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A New York City Hall Ceremony Followed by a Black-Tie Wedding in Arizona

By Shayna Seid | Photography by 

Jordan Jankun Photography

|Planning by 

Weddings by Emily Grace

Becca Madison, who works in sales at Google, and Will Madison, who runs partnerships at DoorDash in New York City, met in San Francisco at a mutual friend’s birthday party. “We were on a trolley bus that broke down in Chinatown and were stranded for hours,” she explains. “We ended up chatting and laughing the entire time and went on our first date three days later.”

After three years together, he proposed in Gramercy Park, and since Becca is from Arizona, she always wanted a winter wedding in the desert. They chose The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain for their black-tie, winter nuptials, and to help plan everything, Becca hired one of her best friends and bridesmaid, Emily Grace of Weddings by Emily Grace.

Two weeks before their trip west, they also had a civil ceremony at City Hall in New York. To say, “I do,” Becca chose a Gal Meets Glam dress and Chanel slingbacks. “New York is so special to us and has been where all of our big relationship moments happened,” the bride shares. “It was the perfect way to kick off the celebrations and one of the best decisions we made!”

For the bigger wedding, Becca had her gown custom-made by Spanish designer Rosa Clara with heavy influences from Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton’s dresses. And on the day-of, she got ready with Heather Van Houten & Artists to put together a clean and classic bridal beauty look. To complete the ensemble, she also put on pearl earrings that were gifted to her by Will and Manolo Blahnik heels.

With the backdrop of the Arizona mountains and under a beautiful floral arch by Alexis Grace Florals, the two were married in a heartfelt ceremony. “My matron of honor gave me a tip before I walked down the aisle to have Will and me look out into the crowd for a moment and take it all in,” Becca explains. “I’m so glad she did because I have that image of our loved ones looking at us in my mind forever.”

Once officially wed, everyone moved inside for the reception. It was originally going to take place outdoors, but due to unseasonal rain that eventually never came, it was moved to a ballroom. The dining tables were set with detailed linens from La Tavola Fine Linen, velvet napkins, florals, and lots of candles, and after dinner, the couple finally cut their carrot wedding cake.

Becca and Will had their first dance to “The Way You Look Tonight,” played by Pro Music Resource, and after spending ample time with friends and family on the dance floor, they exited via a sparkler tunnel. Once all outside, the new Mr. and Mrs. surprised everyone with a spectacular fireworks display to signal the end of the best night.