An Elegant Fairytale Wedding in Black and Gold at the Ashley Castle in Arizona

Colling Photography had the honor of photographing Cody and Becca’s wedding at The Ashley Castle and we just love what Rena had to say about their beautiful love story and their amazing day….

“Cody and Becca first met as 13 year old junior high students. Having mutual friends, their paths crossed many times over the years, with them finally getting to know each other and then eventually beginning a romantic relationship. After many false hopes, the night Cody actually proposed came as a complete surprise to Becca. They were enjoying their last evening on a vacay in Cancun, when Cody asked Becca to go for a walk along a pier. Suddenly a local fisherman demanded payment to continue walking along the pier, undeterred Cody paid. After an awkward walk on the half-broken pier in the pitch dark through the other fisherman processing their catch of the day, they reached the end of the pier and Cody asked, “Do you know how much I love you?” and Becca knew that the moment she had been waiting for was unfolding!

As it so happens, Cody’s family owns The Ashley Castle wedding venue in Chandler, Arizona. As the Castle was being built, little Cody ran around the building and made friends with the construction crew. Cody even helped paint the walls and stain the doors to get ready for the grand opening. Over the years Cody has continued to help out around the Castle, including giving tours to planning weddings there, all the while knowing that someday he would bring his own bride there.

Flash forward to October 1, 2022, Cody and Becca’s wedding date. Cody took a backseat to the planning and let Becca plan her dream wedding. Becca chose to add a modern twist to the ceremony- their sweetheart table backdrops with the bold shapes of a hexagon and a 12ft multidimensional structure softened with candlelight and eucalyptus. The breathtaking ceremony area was dramatically draped with black fabric and accentuated with a crystal chandelier embellished with eucalyptus. The elegance of white and green hydrangea mixed with white roses and eucalyptus were a statement throughout the wedding and reception. The florals were all designed by the Castle’s in-house floral department.

Becca wore a strapless wedding gown from the Alli private collection from Brilliant Bridal Boutique with shoes by Steve Madden. While Cody’s stylish black tux came from Celebrity Tux and Tails and was accented with a black and gold bow tie from the At21 Boutique on Etsy. Becca stated that her favorite moment from the wedding was, “walking down the aisle and seeing the love in Cody’s eyes that he had for me. Getting to share our love with all of our friends and family was truly something special.” As they exchanged vows in the romantic scene, Cody placed the wedding ring that he had customed designed just for Becca, onto her ring finger. After the ceremony, the Father of the Groom surprised the couple by loaning them his Mercedes GTR for a cameo appearance in their photos. As the reception got underway the newlyweds were toasted by friends, and Cody and Becca danced to “You Make It Easy” by Jason Aldean.

The Castle’s in-house Chefs prepared the delicious menu for the evening. For starters, bacon wrapped scallops and apple and brie crostini’s were butler passed during cocktail hour along with a “dip” bar with an assortment of dips, breads and chips. A flavorful buffet followed, with manchego cheese stuffed chicken, New York strip steak with a jalapeño bacon jam and bacon wrapped pork loin. The main dishes were accompanied with dauphinoise potatoes and fire roasted vegetables. Though Becca enjoyed planning the majority of the wedding, Cody did have one request- a “milkshake” cart, which served creamy chocolate malt milk shakes; his own tried and true recipe! The milkshakes were served along with their elegant and classic four-tiered cake with white buttercream frosting with the third tier frosted in gold and featuring the baker’s signature.

Becca’s advice for other couples planning a wedding: ‘Coming from someone who normally is not very go-with-the-flow and likes to be in control, be as easy-going as possible. Your wedding is meant to be a celebration. Don’t let any minor inconveniences ruin your day, because it truly is not worth it.'”

And you won’t want to miss any of these stunning images below….

Vendors / Photography – Colling Photography / Venue and Florals – The Ashley Castle / Rentals – AZ Retro Rentals / Invitations – K Frank Designs / Gown – Brilliant Bridal Boutique / Ring Designer – Haney’s Family Jewelers / Shoes – Steve Madden / Tuxedo and Men’s Attire –Celebrity Tux and Tails / Bow Tie – At21 Boutique / Hair Stylist – Alexandra Grace Bridal / Makeup Artist – Beautology / DJ – Unforgettable Entertainment / Cinema and Video – Picture Video