One of the lovely things about Arizona is the variety of aesthetics. At first glance, it looks like a mixture of Southwestern architecture with contemporary touches, but the more you search, the more you’ll see. Windmill House in Chino Valley is one such place! Though Northern Arizona is known for mountains topped with pine trees, Chino Valley is more about long, flat plains with peaks in the distance. Windmill House, though, breaks it up with long lakes and a variety of trees, a gorgeous change from Megan and Cody’s usual: the perfect venue.
The setting sun peeked through the delicate tree branches, wind sweeping over the whole venue to leave the sweet smells of nature everywhere. Megan and her bridal party had their own cozy suite, where Megan had elected to work on her own makeup and help her loved ones with theirs. Pretty soon, though, it was time for her to pull on her cowgirl boots–you read that right!–and head down to tie the knot.
Meanwhile, Cody arrived with his groomsmen, walking over a steep bridge to marry his bride. Over the water they went, to the cover of a tree’s canopy, ready for what came next. We had the chance to snap photos of their first look, giving Megan and Cody a chance to take in the moment alone. With a venue like this, the first look was magic, bringing tears of joy and love to both the bride’s and groom’s faces.
Behind the couple, the lake swirled, the water lapping over the rocks becoming part of the ceremony’s soundtrack. Megan looked deep into Cody’s eyes, and their happiness radiated from them, blooming like the trees surrounding them. The ceremony wasn’t long, but as Megan and Cody said their vows, it felt like time stood still, like the only thing in the world that mattered was their romance, then and forever.
Of course, even the loveliest of moments must come to an end… though this end was positive! Megan and Cody took off from the bridge into the setting sun, a symbol of their bright future, and straight into cocktail hour. (We definitely saw Megan snag herself some bacon-wrapped meatballs, and honestly? We’re glad! Brides need to eat, after all!)
After fueling up, Megan and Cody hit the dance floor, boogieing down below hanging black iron chandeliers that cast a warm glow across the crowd. All of Megan’s nieces and nephews lit it up out there, busting all their best moves in the way you really only see at a wedding! Plenty of the guests watched and got into the celebration, clapping along for them before the night transitioned into the more heartwarming traditions–the mother/son and father/daughter dances. Sweet moments like them always bring happy tears to our eyes; they feel somehow final. Of course, they’re never that way, as families often do what they can to stay together, but the dances mark a new phase of life.
And that’s what this is really about, right? A new phase of life for Megan and Cody. The day itself was spectacular, and the wedding was perfect, from the savory scent of dinner to the light, sweet, floral cake for dessert… but the star of the night truly was Megan and Cody’s love, both for their families and for one another. We know these two have many fantastic journeys ahead of them.
Congratulations, Megan and Cody!
Love,
Jo + Alli
