Nestled in the heart of Mesa Arizona, Stonebridge Manor by stands as a testament to timeless elegance and modern luxury. The Carlson wedding was an extravagant affair, with the beautiful mansion and gardens it was the perfect setting for this couple’s middle school love story wedding.
Yes, I said middle school love story. Jake and Alyssa first met back in middle school, and after years of friendship, or as the maid of honor put it, ‘flirting through bullying’ the couple finally tied the knot in front of their three children and hundreds of friends on the hottest spring day Arizona had to offer.
The day kicked off with the bride and groom getting ready in separate suites, both buzzing with excitement and a touch of nerves. The bride was a vision in her fairytale wedding gown, while the groom was dapper as ever in his mint green suit—classic with a twist of modern style. And can we talk about the flowers? Artistically crafted by one of the Bridesmaid, Honey Flower Co nailed the gig. Purple blooms everywhere, adding pops of color against the Arizona sky.
Now, the ceremony—oh, the ceremony! As a PNW wedding photographer, I was melting In the heat of the Arizona sun. But the couple did not seem to mind, the couple exchanged vows they’d written themselves in the courtyard at the manor. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and not just because of the heat! It was all tears of joy, or everyone laughing at their daughter Poppy killing the task as a flower girl.
After they sealed it with a kiss (cue the applause!), guests cooled off with refreshing drinks and mingled in the shade of Stonebridge Manor’s lush gardens. The couple even had a surprise for everyone—a pop up bouncy castle to jump around and chill out.
As the sun began to set, the party moved inside to the tented gazebo. Think fairy lights, candles flickering, and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. The bride outdid herself by DIY all the signs and decor HERSELF. The newlyweds shared their first dance—it was a mix of sweet and goofy, just like them—and then invited everyone to join them on the dance floor.
Throughout the night, Stonebridge Manor’s team from Wedgewood Weddings made sure everything ran like clockwork. From the mouthwatering buffet to champagne towers to keeping the dance floor pumping, they were on it. You could tell they genuinely cared about making this day perfect for the couple.
And you know what? It was perfect. A celebration of love, friendship, and a little bit of middle school fate, all wrapped up in one unforgettable wedding day in Mesa, Arizona. Stonebridge Manor and Wedgewood Weddings truly know how to throw a party that’s as fun as it is classy. I cannot wait to be back in Arizona for more weddings next year.
Cheers to the Carlsons and to many more sunny days filled with love and laughter ahead!
Vendor Team:
Photographer: Bare Bones Photo
Cake: Piece of Cake
Florals: The Honey Floral Co
Alterations and Sewing: Suzanne Sewing Co
Videographer: Tina Andrea Weddings
Wedding Gown: Martina Liana True Society Phoenix
Hair & Make Up: Kierra Manion
