Celebrating Love: Sierra & Conner’s Unforgettable December Wedding

The air was buzzing with excitement, and a touch of delightful chaos, as we celebrated the marriage of my first daughter, Sierra, to her beloved Conner! Their wedding day, December 18, 2021, came just 69 days after their engagement on October 10th. It was a whirlwind of planning, a testament to love, and an incredible feat of teamwork. With both Sierra nearing graduation from BYU and Conner balancing college and upcoming internships, they seized their longest academic break to tie the knot. The journey was fast-paced, demanding immense dedication, but every single moment culminated in a day that was nothing short of perfect. We are eternally grateful to our incredible friends and family whose unwavering support made this dream wedding a reality.

Join us as I share hundreds of cherished photos and invaluable tips we gathered throughout this exhilarating planning process. From the romantic “first look” on the stunning Laguna Beach, California, to the heartwarming bridal shower, the elegant wedding dinner, their sweet engagement moments, and all the lively wedding reception festivities complete with delicious food and drinks. I’m also including a special 6-minute video that beautifully encapsulates the magic of it all. Prepare to be inspired by their beautiful love story and our journey to create an extraordinary December wedding celebration.

Our beautiful daughter, Sierra, and her husband, Conner, sharing their first look and capturing breathtaking bridal photos on the scenic beaches of the Montage in Laguna Beach, California. A truly magical moment by the ocean.

A sacred moment captured outside the magnificent Gilbert, Arizona Temple, where Sierra and Conner exchanged their eternal vows.

One of the absolute highlights of the evening was surprising the happy couple with a spectacular sparkler send-off, immediately followed by an unexpected fireworks show. It was a truly dazzling conclusion to their perfect wedding day.

Capturing every precious detail, the exquisite wedding day photography was masterfully handled by Chase Sevey Photography, whose artistry beautifully preserved these memories.

We absolutely adore the Peterson Family! They have welcomed Sierra with open arms, showering her with love and adoration, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them. One heartwarming detail from the day was the life-size cutout of our sweet son, Mason, who was dearly missed while serving his two-year church mission. It was a special way to include him in the family photos and festivities.

These girls are simply amazing! We found the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses at Nordstrom – classic, elegant, and simple enough for them to wear again. As a special thank you, we gifted each of them beautiful gold monogrammed necklaces to wear on the day and cherish afterward.

We affectionately refer to these amazing cousins as the “Eric 6.” They’ve been inseparable best friends since birth and are undeniably Sierra’s loyal bodyguards. It fills our hearts with joy to see how much they genuinely love and have embraced Conner into their close-knit circle!

The Heartwarming Love Story of Sierra and Conner

Before diving deeper into the stunning wedding day festivities, let’s rewind and begin at the very start of Sierra and Conner’s truly amazing love story. It’s a tale that highlights destiny and perfect timing. These two grew up in the same town but attended different high schools, their paths seemingly separate for many years. Fate, however, had other plans. After Conner returned from his two-year church mission in the Philippines, an interesting phenomenon began: countless friends and family members, convinced they were a perfect match, started playing matchmaker! It almost became an inside joke how many people tried to set them up, including Conner’s sweet mother, Amy, who was absolutely certain they belonged together.

Despite the persistent nudges, the timing just wasn’t right. But as often happens with true love, patience prevailed. When Sierra was finally single, Conner didn’t hesitate to make his move. Just three weeks later, they embarked on their first date, and the rest, as they say, is history. Amy, with a satisfied smile, now fondly refers to their union as “a match made in heaven!” Their journey from a small town, through separate paths, to a destined meeting, truly is a beautiful testament to love’s surprising twists and turns.

Getting Engaged: A Magical Autumn Proposal in Sundance

This day was nothing short of magical, etched forever in our memories! Our families were staying at a cozy cabin nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Sundance, Utah, right in the heart of October. The autumn leaves were at their absolute peak, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of gold and crimson – a truly perfect backdrop for a proposal. Our two families meticulously worked together, transforming an area on the property into an enchanting wonderland. They adorned it with soft, flickering candles, charming lanterns, and hung pictures from their dating journey, swaying gently from the trees. Every detail was absolutely perfect, creating an intimate and romantic setting that filled Sierra and Conner with immense joy and happiness as they embarked on their next chapter.

Breathtaking Engagement Photos: Capturing Love in Utah

To beautifully commemorate their engagement, Sierra and Conner had an incredible engagement photo shoot in the scenic landscapes of Utah. This memorable session was captured by the incredibly talented Jen Anderson Photography, whose artistic vision truly shone through. Jen was absolutely amazing to work with, making the couple feel completely at ease. Although they shot these engagement photos in November, just after the vibrant fall leaves had peaked, the images still turned out absolutely stunning, showcasing the natural beauty of Utah and, more importantly, the genuine love and connection between Sierra and Conner.

Cherished Beginnings: Sierra’s Thoughtful Bridal Shower Celebration

Sierra’s bridal shower was a truly heartwarming affair, hosted by some of my incredible friends who have been like second mothers to her throughout her life. The setting was the beautiful home of my dear friend, Maggie Holmes, which provided a charming and inviting atmosphere for the celebration. The culinary offerings were delightful and refined, featuring an array of light salads, freshly baked homemade rolls, and an exquisite selection of beautiful desserts. It was a perfect day, filled with laughter, love, and the joyful presence of so many wonderful friends who came to support and celebrate Sierra as she embarked on this new chapter.

My uber-talented friend, Jen Watkins, poured her creativity into every detail of the decor, including designing a stunning backdrop that perfectly complemented the elegant theme. A highlight of the shower was when Sierra opened her thoughtful presents, surrounded by her loved ones. We then played a fun and heartwarming game: a video of Conner answering various questions about Sierra. His answers were incredibly sweet and genuine, offering a lovely glimpse into their deep affection and how truly in love they are with each other. It reaffirmed my gratitude for how wonderfully he treats Sierra and how much he adores her.

A Feast for the Senses: Unforgettable Wedding Reception Cuisine and Drinks

With only about ten weeks to plan Sierra and Conner’s December wedding from start to finish, the thought of cooking for the reception was quickly dismissed! We knew that professional catering was the way to go to ensure a stress-free and spectacular culinary experience. We were incredibly fortunate to secure Shellie Bowers of Gilded Gatherings for the wedding reception food, and she proved to be nothing short of phenomenal. Every dish she creates is a work of art, both in presentation and taste.

The breathtaking wedding cake, a true showstopper, was meticulously crafted by Heather Suhr with Sugar Lane Bakery. Her talent brought our vision to life, creating a delectable centerpiece that was as beautiful as it was delicious. Together, these incredible vendors ensured that every guest enjoyed an exquisite array of food and delightful beverages.

The Culinary Delights by Gilded Gatherings

Our wedding reception menu was thoughtfully designed to offer a rich and varied culinary experience that delighted every palate. The star of the appetizers was a massive, exquisitely arranged charcuterie board, overflowing with a diverse selection of local and imported cheeses, savory dried meats, gourmet crackers, fresh seasonal fruits, and adorned with delicate fresh flowers. Guests also savored warm spinach artichoke dip served with perfectly toasted baguettes, a customizable bruschetta bar offering a variety of fresh toppings, and a vibrant crudité platter accompanied by an assortment of delicious dips.

For salads, we offered a refreshing pear winter salad and a classic grilled lemon Caesar salad. The main courses featured comforting and elegant pasta dishes: a warm Caprese pasta with fresh mozzarella and basil, alongside a rich brown butter 5-cheese tortellini Alfredo, generously enhanced with tender chicken. To complement these dishes, we provided an array of artisan breads, delightful garlic knot rolls, and flavorful pesto sticks, all served with a selection of dipping oils and flavored butters.

Sweet Endings: A Decadent Dessert Bar

Our dessert bar was a true indulgence, designed to satisfy every sweet tooth. The magnificent wedding cake itself was a dual-flavored masterpiece, featuring decadent chocolate salted caramel and classic Oreo layers. Beyond the cake, guests were treated to gourmet chocolate caramel apples, elegant chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a unique array of four different types of cinnamon rolls: traditional, festive candy cane, comforting hot cocoa, and rich egg nog. It was a sweet conclusion to a perfect meal.

Refreshing Sips: Signature Mocktails and Hot Chocolate Bar

To keep spirits high, we offered a delightful array of non-alcoholic beverages. Our signature mocktails included a festive holiday sangria mocktail, a sparkling mulled pear creation, and a zesty cranberry gingersnap spritzer. For those seeking warmth and comfort, we set up a full hot chocolate bar, complete with every imaginable mix-in to create personalized, cozy concoctions. It was a festive and inviting selection that ensured everyone had a favorite drink to enjoy.

The elegant Holiday Mocktail Bar, featuring a delightful Mulled Pear Sparkler, a festive Holiday Sangria Mocktail, and a refreshing Cranberry Gingersnap Spritzer – perfect non-alcoholic choices for a December wedding.

The delightful Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar at the Wedding Reception, offering a cozy and customizable treat for all guests, filled with an array of delicious mix-ins.

Isn’t this mini charcuterie board, specially crafted for the newlyweds by Gilded Gatherings, absolutely adorable? A thoughtful and personal touch!

Crafting the Perfect Ambiance: Wedding Flowers and DIY Decor on a Budget

Planning a wedding, especially a fast-paced December wedding, truly tests one’s organizational skills, but with the support of amazing friends, anything is possible! We are so incredibly grateful for the immense help we received in pulling off Sierra and Conner’s celebration. A massive shout-out goes to our creative geniuses, Jen Watkins and Kara McDowell, who were instrumental in bringing our decor vision to life. Their artistic talents helped us create the breathtaking baby’s breath arch, assemble the elegant bridesmaids’ bouquets, and design many of the beautiful wedding centerpieces scattered throughout our various venues. For couples looking to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing beauty, we’ll share exactly what we ordered online to achieve this stunning look on a budget.

While we handled much of the decor, we did selectively hire a professional florist for some key elements: Sierra’s exquisite bridal bouquet, the handsome men’s boutonnieres, and the lovely women’s corsages. Wedding florals can be super expensive these days, so finding ways to cut costs was a priority. We held the ring ceremony and the lively reception at the stunning home of our dear friends, Dave and Shawni Pothier. They are truly some of the most generous people we know, and we deeply appreciate them for opening their beautiful home to us for this joyous celebration. Shawni also runs an amazing blog, called 71 Toes, if you’re looking for more inspiration. Their home provided the perfect, warm, and inviting backdrop for our unforgettable day.

Stunning Floral Arrangements: Smart Savings on Wedding Flowers

To achieve a luxurious floral look without breaking the bank, we smartly ordered an assortment of fresh garden roses and traditional white roses online through Costco and Sam’s Club. The photo above beautifully showcases this mix of classic elegance and romantic garden roses. While garden roses are a bit pricier, their lush, full blooms are absolutely stunning and worth the splurge when balanced with more economical choices. We had them delivered to our home a few days before the wedding, ensuring they arrived fresh and in perfect condition, ready to blossom. We were incredibly happy with the quality, and this approach saved us a significant amount compared to traditional florist prices!

For lighting, we sourced most of our candles from IKEA, known for their fantastic prices on quality home goods. Many of our elegant glass cylinders were found at Dollar Tree or Walmart, often costing less than $2 each – a huge budget win! The Libbey brand is excellent for inexpensive yet stylish choices. To add a touch of sophistication, I purchased black satin ribbon from Amazon and beautifully tied them to our gold lanterns, creating a cohesive and chic look. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find at Home Goods, where we discovered many of our vases and floral containers, along with a beautiful selection of frames perfect for wedding day signage.

Ingenious DIY Decor: Adding Personal Touches

The baby’s breath arch was a true labor of love and a shining example of savvy budget planning. We were initially quoted a staggering $2200 by a florist to construct this arch. Thankfully, my creative friends were confident they could help us build it, and they absolutely delivered! We purchased a simple metal wedding arch frame from Amazon and then ordered bulk baby’s breath from Costco. The baby’s breath was delivered about 2-3 days before the wedding, allowing it ample time to fully blossom and perk up, achieving that lush, airy look.

As you can see in the photo below, we meticulously attached the baby’s breath to the arch frame using floral wire. This task took only a few hours to assemble but yielded immense savings. Instead of the quoted $2200, the entire project cost us approximately $300 – a truly huge saving! For reference, if you order baby’s breath on Costco.com, 100 bunches cost around $69. It’s incredible how far 100 bunches can go, as baby’s breath expands beautifully when fluffed.

WEDDING FLOWERS SAVINGS TIP: Here’s another fantastic tip for budget-conscious couples: acquire as many additional flowers as possible from Trader Joe’s. If you visit any Trader Joe’s store and speak to the floral manager, you can place an order ahead of time. This ensures that your chosen flowers are set aside and ready for you to pick up. We ordered a variety of flowers and greenery through them, often finding bunches for about $5.99 each – an absolute steal for wedding-quality blooms!

These elegant gold stands were strategically placed along the walkway, serving a dual purpose: they displayed beautiful engagement photos of Sierra and Conner, guiding guests and adding a personal touch. My husband ingeniously crafted these stands from PVC pipe, which he then spray-painted a sophisticated gold. To ensure they illuminated beautifully after sunset, we simply added sign lights to the top, creating a warm and welcoming glow.

My husband, a talented builder by trade, took on the ambitious project of creating a stunning greenery wall. We ordered high-quality green boxwood panels online, and he then constructed a sturdy wooden frame to which they were attached. This impressive greenery wall was placed prominently at the entrance, near the sign-in table, instantly becoming a popular photo backdrop for guests throughout the entire evening. It truly added a lush, vibrant element to the wedding decor.

Adding a touch of personalized brilliance, we ordered a custom LED-lit sign from Etsy, which perfectly complemented the greenery wall. This sign, featuring Sierra and Conner’s names, was a fantastic focal point for photos. We’re delighted to see it’s now proudly hung in the family room of their apartment, serving as a cherished keepsake and a constant reminder of their special day.

Thoughtful Comforts and Keepsakes

We chose MPIX.com for our wedding sign-in book, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Their incredible photo quality truly impressed us, and we also used them to order our main wedding photos. They frequently offer fantastic sales, so keep an eye out for their 40-50% off books promotion to snag a great deal!

Given that the wedding was outdoors in December (even in sunny Arizona!), we wanted to ensure our guests stayed warm and comfortable. We found wonderfully cozy blanket throws at IKEA for less than $3 each – an unbeatable deal! We neatly rolled them and placed them in baskets strategically throughout the venue. It was a huge hit, and we saw guests bundled up in them all night long, proving they definitely served their purpose in keeping everyone warm and happy.

For the long, elegant tables at the reception, we ordered 25-foot greenery garlands from Sam’s Club. At just $99 for 25 feet, it was an incredibly cost-effective solution, and we simply cut them in half to fit our table lengths. We then adorned these lush garlands with the garden roses we purchased in bulk and interspersed hundreds of candles of all types and sizes. This created a warm, inviting, and magical atmosphere throughout the venue, making every table glow.

Two Sacred Ceremonies: A Testament to Enduring Love

Sierra and Conner celebrated their union with two distinct yet equally beautiful ceremonies, each holding its own special significance. The first was a heartfelt ring ceremony held in the enchanting backyard of the Pothier’s Home, surrounded by cherished family and friends. This intimate setting allowed for personal vows and a truly emotional exchange of rings. Following this, they sealed their eternal commitment in the sacred Gilbert Arizona Temple, a deeply meaningful experience for both of them. Both ceremonies were profoundly beautiful and moving. For a closer look at these unforgettable moments, including snippets of their vows and more scenes from both ceremonies, be sure to watch the video below.

The Gilbert Arizona Temple Wedding Ceremony

Coastal Romance: Beach Bridals and First Look in Laguna Beach

For a truly spectacular and memorable start to their wedding celebrations, we arranged for Sierra and Conner to have their “first look” and stunning bridal portraits captured on a beautiful beach in California. This was a perfect choice, as Sierra is a passionate nature and water lover, making a coastal setting incredibly fitting for their pre-wedding photoshoot. We flew Sierra and Conner to California, while we drove over from Arizona, meeting up in November, approximately five weeks before the main wedding day. The incredible talent behind these breathtaking beach bridals was photographer Haylie Thomas, whose artistic eye perfectly captured the romance and beauty of the day.

Sierra found her dream wedding dress at Alta Moda Bridal in Salt Lake City, a gown that perfectly captured her elegance and vision for the day.

For her exquisite bridal look, Sierra’s makeup was expertly done by Korinthia Marsh, while her beautiful hair was styled by BrittaniPresents, both incredibly talented artists based in California. They truly brought her vision to life!

To ensure every magical moment was perfectly preserved, we enlisted the incredible talent of Curtis Cook from Skinny Phish Productions as our videographer. He masterfully captured Sierra and Conner’s first look on the beach, the emotional wedding ceremonies, and the vibrant reception festivities. Curtis is truly creative and exceptionally talented! You can experience the beauty and emotion of their day by watching his wonderful 6-minute video below.

A Heartfelt Prelude: The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

After a thorough wedding run-through, ensuring every detail was perfect for the big day, we gathered for a beautiful and intimate rehearsal dinner with our beloved family and the entire wedding party. It was a truly special occasion, made even more meaningful by the presence of both my husband’s large family of eight and my own, all of whom traveled considerable distances to be there. Their willingness to journey so far to celebrate Sierra and Conner on their momentous day meant the world to us.

A huge and heartfelt shout-out goes to the wonderful Grant and Amy Peterson family for flawlessly orchestrating the most perfect evening. Every element was impeccable, and we wouldn’t change a single thing! The exquisite dinner, a culinary delight, was once again provided by the incredible Gilded Gatherings, ensuring a memorable feast. The stunning floral arrangements that adorned the space were the artistic creations of Caroline Brenchley of Clementine Designs, adding an elegant and fresh touch to the celebration.

Celebrating Every Moment: More Wedding Day and Reception Photos

Sierra’s stunning wedding day beach waves and curls were flawlessly styled by the talented Taylor Romney, adding a touch of effortless glamour to her look.

The Driggs Family, looking festive and happy, celebrating the joyful union.

The ambiance was further elevated by the beautiful live music performed by the ultra-talented Rylee Armstrong. She truly is amazing and added an unforgettable melodic touch to the celebration!

While we opted against hiring a full wedding planner, bringing on a phenomenal “wedding coordinator” proved to be an invaluable decision. Holly Blomquist was simply incredible, keeping us perfectly organized and ensuring that every important event of the day, including all the beautiful dances, ran smoothly and on schedule. Her expertise allowed us to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the joy of the celebration.

A Day to Remember Forever: Concluding Thoughts on Sierra and Conner’s Wedding

Truly, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful wedding day for Sierra and Conner. Every detail, every moment, and every person who contributed to their celebration created an atmosphere of pure joy and love. The rapid planning, the thoughtful DIY touches, the incredible vendors, and the unwavering support of our friends and family all converged to make their December wedding in Arizona an absolutely unforgettable event. From the stunning beach bridals in California to the sacred temple sealing, and the vibrant reception filled with laughter and dancing, their journey was a testament to enduring love and community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped and supported us throughout this incredible adventure. Your love, generosity, and tireless efforts made this dream wedding come true. We love you all, and these cherished memories will forever warm our hearts. Congratulations, Sierra and Conner, on a spectacular start to your married life!