Despite us being completely different, we complemented each other perfectly and brought out the best in one another.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I’m Maddie, a teacher, and Malik works in commercial finance. Outside of work, we enjoy farmers’ markets, morning coffee dates, and embarking on new adventures together.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We crossed paths back in college. Malik was a football player, and I was a cheerleader. Our first encounters were at post-game activities, and that’s when we both felt that initial spark. From there, our relationship blossomed, and we spent six years together before deciding to take the next step and get engaged.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
I realized fairly early on that Malik was someone I could see spending the rest of my life with. Right from the start, being with him felt natural and effortless. He just felt like home to me. Despite us being completely different, we complemented each other perfectly and brought out the best in one another.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
The proposal took place at the Olive Mill, a restaurant close to our home. He orchestrated a beautiful setup with light-up letters spelling out “Marry Me,” which took me completely by surprise. I remember how nervous he was. He’s a pretty cool, calm, and collected guy, but that day was different. Following the proposal, we celebrated with dinner at a restaurant.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
One thing we were really happy to splurge on was the photographer. We figured wedding photos are memories you’ll cherish forever, so it was important to find someone who completely understood our vision and could capture it perfectly. We are so lucky to have found Abby as we are still in awe of how they turned out.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
In the days leading up to our wedding, the weather forecast was all rain, which had me quite nervous. We had planned everything outdoors, so you can imagine the nerves. But on the big day, we lucked out with just two quick little drizzles.
One of those mini-showers happened to hit right as Malik and I were wrapping up our first dance as newlyweds. It added this extra touch of magic to the moment. To me, it felt like a sprinkle of good luck on our special night.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story? The history of the ceremony dress…
I found my ceremony dress at Schaffer’s Bridal completely by chance. Malik and I stumbled upon the store during one of our walks to a nearby coffee shop, and it was that moment that led me to the perfect gown for our special day.
LOCATION Gather Estate, @gatherestate PHOTOGRAPHER Abby Higgs Photography, @abbyhiggsphotography COORDINATOR Southern Bliss Event Coordination, @southernblisseventcoordination FLORIST Florals By Kris, @floralsbykris OFFICIANT Scott Stevenson – Officiant Of The Desert, @officiantofthedesert CATERING Just Perfect Catering, @just.perfect.catering VIDEOGRAPHER Clicked By Carly, @clickedbycarly ENTERTAINMENT DJ – Amani Jae Entertainment, @amanijaeent RENTALS Varsity Events AZ, @varsityeventsaz CONTENT CREATOR I Do Crew Content, @idocrewcontent DESSERT Chunk Cookies, @chunkcookies WEDDING PAINTER Nomins Studio, @nomins_studio BARTENDER Another Round Bartending, @anotherroundaz ENGAGEMENT RING Helzberg Diamonds, @helzbergdiamonds WEDDING BAND Olive Ave Jewelry, @oliveavejewelry CEREMONY DRESS Meadow – La Perle by Calla Blanche – Schaffers, @schaffersbridalaz BRIDE’S SHOE Kanika Pearl & Bobby Pearls – Dolce Vita, @dolcevita ACCESSORIES Earrings – Double Pearl Drop Earrings & Vieste Rosa Bow Drop Earrings – Anthropologie, @anthropologie MAKEUP Daniela Artistry, @daniela.artistry HAIR Styled By Meg Stueven, @styledbymeganstueven SUIT Nick’s Menswear, @nicksmenswear
