The inspiration was truly rooted in my LOVE for old-world European cathedrals, with their SOARING arches, aged stone and the quiet ROMANCE of candlelight streaming through stained glass.
–Cydney Lundahl, Westgate Events
Timeless, deeply romantic and fashion-forward—these are the hallmarks of this luxurious design by Cydney Lundahl of Westgate Events at The Woodland in downtown Phoenix. “The gown was the heartbeat of the entire concept. I saw it and instantly thought of Grace Kelly,” says Lundahl of the Nicole + Felicia ball gown. “It embodied everything I wanted this editorial to feel like: romantic, regal and unapologetically bold.” To achieve her grand, old-world vision, Lundahl leaned into a warm, gem-toned palette accented by muted hues of slate blue, lilac, mauve, pink and chartreuse. “The entire shoot became a conversation between reverence and modern artistry,” notes Lundahl.
I fell in love with the DELICATE mockneck and the trail of covered buttons down the front; those THOUGHTFUL details felt straight out of a European COUTURE house.
–Cydney Lundahl, Westgate Events
The Nicole + Felicia ball gown makes a dramatic statement; its sheer lace bodice cascades into a full skirt and is finished with a cathedral-length veil. Complementing the bride’s exquisite look is the groom’s classic black tuxedo. “The moment I saw the dress, I knew exactly where the design direction was going,” says Lundahl. “Church setting, white iron chairs, wooden serpentine tables, pearls and velvet—all anchored by the elegance of the gown.”
Finding a space grand enough for this vision was simple—The Woodland in downtown Phoenix. “When I stepped into the newly remodeled church, I immediately felt European magic, timeless yet renewed,” notes Lundahl. The historic venue, a beautifully preserved chapel, features vaulted ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and warm wood accents.
This palette feels alive; it BREATHES. I didn’t want to commit to one tone or mood. I wanted LAYERS of color that felt painterly and emotional.
–Cydney Lundahl, Westgate Events
“The gown set the tone, but the tablescape was pure magic,” says Lundahl. Indeed, the tables are an astonishing blend of textures: striking chartreuse velvet linens, striped menus and an ethereal arrangement of florals in a spectrum of varieties and hues, including raspberry, blueberry, nandina, dahlias, roses, delphinium and lisianthus. The artfully plated cuisine is intentionally designed to echo the flowers’ colors, a beautiful example of sensory storytelling. “Every element worked in harmony to transport guests to another world, one that felt both sacred and styled,” she adds.
I love it when a design feels emotional, CINEMATIC and intentional. Something that could live in a CATHEDRAL or on the pages of Vogue.
–Cydney Lundahl, Westgate Events
“The Woodland felt like the perfect canvas for this vision,” says Lundahl. “It was a space that didn’t need to be over-styled; it simply needed to be celebrated. It allowed the story, the textures, and the light to do the talking.”
A switch from the grand ball gown, the bride slips into something a little lighter for the evening festivities: a sparkling gown by Ines di Santo.
The mix of chartreuse, lilac, dusty blue and deep orange created an elevated yet organic energy. "It's warm and rich but still editorial, the kind of palette that feels timeless in one light and fashion-forward in another," says Lundahl.
