Ruze Cake House!

Okay, so please excuse this brief diversion from super cute wedding tablescapes and adorably-in-love couples as I bring you, Cake!!!

Guys, if you haven't been yet, you need to, no you have to go check out Ruze Cake House in Old Town Scottsdale. It is the cutest place and they have the most yummy wedding cakes!

When you first walk in the doors, you are greeted by friendly staff and the perfect display of cupcakes scones and yummy treats! It is a great place to sit and have a cup of tea while you catch up on email or just take a break from the day! And they just launched their new boba tea line! So extra yumm! The vibe is very open and friendly and I feel like every time we are in there we run into someone we know! Its the new coolest place to hang out!

The girls over at Ruze have a special thing going on and I was such an honor to get to go over there and photograph some of their new, inventory, and yes I tried every single thing and it is all so good.

Brides you can set up a cake tasting right on their website! What is more fun that tasting cake for your big day? Um the answer is nothing. 

Don't worry, I wish my kitchen looked like this too! : ) 

Until I see you at Ruze Cake house! 

Jenn

Scottsdale Civic Center Engagement Session| Scottsdale, AZ Photographer | Lee and Jana

"When we met for the first time, I knew something was different about him. Everything came so easy for us, conversation flowed smoothly and there was none of that awkwardness that can sometimes come along with those first date jitters. Almost immediately I knew that what we had, was something very special." Jana

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We are so excited to be a part of capturing their love story! Jana and Lee thank you so much for being a couple that loves deeply and makes our job of capturing your feeling so easy for eachother! You guys didn't stop smiling and we can see how you are at ease in the others' arms. We are over the moon excited to capture your wedding day!

 "I first told Jana that I lover her when we were about one year into our relationship. I was not first to say it, although the feelings were there. I had a dream, that I was telling Jana for the firs time "I love you." This was about one week before I told her. One night while we were sleeping, I woke up suddenly in the middle of the night. I couldn't hold it back any longer and I didn't want to. I turned over to face her, wrapped my arms around her and said, "I love you." The moment was perfect and her reaction was quite priceless... She opened her eyes and said, "Am I dreaming?" We shared a good laugh the next day! I am so glad I finally told her I love her because I look forward to saying those words for the rest of my life. " - Lee

"It was within the first month of dating Smedley that I knew I loved him. I remember getting home one night after going out to dinner together that I had that moment of realization. I loved him! It felt too soon to have such strong feelings but I couldn’t help but notice that I had fallen for him." - Jana

"It is impossible to just pick one of my favorite things that I love about Jana. I love everything about her! She is the kindest, sweetest person that I have ever met. She's always smiling and its impossible to not be happy when I am around her. She's my best friend and I cant imagine my life without her." - Lee

 "Our first kiss was very memorable for me. We had spent a good majority of the day together before we had to go our separate ways for the evening. I remember standing in the kitchen of his condo after he had given me a tour of his place and played a little melody for me on his guitar for the first time. Before parting for the evening, he leaned in and gave me a kiss. We were simply smitten for each other! The timing was perfect and it had a way of confirming our feelings for each other." Jana

www.jenn-wagner.com

Charles + Cindy | Wedding at Montelucia

Sometimes there are special weddings days that stand out. One where everything just seems to go flawlessly and the whole day is seamless from the minute the dress goes on until the last sparkler fades away into the night...

Such is the case with Charles and Cindy. Their wedding day was so joyful and flowed the entire day! I truly believe that the bride and groom set the entire mood for a wedding day and everyone else follows. With Cindy and Charles setting a laid back tone and just being genuinely happy the entire day...everyone else just went with that same vibe and it was perfect! 

One of my favorite little parts of the entire day was at the reception when they had the Tau'olunga Dance which is the Tongan Traditional Money Dance. It was such a unique dance where everyone joined in to collect money for the bride and groom by sticking money onto an oil covered dancer (sounds crazy when you write it like that... see photos below) Since Charles is Tongan it was such a neat tradition to watch unfold... first his family jumped in, putting five, tens and twenties on the beautiful dance, and then the rest of the party jumped in. My favorite moment was when Cindy jumped in at the end, dollar bills swirling around their feet, and this beautiful bride embraced her new hubby's rich cultural tradition. 

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I loved Charles' answer to this question about her big day, so in his own words... 

When I turned around to Cindy in her dress for the first time, I immediately noticed her smile!!! That moment for me was special as it captured so many emotions. Cindy's happy and loving smile in her beautiful dress caused me mixed feelings of 

Happiness - she was without a doubt the one for me

Excitement - i knew we were going to have a wonderful life together

Joy - because her smile always makes me happy

Lust - she looked stunning.

 A spectacular group of people made this wedding possible and made each detail perfect! We were so thankful to recently have this wedding featured on Carats and Cake!! 

Hair and Makeup by: Mariana Marie

Wedding Planning by: Imoni Events

Enzoani Dress and accessories from: Uptown Bridal and Boutique

Wedding and Reception Location: Montelucia Resort and Spa

Invitations and Paper: Page and Mason Invitations

Custom Rings: Coffin and Trout Fine Jewelers  

Flowers: Table Tops Etc. 

Cheers to a beautiful day! And now, their wedding story in photos... 

"Wow, there are so many special moments. But the one that sticks out the most has to be the anticipation of seeing Charles just before our first look! Those moments when I was walking toward him... they were surreal. I was so excited and full of anticipation. Not nervous about the day, just READY...ready to see him, ready to walk down the aisle, ready to be his wife!!  I couldn't wait for him to see me in my dress, and I couldn't wait to see HIM. I am so glad we did a first look. In the few minutes we were able to stand there together quietly enjoying each other, everything else fell away. It felt as though we were the only two people in the world. It was magical. Well, the whole night was magical! :)" - Cindy

I don't know why, but this is my absolute favorite photo from the entire day. Its such a sweet and tender moment, unplanned or provoked,  it just happened...  and I love it. 

"Oh! My nephew! He tore up the dance floor and had us all laughing SO MUCH. This boy LOVES to dance, break dance, and he was out there in the middle of the dance floor with everyone around him watching and cheering for at least three songs straight. It was absolutely hilarious. He definitely knew all eyes were on him and he put on a fantastic show. I just can't wait to see the photos and videos of that boy rocking it!" -Cindy

Tau'olunga Dance (Traditional Money Dance):

What a great way to end the evening... a sparkler dance... beautiful. 

"My favorite time on my wedding day was the moment just after the festivities had concluded.  Cindy and I had our first alone moment together, this is the moment it sunk in that we were married, together for the rest of our lives, official. We shared all the wonderful moments we had that day and how much they meant to us, it was an amazing feel to be with the one you love the most and had the experience of friends and family supporting the two of us."- Charles

Cindy and Charles, thank you so so much for allowing me to be a part of your unbelievable wedding day! It was truly perfect and your laid back and enjoy the moment attitudes made everything go so smoothly. The day was perfect and it was an honor to be there to capture your wedding! 

Much love, Jenn

Book your wedding at www.jenn-wagner.com