Gabbie Giffords, Claudia Kelly, Mark Kelly.Photo: Carl S. Miller
“We knew we wanted to avoid a ‘stuffy ballroom’ vibe,” the couple shared in an exclusive interview withBrides. “Ultimately, our vision for the event became centered around three qualities: we wanted to be immersed in nature, make the event feel intimate, and highlight and celebrate our favorite parts of Tucson.”
Carl S. Miller
What made the jewelry even more meaningful was its tie to Claudia and Mark’s daughter, Sage.
“Emerald is our daughter Sage’s birthstone, which made it even more special,” the couple toldBrides.
Claudia and Mark, who met on Bumble, wanted an altogether laid-back affair—and they got one, with the bride wearing a $200 dress she spotted at David’s Bridal (and eventually tracked down to the store’s Manhattan location, which required her sister to try the dress on via FaceTime and then ship it to the bride).
The couple also chose to walk down the aisle together—rather than Claudia with her dad, as is customary.
Also untraditional? The couple’s first dance, which featured a surprise guest: nine-month-old daughter, Sage.
“Her night culminated with our first dance—a memory we will cherish! Mark downloaded a DJ app on his iPad to have Bill Withers' ‘Just the Two of us’ transition into Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ as Sage made a surprise appearance,” Claudia told the outlet.
As the guests sat down to dinner, nine friends and family members—including father-of-the-bride Kelly—took turns toasting the happy couple in speeches.
And while the couple opted for a desert ceremony that was all their own, they made new traditions in the process.
“According to park rangers, we were the first wedding to seek permitting for an event at the park,” the couple shared withBrides. “We could think of no greater place than the site of our first date six years prior. The scenery is stunning, and it accentuates the favorite parts of the Sonoran Desert that we now call home.”
source: people.com
