) - [Meet our Photographers: The Susnjaras Photo & Film](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-photographers-the-susnjaras-photo-film/) - [Meet Our Florists: Bee Wild](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-florists-bee-wild/) - [Additions that are worth Melting for](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/additions-that-are-worth-melting-for/) - [Wedding Trends We Are Loving this Year!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-trends-we-are-loving-this-year/) - [Meet Our Photographers: Leslie Ann Photography](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-photographers-leslie-ann-photography/) - [Meet Our Photographers: Tiffany & Ryland Photography](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-photographers-tiffany-ryland-photography/) - [Holiday Parties](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/holiday-parties/) - [Neon Signs of Love](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/neon-signs-of-love/) - [Mariachi: Tuning Out!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/mariachi-tuning-out/) - [Spring Color Trends of 2024](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/spring-color-trends-of-2024/) - [Jessica & Hallie 12/8/2023](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/jessica-hallie-12-8-2023/) - [To Love and To Theme](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/to-love-and-to-theme/) - [Different Types Of Unity Ceremonies To Consider For Your Big Day!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/different-types-of-unity-ceremonies-to-consider-for-your-big-day/) - [Meet Our Photographers: Andrea Neff Photography](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-photographers-andrea-neff-photography/) - [Décor Galore!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/decor-galore/) - [Meet Our Photographers: Tony George Photography](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-photographers-tony-george-photography/) - [Paw-tners On Your Wedding Day!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/paw-tners-on-your-wedding-day/) - [Wedding Spotlight: Tina & Luis](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-spotlight-tina-luis/) - [Frequently Asked Questions!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Winter Wonderland Wedding Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/winter-wonderland-wedding-inspiration-2/) - [Wedding Spotlight: Raquel & Promden](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-spotlight-raquel-promden/) - [Baby It's Cold Outside](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/baby-its-cold-outside-2/) - [Seating Charts Galore!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/seating-charts-galore/) - [It's All in the Place Settings](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/its-all-in-the-place-settings/) - [Wedding Spotlight: Roxy & Freddy](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-spotlight-roxy-freddy/) - [Lounge Sets, Loveseats, & Leisure](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/lounge-sets-loveseats-leisure/) - [Something Borrowed, Something Blue!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/something-borrowed-something-blue/) - [Champagne, Margaritas and Gimlets - Oh My!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/champagne-margaritas-and-gimlets-oh-my/) - [Wedding Day Nails & Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-day-nails-inspiration/) - [Seasonal Wedding Color Trends](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/seasonal-wedding-color-trends/) - [Unique Guest Book Ideas](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/unique-guest-book-ideas/) - [Send-Off Options You and Your Guests Will Remember](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/send-off-options-you-and-your-guests-will-remember/) - [Wedding Favors your Guests will Want to Take Home](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-favors-your-guests-will-want-to-take-home/) - [Top Three Most Popular Appetizers by Ensemble Catering](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-three-most-popular-appetizers-by-ensemble-catering/) - [2022 Wedding Trends](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/2022-wedding-trends/) - [12 Month Wedding Checklist](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/12-month-wedding-checklist/) - [Selecting your Date Starts with Selecting your Season](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/selecting-your-date-starts-with-selecting-your-season/) - [Unity Ceremony - What is it and how do I incorporate it into my big day?](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/unity-ceremony-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-incorporate-it-into-my-big-day/) - [Fun Mocktails for an Alcohol-Free Wedding](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/fun-mocktails-for-an-alcohol-free-wedding/) - [Maggie & Grant :: 06.01.19](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/maggie-grant-06-01-19/) - [Throughout the Years](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/throughout-the-years/) - [Wedding Cake Trends of 2019](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-cake-trends-of-2019/) - [2019 Arizona Bridal Show!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/2019-arizona-bridal-show/) - [The Importance of Reception Chairs!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/the-importance-of-reception-chairs/) - [A Hopeless Romantic's Guide to Valentine's Day](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/a-hopeless-romantics-guide-to-valentines-day/) - [Inside Advice from our Venue at the Grove Tribe](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/inside-advice-from-our-venue-at-the-grove-tribe/) - [Wedding Day ‘Forget Me Nots’](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-day-forget-me-nots/) - [Create your Wedding to be Instagrammable and Unforgettable](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/create-your-wedding-to-be-instagrammable-and-unforgettable/) - [4 Reasons You Shoud Consider First Look Photos](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/4-reasons-you-shoud-consider-first-look-photos/) - [Top 5 Things Wedding Guests Care About {And 5 Things They Don't}](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-5-things-wedding-guests-care-about-and-5-things-they-dont/) - [5 Ways To Keep It Cool](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/5-ways-to-keep-it-cool/) - [Mama Deserves Brunch!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/mama-deserves-brunch/) - [Spring Floral Crown Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/spring-floral-crown-inspiration/) - [Easter Brunch in the Grove](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/easter-brunch-in-the-grove/) - [Top 10 LOVE Quote Printables](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-10-love-quote-printables/) - [Wedding {GIVEAWAY} Reveal!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/wedding-giveaway-reveal/) - [7 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/7-tips-to-pick-the-perfect-wedding-venue/) - [Can't Wait to Meet You This Weekend!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/cant-wait-to-meet-you-this-weekend/) - [7 Breathtaking Winter Bridal Gowns](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/7-breathtaking-winter-bridal-gowns/) - [16 Memorable and Delicious Wedding Favors](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/16-memorable-and-delicious-wedding-favors/) - [Holiday Party Theme Inspiration - Book Your Holiday Party NOW!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/holiday-party-theme-inspiration-book-your-holiday-party-now/) - [MEET OUR $50,000 GARDEN PARTY WEDDING GIVEAWAY WINNER: MELISSA AND STEVE!](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/meet-our-50000-garden-party-wedding-giveaway-winner-melissa-and-steve/) - [Dia de los Muertos Wedding Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/dia-de-los-muertos-wedding-inspiration/) - [Top 5 FALL Wedding Must Haves](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-5-fall-wedding-must-haves/) - [Thank You Card Inspiration](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/thank-you-card-inspiration/) - [Top 10 Untraditional Wedding Cakes](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-10-untraditional-wedding-cakes/) - [11 Stunning Welcome Signs](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/11-stunning-welcome-signs/) - [Goosebump Worthy First Looks](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/goosebump-worthy-first-looks-2/) - [Bridesmaid Proposal](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/bridesmaid-proposal/) - [Top 12 Wedding Inspiration Blogs](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/top-12-wedding-inspiration-blogs/) - [Ditch The Typical Evening Wedding For Something More Unique](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/ditch-the-typical-evening-wedding-for-something-more-unique/) - [10 Wedding Day Must-Dos](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/10-wedding-day-must-dos/) - [How to Honor a Deceased Loved One on your Wedding Day](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/how-to-honor-a-deceased-loved-one-on-your-wedding-day/) - [Excuse Us While We #HumbleBrag Real Quick](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/excuse-us-while-we-humblebrag-real-quick/) - [7 Way to Create A Vows Keepsake](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/7-way-to-create-a-vows-keepsake/) - [A Summer Citrus Wedding](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/a-summer-citrus-wedding/) - [7 Ways To Keep Guests From Breaking A Summer Sweat](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/7-ways-to-keep-guests-from-breaking-a-summer-sweat/) ## Testimonials - [Christian & Ty](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/christian-ty/) - [Paul & Taylor](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/sue-mike/) - [Danielle & AJ](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/danielle-aj/) - [Elizabeth & Andy](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/audra-chase/) - [Laura & David](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/alicia-marcos-wedding/) - [Eliza & Mike](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/eliza-mike/) - [Alicia & Marcos](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/alicia-marcos/) - [Danica & Mike](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/danica-mike/) - [Haleigh & Brad](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/testimonial/haleigh-brad/) ## Events - [Breakfast with Santa 2026](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/breakfast-with-santa-2026/) - [June 2026 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/june-2026-special-open-house/) - [January 2026 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/january-2026-special-open-house/) - [Breakfast with Santa 2025](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/breakfast-with-santa-2025/) - [June 2025 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/june-2025-special-open-house/) - [January 2025 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/jan-2025-special-open-house/) - [Breakfast with Santa 2024](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/breakfast-with-santa-2024/) - [June 2024 Special Open House](https://www.venueatthegrove.com/event/june-2024-special-open-house/) # # Detailed Content ## Pages This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin' caught in the rain. ) ... or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickeys to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community. As a new WordPress user, you should go to your dashboard to delete this page and create new pages for your content. Have fun! ## Posts Everything online can feel so curated and perfectly styled, which is why it’s so important to hear the real details, from a real couple, on their actual wedding day. “Our wedding at Venue at The Grove was, in every sense of the word, perfection. From the moment we arrived on the property, we were taken aback by the beauty of the venue. The picturesque surroundings, the elegant details, and the way the space feels both intimate and expansive at the same time. It was the perfect setting for the celebration we had envisioned... “ - Julia & Tristan We’re so excited to spotlight Julia & Tristan from last fall. It was a beautiful early November Thursday, with lush greenery brought to life after October rains. The entire grove felt fresh, vibrant, and full of quiet anticipation. Karina, the couple’s venue coordinator, flawlessly sets up the couple’s personal decor. The Ensemble Catering team sets the table while Patricia with WildChild starts sprinkling the whole venue with her florals. Julia & Tristan arrived at Venue at the Grove separately around 2 pm. Julia stepped into her suite hair and makeup ready, surrounded by her family and closest friends, giddy, emotional, and so ready for the moment she would finally put on her dress. Tristan, calm and collected, made his way to his suite with his guys. Getting ready themselves and then out to enjoy lawn games, soaking in the day before everything began. About an hour before guests were set to arrive,... We LOVE seeing what couples come up with for their wedding seating charts, so if you're in a rut or feel like every idea you've seen is just... meh, you're in the right place. We adore the clean and classic seating charts that never go out of style... this is for the couples looking to go a little outside of the box! Assigned Tables vs. Assigned Seats - What's The Difference? We always recommend doing one or the other. Whether your wedding is big or small, giving your guests direction makes dinner smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Assigned Tables – This is the most common (and easiest) option. Guests are told what table they’re at, and then they choose any seat at that table. It keeps things structured without being overly specific and still gives your guests a little flexibility. You’ll only need a seating chart of some sort to let guests know which table they are at. Assigned Seats – For a more formal vibe, you can assign both a table and a seat. You’ll still need a main chart to tell guests their table, and at the table itself, use place cards or custom name pieces to show them their specific seat. Whether you go with tables or seats, your seating chart doesn’t have to be boring. And that’s where these creative ideas come in! 1. Find Your Seat & Your Sip Instead of the classic escort card table, welcome guests with a wall of drinks! Champagne... One of the sweetest parts of your wedding is looking back on the messages your guests leave for you. A guest book doesn’t have to be a simple book with signatures, it can be something meaningful, fun, and unique to you as a couple. Over the years, we’ve seen so many creative twists on guest books, and the best part is that it’s all about what feels special to you. Here are some ideas to inspire you: 1. Board Games Imagine pulling out your favorite board game years later and seeing little notes written by your wedding guests. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Guess Who can double as a guest book, and every time you play, you’ll be reminded of your wedding day. 2. Playing Cards A simple deck of cards turns into something unforgettable when each guest signs one. You can keep them all together or pull them out during game nights to smile at the memories. 3. Jenga Pieces Guests love this one! Each person signs a block, and every time you build your tower in the future, you’ll be stacking up love and memories from your wedding day. 4. Helicopter Blade or Wing This one is especially fun for aviation lovers. Guests sign a helicopter blade or wing piece, turning it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake that doubles as art for your home. 5. Scrapbook A personalized scrapbook lets guests leave notes, photos, or even small mementos from the day. Over time, it becomes a beautifully curated collection... After celebrating couples’ love stories for over 16 years, we've discovered a few common themes that arise when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer. Since photography is one of the most meaningful investments you'll make for your big day, our goal is to help make the process feel simple, clear, and stress-free. Here are some of the main things to look for when deciding on your wedding photographer: 1. Editing Style Every photographer has a signature editing style, and that style is part of what makes their work unique. They create consistency in their galleries because it reflects what they believe looks best. This is why there are so many different photographers to choose from, it allows you to find someone whose editing truly matches your vision. Some styles lean light and airy, others go dark and moody, and some feel more natural and true-to-color. When looking through portfolios, pay attention to how their edits make you feel, because that is exactly how your photos will look. 2. The Photos Themselves Editing style is only one piece of the puzzle. The way photographers capture moments, their angles, poses, lighting, and direction, shapes your gallery just as much. Many photographers work at the same venues, so their approach often becomes recognizable. If you see mostly formal, posed photos on their social media, expect yours to look the same. If you see lots of blurry candids or dramatic, editorial shots, that’s the style they will bring to your day. Their creative... When it comes to wedding planning, your timeline is one of the most important tools you’ll have. It keeps your day running smoothly and also helps your family and wedding party feel confident about what’s happening and when. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is sharing your timeline with your VIP’s. When your family and wedding party don’t know the plan, the questions start rolling in. Where do I need to be? What time is dinner? When do we take photos? All of those little questions can quickly become overwhelming on the day of your wedding. Here’s the good news: sharing your timeline ahead of time saves you so much stress. At your planning meeting, we’ll build a timeline with you that outlines all the key parts of your day. Then, right around your 30-day mark you’ll finalize all the details. That’s the perfect time to send the completed timeline to your family, wedding party, and key vendors. Having that clarity helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Plus, it saves you and your partner from being the one to answer last-minute questions or reminders. This is especially helpful for things like the rehearsal, family photos (especially if you’re doing them before the ceremony), and even after the ceremony when guests and wedding party members tend to wander off. A quick glance at the timeline keeps everyone in the right place at the right time. And here’s another big stress reliever: having a day-of coordinator who can... When you think of an unforgettable wedding, you likely envision joyful guests, beautiful settings, and of course, unbelievable food. The kind of food that does more than fill you up... actually wows you. That’s where a truly exceptional catering company steps in, not just to serve a meal, but to help craft a culinary experience that becomes one of the most talked about parts of your big day. Ensemble Catering is a company that doesn’t just feed your guests; they orchestrate flavors, moments, and memories. Tray-Passed Elegance The catering magic begins the moment after the ceremony. Ensemble’s friendly servers greet all of the guests offering beautifully presented tray-passed hors d’oeuvres like bacon wrapped potato bites, prickly pear BBQ meatballs, or spinach and swiss puffs that melt in your mouth. Each bite is a promise of what’s to come: thoughtful, elevated, and absolutely delicious. Your Style, Your Service: Buffet, Family Style or Plated No two weddings are alike and neither are the catering setups. Whether you're going for a casual vibe or a formal black-tie affair, Ensemble’s flexible service styles can be tailored to your vision: Elegant Buffets with artfully arranged dishes that keep guests coming back for seconds served by staff and a carving station. Family Style service that encourages connection and sharing! Nothing breaks the ice better at tables like talking and passing around food. Plated Dinners where each course is delivered with grace, precision, and timing that flows perfectly with your reception timeline. No matter the service style,... Booking a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make that will shape the whole planning process. Asking the right questions can save you time, money and stress and help ensure it’s the perfect fit for you and your fiancé! 1. What does availability look like? Do they have your dream date available? Many popular venues book out 12–24 months in advance, so the earlier you start your search, the more options you'll have. Is there a price difference for certain months or days of the week? 2. What’s the total cost and what’s included? It’s important to understand the full scope of what’s included like tables, chairs, linens, vendors... etc . What would you need to provide yourself to make a great wedding happen? Are there any additional fees, like service or production fees? Some venues have a fee for corkage and cake cutting! 3. How many guests can the venue comfortably hold? Are there any guest counts or food and beverage minimums? What does the parking situation look like? Make sure the venue suits your guest count, not just in terms of capacity, but also comfort and flow. 4. What is the deposit and payment schedule? Each venue will be different in their payment schedules and how much it is to lock in a date! 5. Does the venue offer event managers or day of coordination? What do their responsibilities look like on the day of? Do you need to bring in additional coordinators to assist... Fresh ideas, intentional moments, and a whole lot of style. Weddings are always evolving, and that’s the beauty of them. The traditions you include (or don’t) are completely up to you. We’re seeing so many couples lean into what feels meaningful and personal, while also bringing in fresh ideas that keep the experience exciting for their guests. If you’re planning your wedding and wondering what’s trending lately, here’s a roundup of the ideas we’re loving here at Venue at the Grove. Spoiler: there are no rules, just inspiration. MEANINGFUL MOMENTS & PERSONAL TOUCHES Bouquet Dedications Instead of Tosses The traditional garter and bouquet toss is happening less frequently, and in its place, couples are doing something more personal, like dedicating their bouquet to their mom, grandma, or someone important. It’s emotional, unexpected, and makes for a beautiful memory. Functional Favors (Or Skipping Them Entirely) Luggage tags with guest names (which double as escort cards)? Love it. Edible treats or keepsake wine stoppers? Also love it. And some couples are skipping favors altogether and donating to a meaningful cause instead. Thoughtfulness is trending. Late-Night Snacks for the Win Taco bars, soft pretzels, donuts, sliders, if it cures post-dancing hunger, it’s welcome. Late-night snacks are a fun surprise and help guests rally for the after party. SEATING CHOICES & CEREMONY SHIFTS Sweetheart Tables Are In While head tables still have their moment, we’re seeing more couples choose a sweetheart table, just the two of you, a little oasis to eat, chat, and... There’s no shortage of wedding venues out there. You can find beautiful spaces, scenic views, Pinterest-worthy backdrops, but what truly sets a wedding apart often has nothing to do with the color of the napkins or the shape of the arch. It comes down to how you feel on the day itself. Calm. Present. Supported. And that starts with choosing the right people and the right place. Here at The Venue at the Grove, we hear from couples all the time: “This place just felt different. ” Maybe it’s the way the sunlight filters through the pecan trees. Or the way our lights light up the night just as the sun dips, wrapping the space in something that feels intimate and inviting. Yes, the natural setting speaks for itself but it’s what happens behind the scenes that really matters. Because not every venue team is the same. What makes the biggest impact? It’s the thoughtful, kind, and genuinely supportive people who help bring the day together. The ones who respond quickly to questions (even the little ones). The ones who handle last-minute changes without panic or pressure. The ones who actually care how the day feels for you and everyone you’ve invited. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during wedding planning, especially if you’re doing it from out of state or juggling work and life at the same time. That’s where our all-inclusive packages come in. We’ve curated a trusted group of vendors: photographers, florists, DJs, and more who we know... The holidays are just around the corner, and we're thrilled to announce that our venue is now booking corporate holiday parties for December 19th and 20th! Whether you're planning a cozy get-together or a full-blown festive celebration, we’ve got the perfect backdrop for a magical evening. Step into the season with our barn transformed into Santa’s Workshop, complete with rustic charm and whimsical holiday decor. Your guests will be greeted by a canopy of twinkling lights over our patio, perfect for mingling under the stars. Your rental includes everything you need for a warm, welcoming event: Wood farm tables & chairs Elegant place settings Wine barrel cocktail tables Lawn games for added fun Professional event management to keep everything on track We’re proud to partner with Ensemble Catering, who will provide catering tailored to your team’s tastes. Plus, you can elevate your evening even more with optional bartending services and a DJ to keep the energy festive all night long. Spots are limited and will fill quickly so don’t miss the chance to treat your team to a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Contact us today to book your date and make this year’s holiday party one to remember! There’s something undeniably magical about “firsts. ” Those fleeting, heart-racing moments that mark the beginning of a lifelong journey. The first look, when eyes meet and time stands still. The first kiss, tender and electric. The first dance, wrapped in each other’s arms as if the world has faded away. These aren’t just milestones of a wedding day, they’re the quiet, powerful beginnings of forever. In this post, we’ll celebrate the beauty of those intimate firsts that echo through a lifetime of love. First Look Just moments before the ceremony begins, when loved ones are gathering and anticipation fills the air, your mind can feel overwhelmed with excitement and nerves. But amidst all the whirlwind, the only place you truly want to be is in your partner’s arms. So take that moment. Whether it’s a first look or a quiet first touch, give yourselves the gift of being together before it all begins. It’s a chance to breathe, to connect, and to calm your hearts before the celebration unfolds. Many couples also choose this time to exchange private vows, an intimate, emotional way to share promises meant just for each other. And as a bonus, you’ll get to capture even more stunning, candid photos in the soft light of this special moment. First Kiss The first kiss as a married couple is more than just a tradition, it’s a moment suspended in time, filled with joy, relief, and overwhelming love. After the vows are spoken and promises made, that kiss... Your wedding day should be one of the happiest and most memorable moments of your life, and that’s why it’s so important to include decorations and details that truly make you smile. This day is all about celebrating you and your partner, so it’s the perfect opportunity to let your personalities shine through with meaningful, personal touches. Neon Signs - If you and your partner will be sharing the same last name, what better way to celebrate it than with a custom neon sign glowing at your sweetheart table? Whether you hang it just below the table or display it on its own stand, it’s a fun and stylish statement piece. Plus, it’s not just for the big day—you can repurpose it as a unique piece of décor in your home, serving as a glowing reminder of your celebration. 2. Custom Bar Signage - If you and your spouse each have a favorite drink, why not turn them into your signature cocktails for the big day? It’s a fun and personal way to share a bit of your taste with your guests! And for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, you can create a charming sign showcasing a variety of sodas and juices to choose from, something for everyone to enjoy! 3. Color Palette - Whether you're drawing inspiration from the seasons or simply choosing your favorite color combos, the wedding theme is totally up to you! The colors you pick will help guide everything from the florals and table linens... Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Bee Wild Designs or Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photograph, Leslie Ann Photography, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, and The Susnjaras Photo + Film. They are ready to capture your big day! Complete your decor with the signage of your dreams from All The LoveLeigh Details and make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP! Venue at the Grove is an award winning venue with 16 years of service to over 1500 couples that celebrated their love here! We’re family owned and operated with a full service team ready to make your dreams come true! Venue Beauty Nestled among mature pecan trees and lush green grass, this spot offers a truly unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the Phoenix area. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and blooming bushes, it feels like you’ve stepped into a secret garden. As night falls, 40,000 twinkling string lights create a magical canopy overhead, perfect for dancing the night away. Tucked away from freeways and busy streets, the ambience of the birds singing in the background makes it serene. Couples love the thoughtfully designed layout with separate spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, all flowing beautifully from one to the next. During cocktail hour, you’ll even spot grapefruit and fig trees, with charming vines climbing the poles! 2. Event Management We know planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially with everything happening on the big day, that’s why we’re here for you every step of the way! From the moment you book, we’re available to answer your questions and guide you through the process, including a personal planning meeting to go over all the little details. On your wedding day, you’ll have a dedicated day-of coordinator to handle setup, keep things running smoothly, and be right by your side for anything you need. We want you and... When it comes to planning your wedding décor, you have every opportunity to let your personality shine through. Whether you love a clean, minimal look or you're all about bold colors and playful details, it's all about choosing what feels right for you. When it’s time to decide where your favorite people will sit, it’s worth taking a little extra care. Seating your guests near those they’ll vibe with most, helps create a fun, relaxed atmosphere right from the start. A thoughtfully arranged seating chart also makes the flow from cocktail hour to reception feel smooth and effortless. Below, you'll find some creative seating chart ideas that might just inspire you! Traditional Organizing your seating chart in alphabetical order is a timeless and practical approach. It’s especially helpful for larger weddings, where finding a name under a table number right away can be tricky. Having guests look up their names first keeps things simple and stress-free. Vintage mirrors are having a major moment right now, they’re both elegant and eye-catching. Of course, you can never go wrong with a beautifully printed poster board that ties in perfectly with your wedding aesthetic and color palette! The Reader For all the bookworms out there, this one’s for you! Show off your passion for reading by using bookmarks as name cards, hung from the pages of your favorite novels. It’s a charming way to guide your guests to their seats and as a bonus, the bookmarks double as sweet little keepsakes they can... As the seasons change, so does the beauty of our venue! Our stunning pecan trees gracefully transform with the weather, adding a unique charm no matter the time of year. You truly can't go wrong with any season! All of our trees are beautifully strung with lights, illuminating every branch from base to tip. In winter, the twinkling lights create a magical, glowing outline of the trees, making it the perfect backdrop for your reception. And in late spring and fall, the full, lush look of the trees is simply irresistible! Plus, our grass stays vibrant and green all year round, along with our lovely shrubs and trees, ensuring that garden feel no matter the season. Let’s take a closer look at how our venue shines throughout the year! January - March During these months, our beautiful pecan trees have shed most of their leaves, allowing you to soak up that perfect Arizona sun and enjoy all the warmth you can get in the early season. As the sun sets, the trees come alive with a fairytale-like glow, their full outlines twinkling with fairy lights that reach all the way to the tips of the branches! We’ve got you covered with heaters to keep your guests cozy all night long. Plus, we take great pride in our year-round landscaping, so even during these months, you’ll still find vibrant roses on the bushes and mature citrus fruit hanging from the trees, adding a touch of color and charm to the atmosphere!... Wedding favors are a great way to add a creative touch to your celebration that will have your guests talking long after the big day! Of course, if they’re not in the budget or just aren’t your style, don’t worry, it's totally up to you as a couple! If you do choose to have favors, they can really elevate the guest experience and offer a fun keepsake to help everyone remember your special day. Caricature / Self Portraits Hiring an artist to paint or draw your guests is such a fun and unique touch that will make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind! Your guests will absolutely love taking home their personalized artwork as a keepsake to cherish forever. It’s also a great form of entertainment during cocktail hour and perfect for those who aren’t quite into the dance floor vibe! Seed Packets Give your guests the chance to show off their green thumb with a fun, interactive favor! Consider giving them seeds from the flowers in your bouquet or centerpieces. You can even add adorable taglines like "Let Love Grow," "Wildflowers from Our Wedding," or "Love in Bloom" to make the packaging and sentiment extra special! It’s a sweet and meaningful way for your guests to remember your big day when those seeds finally bloom! Candles Who can resist the cozy vibes and sweet scents that a candle brings into your home? Every time your guests light theirs, they’ll be reminded of your special day! You can even make it a... After you've exchanged your vows and danced the night away with loved ones, what's next? Take a moment to really soak in that newlywed bliss and just enjoy each other as you step into this exciting new chapter of life. Some couples head off on their honeymoon right away, while others prefer to plan it for later when the timing feels just right. Once you're back and settled into your new routine, what's the next step for you two? Marriage License One of the first things to take care of after your wedding is making sure your marriage is officially legal! Your marriage license has two parts: one for you to keep and one that gets sent to the courts. If your officiant is submitting it for you, great! If you had a friend officiate and want to handle it yourself, don't worry—we’ve got you covered! When you get your marriage license, you'll receive an envelope that’s already addressed to the court where you got it. Simply mail in the signed portion of your certificate. If you’re unsure about postage, just stop by your local post office for peace of mind. In some counties, you might even be able to drop it off in person! Within 1-4 weeks, you’ll get a notarized copy of your certificate, which you can use for any name changes. Be sure to keep that notarized copy in a safe spot! Plan on Changing Your Name? Here’s Everything You Need to Know! Deciding whether or not... Having a well-planned schedule for the day is a game-changer! It helps keep everything running smoothly and ensures that no detail gets overlooked. Depending on how busy the day is, you might want to have one main timeline, plus separate ones for your wedding party and family. The more details you can include, the better! Just remember, everything in this blog is meant to be a helpful suggestion—it’s your day, so feel free to arrange things in whatever order makes you two happiest. The Night Before: The excitement is building, and emotions are running high! Going through your ceremony run-through a few times will help calm everyone’s nerves and smooth out any unexpected kinks. Afterwards, many couples love to share a meal with their family and wedding party to catch up! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but remember, setting yourself up for success the next day is key! Staying hydrated and eating well will help you feel your best. Sleep is your best friend the night before — wedding day is going to be a long day and you’ll want to feel well rested! Rise & Shine: The morning of the wedding looks a little different for each side! For a bride and bridesmaids, there will be a hair and makeup schedule that kicks off bright and early. Having set start times for everyone ensures no one is left wondering where they need to be and when. Don’t be shy about assigning roles! One person should... Over the past year at The Venue at the Grove, one wedding theme has truly blossomed into a favorite: the Garden Party Wedding. Thanks to the natural beauty of our venue, adding a colorful twist to the greenery with cascading floral arrangements and vibrant blooms transforms our space into a living, breathing celebration. A garden party theme can create an unforgettable backdrop for your special day, where nature and color work in harmony to bring your vision to life. Breaking the Color Rules Gone are the days of choosing a single "main" color with a complementing accent. Couples are embracing a full spectrum of colors, incorporating a vibrant mix into their bouquets, flower arrangements, bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen ties, and decor. This bold approach creates a dynamic, joyful atmosphere that feels fresh and alive. Meghan & Vance: A Wildflower Dream Meghan and Vance’s wedding was the epitome of this colorful garden party theme. Their floral arrangements included an array of shades from deep purples to bright oranges, with playful daisies adding a touch of whimsy. The bridesmaids embraced the colorful vibe by wearing mismatched dresses, each in a different hue—one even chose a floral print! It was a beautiful wildflower-inspired celebration that truly showcased the diversity of color that a garden party can offer. Lacey & Davide: A French Garden Party Affair Lacey and Davide’s wedding took on a more delicate, pastel approach, which they called their “French Garden Party. ” The soft hues of pinks, lavenders, and peaches worked seamlessly... Your partner finally popped the question, and you said yes—congratulations! What an exciting and magical moment in your life! Take some time to savor the love and happiness surrounding you. This is a time to celebrate, so gather your closest friends and family to share the good news, and don't hesitate to show off your stunning new ring. While wedding planning can feel a bit overwhelming at first, don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the first few steps to give you a running head start! Get your Ring Sized & Insured Every ring is as unique as the finger it’s meant for. Even if you provided your partner with your ring size, there’s still a chance it may not fit perfectly! Whether it’s a bit too loose, risking the possibility of slipping off, or too tight, causing discomfort, it’s important to have it sized to fit you just right. To ensure the perfect fit, we recommend taking your ring back to where it was purchased or to a trusted jeweler, where professionals can work their magic and make any necessary adjustments. Though no one ever plans on losing their engagement ring, life has a way of surprising us. That's why having insurance for your ring is a smart move—it can cover loss, theft, and even damage to the stones. Knowing that your precious piece is insured offers peace of mind and helps protect you in case the unexpected happens. To start, get an appraisal and grading report to better... As we have cooled down in this Arizona heat, there are more and more outdoor weddings happening everyday! There may be some doubts of having an outdoor wedding, but you can't beat the natural look of flowers, grassy fields, and the gorgeous trees. We love seeing how creative our couples get for their outdoor weddings, and the romantic feel of stars in the night sky. Having an outdoor wedding? Need some inspiration? This post is for you! A Fall Wedding We love a fall wedding! From the changing colors of the leaves to the floral displays and the unique little details that our couples have. During a fall wedding we typically see auburn tones, and more orangey details. It is a very nice time of the year to have a wedding, with the weather cooling off from the summer, and we are seeing so many people who are choosing to have their wedding in the fall. The decor is definitely a fun aspect to a fall wedding. Having table runners that are orangy really make all the difference when it comes to a fall wedding. The orange tones create the perfect accent for our natural greens and browns at our venue. Something fun to incorporate for fallweddings is fall themed signature drinks! Whether it be a spiked apple cider or a cranberry margarita. It's about the little things that make a wedding night a memorable one. A Winter Wedding A winter wedding! There are so many ideas and so many... The girly details are so much fun to choose when it comes to your wedding day! We love seeing when the bridesmaids are given the option to choose their own dresses like Jacee & Brayden’s bridal party did in the photo to the bottom, & we’re seeing it more and more. This trend is one of our favorites because it allows a shift in each bridesmaid to choose what fits them each individually while still matching the colors/theme of your wedding. The most recent dress of innovation we’ve seen is the convertible dress that comes with 2 long bands of material & it allows you to wrap it in so many different styles. Allowing bridesmaids to pick which dress style they want to go with caters to their comfortability, individual body shapes, & gives space to be unique! This can allow each bridesmaid to feel comfortable throughout the wedding day and bring out their best smile! Giving your bridesmaids full control in what they want is one less decision to make in all of your planning. More & more brides are recognizing that their friends have unique style preferences and letting their individuality shine through, but not only that, it enhances the overall aesthetic with the different array of dresses, adding so much more depth to the bridal party itself. You could find ideas easily as well on pinterest of different styles & how they make different details of your wedding pop, or how the different styles accent each other... Introducing signature drinks at your wedding can add a personalized and memorable touch to your celebration. These custom cocktails are specially chosen or created to reflect the tastes and personalities of the couple, making them a unique and meaningful part of the event. Signature drinks can be inspired by your favorite flavors, the season of your wedding, or even your love story. They can also tie into your wedding theme or color scheme, adding an extra element of cohesion to your reception. Whether you opt for a classic cocktail with a twist or invent a completely new drink, signature drinks are a creative way to infuse your wedding with your own style and flair. One important thing to consider is the logistics of creating a signature drink. For Venue at the Grove, we offer our couples the ability to bring their own alcohol. Just remember though, everything you bring in you also have to take out again! Sometimes choosing a simple drink that you can personalize is the best option. Here are some classic drink profiles to help kickstart your brainstorming! Vodka soda is a simple and refreshing cocktail made with just two ingredients: vodka and soda water. It's a popular choice for those looking for a low-calorie, low-carb drink option. The clear, clean taste of vodka pairs perfectly with the effervescence of soda water, creating a light and crisp beverage. Vodka soda is often served over ice with a twist of lime for added freshness and flavor. Vodka soda... How long have you been a photographer? - I've been a wedding photographer for four years now! :) How did you get into photographing weddings? - I've always had a knack for photography! When my now husband and I were dating in college, I bought him a used DSLR camera off of a friend of mine and I ended up stealing it all the time to take my own photos. Since then, I had always mentioned here and there how much I loved photography and how cool that kind of job was. W hen COVID hit, I was one of the many lay-offs from the company I was employed at. About a week after I lost my job was my birthday, and my husband bought my very own DSLR camera with a message saying, it's now or never - you've got this. And here we are! He now does videography for our business and I handle the photography! It's been the most incredible and beautiful adventure! What is your favorite part of a wedding day to photograph? - That's a tough one! I LOVE when the groom first sees the bride, it's such a special moment! I also love the Father daughter dances, there's just something so special about those moments that you just can't replicate - I love that! What is the largest wedding party you have had the privilege of photographing? The largest wedding party I've had was 23 in total! 12 on the groom's side and 11... Bee Wild Designs: Welcome to Bee Wild Designs, where the flowers are as luxurious as they are beautiful! Whether you’re planning the wedding of the century or just want to be dazzled by some seriously stunning blooms, we’re here to make your floral dreams come true—with a dash of whimsy, of course. How long have you been a florist? The Journey from Architecture to Artful Arrangements Believe it or not, my journey into the world of flowers started with, well... buildings. That’s right, I went to school for architecture, dreaming of skyscrapers and blueprints. But life had other plans (thank goodness! ). While going to school, I got a part time job working at a local bakery creating wedding cakes when I stumbled upon my true passion: Floral Design. One glance at a bouquet, and I was hooked. Eight years later, here I am, still in awe of the magic that flowers can bring to any space—especially when it comes to weddings. Favorite Floral Piece? Think Big! When it comes to weddings, I’m all about making a statement—literally! My favorite piece to create is a large floral ceremony statement. There’s nothing quite like watching a couple’s faces light up when they see a stunning floral masterpiece framing the most important moment of their lives. It’s the kind of thing that takes your breath away. Tips for Creating Your Perfect Wedding Florals: A Collaborative Adventure At Bee Wild Designs, no two weddings are ever the same, and that’s just the way... As the Arizona Summer Season ends, we are looking forward to some cool breezes to bring in the Winter Season. There are many fun and cozy ways that you can tie into your winter wedding day. Here are a few ideas that we recommend for this winter season: For the Foodies 1. Hot Chocolate Bar: There is nothing more perfect than a nice hot chocolate bar for your guests to indulge in for your winter wedding! Venue at the Grove offers a hot chocolate bar as an upgraded drink station for you and your guests to sip on a warm drink that is sure to keep your hands warm. Our hot chocolate bar includes: homemade hot cocoa served with mini marshmallows, cinnamon, candy canes, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries 2. S’mores Bar: Add a touch of warm gooeyness to your winter wedding with a s’mores bar! It's a perfect way to let your guests indulge in a sweet, nostalgic treat that will keep everyone smiling! Our standard s’mores bar includes: Graham crackers, milk chocolate, marshmallows. The upgraded s’more bar includes: Graham crackers, milk chocolate, marshmallows, cinnamon graham crackers, milk/white/dark chocolate, marshmallows, assorted toppings 3. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup:Treat your guests to a delicious late night snack that will keep your guests reminiscing. Our grilled cheese and tomato soup comes with american cheese melted in some fluffy white bread paired with a delicious tomato basil soup. For the Atmosphere 4. Fire Pits: Picture a cozy, fun-filled evening where... Having the wedding party seated during the ceremony. There are many reasons why this trend is catching on quickly! One being, everyone is seated and it creates a sense of togetherness for the guests as well as the wedding party. The bride and groom are the main focus of the day and they get to have their time standing in front of the arbor with their officiant, just the two of them. This trend also enhances the photography options. With not having to worry about how your wedding party is standing or if they are making a silly face, it can create better photo opportunities for the ceremony! Guest Color Palettes. This trend caught fire in 2023 and has stuck around and become more popular in 2024. Having guests stick to a specific color palette can really enhance all photos of your wedding day! This couple specifically chose to ask guests to wear black. Another option for attire is to choose a dress code that matches your wedding day theme! For example, if you are going for a rustic look, you can ask guests to dress western. Candid Cameras: The trend of having disposable film cameras is hot right now! For one, photos with film are very trendy. It’s a super cool way to capture those moments in film without breaking the bank. A common way we’ve seen couples use them is by placing them around cocktail hour, as well as at guest reception tables. Some couples have even created... How long have you been a photographer? Each of our lead photographers have more than 10 years experience photographing weddings specifically while the company has been in business for almost 24 years. How did you get into photographing weddings? It all started with a college friend of Leslie’s sister begging her to photograph their upcoming wedding because they couldn’t afford an experienced photographer. After weeks of begging, Leslie finally conceded stating “there are no guarantees you’ll like the photo as I’ve never photographed a wedding before”. Wedding day came and went and the couple LOVED their photos sending 5 other friends to Leslie for wedding photography... After the 6 weddings, Leslie decided to start an actual business and pursue it. That first wedding was October 14th, 2000. What is your favorite part of a wedding day to photograph? Each of our photographers find different parts of the day to be their favorite but I’d say the most consistent would be the Newlywed photos after the ceremony. There’s just so much joy, the nerves have dissipated and the couple is simply living in that moment more than any other part of the day. What is the largest wedding party you have had the privilege of photographing? LOTS! That I can remember the largest would have been 12 Bridesmaids, 12 Groomsmen, 6 flower girls and 3 ring bearers. What drew you to Venue at the Grove? Hands down it would be the atmosphere and values of the Venue at the Grove team... How long have you been a photographer? While we both studied photography in high school and college (prior to knowing each other), we officially started offering our services professionally in 2013. How did you get into photographing weddings? We initially photographed families, grad, head shots, etc. , but Ryland quickly wanted something more challenging. He specifically wanted to learn the intricacies of creative lighting with a focus on fashion. It was Ryland who suggested we direct our focus on weddings. While learning the ins and outs of wedding day dynamics, we invested heavily in our education and equipment, as well as studying under masters in wedding photography for two years before accepting a wedding of our own. We understood the gravity of documenting once-in-a-lifetime events, and wanted to be prepared for all lighting situations or hiccups that could occur on wedding days. What is your favorite part of a wedding day to photograph? For Ryland, it will always be portraits of our couples! Whether it is capturing a sweet in-between moment or creating a work of art with the use of creative lighting, he always looks forward to portraits! He is incredible at posing directions (ask him about the S-curve! ), finding interesting angles and encouraging authentic joy between our couples. For me (Tiffany), it is harder to select just one thing! Getting that perfect ring shot with the light glistening off every facet; interacting with your favorite people on the dance floor; finding that silly moment you will always... The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate your team's hard work and achievements than with an unforgettable holiday party? At Venue at the Grove, we’re here to sprinkle a little magic and will turn your vision into a reality, ensuring your holiday event is as extraordinary as it is stress-free. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. To help you get started, here are five tips for planning an unforgettable holiday party: 1. Contract a Venue That Offers Event Management and On-Site Catering: Imagine stepping into a beautifully decorated venue where every detail is meticulously planned and executed, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities. By choosing a venue like ours that offers comprehensive event management and on-site catering, you can leave the logistics and food to us and focus on creating joyful memories with your team. From setup to cleanup, we’ve got it all covered. 2. Start Early: Starting your planning process early ensures you secure your preferred date and time. It also gives you plenty of time to address special requests and add personal touches that make your event unique and memorable. 3. Create a Festive Theme: Add a touch of sparkle and magic to your party with a fun and festive theme. Whether it’s a glamorous winter wonderland with twinkling lights and elegant décor, a cozy cabin retreat with warm, rustic touches, or a whimsical holiday fair with colorful decorations and playful elements, a theme... Neon signage has become a popular trend at weddings, adding a personalized touch to the party. One of the reasons they’ve become so popular is because of the aesthetic that they bring. Neon signs can be customized to each couple by their wedding date, a cute & meaningful quote from the couple for the bar area, ceremony, a backdrop for photos, or even reception behind their sweetheart table. A good example is shown below where they used their neon sign for the cocktail hour area, and then chose to move it to the reception bar area. The bright light and ray of shine brings your decor to life, and stands out from the rest of the more traditional decor you may have. They bring a chic gleam that follows into your other decor to give a bright ambience, and gives such a great focal point of your florals, decor, or linens. It is still a very simple thing to have in your list of decor but also maximizes a space in your own uniqueness as a couple for your guests. The versatility in the neon signs are great because they can easily be set up, usually aren’t heavy, which is great for your event manager, wedding planner or designated designer you have for the day. Let’s also not forget transportation because transporting decor can be a bit of a hassle, but the signs typically are packaged well in a slim, lightweight box. They are also energy efficient if they're LED... Close your eyes and open your ears - Now imagine the sound of a beautiful set of instruments. For your wedding day, imagine the music that would most empower you, OR maybe your heritage! Specifically speaking on mariachi bands, it captures you in such a warm sound of love. When you hear the instruments it takes you to a high place of celebration, and a romantic way to give a nod to your culture. We love having the culture of who you are to be tied into your weddings to make it your own. The display of appreciation of where your roots are is always loved, especially by all of the guests attending, whether you’re marrying two of the same cultures or different cultures colliding into one. When deciding to have a live band play, your opportunities are endless! For example, have your mariachi come in for a visit during cocktail hour while guests enjoy a drink & games! Mariachi bands can also be flexible with how and where you might want them playing. You might want to have them for during your ceremony with jus t a guitar, violin & vocalist for a softer entrance, then get really into it & switch them over to all instruments playing in your cocktail area or reception for full blown Mexican Canciones like in this photo for the wedding of Roxy & Freddy! Another sweet idea - you could even have them make some of your guests feel special by having them... It’s officially Spring time in the Valley and we are seeing lots of trends come to life at Venue at the Grove! It’s all about the pastels with deep accents this year. Peach Fuzz has been named 2024 color of the year, and it’s all the buzz. Cake Inspo: Pressed flowers on cake is a gorgeous trend right now that combines your bouquet onto a beautiful canvas that is your wedding cake! The colors on this combine those pastels with deep accents. Florals + Peach : Peach Fuzz is named color of the year. Check out the florals on this arbor that encompass the gorgeous peach while taking greenery to be the accent color. Venue at the Grove provides a beautiful scenery, where you really can have your main color and have the accent be green naturally. Place Settings : Pinks + Peaches with deep green accents These place settings give the beautiful feeling of a garden party. The pink smoke glasses combined with the perfect linen color to match, and sealed with copper flatware give the perfect combination. The deep green accent works beautifully with the pinks / peaches of the floral and place settings. The whole lineup for pastels in one bouquet. We were obsessed with the combination of colors at this gorgeous spring wedding. From the groom's boutonniere to the dusty blue florals hanging at the end, the details were spot on. Venue at the Grove was honored to host the celebration of Jessica and Hallie on the memorable date of December 8th, 2023. The couple's profound connection and perfect compatibility were evident to all, making their wedding a truly joyous occasion. Their love and respect for one another were palpable, filling every moment of the day with warmth and sincerity. The ceremony was a beautiful testament to their relationship, with personalized touches reflecting their unique bond. Jessica and Hallie's commitment to each other was not only inspiring but also deeply moving. Every aspect of their wedding, from the decor to the vows, was a reflection of their love story and journey together. As they embarked on this new chapter of their lives, surrounded by loved ones, Jessica and Hallie's union served as a reminder of the power of love to bring people together. Their wedding day was a celebration of not only their love for each other but also the love and support of their family and friends. It was truly an honor to witness such a meaningful and heartfelt union. TheFirst Look The first look, a private moment between the couple before the ceremony, is a cherished tradition that captures raw emotion and genuine reactions. As the couple prepares to see each other for the first time on their wedding day, there's a mix of excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming love. The first look is more than just a photo opportunity; it's a chance for the couple to connect intimately before... Weddings are themed to be about love and starting a new adventure with your special someone! Planning for these weddings can be exciting by making the process a fun game to find items that will tie everything together. Theming can have a wide range and can vary from, colors, seasons, phrases, attire, and even something as simple as a favorite movie. Below we have included some of our past couples and the creative themes they chose to base their weddings around! Our Adventure Begins *Cue the waterworks* Our first couple began their married life by theming their wedding to the beloved movie “UP”. We begin with their details on their welcome table. They had a jenga guest book that when signed will fit perfectly in their Carl & Ellie themed mailbox! This is a charming and interactive way to get your guests to leave a message for your special day. They also themed their wedding outfits to the Pixar couple. Our lovely bride did an amazing job by styling her hair to match the color of Ellies’. To seal the deal the groom made his suit match Carls’ all the way down to the bow tie! The icing on the cake goes to. . well of course their perfectly themed cake! They added a lovely touch from the classic “It’s a Small World” ride. This was one of the most magical weddings and we are so happy they got to incorporate their love for Disney into their special day! Spanish... Have you and your fiancee been thinking about incorporating a unity ceremony as part of your wedding ceremony? Maybe you are unsure what a unity ceremony even is. Well, we are here to help! Keep reading below to learn more about different types of unity ceremonies and why couples choose to have them as part of their wedding ceremony. What is a Unity Ceremony? A unity ceremony is a symbolic act that is sometimes included in the ceremony. It represents the two individuals coming together as a union. This symbolic ceremony offers a unique opportunity for couples to add a personal touch as part of the wedding ceremony that represents them as a couple. Keep reading to learn about some unity ceremonies we have seen here at Venue at the Grove! Tree Planting The Tree Planting Ceremony is a unique and symbolic way to represent new life and new growth for the newlyweds. The tree symbolizes the marriage growing and becoming strong. After the ceremony, you can plant the tree at home and watch it grow! Candle Unity Ceremony The lighting of the candles is a fairly well-known tradition. This symbolic gesture consists of three candles. Each partner will take one of the outside candles and light the middle candle. Once again, this represents the two of them uniting as one. Sand Pouring  Another popular tradition is the sand pouring ceremony. With this option, the two partners each pour two different colors of sand into one empty container. We have... It's time for another Vendor Spotlight! Meet Andrea, one of our amazing photography partners who we have the pleasure of working with. Keep reading to learn all about Andrea Neff Photography and see some of her work here at Venue at the Grove! How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been shooting for fun ever since I was a kid (when we could not live without our digital point- and-shoots), but I really started to take it seriously in college while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism. I’d lunge at the chance to photograph literally every event at my community college because it was so exciting and fulfilling all at once. Working for the student paper there and later at ASU threw me into the center of the action where I could simultaneously meet new people and be creative — the best things! How did you get into photographing weddings? By total chance! In college I was 100% set on my career path, really gunning to work in television and loving human interest stories. Meanwhile, my friend Josh (now husband of Venue at the Grove’s very own Mary Kate! ) had filmed a few weddings and asked if I wanted to tag along. I was immediately hooked on the energy of the day, the joy of witnessing connection between people, and how just plain cool it felt to be able to provide a service that made an impact. The rest was history! We filmed really casually for a... Are you curious about what type of décor you need for your wedding and how much you should have? We are here to help! Here at Venue at the Grove, with so much natural beauty, there are only a few things we recommend bringing to dress up your wedding day! Let’s dive in and talk about what to bring. Entry & Welcome Table When your guests arrive at the venue, it is good to have a welcome sign near the entrance. Whether you choose to DIY your welcome sign or go through a signage vendor, we recommend having this for your guests to act as a directional guide. Plus, a welcome sign makes for a beautiful keepsake décor piece for your home! We also recommend having a welcome table near the entrance. The items we recommend and typically see for this area are a card box, guest books, and additional items that are reflective of who you are as a couple. These may include framed photos, programs, and more. Ceremony Once again, due to the natural beauty of the venue, we typically see very little décor in the ceremony space. We provide reserved signs for the first two rows and draping for the arbor, and you get to select the draping style you like best. Some additional décor pieces we have seen in the ceremony space include floral for the arbor, an unplugged ceremony sign (asking guests to refrain from taking photos or using their phones during the ceremony), a... We are so excited to have a new segment on our blog, introducing you to our vendors! We have done a Q&A with our vendors to give you an insight into the amazing team that you would have the privilege and joy of working with! Starting with photographers, meet one of our amazing partners, Tony George Photography! How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been a photographer for 12 years! What is your favorite part of a wedding to photograph? Definitely bride and groom portraits as well as table decor details What is the largest bridal party you have had the privilege of photographing? Largest bridal party was 33 people in total! 16 bridesmaids, 15 groomsmen and the bride & groom! What drew you to Venue at the Grove? First I got married at Venue at the Grove in 2018, about 2 years into shooting weddings. After seeing the venue through a groom’s perspective I loved the staff so much and how amazing the entire day was. I knew that day I wanted to be a part of the team! The atmosphere, how organized everything is and the venue itself are all just so amazing! Fun Fact: Tell us something that is fun or interesting about yourself or your company! Fun facts about me, I’ve seen every season of The Office 15 times, I used to be sponsored by a local skate shop and skateboarded for about 16 years (age 4-age 20, another fun fact being a wedding photographer... Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life and a time where you are surrounded by all those who are most important to you including your furry friends! One of the many perks to having your special day at Venue at the Grove is being able to include your best “furry” friend. Here are different ways that our couples have included their paw-tners in crime Dog of Honor/Best Bud Picture walking down the aisle, you look in front of you and both the love of your life and your paw-tner are waiting for you. This is a very magical moment that makes walking down the aisle feel like home. Many couples like to add their pups to their wedding party. This adds a special touch to your wedding day as it fills your “Dog of Honor '' with joy. **Treatful Tip: having your pet walk with someone they are comfortable with can help the dog feel at ease and more relaxed. These will make for great smiley pictures and memories that will last a lifetime for you and your pets! Fur-Ever Photos Wedding photos are one of the most important things to look back on as this is how you are able to preserve and re-live your wedding day. This is a perfect alternative if you are worried about your pup making it down the aisle. Sometimes dogs can get frightened when walking down the aisle with all the people and music. After the ceremony... Ready to take another trip down memory lane with us? This wedding day was nothing short of amazing and the unique touches combined with the love between these two was evident and beautiful! Their color choices and design elements perfectly complimented the beautiful spring day. Let's start from the beginning when our couple arrived on property! Getting Ready Tina & Luis arrived at the venue on their big day excited and ready to get married! They both started getting their finishing touches done as they got ready to see one another for the first time! Tina touched up her lipstick while Luis waited patiently to see his lovely bride-to-be. First Look Tina & Luis shared a tear-jerking first look with just the two of them before the ceremony began. We love first looks because it's such a special, private moment between just the two of you where you get to connect and all the nerves go away. Tina & Luis shared this moment together and got ready to walk down the aisle and say their vows in front of friends and loved ones. . The Ceremony Tina walked down the aisle ready to marry the love of her life. It was a beautiful April day in the grove, and a perfect day to get married! Tina & Luis chose a symbolic way of showing their commitment to each other with a wine unity ceremony, where they poured two glasses of wine into one, symbolizing them becoming one in marriage. There... You asked, we answered! Have you been wanting to ask us some questions about Venue at the Grove and how we do things? Maybe you are a prospective couple curious about our alcohol policy or maybe you are a booked couple wondering when you can schedule your rehearsal. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Scroll down to see some of our most frequently asked questions and our answers. What is your alcohol policy? We give you the flexibility to bring in your own alcohol! We will provide you with the cups, straws, ice, mixers, and bartenders, and then you are able to load up at your go to store and bring as much or as little alcohol as you would like! Whatever alcohol is left over at the end of the night will go back home with you so you can take it to the after party or return it, your choice! Are dogs allowed? Yes! We absolutely LOVE when your floof is part of your special day. We ask is that your dog is attached to a leash, attached to a human. We recommend your furry friend goes home after the ceremony so that you can enjoy your day without worrying about them.   How many hours do I have at the venue? The hours you have on property depend on where you land with your final guest count! If you have 50-74 guests, you get 6 hours on property. If you have 75-100 guests you get 7 hours... Even here in the desert there is a chill in the air! It’s the weather we crave most of the year when it is so dang hot. Winter colors can be so rich and inviting, and with so many holidays around this time of year, throwing a little sparkle into your wedding pallet is such a fun idea! If sparkle and glam isn’t your thing, I love the fact that winter color pallets also lend easily to more rustic or even traditional weddings. If you are getting married in “winter,” choosing a color pallet with the season in mind is important. Think of the landscape around you during the ceremony, and when you take photos... in winter, things won’t be as lush and green as they may be in the summer or fall... so if you choose a lime green and fuchsia color pallet, it will look out of place. Likewise, a burgundy and green color pallet will look pretty strange in the summer. Looking for some gorgeous winter color inspiration? Check out the color boards below. Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Raquel and Promden’s wedding was anything but ordinary! Their wedding day was filled with entertainment, love, and joy. Keep reading below and take a trip down memory lane with us as we reminisce on this beautiful love story. Getting Ready The day started with our beautiful couple doing their finishing touches in our wedding suites. As they got ready for the ceremony, guests were welcomed to the venue with pre-ceremony margaritas and everyone got ready to watch Raquel & Promden be joined together in marriage. Ceremony As Raquel made her way down the aisle towards Promden, guests stood in awe. Raquel and Promden said their vows with a beautiful gold hexagon arbor behind them. There was laughter and tears as the couple made a lifelong commitment to one another. After the ceremony, Raquel and Promden enjoyed a drink to celebrate their love! Cocktail hour Guests were welcomed into cocktail hour with entertainment! Raquel and Promden invited aerial performers and a string quartet for guests to enjoy as they mingled. As guests made their way over to reception, they found their seats by looking at picture frames with their table number corresponding to their name. What a fun and creative concept! Reception The reception portion of the evening brought more entertainment and fun that complimented this truly unique wedding. Guests enjoyed dinner while a mariachi band played. Following dinner, there was a performance of a traditional Cambodian dance! Raquel and Promden also had a lounge area for guests to enjoy and... Winter wedding season has arrived! And although it may not be as busy this time of year as it is in the fall, Venue at the Grove is so magical in the winter! As the leaves drop, our twinkle lit pecan trees are so romantic, and the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland. One of the many nice features Venue at the Grove offers is that you can have your ceremony outside under the pecan trees, a cocktail hour on our bistro lit patio, and then when it is too chilly to be outside, an indoor reception. That being said, it can still be a little chilly, even in the winter sun. This is no reason to feel like you can’t have an outdoor ceremony however. Have you considered having blankets for your guests to snuggle under? Or serving a soup shooter pre-ceremony? Perhaps a hot coco bar? Take a look at these sweet ideas to keep guests nice and warm for your winter wedding! Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit One important detail to your wedding day that couples sometimes forget about is a seating chart! Whether you are doing assigned seating or assigned tables, a seating chart is really important so your guests know where they are sitting in the reception space. While this may seem like an obvious one, you would be surprised how often couples don’t think about a seating chart. This blog outlines different styles of seating charts that we have seen here at the venue and creative ways to incorporate your wedding design into your seating chart. Mirror Seating Chart A mirror seating chart is a classy and elegant way to show guests where they are sitting. This style has become very trendy and popular this year and we expect to continue to see more of this in the future. Not only does this seating chart option look gorgeous, you can also keep the mirrors and not have to worry about them going to waste! Wine Bottles A very creative choice, having the seating arrangements on wine bottles looks unique and is eye-catching. Similar to the mirror seating chart, you can save the wine bottles so they do not go to waste. In addition, this seating chart option is easy to transport because of the compact size which will save room while you are transporting your décor! Free-Standing Arch Display Free-standing arches are a beautiful and modern way to show your guests to their seats. These seating charts are very unique and can act as... The place settings at your reception may seem like a small, insignificant detail in your wedding day, but they are actually a huge factor that can transform the reception space. Still feeling skeptical? Keep reading below to see what we mean! Goblets If you have had the chance to talk to one of our team members about place settings or if you follow us on social media, then you know that these carousel goblets are our absolute favorite! These textured water goblets come in six different colors and have a way of transforming the place setting and the entire table to create a classy and elevated dining experience. Flatware Upgrading flatware is a fun way to incorporate colors and bring texture to the place setting. Regardless of what direction you go, if you are going for something bold like black flatware, or something more colorful like gold or blush flatware, it will look amazing. Upgrading your flatware is a great way to bring in more of your wedding colors in a creative way that accentuates and compliments your décor. Chargers & Plates Choosing to upgrade chargers, plates, or both is another great way to incorporate accents of your wedding day colors and add a different element. Upgrading to a different plate gives opportunity to have unique shapes and stand out from the typical wedding. Chargers with different colors and designs are a beautiful addition to the place setting, add a pop of color, and create a formal and fashionable look... As we are in the middle of summer and it is getting warmer and warmer in the Phoenix area, we thought you might want to reminisce with us on the cooler fall temperatures and the feeling of autumn in the air. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to Roxy & Freddy’s wedding last Fall! Getting Ready The day started when our lovely bride and groom arrived on property, eagerly awaiting their big day. As they arrived at the venue, the ladies went to their suite and the gentlemen to theirs. Roxy did her lipstick and put on her dress and got ready to see her soon-to-be husband for the first time on their wedding day. The First Look As Roxy and Freddy got ready to see each other for the first time, the anticipation was building. Freddy opened the barn doors and saw his beautiful and elegant bride waiting on the other side. They got to share a special moment between the two of them without anyone else around before the ceremony (P. S. we love first looks! ). The Ceremony As Roxy made her way down the aisle, guests stood in awe. Roxy and Freddy exchanged their vows in front of their family and friends with a stunning deconstructed floral arch behind them. With the beautiful grove trees above them, Roxy and Freddy expressed their love for each other. As they said their “I do’s” and became husband and wife, loved ones gathered to witness their love and... Have you ever considered having a lounge set at your wedding for your guests to enjoy some leisure time? Or maybe, you want to have a loveseat or a sofa for you and your newlywed to relax on during the reception? Well, we have some options for you! We love lounge sets and loveseats and believe that it is a way to add comfort to your day and elevate the guest experience! Keep scrolling to get some inspiration and take a look at what we have seen here at the venue. 1. Boho Beauty Are you wanting to have sweetheart chairs that match your boho-style wedding? Are you wanting to have an eye-catching element that adds to your design? You could go with the chairs on the left or the bench on the right and create the boho wedding of your dreams. Ask our Event Management Team how to make this dream a reality so that your wedding has an extra wow factor! 2. Classy Comfort Elevate your classy and elegant wedding by incorporating a lounge set for your guests! This comfy seating area can add to the style and design of your wedding day. It also gives your guest a unique experience and allows them to lounge on a couch or sofa chair as they take breaks from dancing the night away. Ask our Event Management Team about creating your unique lounge set to have at your wedding! 3. Regal Royalty Lounge at your sweetheart table in style. Go... You have probably heard the saying something borrowed, something new, but what about something borrowed, something blue? ! If you attended our June Special Open House, you probably saw a theme of blue in our design! Curious as to how to incorporate tones of blue into your special day? Well, we have some ideas for you! 1. In the place settings Incorporate blues into your place settings either in table runners, napkins or goblets! There are endless options for how to include blue hues into your table scapes and they all will compliment your overall design. P. S. Our personal favorite is these upgraded blue goblets!   2. In the details A great way to subtly include hints of blue in your wedding day is in the little details! Whether it is with your vow books, invitations, ring case, garter, perfume, or shoes, there are so many ways to have blue in the small details of your big day. 3. In the bouquet A classic way to incorporate blue is in your bouquet! Flowers are one of the most prominent features of your wedding day so you might as well showcase the blue theme in the florals! Ask your florist about incorporating tones of blue in your floral arrangements and top it off with a blue ribbon!   4. In the bridal party A more obvious way of carrying the theme of blue on your wedding day is with what your bridal party is wearing! Have the ladies wear blue... Some of life’s best celebrations involve being with the ones you love, eating food until you’re way too full, and drinking to commemorate the special day! At Venue at the Grove, you have already nailed down #1 (finding ‘your person’ and finding ‘your venue’ for your guests to celebrate with you) and #2 (booking the all-inclusive package that includes the 5-star caterer, Ensemble Catering), and all that is left is #3 - drinking to celebrate! What better way to do this than to set up a drink display for your guests to admire and love with their eyes and their taste buds! These drink displays can be used at any time during your day: pre-ceremony champagne display for when guests arrive, margarita display in cocktail hour to keep guests refreshed, or a specialty cocktail gimlet display for reception to bring in a personalized touch! Keep reading to fully immerse yourself into these displays and imagine where you can picture these fitting into your big day! 1. The “Rustic Glam” Champagne Display One of the many amazing things about Venue at the Grove is that the space is versatile to match whatever vibe you are looking for. If you admire the rustic look of wood and still want to add a pop of glam, then this display is for you! As your guests arrive, they are greeted with a display of refreshing, bubbly champagne before they head into the 2. 5 acre pecan grove to watch your beautiful ceremony unfold. Another... There are a lot of little decisions to be made during the wedding planning process, including your wedding day manicure. Looking for some inspiration? We have some ideas for you so your nails look fabulous for your big day! Take a look at some of the choices below for what we have seen when it comes to wedding day nails. “I Do” Nails A unique and simple way to incorporate those two incredibly important words that you say at the altar! This accent nail compliments all the little details present throughout your wedding and it encapsulates the love you and your future spouse hold. Plus, who doesn't love an accent nail? ! Ombre nails Ombre nails are absolutely stunning and have an eye-catching effect of having two tones. Whether you go with a pink to white ombre or choose another color, your nails will look great regardless! This in-style nail design looks beautiful on its own and it can be accentuated with some jewels or sparkles! Classic French Tips An ultimate classic and timeless choice, french tip nails match every style! These classy nails will compliment every aspect of your wedding day and match your design. You can also choose from a variety of color options for the tips! Besides, why mess with a classic? Pretty in pink This romantic color compliments everything about your wedding day. Whether you go with a blush pink or a ballet pink, shades of pink are always in style. You can dress them up... Before you start buying decor, you need to think about the most important aspect of your wedding decorations - choosing your wedding colors! Wedding color palettes are vastly growing to incorporate a variety of hues to accentuate different aspects of your day. Choosing your wedding colors can be a challenge, and that’s why we’ve put together a list of the most popular colors by season to aid in your decision! Winter Winter has a dreamy and romantic vibe, which is why we love to see the color palette of navy, burgundy and gold. This color combination is timeless! Want to add even more romance to your day? Go for the red velvet linens. They add a touch of color and provide a warm, fuzzy feeling your guests will be left dreaming of having! Spring  In Arizona, the transition from winter to spring in the wedding industry is apparent through the colors! While winter provides warm, dramatic colors, spring transitions into a light and airy color palette of light grays, blues and creams! Think of a garden party; lots of florals, greenery and pops of color! We predict the use of floral and greenery to continue to expand into spring of 2023 with touches of light blue used throughout! Summer  The colors of summer are similar to those of spring, yet they provide more of a dramatic pop of color! Colors such as light pink, mauve and dusty rose are trendy for the summer. If you want to go bold, add... If you are planning your wedding, you are probably wondering what type of guest book to get for your big day. It can be tricky to think of something that is unique and fun for guests. Well, let us share some ideas of what we have seen in the past to strike some inspiration!   Wine bottles  We absolutely love this idea for a guest book! How fun and creative is it to have guests sign wine bottles commemorating special milestones in your life! The concept behind this is that guests sign a bottle and you and your future husband or wife open it on a special occasion, such as your first anniversary! Heart in the Frame This guest book idea is memorable and sweet! With this approach, guests sign a heart and drop it into a frame for the couple to keep and look back on. What a simple and timeless way to remember your loved ones who were there on your special day! Bench Guestbook Imagine your guests signing a bench with advice, a memory, or well wishes! This idea is a unique option for guests to leave their well wishes for you to look back on and doubles as a piece of furniture for you and your new spouse! What’s better than that? Polaroid Guest Book Have your guests snap a photo with the polaroid camera, sign it, and stick it in your guest book! This is an interactive way for guests to sign your book and... Looking for unique and interactive ways for your guests to “send you off” at the end of your wedding? Look no further! We have ideas for you that will be memorable for both you and your guests as you wave goodbye to your loved ones. Sparklers Sparklers are a classic way for your guests to send you off. This send-off looks beautiful in pictures AND it’s fun for your guests! Enjoy the fun lights illuminating from the sparklers and get that picture-perfect kiss as you leave your fairytale wedding as newlyweds for your happily ever after. Bubbles For a fun and whimsical way for your guests to send you off, try bubbles! This unique send-off takes guests back to their childhood and is fun for all ages! Besides, who doesn’t want to take a bubble wand home at the end of the night? Run through the bubbles and reminisce on your magical day, as you two head into your new journey together. Petal Toss This fun send-off looks amazing in photos and can tie into other elements of your wedding day by showcasing floral once more and recreating the ceremony look of petals down the aisle! As the petals fall, take it all in and say farewell to the day and hello to a lifetime of happiness. Searching for a way to thank your wedding guests? We’ve rounded up some of the most popular and creative wedding favors that will leave your guests feeling extra appreciated! Blankets Blankets are perfect for a winter wedding! We’ve all heard the saying “to have and to hold”, but what about adding “in case you get cold”? ! Believe it or not, it does get cold in the desert when the sun sets. Incorporating blankets for your guests is a great way to keep them around the party for a bit longer AND gives them an extra functional decor piece for their living room! Dog Treats For all of our fellow “dog parents” out there, dog teats are a great way to incorporate your furry friends into your big day! If you’re really creative, you can make homemade biscuits and give your guests the recipe for them. Fido will be thanking his owner (and you! ) later. Scratch Ticket Are you feeling lucky? Or really, are your guests feeling lucky? With a lottery scratch ticket, everyone's a winner! Use a phrase such as “for richer or for poorer” or “lucky in love”! It’s a great way to keep your guests entertained and give them the luck of the draw. Plants and Seeds Signify the next chapter in your lives with giving your guests seeds that they can plant at home and quite literally watch your love grow! Seeds are an interactive way to give your guests a constant reminder of how... Picture this: It’s your big day, you just finished saying “I DO” at the altar, and now it’s time for cocktail hour! You head over to the new space, grab yourself a refreshing beverage, and now you’re hungry. It’s time for appetizers! The question we always get is “what is your most popular appetizer” and that is an easy question to answer!   We recommend a couple different combinations: 1. ) One hot and one cold appetizer or 2. ) One meat and one vegetarian appetizer. In giving your guests these different options, you can guarantee everyone will have a bite! Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites Your guests are sure to love these tried and true favorites. We start with thick cut warm potatoes and wrap them with savory bacon, baked to perfection, with a dollop of sour cream on top. These bites pair well with mule cocktails and always disappear first in cocktail hour, so make sure that you get a bite before your guests finish them off! Bruschetta This cold appetizer is a classic! We start with a crunchy buttery crostini and top it with diced tomatoes and a shred of parmesan cheese. A drizzle of balsamic to top it off brings all the flavors together. This pairs well with a crisp and cool white wine, so grab yourself an appetizer, a glass of wine and enjoy cocktail hour! Spinach Swiss Puffs For a vegetarian option, spinach Swiss puffs are a great way to ensure all of your guests have... New year, new trends! Here are the biggest things we’re seeing when it comes to wedding trends in 2022. 1. Outdoor Weddings More and more couples are looking to host their wedding fully outdoors for Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception. Being immersed in nature not only makes for picture-perfect photo opportunities, it also means you can do less on the decor end! When you’re surrounded by nature, there’s no starting with a blank canvas. You can build on the beauty and add your own touches wherever you’d like to customize your day to you. Photo By Daniel Kim Photography 2. Larger Guest Counts Your friends and family are ready to party! Expect to see a larger number of “YES! ” RSVPs returned to you as you’re planning for your big day, because your guests are excited to get out, socialize, and celebrate! Photo by Signature Wedding Photography 3. Long Wedding Weekends Why limit your wedding celebration to just one day? ! Soak in the time you have with family & friends by hosting welcome events, cocktail hours, and post-wedding brunches! A great way to capitalize on this is to opt for a non-Saturday wedding. Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday weddings are the perfect way to extend your wedding weekend and embrace more time with your loved ones. Photo by Kali M Photography 4. The New Tradition is No Traditions If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that we should celebrate love whenever we can, however we can,... We understand planning your wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming and stressful. So many thoughts run through your mind: what colors do I pick, who will be in our wedding party, where do I find a tux, how do I make my seating chart (just to name a few! )? Post-Engagement: First things first, pop a bottle of champagne or cider and celebrate! Take time to spend with your fiance and truly celebrate the start of your forever. After that, it’s time to start planning! The first step of planning is to find your venue and solidify your date. You’re here reading this blog, so that means that you have (hopefully) inquired with us and reserved your all-inclusive wedding package at Venue at the Grove! If you have yet to inquire, call us now - we would LOVE to speak with you about your dream day! So, you’ve solidified your venue and wedding date - congratulations! We have set up a 12 month wedding checklist to give you a starting point for planning your big day. 12 Month Before: -Make a guest list. When putting together your guest list, keep in mind your spending plan and the venue capacity. Think about your closest family and friends who you want to spend your big day with, and make sure they are on your list! -Start to solidify your wedding party. Ask your family and/or friends to be the ones to stand by your side on your wedding day! -Connect with your photographer!... You’re Engaged? ! Congratulations! Now What? ! One of the next questions couples are asked is - when is the wedding? This is a big decision in the planning process and to most couples means a lot more than just putting a date on the calendar. Some of the main factors that contribute to a couple’s decision on this topic include: - Special or meaningful dates - TimelineThe season and weather - Holidays - Spending plan While the reasoning behind each chosen date will vary from couple-to-couple, it is important for you to find what is the most important aspect to you when selecting your date! At Venue at the Grove, our 2. 5 acre pecan grove changes throughout the seasons and the starting process of selecting your date with us starts with finding your season! Winter: December - February The Weather The temperature in the winter months is an average of 65 degrees during the day - perfect for when your ceremony begins! With the sun setting around 5:30 p. m. , it is the perfect time to snuggle up with a blanket next to a fire pit with your loved ones. The winter months provide you with numerous opportunities to pull in the “Winter Wedding” vibes: a hot chocolate bar (you can even make it a boozy hot chocolate bar! ), a s’mores table filled with an assortment of chocolates or cozy lounge sets. The Grove In the beginning of December, the trees start to change color and... Unity ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular, and many couples ask ‘what is a unity ceremony’? A unity ceremony occurs during your wedding ceremony, and it is symbolic of two coming together as one. It also provides you with a special keepsake from your big day! The traditional unity ceremony involves the candle: each person has a lit candle and they come together to light one candle in unison. Couples now are getting more creative with their unity ceremonies! Below are some fun ways that couples are unifying their love. Sand ceremony: This has become the most popular unity ceremony that we have experienced. Each person has a different color of sand in a jar. During the ceremony, the couple alternates pouring the sand into a larger jar to symbolize the two coming together as one and never being separated. It is symbolic of your love, and it also gives you something to display in your house as decoration. Pro tip: use sand colors that match the theme of your home so your love will blend right in with the rest of your decor! Time capsule: Time capsules have become more of a trend in 2021. They are a wonderful way to preserve moments from your ceremony and items from before your marriage. During the ceremony, the couple will place all of the items in a box. They will then place a lock on the box and will open it back up 1, 3, 5 or more years down the road... When most people think of a wedding reception one of the first questions they might ask themselves is, “Will there be an open bar? ” While some couples may choose to provide alcoholic beverages to their guests, others may want to keep the evening alcohol-free. A dry wedding can be a huge cost savings and allow you to get creative with fun mocktails! Continue reading for fun, wedding mocktail recipes to celebrate your big day without booze! Pink “Bubbly” This sweet, pink drink is perfect for a romantic evening reception and a photo-worthy drink for the bride to ‘cheers’ with her best gals before walking down the aisle. - 1/2 Club Soda - 1/2 Ginger Ale - Splash of White Grape Juice - Splash of Grenadine Serve in a champagne flute, garnish with a strawberry and enjoy! Mojito Mocktail This crisp, refreshing mocktail has the fresh mint and lime flavors of a traditional mojito without any of the alcohol. You may choose to customize this drink by adding berries or fruit juice. However you decide to serve this drink, your guests are sure to enjoy this delicious treat! - Fresh Mint - Limes - Simple Syrup - Club Soda Grove Sunrise Here at Venue at the Grove, this drink is a guest favorite! It is simple, delicious and visually appealing! Your guests will never know that the ingredients were included in our standard bar package. - 1/2 Cranberry Juice - 1/2 Pineapple Juice - Splash of Sour Photos by Karlie Colleen Photography  Maggie & Grant said I Do under a full canopy and golden light on the 1st of June. Speckled sunlight and loads of green act as the most dreamy backdrop for their sweet summer soiree. Meeting on Tinder, Maggie shares that Grant first believed he was "ghosted" until he convinced a mutual friend to connect him to Maggie when he could then ask her to coffee, and as they say, the rest is history! When Maggie & Grant first visited Venue at the Grove they were immediately struck by our lush grounds with trees and fell in love all over again, this time with us! We are so honored they did and that we could celebrate their genuine love on the most beautiful June day! Maggie shares her favorite memory of their big day saying, "Honestly, the whole day from start to finish was just perfect, but my favorite memory would have to be walking down the aisle and seeing Grant at the end of it. We didn't do a first-look, so that moment was extra special for us. Also, my best friend's three-year-old daughter raising her hand so she could introduce herself to the audience during my dad's speech at the reception was pretty priceless! " Maggie also shares that "our biggest piece of advice would just be to enjoy the process and not stress about the small stuff (way easier said than done)! It's such a special time in your lives, and although... Ten years Venue at the Grove has been in business... Can you believe it? ! Sometimes we are still in awe that it has been ten years! The last ten years have been a whirlwind of growth and excitement. Running a wedding venue and wedding company can be stressful at times with the late nights and long weekend. To us, there are two things that totally make it worth it each and every day. Photo Courtesy of Brittany Janelle Photography (2011 Wedding) Our couples. Throughout the years it has been all about our couples. We are so lucky that we have had the opportunity to plan unforgettable wedding days for such lovely people who truly are a joy to work with. Photos Courtesy of Jen Jenkins Photography (2018 Wedding) Of course, over the years trends have changed, styles have evolved and our venue has received some breathtaking renovations. Even with these changes our purpose and values have always stayed true. Who has kept our values and purpose consistent throughout all these years? Our team. Venue at the Grove has been honored to have the pleasure of having team members who truly live out the values and purpose every single day. Our team has a passion for building strong relationships and seeing an event come to life. Photo Courtesy of La Bella Vita Photography Without our amazing couples and professional team, Venue at the Grove would not be where it is today. So to all who have touched the venue at... Alright, let’s be honest the wedding cake is just about the best part of the reception! It makes the most beautiful addition to your decor and it is one thing you can guarantee every guest is looking forward to getting a bite out of. If you are ready for some cake inspiration, we have 4 of the biggest trends we are seeing in 2019! Elevated Cake Tables This is one trend that has been consistent since the beginning of 2019. We have seen cake tables range from a variety of sizes and styles but more importantly they are such a great way to really pull in both of your personalities. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Neely Photography Pastel Cakes This may be one of our ultimate favorite trends of 2019. There is something so elegant about pastels and even better when they showcased all over a beautiful cake. Photo Courtesy of We are the Clarkes Non-Wedding Cake Cakes Maybe not into buttercream? Consider serving pies or cheesecake to your guests to offer them a dessert experience that is different and memorable for years to come. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nelson Photography Dark & Romantic Different time of the year do change the typical colors you will see in wedding colors. Something that we believe will hold no matter what season it is are the ‘dark & sophisticated’ cakes. Really looking for a statement piece your guests won’t be able to wait to try? Then this is the wedding cake trend for... We are only a few weeks away from one of the biggest bridal events in the Greater Phoenix Area... The Arizona Bridal Show! Cue the excitement because this is one bridal event you won’t want to miss. Of course, the very best part is that Venue at the Grove will be at the bridal show to offer you an extraordinary experience from the very moment you meet us. Our team is ready to become your best friend and make you feel at ease throughout the entire process. We guarantee you will experience that the moment you swing by our booth. We understand that a bridal show can feel overwhelming for some and exhilarating for others. No matter which one of those people you may be, when you walk through those doors and take it all in, remember that we are the team who will be ready to make your dream a reality. At Venue at the Grove, we offer you an experience like none other. Our breathtaking property and experienced team are sure to provide you with an extraordinary experience from start to finish. So what are you waiting for? ! Sign up today to get your tickets. As always, if you are interested in seeing Venue at the Grove before the big day just drop a comment and we would be honored to give you and your entourage a private tour! See you at the Arizona Bridal Show at booth #4518A! Couples often ask us what can they do to really bring out that WOW factor to their big day. From bridesmaids dresses, wedding dresses, place cards to the color of the napkins all of these are so important to the overall design of your wedding day. Over the years, we have learned that are some things that really make the overall look of your wedding day that much more impactful. What is that you ask? Reception chairs. Choosing the right chair is vital. The wrong chair can ruin a design and the right one can elevate a so-so design. Chiavari Chairs There nothing more classic and elegant than a Chiavari chair. From black, white, and natural wood you have so many options to let your personalities shine through your design. Wooden X-Back Chairs These are our favorite! X-back chairs are the most charming and elegant. You can’t deny that they look so great on our patio as well! These really bring the rustic vibe to life at a level of elegance that is breathtaking. Rimmed Ghost Chairs If you are looking for more of a modern style look, this is the way to go! These funky chairs make for such a beautiful look. We also love that you can even turn these chairs into there own place cards. Louis Chairs By far the most extravagant and posh chairs - these look amazing when added into the reception. Maybe consider making them the chairs for your sweetheart table or incorporate them... Throughout the years, society has influenced this one special holiday as the single most important day of the year to show your significant other that you love them. It’s been common that the flowers, jewelry, chocolate, and dinner dates are traditions for as long as we can remember. (more... ) When you are about to tie the knot, it’s inevitable to get caught up in the process. We asked our Venue at the Grove Tribe for their best advice for our future couples and their guidance was so spot on! We recommend reading their words of wisdom and remembering it when your wedding bells ring! “Enjoy your day and take it all in, it will go by so fast. Don't let the little things ruin your day! . ” - @lovesnyc34 “Take a deep breath and take every moment in. ” - @ilovebrooklynnkai “Don’t let anything steal your joy. Even if things go wrong, laugh it off and enjoy your day. ’ -@only_shonna “Enjoy every moment! It goes by fast! ” -@ciannaboswell “Go with the flow and don’t stress. At the end of the day you will be married, and that’s what matters! ” -@bob527 “Take a second to take in the moment. Your wedding day goes by way too fast. ” -@tiffanyywatson “Enjoy it! ! ! It’s time to celebrate and not to worry about anything! ” -@tiffanyandryland “Do a First Look. It’s such a special moment for you both and you’ll enjoy the rest of the day more. ” -@makeithappenphotography Through this extraordinary process, remember these words. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the moment because these memories will last a lifetime. Photography By: La Bella Vita, Carlee Komar & Kelsie Pinkerton Planning your wedding can be hectic, so it is important to choose an experienced team. To make planning easier on our couples, we have sat down and collected the most commonly missed items. Photography By: Ryan Nicole Photography Sparklers: Who doesn’t love a special exit? ! We sure do! Although everyone plans on ending their night with a little bit of light, this is a highly-missed item. Make sure that your sparklers are purchased and ready to go. Don’t forget to get the correct length – we recommend 20” sparklers- and the correct amount based on your guest count. Photography By: Pinkerton Photography Day of Contact: Make sure you have a day of contact that isn’t yourself. Your wedding day is important, and you shouldn’t be bothered by the little things. Here are some suggestions on what the day of contact should be responsible for: Bringing any last minute décor – we always recommend bringing décor to the rehearsal Understanding your vision, in case there are any last minute questions about décor placement Bringing your marriage license Packing your bag, so it is ready after your grand exit Knowing how to bustle your dress – they can assist your event manager with bustling Driving the car that will take your décor after your wedding Photography By: Mike Olbinski Photography Toast: Cheers! A toast and champagne go hand-and-hand, however not everyone drinks. Sparkling cider is a good alternative choice for those who are under 21 and don’t drink. In our experience,... It’s safe to say that everyone is looking to stand out when it comes to their wedding day. You want your wedding to be the wedding, the one that tops the rest, the one where you are a celebrity! Let’s be honest, nothing is better than seeing your loved ones enjoying themselves, your personalized hashtag all over social media and just simply hearing your guests rave about your wedding day. The question is how do you make your wedding stand out? Well here are some ideas to create your Instagrammable and unforgettable wedding! Personalize Your Wedding with LOVE! Photography By: Ryan & Denise Photography Catering By: Ensemble Catering Wedding days are strategically planned and guests expect to follow a similar timeline: ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. One thing guests don’t know everything about, is the love you and your fiancé have for one another. From the inside jokes you share, to the stories you both have developed, personalize your day based on what is special and unique to the both of you! Great examples are: Share a specialty drink you both enjoy with your guests. Have a little fun with your menu. Let your guests see your inner-foodie come out! Light up your Cocktail Hour and Exit Photography By: Nick Tillinghast Photography Photography By: La Bella Vita Photography To make your wedding Instagrammable your guests are going to need props. Everyone loves memorabilia to take home with them, and guests are looking for moments they can post right away. A... Traditionally there is a lot of superstition surrounding the bride and groom seeing each other before their wedding ceremony. Most of this comes from a time when arranged marriages were common. However, times have changed, and many couples are opting to take "first look" photos prior to their ceremony. What are "first look" photos? They are simply portrait photos taken of the bride and groom BEFORE the ceremony. Here are a few reasons why "first look" photos are a good idea: Privacy/Intimacy. Getting to lay eyes on your hubby or wife to be without a hundred eyes on you is a little less intimidating. You can have a quiet moment, just the two of you, to soak each other in, and shake off some of the pre wedding jitters. Timing - If you wait to take portrait photos until after the ceremony, they will likely be after you take family and bridal party photos. Photos can take a long time, leaving you to miss out on cocktail hour and feeling rushed. By taking first look photos, family and bridal party photos should be pretty swift allowing you to make your grand entrance and enjoy your cocktail hour. Touch Up - This is especially relevant here in Arizona where it's warm year-round. You'll be fresh for your first look photos, unlike if you wait until after the ceremony. And you'll be able to touch up right before the ceremony as well. Location - If you do not do a first look,... I don't want my wedding guests to have any fun at our wedding... said NO bride and groom EVER! From the moment you start planning your wedding, your guests enjoyment will be part of your decision making process. If you are in the beginning stages of your planning, this post is for you. I am going to save you a lot of time and money. Listed below are the top 5 things guests care about when attending a wedding, and 5 things they don't care about. So use this post as a guideline for your planning process - where to concentrate your efforts and where not to for a fun-filled wedding. Photo Credit 5 Things Guests Care About 1. Ceremony - Your vows and readings during your ceremony really leave an impression on guests... make it unique... make it personal. 2. Food - Set yourself apart from the "chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans" and provide food that is out of the box, delicious, and something you as a couple enjoy! 3. Drinks - Whether you have alcohol at your wedding or not, cocktails and mocktails should be festive and fun. 4. Music - NO, popping an ipod in with your favorite playlist is NOT ok! Music is important and sets the entire mood of the wedding. Get those peeps out on the dance floor! 5. Venue - Guests want to enjoy your wedding at a venue that represents you as a couple... . pick a venue that speaks to... Let's face it... Arizona is hot... and pretty much any day from May - September is going to be toasty. Luckily, most of us "Phoenicians" are used to it and embrace it, but you may have out of town guests that may sing a different tune. Luckily, our picturesque venue in nestled under beautiful mature pecan trees which provide a lot of shade. In addition, we are away from the concrete jungle, so temperatures tend to be a bit lower here anyway. If you are getting married during the warmer months and want to help make guests a little extra cool... check out these examples. Ice Cold Lemonade - A cool beverage station is always a good way to keep guests cool before the ceremony starts... and who doesn't love lemonade? ! Source Fans - This is an oldie but goodie. Fans really do help keep the heat at bay, you can also use them as a program to pull double duty! Source Popsicles - Guests might expect a water or cool beverage station to dive into pre ceremony, but what they won't expect is a popsicle or ice cream cart! Source Essential Oil Misters - In a day where essential oils seem to be EVERYWHERE, why not offer a natural remedy to keep the sweat away. Source Give Them A Warning - Be sure to list on your invitation that the ceremony will be OUTSIDE so they can dress accordingly. Source As we turn the corner from April into May it's time to start thinking about all the mom and mom-figures out there! Just in case you don't have it marked down on your calendar, Mother's Day is May 13th. This is a day to show the mom or mom-figure in your life how much you love them and make them feel special and pampered. One way to show them this is by taking them to a nice brunch, and Venue at the Grove, happens to have you covered. Imagine letting mom relax under a canopy of trees on our patio and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with loved ones... this is the perfect way to show mom how appreciated she is. Check out what our premier brunch experience includes: Bubbly Mimosas (Limit 2 per Adult) Live Acoustic Music Intimate Family Setting in our 2. 5 Acre Pecan Grove Printed Family Photo for Mom to Cherish And the mouth watering brunch from Ensemble Catering includes: Carved Action Station: Applewood Smoked Turkey with a Crisp Apple & Poppyseed Slaw Rice Pilaf Salad with Pecans and Cranberries Seasonal Spring Vegetables Pancake Station with Sweet Strawberries, Blueberries, Sliced Bananas, and Decadent Chocolate Chips, Toasted Pecans, Homemade Whipped Cream, Whipped Butter, and Maple Syrup Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Applewood Bacon Savory Sausage Links Herb Roasted Potatoes Freshly Cut Fruit Homemade Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits with your choice of Butter, Fresh Berry Preserves, or Country Gravy Freshly Baked Muffins, Pastries, and Delectable Doughnut Holes Coffee, Fresh Orange Juice,... Flowers are blooming, our pecan trees are filling out, and the birds are chirping... . it must be spring! It's a busy time of year around these parts, but certainly one of our favorite times of year. Back to back weddings makes us happy, and we love seeing so many sweet couples, and so many gorgeous weddings. Spring weddings just have a fresh feel about them... and the flowers are always gorgeous. One wedding trend we are seeing, not just in spring, but the fall as well, is brides choosing to rock floral crowns. They can be worn both with and without a veil, which makes them super versatile. You can also totally change the look by the type of flower or foliage used. Smaller flowers, bigger flowers, colorful flowers, neutral flowers, or forego flowers all together and just use foliage... you can really make a floral crown your own. And don't forget your flower girls... a delicate mini flower crown is the perfect touch for their wedding attire. Would you consider wearing a floral crown? Would you wear one with or without a veil? Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source I walked into Target yesterday and a sign read "13 Days until Easter. " What? ! How is this even possible? The Spring holiday really snuck up on me this year. Luckily, Venue at the Grove has you covered! This is one of our favorite events of the year... and this year, on Sunday, April 1st, we will be hosting an Easter Celebration, including a delicious brunch, live music, Easter Egg Hunt, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny himself! Ensemble Catering is preparing a delicious brunch menu consisting of: Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Applewood Bacon Sausage Links Herb Roasted Potatoes Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits with butter and berry preserve Fruit and Cheese Display with assorted gourmet crackers Carved Action Station with assorted rolls Roasted Turkey Breast with chipotle berry sauce Honey Glazed Ham with Spiced Cherry Glaze Sauce Lemon Basil Orzo Parmesan Seasonal Spring Vegetables Coffee, Orange Juice, and Water with Lemon Ultimate Easter Experience Tickets are available for $50 + tax for Adults, $25 + tax for Children Ages 5-12, and $15 + tax for Children Ages 3&4. Children under 2 Years are Free. Reservations are required and you can do so HERE. There are 4 seatings between 8:30 - 11:30am. Tickets are limited, so be sure you make your reservations now. We hope to see you ALL on the 1st, and Happy Egg Hunting! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate love. And whether you celebrate the "Hallmark" holiday or not, today's blog is a round up of LOVE printables, which are perfect for a Valentine's Day gift, engagement gift, wedding gift, or anniversary gift. Source I recently just purchased this printable for above my bed, and before I decided on this one, I got lost in a rabbit hole on Etsy trying to find the perfect print. It made me start thinking about what a simple and easy gift this would make for any sweethearts out there. These printables would be a great addition to your wedding décor on your guestbook table, or cake table. They could also be used in your home as décor and a reminder of your everlasting love. One of the reasons I love Etsy so much, is that many of these are instant downloads, so if you need a last minute gift, you can purchase one of these, print, and slap in a frame in no time. Here's a round up of my favorites, do you have a favorite love quote? Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source You may remember that a few months back we had a HUGE $50,000 wedding giveaway! We set out to find the perfect couple to gift this experience to, and were overwhelmed by the responses! We truly LOVED learning about each and every couple that entered in the giveaway, thank you for sharing your stories with us. As we poured over hundreds of love stories, our decision was finally made, and Melissa and Steve won their dream wedding. If you didn't get a chance to read their story, you can do so HERE, be sure you have your tissues. On a beautiful day, some of our favorite vendors gathered and created a stunning wedding to celebrate Melissa and Steve. Everything was perfect, and thanks to Tiffany & Ryland Photography every precious moment was captured. We'd like to once again, give a HUGE congratulations to Melissa and Steve, their love for each other is truly infectious. And we'd also like to give a HUGE thank you to all the vendors who made this dream wedding come true, without them, none of this would be possible. Catering: Ensemble Catering Marketing/PR: AWE Collective Photo: Tiffany & Ryland Photography Cake: Sugarlips Cakery Floral: Wild Child Floral DJ: Direct Sounds Entertainment Video: Blue Eyes Productions Beauty: Amanda Victoria Beauty Rentals: EventRents AZ Dress: LUV Bridal Suit: Mr. Formal We feel so fortunate to have met so many of you at the Phoenix Bridal show a few weeks back, and a BIG thank you to those who came to our Special Open House last night. Now that we have met you and you have taken a tour of our gorgeous property, we hope you are one step closer to making a decision about where to say "I do. " If you have any further questions about Venue at the Grove and/or the packages we offer, please feel free to contact us anytime. Whether you are leaning towards Venue at the Grove or not, here are 7 things you want to think about BEFORE you pick any venue. Budget - The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a venue and then not be able to afford it. Be realistic and set a firm budget for your big day. Guest Count - Know how many guests you will be inviting to your wedding, and look at venues that can accommodate that count. What's Included - Every venue is different, from the chairs and tables, to the food and vendors... every venue includes different things. Be sure you know exactly what you're getting in their packages. Wedding Style - Does your wedding style fit with the venue? Guest Experience - Think about the amenities for guests, especially those coming from out of town. Are there hotels, places to eat, things to do in close proximity to the... Maybe you got engaged in the fall and after enjoying your engagement, you're ready to start planning your wedding. Or maybe you were just engaged over the holidays and are eager to get started! Whichever it is, The Arizona Bridal Show is this weekend, and it's the perfect place to start your planning journey. Located at the Phoenix Convention Center downtown, The Arizona Bridal Show is the biggest bridal show in the valley. Which means it's a one stop shop to meet hundreds of wedding vendors in one place! It's a great opportunity to talk face to face with venues, florists, photographers, bakers, caterers, gown specialist, and more. We will be there eager to meet you and discuss why Venue at the Grove is the perfect place for you to tie the knot! Because there are SO many vendors at the show, it can be quite overwhelming, so here are some tips before you hit the pavement this weekend: Bring A Friend. Have someone with you who can keep you in check and on task. Make A List. Check out the Arizona Bridal Show website HERE and look over all the exhibitors before you arrive. Make note of the names of your top vendors so you don't miss meeting them. Write Down Questions. White down any questions you have for vendors in a note on your phone to be sure you get all your questions answered. Bring Pre-made Labels. Vendors may ask for your contact information so they can send... Even though we don't get frigid temperatures here in the desert, it doesn't mean you can't pull off a gorgeous winter wedding. Gather up your whites, ivories, golds, and silvers, and you can create a dreamy winter wonderland wedding. Make it more festive by using traditional "holiday" décor: poinsettias, holly, evergreen, etc. Once you have your winter décor down, you can start thinking about your dress! Winter wedding dresses are a little more fun because you can accessories with all things warm and cozy like wraps and gloves. And although you can never go wrong with a strapless dress, you can stun guests in a show-stopping long sleeved dress. Sleeves add another layer of detail to the dress you may not have otherwise. Sleeves can be delicate lace, or a gorgeous satin. Any long sleeved dress will be unique. Need some convincing? Feast your eyes on these perfect winter dresses. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source To favor or not to favor, that is the question... ok, all joking aside, some couples think providing a wedding favor to guests as a "thank you" is important, and some do not. That choice is of course completely up to you. Centuries ago, wedding favors were known by their French name of bonbonniere. A bonbonniere was a small box made of crystal, porcelain, or gold, and often encrusted with precious stones. These special boxes were meant to hold bonbons, at a time when sugar was quite expensive. Sugar was also highly valued by all, as it was believed to have medicinal benefits. These were given to wedding guests in gratitude. The wedding favor has changed quite a bit over the last century. We have cleaned up hundreds of weddings, and sometimes it's painful to see how many wedding favors are left behind at the end of the night. So, if you do choose to give a favor to your guests, here are some tips, followed by 16 awesomely unique food favors. TIPS *Give something that represents you as a couple *Don't spend a TON of money *Choose a favor that ties in with your theme *Go DIY *Give something that is edible. Edible favors are always more likely to be taken And now for the edible favor inspiration... . you would surely have happy guests leaving with any of these... . Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source... I know you may think that we here at Venue at the Grove can "only" do weddings... well, I am delighted to tell you that we have many other talents up our sleeves! We love to throw a good party, so if you are looking for a location for you holiday party, new year party, or a space for another special event, look no further. Venue at the Grove is especially magical in the winter. Our pecan trees start to thin of leaves, and our twinkle lights gleam all the way up the bare branches. Quite a winter wonderland. We have our bistro lit patio for a romantic cocktail hour, and an indoor space to keep warm, eat, and dance the night away. If you are still looking for a location for your holiday party, please contact our office to arrange a tour and discuss your options. And if you are in need of some ideas, here are 5 festive Holiday Party themes. Winter Wonderland - Play up our twinkle lights and create a Winter Wonderland here in Arizona. Source Source Source Rustic Holiday - Venue at the Grove screams vintage, rustic charm. Use our romantic pecan grove setting for your holiday party. Source Source Source Masquerade - This unexpected theme could be a real show stopper here. Our gorgeous chandeliers inside our hall would be a perfect addition to your glamorous décor. Source Source Source Ugly Sweater - For the FUN loving group, get a little merry and celebrate... In her lifetime, Melissa had only known one true love, her high school sweetheart. This love tragically ended in 1999 when the father of her two beautiful children suddenly passed away in a car accident. Melissa's son suffered from Asperger's, Muscular Dystrophy, and Depression and more times than she'd like to admit, her son's needs negatively affected most personal relationships she had attempted. Melissa met Steve (her current fiancé) while out with friends when Steve was mistakenly sitting in her seat. They got to talking, and Steve made the first move, asking for Melissa’s number. She agreed, but gave Steve one condition: Melissa made Steve promise not to fall in love with her. But over the following weeks and months, this friendship quickly developed into a relationship, leading to Steve taking Melissa and her children in, without any hesitation. In March 2017, Melissa and Steve’s relationship was pushed to its limits when tragedy struck, and Melissa's son suddenly passed away. Some would think a situation like that could tear a relationship apart, but for this couple, it confirmed they are capable of handling anything together. Every story should have a happy ending, right? Steve and Melissa quickly realized that their love could withstand whatever life threw at them, and they became engaged at the end of September with no wedding date in sight. Flash forward to today, when they found out they are the winners of a $50,000 wedding giveaway from Venue at the Grove and the team of incredible... Although you may think of ghosts, goblins, orange and black when it comes to Halloween, the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration full of colors and gorgeous decorations. Standard traditions, such as sugar skulls, vibrant flowers, and candles are just a few of the design elements that can turn your "Halloween" wedding into a stunning event. If you’re planning your nuptials around the time of this Mexican holiday, check out these 10 must-see ideas for the themed wedding of the year. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source We may not have a true "fall" here in Arizona, but we get pretty close here at Venue at the Grove. Our gorgeous pecan trees do change color in late fall, and the air here is just a little bit crisper out in the country. If you're planning a fall wedding in the desert, there are some ways to elevate the feeling of fall. Here are my Top 5 Fall Wedding Must Haves: Fall Colors. This is probably a no-brainer, you should always have your wedding colors be season appropriate. Fall is the perfect opportunity to use all those warm colors: reds, oranges, and purples in your wedding colors. Apples. There are so many ways to incorporate apples into your wedding! In the centerpieces, as place cards, in your favors, are just a few of the ways. Candles. Nothing says fall like cozy, romantic lighting. So play up on that with loads of candles. Warm Drink Bar. Nothing says fall like a warm drink. Warm guests up with a hot coco or warm apple cider bar. Pie. Ditch the cake for a traditional fall dessert. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie... . you can't go wrong. Photo Sources Fall Bridal Party/Apples/Candles/Apple Cider Bar/Pies Depending on your personality, sending thank you notes to your wedding guests may or may not be a priority. Etiquette says that you have up to a year after your wedding to send thank you notes out. In this day and age however, most wedding gifts are delivered before the wedding, which means thank you cards should be sent out sooner. Sure, you have paid a lot of money for guests to come and celebrate with you, but your guests have also spent money to attend your wedding, and in most cases purchase a gift for you. And this is why, a thank you note should be sent. Now whether you make the deadline of sending the thank you out within the first year or not, is up to you. Personally, I was always brought up to write thank you notes. No gift was too small for a proper snail mail thank you. Even today, I am teaching my son, who is 5, to write thank you notes. Now you may say, I have 200 guests, how am I ever going to write thank you notes for that many people? ! Although a handwritten note is always nice, you could also simplify things a bit by sending a picture. Below is some fun inspiration for bride and groom "thank you" pictures. From burlap, to wood, to wine bottles, and everything in between, these couples got creative on how to send a thank you to their guests. Will you send out... Last weekend we celebrated my son's 5th birthday, and in lieu of a traditional birthday cake, I made a 3-tired rice krispy candy cake. Oh. My. Goodness. Not only was it delicious, I got SO many comments about how unique it was. It got me thinking about wedding cakes. Although traditionally the wedding cake was once a symbol of fertility for the newly wed, today, it doesn't have much meaning, other than something delicious. Of course the most important part of your wedding is the getting married part, and promising your life to another. But I think most couples also want to create a celebration that is remembered by guests. How memorable would it be if guests were treated to something totally untraditional instead of wedding cake? Of course Pinterest has a million and one ideas, but I rounded up 10 of my top favorites. I have to say, the waffle cake, with the bide and groom pouring syrup over it together is my favorite. What's yours? Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source As you, your groom, and your bridal party are hidden away in the moments before your wedding ceremony, your guests will be arriving. Usually when hosting a party, you would be there to greet your guests, say hello, and thank them for coming. However in this instance, you can't. Instead why not have a "welcome" sign to greet guests upon their arrival. A welcome sign is also a great way to set the mood, or theme of your wedding. Is it rustic? Modern? Vintage? A welcome sign can give guests an idea of what is to come. This sign can also give directions to guests, for example, which way to the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Lastly, after the wedding is done, a welcome sign can also be used as home décor, and serve as the perfect reminder of your special day. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Last week, we interviewed Jessica Q, one of our very talented recommended photographers. In the interview she mentioned that she highly recommends first look photos. From a photographer’s standpoint, she then has extra time to photograph you and your groom, instead of trying to cram bridal party, family, and bride and groom photos in-between the ceremony and reception. From a couples standpoint however, a first look is just so romantic! It gives you and your hubby the chance to just take in the moment and have a few sacred moments alone (believe me, you won’t have many alone moments during your wedding). There is something so special and emotional about the way a groom looks at his bride for the first time, and with a first look, you don’t have to have 100 people sharing in that reaction. If you’re a bit more tradition, and a first look isn’t for you, that’s just fine, but if you are thinking about a first look, here are some major goosebump worthy first look reactions. Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Photo Credit Did you know long ago the purpose of bridesmaids were decoys? In Medieval times, bridesmaids were sent down the aisle before the bride to ward off evil spirits. Now that's romantic, isn't it? In today's world, your bridal party, is typically made up of family members or friends that are going to stand up next to you as your support. A new trend is a "bridesmaid proposal" where you do a little something special when you ask (or propose) to your girlfriend and future bridemaid. These "proposals" run from simple to over the top, but however you look at it, the thought is sweet. These girls are most likey going to be the ones who are planning your bridal shower, and bachelorette party, in addition to all the other bridesmaid duties, so this is a nice way to honor them, and let them know you appreciate them. One of the more elaborate proposal items would be with a box like the one below. I love how the color swatches are included to let your maid know the color palette of your wedding. Photo Source However if you don't want to get that elaborate, a cute card, with a bottle of champagne is a cute idea as well. Photo Source Photo Source You could also go with a card and matching robes to get ready in on the day of the wedding, or if you're not a robe person, a tank top. Photo Source Photo Source If you're more of a... Can I confess something... . I am SO glad Pinterest was not around 9 years ago when I got married! For all of you currently planning your wedding, are you using Pinterest? I personally think I would have been so overwhelmed, and I also think there really is such a thing as too much inspiration. What you absolutely do not want to do, is Pinterest search "wedding"... . this will lead to inspiration and information overload. However, there is a way to do "Pinterest" right. Photo Credit The first thing you should NOT do after becoming engaged is booting up Pinterest. Enjoy time with your new fiancé, family, and friends. Then take some time to think about and discus as a couple what you want your wedding to look and feel like. Once you have the look and feel of your dream wedding written down, then you can go on Pinterest and explore your specific wedding vibe. This will help narrow down all the information. Don't get me wrong, Pinterest can be an AWESOME tool for your planning, but use it wisely, and be prepared before you jump down that rabbit hole. Now, if Pinterest is just too overwhelming for you, then perhaps you are more of a traditionalist. If so, in no particular order, here are my top 12 wedding inspiration blogs. Happy Planning! Wedding Sparrow Style Me Pretty Elizabeth Anne Designs Loverly Snippet and Ink Wedding Chicks Ruffled Blog Green Wedding Shoes 100 Layer Cake Once Wed Junebug... When you think of a typical wedding ceremony and reception, you probably think of an evening affair. A delicious dinner, open bar, and packed dancefloor... am I right? Did you know there is a new wedding trend that's going to shake this whole perception up? Have you ever considered a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception? What about a midafternoon tea and champagne reception? Or an early evening wedding with a cocktail reception? There are pros and cons to each of these wedding scenario. But if you want to step out of the box, or if you are budget conscious, one of these wedding alternatives may be a perfect fit for you. Photo Credit Brunch - Here in Arizona this is always a good option because of the weather. You can pretty much pull off a brunch wedding any time of year because the weather will typically be good. But beyond that, think of the delicious food you can serve for your reception? Who doesn't like breakfast food? Another pro would be you have the rest of the day to enjoy time with your new husband, and family. You could also leave for your honeymoon the same day! Hooray! The con would be that with an earlier ceremony time, you have less time to get ready, but that's what coffee is for (lol). Photo Credit Afternoon Tea and Champagne - Many of the same pros as a brunch wedding apply to this type of wedding as well. You could... Let's get real, the day leading up to your wedding day can be hectic. Even with the experts here at Venue at the Grove to make your day run smoothly, the days before can seem crazy. This is why it's a good idea to come up with a check list to keep everything organized and be sure everything gets done. Get marriage license - check. Pick up dress - check. Pack over night bag - check. Marking things off that list will feel so good, and keep you in control. Photo Credit On your wedding day, we strive to make your day run as smoothly as possible, but there are still a few special things you may want to add to your day-of checklist. Pen a love letter. Write a letter to each other to open before the ceremony. Not only will this make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, it's a great memento to keep. Consider a first look. Whether you see each other for the first time before the ceremony or during, it will still be a special moment. Why not have some special time just the two of you before the ceremony. Charge your phone. Charge it, and then hand it to someone you trust to snap a few great photos. Drink water. Lots and lots of water. We have seen both a bride and groom pass out during the ceremony because of being dehydrated, don't make that mistake! After you walk down the aisle, take a... Special life milestones can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones, especially at weddings. In a perfect world every family member and friend could be with you on your special day, and sometimes that's just not reality. If you have someone that you wish could be present at your nuptials, but physically they can not be there, there are several ways you can honor their spirit. Guests will love knowing who you are honoring, so be sure to let them know in your program or written near the memorial. One way is to honor a deceased loved one is through a reading. Like this one written by an unknown author: Someone is missing... Let this be a loving reminder that someone is missing today. Someone our hearts still hold onto, As we travel along life's way. Someone who made life special, For all who gather here. Someone who won't be forgotten, But cherished from year to year. And now as we all pause to remember, Let us all fondly recall, How dearly each of us loved them, and oh how they loved us all. You could also have a special song played. Like Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton: Lastly, you can have something physical at the wedding to honor their spirit, such as a candle, picture, or special memento. Need some ideas? Check out our inspiration below. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Here at Venue at the Grove, we’re always ahead of the curve, and so is our fearless leader, Abigail Olaya. This trendsetter not only has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the wedding industry as a whole, but she’s always keeping an eye out for what’s coming next in Phoenix, specifically. And we just want to take a second to congratulate our CEO for being named one of Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 this year. *Cue the confetti canons! * Out of hundreds of applicants, Abigail has been chosen as one of the top young business leaders in the Valley because of her passion, integrity, generosity, and so much more, both as CEO of Venue at the Grove and personally in her life. (Did you know she’s the mother of triplets, too? ) Honestly, she’s basically Wonder Woman. Move aside, Gal Gadot! But seriously, we wouldn’t be able to create the extraordinary experiences we do without the leadership, persistence, and love Abigail pours into Venue at the Grove everyday. So, here’s to Abigail and so many more years of hosting the most Instagrammable weddings and allowing couples to create their #BestWeddingEver. You have written these beautiful words to each other in your vows, your promises to one another for the rest of your lives, and then the wedding is over and you hope to remember them. But truth is, life happens and those beautiful words can get lost in the memories of your wedding day. But, fear not. Here are 7 great ways to keep your vows present every day using art. The first can easily be an after wedding DIY project... . I'm sure many of you whos wedding is over, know that post wedding depression is a real thing and this may help with that. Simply print your vows on paper, paste a wedding photo on top, and frame. Super easy, and this can be displayed every day to remind you of the promises you made. Photo Source This second project is also a super simple DIY. Using a plastic or glass clear Christmas ornament, cut your printed vows into strips and place inside. Then you can decorate your ornament and tie with a ribbon. A great way to display your love on your Christmas tree. Via Pinterest One of my favorite ideas is to create sound art. There are several companies that you can send recording of you saying your vows to one another and they will create a sound wave print from it. So cool. Photo Source If DIY isn't your thing, you can have your vows printed on a canvas like this. Super simple, and the... Venue at the Grove is located right smack dab in the middle of a pecan grove... . if you have ever seen ANY pictures of our property, you see trees, lots of pecan trees! We also have several citrus trees on our property, that make amazing photo opportunities. To most of the country, you would associate "citrus" with summer... . I know here in Arizona our "citrus season" tends to be early spring, but humor me for a minute. Even if it's not a "summer" thing here, I still love the idea of a summer citrus wedding. A "citrus" theme, is a theme without really being a theme. It's more of a color theme than anything else. But there is something so fresh and light about bringing bright citrus colors like: yellow, orange, and peach into your wedding décor. By adding lemons, oranges, grapefruit, amongst other fruits into your decorations, it adds additional dimension and texture. I also like that you can have a modern wedding, vintage wedding, shabby chic wedding, boho/Moroccan wedding, and still incorporate citrus. Adding fruit to your flowers, beverage stations, and decorations, screams summer, and would be the perfect wedding theme for your wedding at Venue at the Grove. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Well... it's here... summer. The time of year when most fly, or wish they could fly out of the valley of the sun. For many, having a wedding during the summer would be unheard of, but with the shade of our trees and our distance from the concrete jungle, summer weddings can be quite nice here at Venue at the Grove. Although late afternoon is the warmest part of the day, with long summer days you can afford to have your ceremony a bit later beneath the shade of our pecan trees. You can then choose to have your reception on our bistro lit patio, or head inside to our elegant hall for an air conditioned reception. For smaller parties, you can also choose our semi-closed barn for your reception. With all this being said, you can certainly provide guests with additional items to help them stay cool. Items such as a cool drink station, misters, hats, and fans, are all items that easily make guests cool and comfortable for your nuptials. Check out our top 7 ways to keep guests from breaking a sweat. Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Credit Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source Photo Source ## Testimonials "We were blown away... " ... on our wedding day about how well everything was planned and executed perfectly. We were able to fully enjoy our day because our coordinator took care of everything. If you’re thinking of getting married here I could not recommend it more, it’s so beautiful and everyone there is so organized your day will go off without a hitch! - Christian & Ty "There's nothing like it... " The best word to describe our wedding day at Venue at the Grove is MAGICAL! Weddings are stressful but working with the Olaya team made the whole planning process not only easy and stress free but fun! This venue’s beauty speaks for itself and the variation of spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception help set the mood and gave a great flow for the entire event. Venue at the Grove transports you and your guests to a lush, romantic, outdoor wedding space in the middle of the Phoenix desert. There is nothing like it in the Valley! - Paul & Taylor "... the perfect night" The Venue at the Grove team did an exceptional job hosting our wedding. It was the perfect night and we would not have changed anything about it. The team at Venue at the Grove is extremely professional, detail orientated and cares that you have a wonderful night. We could not recommend this venue and their team enough. - Danielle & AJ "... Easy to plan from afar" Aside from how GORGEOUS this venue is, all of the people I worked with were incredibly kind, quick to respond, and so accommodating! I live out of state, and they made it so easy to plan from afar. They really have it down, and just made my wedding day so special. Would get married here a million times over! - Elizabeth & Andy "... everything was perfect. " Venue at the Grove was amazing to work with! Their team answered all of our (many) questions so quickly and made us feel incredibly supported throughout the process. We received so many compliments from guests on how smooth the whole the night was. Coming from out of state it was really important to us to find a one stop venue and using their preferred vendors, Venue at the Grove went above and beyond. From the flowers, to the dessert, to the photography and catering service, everything was perfect. - Laura & David "... the best ever" We couldn't love this venue or their team more. We were so so so happy to use them. They not only made our wedding day the best ever, but they dealt with all our questions and concerns for a year and a half leading up. Plus, the team of vendors they work with are all star! - Eliza & Mike "... Wedding of our dreams" Thank you Venue at the Grove for giving us the wedding of our dreams! Everyone genuinely cared, was on top of the details, and always provided fast responses which made it all stress free. We were able to enjoy our wedding and spending time with family and friends. The service received was exceptional! ! - Alicia & Marcos "Incredible and magical" The attention to detail and responsiveness of the staff and coordinator were incredible. The entire process was very smooth. The day of was flawless. We have been flooded with non-stop comments from guests about how incredible and magical our wedding was. Literally everything was perfect. - Danica & Mike "Let me tell you... " I fell in love with this Venue before I even stepped foot on the property. The pictures are gorgeous but it's even more beautiful in person! But the main reason I chose to have my wedding here is HONESTLY because of their team. They were not only able to confidently answer every single question I had, but also had plans for any and everything that could go wrong. - Haleigh & Brad ## Events Join us on Sunday, December 20, 2026 for our Annual Breakfast with Santa event! This year, all proceeds of the event will be donated to Toys for Tots to bring holiday toys to children in need. Leslie Ann Photography will be volunteering to capture beautiful pictures of your families with Santa. We will provide other backdrops throughout the event so you can capture your own photos as well! Santa will be available from 9 am to 12:30 pm with the exception of occasional breaks. Your selected seating time will begin with the breakfast buffet followed by a trip to Santa's Workshop for a photo opportunity with Santa. Thank you to Retro Rentals for donating holiday rentals to make Santa's Workshop come to life! We would like to send a big Thank You to all the volunteers for making the revival of this annual event come true. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS! FAQs Who puts this event together? The Olaya Events & Company Team (Venue at the Grove and Ensemble Catering), Retro Rentals, Wild Child Floral, Event Rents and Leslie Ann Photography have donated their time and services to put this event together. We appreciate everyone working the event to support Toys for Tots. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful cause! What can I bring into the event? You are welcome to bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Our team will provide a complimentary digital family photo by Leslie Ann Photography with Santa. Pictures with Santa... Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Bee Wild Designs & Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photography, Leslie Ann Photography, and The Susnjaras Photo + Film. They are ready to capture your big day! Check out the Details & Story Co for all of your stationary & signage needs! Make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP! Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photography, Justine Grace Photo & Film, Leslie Ann Photography, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, and The Susnjaras Photo + Film. They are ready to capture your big day! Make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP! Join us on Sunday, December 21, 2025 for our Annual Breakfast with Santa event! This year, all proceeds of the event will be donated to Toys for Tots to bring holiday toys to children in need. Tiffany & Ryland Photography will be volunteering to capture beautiful pictures of your families with Santa. We will provide other backdrops throughout the event so you can capture your own photos as well! Santa will be available from 9 am to 12:30 pm with the exception of occasional breaks. Your selected seating time will begin with the breakfast buffet followed by a trip to Santa's Workshop for a photo opportunity with Santa. Thank you to Retro Rentals for donating holiday rentals to make Santa's Workshop come to life! We would like to send a big Thank You to all the volunteers for making the revival of this annual event come true. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS! Click here to download flyer! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS! FAQs Who puts this event together? The Olaya Events & Company Team (Venue at the Grove and Ensemble Catering), Retro Rentals, and Tiffany & Ryland Photography have donated their time to put this event together. Every person working the event has volunteered out of the kindness of their heart to support Toys for Tots. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful cause! What can I bring into the event? You are welcome to bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Our team will provide... Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Bee Wild Designs or Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photography, Leslie Ann Photography, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, and The Susnjaras Photo + Film. They are ready to capture your big day! Make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP! Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Bee Wild Designs or Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photography, Justine Grace Photo & Film, Leslie Ann Photography, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, Tony George Photography, and The Susnjaras Photo + Film. They are ready to capture your big day! Complete your decor with the signage of your dreams from All The LoveLeigh Details and make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP! Join us on Sunday, December 15, 2024 for the revival of our Annual Breakfast with Santa event - we are so excited to be back for our 10th year! This year, all proceeds of the event will be donated to The Salvation Army Christmas Angels Program. Tiffany & Ryland Photography will be volunteering to capture beautiful pictures of your families with Santa. We will provide other backdrops throughout the event so you can capture your own photos as well! Santa will be available from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with the exception of occasional breaks. Your seating time will begin with the breakfast buffet followed by a trip to Santa's workshop for a photo opportunity. We also have partnered up with Tolleson University Culinary Arts FCCLA and Retro Rentals to create an extraordinary event! ! We would like to send a big Thank You to all the volunteers for making the revival of this annual event come true. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS! Click here to download flyer Breakfast Menu: Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Sausage Applewood Smoked Bacon Country Potatoes Homemade Biscuits with Country Gravy Fresh Fruit Coffee, Orange Juice and Water CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS! FAQ's Who puts this event together? The Olaya Events & Company Team (Venue at the Grove and Ensemble Catering), Retro Rentals, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, and the Tolleson University Culinary Arts Program have donated their time to put this event together. Every person working the event has volunteered out of the... Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your big day? Come tour Venue at the Grove and start planning your wedding! During our special open house, you’ll be able to see your vision come to life right before your eyes! So come join us, and say yes to the venue where you’ll be creating everlasting memories! RSVP NOW! The Special Open House will take place on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 from 5:30-8pm. You’ll be able to meet our amazing partners & vendors and tour the property as it comes to life before your eyes! Begin tasting your dream wedding day menu with Ensemble Catering and discover how delicious your cake will be from Sugarlips Cakery! Meet our preferred DJ companies, All-American DJ Company and Got You Covered, and imaging dancing the night away with all of your loved ones. Plan for a day filled with incredible florals from Bee Wild Designs or Wild Child Floral Design. They can do anything your heart desires! See the amazing work of Andrea Neff Photography, Tiffany & Ryland Photography, and Tony George Photography. They are ready to capture your big day! Complete your decor with the signage of your dreams from All The LoveLeigh Details and make sure your friends & family are well cared for while in town with our friends at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. We are so excited to see you there! Click here to RSVP!