An Exotic Good Time (May/June 2009)

Looking for a unique location that will provide your guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Want something that makes your wedding stand out from all the others? Then look no further. Have your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and/or reception at the Heritage Park Zoo. One of Northern Arizona’s little-known treasures, this not-for-profit sanctuary is situated on 10 acres with over 150 rescued wildlife animals from every region around the globe (except Antarctica).

Wildlife fits into every form of beauty - and they’re now part of the customized wedding packages being offered through Heritage Park Zoo. Give your guests an unbelievable thrill by having Cassie, a female Bengal tiger, participate in your wedding photos. Acquired a few months ago in January 2009, her sweet personality is already winning over everyone who sees her. Or maybe you’d like Wilson, the owl who suffered a broken wing, or Shash, a black bear abandoned by its mother. In addition, the Heritage Park Zoo will coordinate animal presentations for your special day – from special tours to educational shows for young and old alike.

Best yet is the new Events Center that encompasses a full acre of land, complete with lush green park-like landscaping. Accommodating up to 300 guests for a sit-down plated dinner, there’s still room to spare for the dance floor under rotating crystal disco balls.

“We can do any theme for the bride, from elaborate and elegant to as simple as you want,” shares Pam McLaren, Executive Director. “In fact, we’re doing a Phoenician theme in a few weeks.”

There are several packages available that include your own Heritage Park Zoo wedding coordinator, free parking, and all day admission for every guest on your guest list. What’s especially great is knowing that your wedding is helping to support the efforts of the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, rescuing and providing enrichment for the animals in their care.

To learn more about having your special day at this fabulous exotic venue, call 928.778.4242 or email Pam at pmclaren@heritageparkzoo.org. You’ll be glad you did – and so will your guests.

A Summer Locale (October, 2005)

Interested in a little-known location for your wedding reception? One that is only a few streets away from the downtown Courthouse Plaza? And affordable to your pocketbook?

Well, look no longer. PrescottWeddings.com has a recommendation for you. Though only available during the summer months, consider having your reception at Prescott College located at 220 Grove Avenue.

Hidden from the busy street, the Prescott College Crossroad Center has 12,000 square feet of multifunctional space equipped with wireless Internet throughout. The spacious Community Meeting Room can seat about 500 guests auditorium style or about 250 guests banquet style. One great feature is that the space can be divided into smaller rooms through the use of movable wall panels, making your wedding reception as spacious or as intimate as you want it to be.

For a smaller reception, the Crossroads Café has seating for 50 to 75 guests with a raised stage area for either your Bridal Table or your band/DJ. Additional seating is available in the beautiful outdoor garden area.

Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams or an elegant social event, catering by the Crossroads Café means great, healthy, fresh, and natural food. And here’s why. You’ll be working with Chef Molly.

Chef Molly Beverly, Food Services Director at Prescott College, is the creative spirit of the Crossroads Café and all catering services. A 30 year Prescott resident, Molly was lead cooking instructor at Yavapai College for 28 years with 15 years catering experience. She has a solid foundation in creative baking, ethnic cuisines, special diets, and nutrition.

Chef Molly works with you to select that personalized perfect menu accompanied with her commitment that your cuisine will be exciting and unique, satisfying your palate and thrilling your guests. She offers menu choices from around the world, including European, Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian, and East Indian.

Molly’s philosophy is sharing food is the best way to express love, gratitude, and joy with family and friends. Food is prepared by hand – her kitchen bakes their own breads, makes their own salad dressings and sauces, and roasts their own meat. No pre-made, engineered or artificial foods are allowed. Only fresh organic ingredients bought locally are used, prepared with a fine sensitivity for flavor and creativity.

Make no doubt about it – Prescott College is one of those hidden oasis in Prescott that you definitely should see. For more information, call Chef Molly Beverly at 928.350.1400 or visit the Café’s web site at www.prescott.edu/café.

Well Worth Waiting For (September, 2005)

For years PrescottWeddings.com has lamented on the lack of a state-of-the-art facility in the area that could accommodate large wedding crowds of 200, 300, 400 or more guests. Well no more! At long last, and well worth waiting for, PrescottWeddings.com tips its hat to the Cordovana family in providing an unbelievable oasis for your own wedding day paradise.

Located on 160 acres in the center of JC Ranch in Chino Valley, the “Windmill House” is an 8000 sq. ft. Tuscan style clubhouse with private terraces and covered patios. The main ballroom is spectacular with its open beam ceilings and 18 wrought-iron chandeliers. The interior consists of stone and stained wood with earth tone and neutral shades to compliment any color theme you might have. There’s a huge wood-burning all-stone fireplace, a large stage for a band or your DJ, and an inlaid wooden dance floor.

When you step outside the ballroom, breathtaking views surround you. The professional landscaping includes your own private lake, its sparkling water fountain, and your own private island. Yes, we said island! Think of the dramatic wedding processional your bridesmaids and you would make as you walk over the bridge to the private island where your guests await you. Every tree is lit with low voltage lighting. Your groom is standing with the minister by the gazebo as you make your way towards him surrounded by beauty.

After exchanging your vows, you and your guests would leave the island and walk over to the ballroom. Imagine your grand entrance made magical by the fog machine, or having your first dance with a crystal dance ball reflecting prisms on the dance floor. At the Windmill House, your wish is their command. Already in place are not one, but two, plasma television monitors with DVD equipment to play any video you might want shown of the two of you – perhaps even an instant replay of your wedding ceremony!

Here’s two things you’re going to love as well. You can bring in your own caterer and bartender – and you know how that can save money. The kitchen is a caterer’s dream with a six-burner stove, griddle, broiler, deep freezer, microwave, refrigerator/freezer combo, dishwasher, and a large capacity ice machine. A granite counter is the highlight of a full bar stocked with glasses and ice machine.

There’s a private bridal cottage that’s perfect for you and your bridesmaids to dress and get ready in. It features your own private patio overlooking the lake, a kitchen, a television set, and most importantly, a full-length mirror. And after the party is over, the cottage becomes your own honeymoon get-away with its king-size bed and Jacuzzi tub.

The Windmill House is currently under construction and will be completed in November 2005. To learn more and see for yourself the beauty of the Windmill House, contact Tony Cordovana at 928.237.7310 or at tony@cardoco.com for your own personal tour. You’ll be glad you did.

Weddings In and Around Prescott (December, 2004)

In response to numerous inquiries from Brides asking “Where can I have my wedding?” PrescottWeddings.com is proud to announce its new page “Where to say I Do” detailing various places for your ceremony and reception. Among them are some of our favorites, not only in Prescott but also in the surrounding area.

Briar Wreath Inn in Prescott provides a charming setting for that perfect, intimate wedding. Its European charm features turn-of-the-century wood embellish paneling, ceiling, walls, and floors, enchanting one and all who enter through its doors. The gardens are exquisitely maintained for Brides and Grooms wanting to marry under the white Victorian gazebo. The owners, Fred and Terry, provide a sumptuous reception meal that tantalizes even the most discerning palate. To learn more, visit their website at www.briarwreath.com.

Perhaps you’re planning an outdoor wedding for a large number of guests. One of the area’s hidden jewels is Young’s Farm Park located in Dewey. Part of the Young’s Farm operations, this secluded dell is lush with green grass and wild flowers. The towering cottonwood trees are 100 years old and provide cool shade during the hot summer months. There’s plenty of room for the largest of weddings, including parking. Ask for Sarah Teskey at 928-632-7272.

Another outdoor location to consider is Watson Lake. For years, Brides and Grooms have exchanged their vows with the magnificent rock formation landscape in the background. You can see the beauty for yourself as PrescottWeddings.com features this dramatic setting at the top of this page. There’s plenty of space for your reception. The park grounds are flat and spacious enough to accommodate tables and chairs and tents, and there are electrical hookups for your DJ, caterer’s needs, and outdoor lighting (in case your reception goes into the evening hours). Prescott Parks and Recreation handles the reservations and charges a nominal fee. Call 928-445-5291.

With so many choices to reflect your style and personality, it’s difficult to choose. Just remember that wherever you decide to marry, the beauty of your love will outshine any location.

A Prescott Wedding (November, 2004)

There is no place more beautiful for your wedding day than the tri-city area amidst the Prescott National Forest. Approximately 100 miles northwest of Phoenix, there are numerous scenic locations offering either panoramic or historical settings for your special day.

With so much going for it, we at PrescottWeddings.com decided to share some of our ideas in creating your dream wedding in Prescott, guaranteed to delight your guests and provide memorable moments.

Formerly the Territorial Capitol for Arizona in the 1800’s, Prescott rich western heritage is evident throughout the entire community. Part of Prescott’s lure is its downtown historic Courthouse Plaza capturing the charm of Old Prescott. For an outdoor wedding, consider getting married in the heart of Prescott itself, the Courthouse Plaza. Guests, seated in the shade under the towering trees, can witness you and your fiancé exchange vows in the white painted Victorian gazebo. To make reservations, contact the Prescott Downtown Partnership, 928-443-5220.

One of the hidden reception sites for downtown Prescott is the Smoki Museum’s “Pueblo” building. Constructed of native stone and wood, thousands of pine logs were used for its columns, vigas and latillas of the ceiling. Able to accommodate 100-150 guests, a massive fireplace graces the north side, there is room for dancing, and best of all, you can bring in your own caterer (who will enjoy working in its full kitchen). The rental fee is minimal and the serving of alcoholic beverages is permitted. To learn more, telephone the Smoki Museum at 928-445-1230.

Amara Creekside Resort

With its refined, inspired elegance, serene setting and magnificent red rock panoramas, the new Amara Creekside Resort in Sedona, Arizona captures the excitement and romantic essence of every wedding.

Amara Resort’s Oak Creek Courtyard features a formal al fresco wedding “altar” overlooking the stunning greenery of Oak Creek and the imperial red rock. At the tip of the manicured Oak Creek lawn is an oversized bronze sculpture of two hands touching titled “The Communion” created by nationally renowned artist Gary Lee Price. With more than 5200 square feet of wedding and reception space on a manicured lawn accented by a tranquil water and rock garden, this ultimate outdoor wedding location accommodates up to 200 guests.

For larger size weddings, the Amara Vista is a picturesque outdoor reception area boasting uninterrupted red rock skylines and highlighted with colorful plants and flowers. This 6000 square foot space is ideal for either tented events or parties under the crystal skies of Sedona.

Have your guests enjoy a fabulous meal created by the talented Executive Chef Alan McClean who knows how to cater to the unique spirit of each bride and groom.

With luxurious guests rooms and suites available for your guests, Amara Creekside Resort also offers such amenities such as in-room spa treatments, a fitness center, and Sedona’s only heater therapeutic saltwater pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

For a four star, world-class romantic setting visit Amara Creekside Resort at www.amararesort.com or call toll free (866) 455-6610.