Fare with Flair: Mouthwatering Styled Shoot Featuring Appetizing Bites at Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix

When planning a wedding, the guest experience is PARAMOUNT— especially when it comes to the food and drinks. This editorial shoot focuses on the often overlooked importance of creating a unique and intentional culinary EXPERIENCE for your guests, from the first bite to the last sip.

--Krystal Gardenia, Gardenia Weddings

WARM WELCOME // appetizers

grazing table and accoutrements

passed tapas: yellow beet spoon, cast iron

meatball, crenshaw + prosciutto

STYLISH SIPS // custom bar 

handcrafted cocktails

Everyone’s favorite pit stop at the wedding, the bar, has moved way beyond beer and wine— think custom cocktails, mixologists, his and hers drinks, guest preferences and intentional garnishes. “A thoughtfully curated bar can round out the entire dining experience for the guests,” Gardenia notes. “For this shoot, we showcased multiple specialty cocktails, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual choices. Something as simple as elevating your glassware or including fun garnishes can enhance your bar experience.” And don’t forget the mocktails. “For those guests who don’t partake in alcohol, offering a mocktail option is a great touch. A signature nonalcoholic drink makes sure everyone feels included.”

“For appetizers, we highlighted a grazing table—a perfect option to encourage guest interaction during cocktail hour,” Gardenia says. “This spread invites guests to sample different offerings at their own pace. It adds a layer of communal engagement and creates a more relaxed environment for mingling.”

Perhaps the biggest perk of a grazing table is that the options are endless! Customize it to offer what you love as a couple, what’s in season, and so much more. It doesn’t have to be the only appetizer option either. Gardenia explains, “To ensure that everyone is accommodated, we combined the grazing table with passed hors d’oeuvres to avoid bottlenecks and provide variety.”

WINNING DINNER // family style

seared scallop with serrano broth

heirloom tomato salad with blue cheese and candied pecans

iceberg and dill salad with roasted garlic vinaigrette

chimayo glazed pork with sweet corn poblano risotto

maple chicken with apple berry relish

rosemary roasted potatoes

brown sugar rainbow carrots

grilled focaccia with chimichurri and red pepper pesto

The options are plentiful when it comes to reception dining styles: buffet, stations, plated, family style. “For this editorial, we showcased family-style dining, a concept that is often underutilized. It strikes a perfect balance between the elegance of a plated meal and the warmth of a buffet,” Gardenia says. “Family-style dining is ideal for smaller weddings or if you are prioritizing intimacy and interaction between your guests. Passing dishes around the table creates a shared experience, encouraging guests to interact with one another in a natural and meaningful way.”

LATE-NIGHT BITES // sweet & savory

powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar dusted donuts

sliders and fries

Incorporating beloved finger foods and interactive desserts surprises and delights your guests. “Moving away from the traditional tiered cake, we chose Pearl’s Mini Donuts’ cart for this shoot,” Gardenia notes. “The idea of fresh, made- to-order donuts adds a sense of playfulness and excitement, allowing guests to engage with the process and enjoy a treat that’s warm, flavorful and personal. A sweet conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.”

THE DESIGN

Throughout the day, Southwestern style reigned, with an elevated, modern twist. “We wanted to create a look that draws from the natural textures and tones of the desert landscape—travertine, stone, ceramics—while infusing it with rich colors and lush details,” Gardenia explains. This inspiration took shape in bright, lively blooms in shades of orange, green, and yellow arranged by Zinnia Floral Co. and neutral décor details on the tablescape. “From the formal table setting to the intricate textiles and patterns, every element in this shoot was intentionally selected to showcase a refined and curated look. The choice of stone dinnerware, travertine accents and terracotta details reflects the earthy tones of the desert while maintaining a sense of sophistication.”

Every wedding tells a STORY, and that story should be woven into every detail, especially when it comes to food and drink. As this editorial shoot shows, when you think BEYOND the expected and create an intentional experience for your guests, you elevate the entire event.

--Krystal Gardenia, Gardenia Weddings