Covershoot

Celebrating Love in Luxury at Durango Resort

This issue’s cover shoot is a stunning collaboration between Vegas Bride Magazine and wedding planner Cicely Hoffman of Graceful Gatherings. Hoffman envisioned a moody, romantic scene infused with ethereal florals and an elegant old-money flair. Her vision blossomed into reality with hanging florals, soft textures, embossed stationery, antique platters, and graceful bows, creating a refined and timeless atmosphere.

The Perfect Backdrop
The shoot took place at Las Vegas’ newest gaming resort, Durango Resort, where crisp sophistication meets modern luxury. The penthouse suite provided the ideal setting — spacious, pristine, and exquisitely furnished — allowing the dreamy vision to come alive.

Floral Elegance
Roshanda Taylor of Of the Desert Flor crafted lush garden-inspired arrangements that flowed organically throughout the space. Her hanging floral structures added vertical drama both in the ceremony area and above the reception table. Using a muted pink and green palette just shy of moody, Taylor masterfully created a natural yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Pro tip: Repurposing floral elements between ceremony and reception is a smart way to stretch your budget while maintaining an elevated look.

Ceremony Magic
Modern minister Angie Kelly, owner of Peachy Keen Unions, brought authenticity to the vow reading. “Professional officiants are masters of ceremony flow,” Angie shared. “When couples focus on each other rather than the audience, natural, heartfelt moments—and stunning photos—emerge.” (For more of Angie’s vow-writing tips, see page 21.)

Dramatic Candlelit Tablescape
Lighting was key to the tabletop design. Taylor explains, “Dimmed lighting and candlelight bring florals to life with drama.” Vintage gold candlesticks from Modern-Vintage Rentals, each adorned with satin bows, created a warm glow. Menus designed by Belle Azalee featured delicate ribbon accents that perfectly tied the look together.

Timeless Cake Design
The two-tier cake, designed by Kristen Albert of Let Them Eat Kake, combined a playful scalloped base with a classic smooth top tier. Nestled among florals on an antique stand, the cake looked both sophisticated and whimsical. Kristen recommends opting for a smaller two-tier cake to maximize detail without extra cost. A fun moment was the couple cutting the cake with champagne flutes—adding personality and ease to the traditional ritual.

A Toast to Celebration
No celebration is complete without a champagne tower. Jessica Ruddy of Modern-Vintage Rentals explained its timeless elegance and why it’s making a comeback. Their petite tower of four coupe glasses, paired with a vintage tray and champagne bucket, added just the right vintage touch for this intimate setting.

Capturing the Intimacy
Photographer Brandi Falconer of Wander and Dusk beautifully captured the mood with her signature style—moody yet true to color. She focused on intimate moments: soft kisses, candlelit snuggles, and the playful cake-cutting. Brandi notes, “It’s always more fun when grooms bring excitement and match the bride’s energy.”

Content That Lasts
Content creator Rochelle Heikkila of My Cherry Amore shared how couples today cherish authentic, unscripted moments that can be instantly shared with loved ones, capturing real emotion beyond posed photos.

Bridal Style Spotlight
Perla Bridal showcased three distinct bridal looks:

• Kristen’s classic romance with a Wona strapless satin A-line and pearl veil for the ceremony.

• A sleek, low-back pearl-lined dress by Milla Nova for the reception.

• Angelyne’s show-stopping Milla Nova mini dress with a dramatic, removable organza overskirt perfect for the party vibe.

Tracy Shelor, founder of GlamPro Artistry, created two bridal beauty looks:

• For Angelyne, voluminous waterfall glam waves paired with a sultry neutral smoky eye and glowing skin—adding drama to her playful outfit.

• For Kristen, a chic ballerina bun with soft, natural makeup that enhanced her fresh, elegant beauty, complementing Durango Resort’s sophisticated vibe.

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Vendor Credits:

• Planning & Design: Cicely Hoffman — @gracefulgatheringslv

• Venue: Lydia — @durangoresort

• Photography: Brandi Falconer — @wanderanddusk

• Publication & Styling: Tracy Shelor — @vegasbridemagazine

• Content Creation: Rochelle Heikkila — @mycherrehamore

• Florals: Roshanda Taylor — @ofthedesertflor

• Rentals: Jessica Ruddy — @modernvintagerentalslv

• Officiant: Angie Kelly — @peachy_keen_unions

• Dessert: Kristen Albert — @let_them_eat_kake

• Beauty: Tracy Shelor — @tracyshelorbridal

• Gowns: Sona — @perlabridal_lasvegas

• Transportation: Sam — @royalridesvegas

• Stationery: Kenzie Garcia — @lovebelleazalee

• Spray Tan: Gabby — @auraglow

• Couple Models: Zach & Kristen

• Fashion Model: Angelyne — @angelyne.be

• www.gracefulgatheringslv.com & www.wanderanddusk.com