Scott and Ronda’s Hockey-themed Wedding at the Ashley Castle

Scott and Ronda’s love story is a blend of shared passions, leading to a wedding that perfectly reflected their lives together. They first crossed paths in January 2021 through the Puckhead Hockey Club, which is known for its pick-up hockey games. Scott, initially hesitant due to a mistaken belief about Ronda’s age (he thought that she was too young for him!), was finally convinced by mutual friends Ray and Gina that they were a perfect match. And so, a fateful Friday night text from Scott set the wheels in motion for a beautiful beginning for them as a couple.

Family played a large role in their special day, especially in honoring the memories of their moms who had passed away. Reserved seats were marked with plaques with their names and pictures, making sure they were a part of the ceremony. Scott’s mom, remembered as a “Word Merchant” and an apple lover, had a beautiful glass apple and rose placed on her chair. Ronda’s mother, a breast cancer warrior, was honored with a pink bear named Courage on her seat. Additionally, a picture charm with her mother’s smiling face was attached to Ronda’s bouquet, so she could walk down the aisle with her mom.

Choosing the Ashley Castle as their wedding venue was a decision made easy by a recommendation from their friend Gina and a then from a site tour they took based on her recommendation. The moment they stepped into the castle and saw the beautiful chandeliers and gardens, they were sold. Conversations with George, the owner, and his staff sealed the deal. The castle’s ambiance was perfect for their vision for an elegant wedding. Their color palette of blue and blush harmonized perfectly with the venue's natural beauty.

Scott, wore a custom blue suit from Jos A Bank with a blush tie to match the bridesmaids. Adding a personal touch, wooden hockey sticks were affixed to the boutonnieres of the groom party, including Stanley’s. Ronda was stunning in her one-of-a-kind ivory gown designed by Ellie Reye of Ivory Row Bridal. With diamond-shaped cutouts along the back, her dress was the perfect blend of beauty, elegance, and comfort. The bridesmaids, donning blush dresses of their own choosing, and the fathers in grey suits with blue ties, completed the wedding party’s look.

The choice of March 16th, 2024, for their wedding date was driven by their love for the outdoors and the blooming purple flowers on the orchid tree at the Ashley Castle. They knew that the Arizona weather in March is as close to perfect as you can get making it the right choice for them to say "I do" surrounded by family, friends, and their fur baby.

Scott and Ronda’s reception was filled with special touches unique to them. One example of this, was their choice to use table names instead of numbers. Each table name was a snapshot of their shared memories, featuring photos and stories that connected their guests to the couple’s journey. For example, the "Rockaway Beach" table not only highlighted the picturesque spot where Scott proposed but also included a fun photo of the couple doing a jumping high five on the beach. Of course, Scott and Ronda decided to recreate this high five photo in front of the Castle as well!

Another highlight for guests was undoubtedly Bill, the beer burro from The Beverage Burro, who not only served drinks but also charmed everyone with his gentle demeanor. Their first dance was made even more special with a slideshow set to their chosen song, displaying photos from of them as children and then later as a couple. For a personal parting gift, guests received Milkbone cookies for their pets, wrapped with a sweet note from the couple’s own dog, Stanley.

Reflecting back on their wedding, Scott and Ronda both agree that their first look and private vows were incredibly special. Sharing personal vows in a private moment before the ceremony allowed them to express their feelings and happy tears together and created a memory they’ll remember forever.

When it came to choosing their photographers, Scott and Ronda found us through Ashley Castle’s as their preferred photographers. They told us that they were immediately drawn to our beautiful work on our website and Instagram account. According to Ronda, “While I am not camera shy at all, Scott is. He was a bit nervous about having so much attention but Colling Photography made us both feel so comfortable and at ease during the photography portion of our day. We got to know Jeff and Rena throughout the planning process and we just can’t say enough good things about how professional and attentive to detail they are. Their personalities just kind of clicked with ours and instead of being stressed out on our wedding day, we had a lot of laughs!”

For couples currently planning their weddings, Ronda’s advice is to stay true to yourselves and your budget. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what matters most and choosing vendors who align with your vision and personality. We totally agree - whether you opt for a large wedding or small gathering, the key is to create a day that reflects who you are as a couple. It’s your day and you should have it your way! Go ahead and incorporate personal touches that will make your wedding uniquely yours.

From the hockey-themed bridal party entrance to the touching tributes to their mothers, Scott and Ronda’s wedding was a true reflection of their love and mutual interests. We loved working with them and wish them the very best in their future together.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer we would be honored to be a part of your special day as well! Contact us today for more information.

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Vendors

Venue: The Ashley Castle (All in house: Florals: The floral department, Catering: The Moody Chefs, and the Bartender: Medieval Spirits) @theashleycastle The Ashley Castle

Photography: Colling Photography Colling Photography

Videography: Perry Sevey Picture Video

Bridal Gown Shop: Dress design by Ellie Reye of Ivory Row Bridal Ivory Row Bridal

Groom’s suit: Jos A Bank

The Beverage Burro: @beverageburro

Cake: Piece of Cake: Piece of Cake

Hockey Puck favors: Howie's Hockey Tape

Bobble head cake topper: B Bobbler

Planning a wedding ceremony? Check out this post on planning a perfect Arizona wedding ceremony: Planning the perfect AZ wedding ceremony