Kristi Marie Events

POV: you travel to all 50 states together and leave the last two for your wedding destination & honeymoon.

Instead of choosing a traditional destination wedding, Megan and her husband said “I do” aboard an Alaskan cruise—making Alaska their 49th state before honeymooning in Hawaii as number 50!

Why a cruise?
🌊One destination with accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation all in one place.
🌊Less stress for guests than coordinating hotels, meals, and travel separately.
🌊Everyone could vacation at their own pace while still celebrating together throughout the week.

One of Megan’s favorite parts? There wasn’t a packed itinerary. She’d send a quick message each morning with the day’s plans, and guests could join in—or do their own thing. By the end of the week, friends who had never met before were grabbing dinner together and making memories of their own.

Her final verdict?

“Every wedding should be seven days long.” 😂

We loved seeing one of our beloved team members get married in such a unique way and couldn’t be happier for her and her husband!! 😍

There’s a reason candlelit receptions feel so magical... but creating that look takes more than simply ordering a few candles.

One of the biggest questions we hear is, “How many candles do I actually need?” Too few can leave your tables feeling sparse, while too many can feel cluttered and overwhelming. The real magic is in knowing where to place them to create depth, balance, and that unforgettable “wow” moment when your guests walk into the room.

That’s exactly why we created our Candlelight Styling Guide. Inside, we walk you through candle placement, layering, spacing, and styling so you can confidently recreate a beautifully designed candlelit reception.

For a limited time, click the link in our bio to save 20% on our Candlelight Styling Guide and all online planning tools with code FIRSTLOOK.

Planner: Kristi Marie Events
Venue: Desert View Weddings
Rentals: Kristi Marie Creative
Photographer: Arizona and Destination Wedding Photographer
Linens: Linens By Divinity

There’s a reason candlelit receptions feel so magical… but creating that look takes more than simply ordering a few candles.

One of the biggest questions we hear is, “How many candles do I actually need?” Too few can leave your tables feeling sparse, while too many can feel cluttered and overwhelming. The real magic is in knowing where to place them to create depth, balance, and that unforgettable “wow” moment when your guests walk into the room.

That’s exactly why we created our Candlelight Styling Guide. Inside, we walk you through candle placement, layering, spacing, and styling so you can confidently recreate a beautifully designed candlelit reception.

For a limited time, click the link in our bio to save 20% on our Candlelight Styling Guide and all online planning tools with code FIRSTLOOK.

Planner: Kristi Marie Events
Venue: Desert View Weddings
Rentals: Kristi Marie Creative
Photographer: Arizona and Destination Wedding Photographer
Linens: Linens By Divinity

Your floor plan can make or break the flow of your reception, and here’s what we’re considering while creating the layout

• Is the DJ next to the dance floor?

• Can every guest see the special moments happening on the dance floor?

• Is the bar close enough to keep guests engaged instead of wandering into another room?

• Does the layout encourage people to mingle, celebrate, and stay on the dance floor?

These are the behind-the-scenes details your planner is thinking about long before your wedding day. A well-designed floor plan isn’t just pretty—it creates a celebration that flows effortlessly from start to finish.

Need help with a floor plan and don’t know where to start? Click the link in our bio to shop the binder! This new addition to Kristi Marie Events has all of the tools + guides you’ll need to plan your entire wedding in an organized, stress-free way. For a limited time, use the code FIRSTLOOK at checkout to receive 20% off.

Wedding Planner vs Venue Coordinator: know the difference 👆🏼

Who says you need a passport for a destination wedding?

Some venues make you feel like you’ve escaped without ever leaving Arizona. With the right location, thoughtful design, and a team to bring it all together, your wedding can feel like a weekend getaway for everyone.

Your dream wedding doesn’t have to be miles away, but we can make it feel that way.

Venue: ADERO Scottsdale Resort
Planner: Kristi Marie Events
Photographer: Megan Cary Photography
Rentals: Kristi Marie Creative
Florist: Flowers By Jodi