Mackenzie Shepard and Hunter Nielsen’s relationship withstood time—12 years, to be exact—and travel from West to East and back. They met in high school through a mutual friend, and when it came time to wed, “After years on the East Coast pursuing careers in medicine, we knew we had to return to the place that shaped us,” Mackenzie says. “The Paseo, nestled behind the Superstition Mountains, was the perfect venue—a breathtaking backdrop that held a special place in our hearts.” Their wedding was a mix of boho desert and effortless chic. Their color palette—tan, brown, beige, khaki and green with subtle splashes of pink—mirrored the desert. Bold arrangements of pampas grasses, roses, orchids and dried saw palmetto added textures, shapes and movement to the design. “It was about creating a vibe that reflected the awe-inspiring landscapes we grew up with,” Mackenzie says. “The goal was for our guests to not only witness the beauty of Arizona but to immerse themselves in it, to feel the warmth of the desert sun and the cool breeze of the evening.” Among details Mackenzie and Hunter felt were especially memorable: the addition of a hand-rolled cigar bar and a mini-doughnut stand. “They became unexpected highlights that our guests loved and talked about long after the day had passed,” Mackenzie notes. 

Mackenzie Shepard and Hunter Nielsen’s relationship withstood time—12 years, to be exact—and travel from West to East and back. They met in high school through a mutual friend, and when it came time to wed, “After years on the East Coast pursuing careers in medicine, we knew we had to return to the place that shaped us,” Mackenzie says. “The Paseo, nestled behind the Superstition Mountains, was the perfect venue—a breathtaking backdrop that held a special place in our hearts.” Their wedding was a mix of boho desert and effortless chic. Their color palette—tan, brown, beige, khaki and green with subtle splashes of pink—mirrored the desert. Bold arrangements of pampas grasses, roses, orchids and dried saw palmetto added textures, shapes and movement to the design. “It was about creating a vibe that reflected the awe-inspiring landscapes we grew up with,” Mackenzie says. “The goal was for our guests to not only witness the beauty of Arizona but to immerse themselves in it, to feel the warmth of the desert sun and the cool breeze of the evening.” Among details Mackenzie and Hunter felt were especially memorable: the addition of a hand-rolled cigar bar and a mini-doughnut stand. “They became unexpected highlights that our guests loved and talked about long after the day had passed,” Mackenzie notes.