From the photographer and friend, Maria Fossler: Roberta and Erika’s wedding was a DIY type affair, incorporating wine corks and succulents for the napkin rings, empty bottles with simple floral for the centerpieces, to the amazing pies for dessert. They wanted to be surrounded by the beauty of Arizona (where they got engaged), so their wedding took place at Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, after a cross country drive from Nashville (where Erika is working on her PhD at Vanderbilt), as they were surrounded by family, friends and beloved three-legged pooch, Tucker. They chose not to do a first look, but a first touch, and they wrote their own vows.

Erika and Roberta utilized pages from used books they had duplicates of from their classes together at Harvard for the table number markers. They made sure that there were pies instead of a cake, representing Erika’s love of baking. Instead of a sand or candle lighting ceremony, Erika and Roberta had guests fill a planter that held a Meyer Lemon Tree with soil, then they added soil from where each grew up. They also did a chant, lit some incense, and had prayer beads handy as well, in addition to saying the Lord’s Prayer to bring both their religious beliefs together.

Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding

Erika surprised everyone during her dance with her father by having their dance broken up with a good Irish jig, where they showed their stuff! Lastly, they brought in one of their favorite bands, Sistahs Too to dance the night away, which ended up being INDOORS after a monsoon came through and drenched the outdoor area.

Vendors: 

Photography: Maria Elizabeth & Kristian Douglas Fossler, Elizabeth Douglas Photography – Equally Wed PREFERRED VENDOR
Wedding venue: Poco Diablo Resort
Florist: Richard Sebring, Phoenix Flower Shops
Planner: Sarah Anderson (friend, not a planner by trade)
Coordinator: Jill Kyriakopulos, Poco Diablo Resort Coordinator
Band: Sistahs Too 
Invitations: Shutterfly
Attire: Milamira Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse
Jewelry: Anna Rei
Catering: Poco Diablo Resort
Pies: Tonya Saidi, Mama Toledo’s Pie Hole
Officiant: Pastor Shari Bernau
Hair and Makeup: Chrissy Francis, Bombshell Beauty
Programs and some signage: Jade Forest Design