Mountain Living Magazine - Wedding Edition 2023

• 9 Courts for Basketball, Volleyball, Racquetball, Walleyball, Squash and Handball

• Indoor Track, Gymnasium and Climbing Wall

• Personal Training

• Small Group Training

• Physical Therapy

• Swim Lessons

8 Flagstaff offers a wide range of delicious catering options to local wedding parties Each has its own flavor and unique style, but there are three that stand out

11 Wine columnist John Vankat recommends

What dreams are made of

For Alexis Holle, founder of the event and wedding planning company Holleday Productions, every detail matters. They matter because every wedding is unique, and every couple has their own set of interests and hopes for the future This reality offers the folks at Holleday Productions a welcome challenge, allowing them to create weddings that are not only stylistically different but have a personality that reflects the experience of the couples getting married Their dedication is clear, and their final products are what dreams are made of Read more on page 14

DISTINCTIVE

18 Forest Highlands offers Flagstaff a wedding venue that is perfect for ceremonies at all times of the year MIND &BODY

20 Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona offers a non-invasive sculpting procedure that you can get in the months leading up to your big day. Here’s what to expect

A beautiful scene from the raindampened wedding of Hailey Muller and Travis Kasinger.

Photo by Kristen Marie Photography

EDITOR

Matthew Hayden

mhayden@azdailysun com

928.556.2280

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Colleen Brady

928.556.2279

SALES CONTRIBUTORS

Zachary Meier

Jayne Hayden

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is published quarterly at 1751 S Thompson St | Flagstaff, AZ 86001 ISSN: 1534-3804

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is published by

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other materials are invited, but will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. Publisher assumes no responsibility for lost materials or the return of unsolicited materials. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any materials, solicited or unsolicited, after six months from date of publication Cover and entire contents of this publication are fully protected Reproduction or use without prior written premission from the editor is strictly prohibited Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is not responsible for scheduled event changes Any views, opinions or suggestions contained within Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine are not necessarily those of the management or owners

Copyright ©2023 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

In recent years,views on marriage have shifted radically Marital unions have become more preferential and less expected as the younger generations grow up and find that living is hard enough as it is without the costs of a traditional wedding experience weighing them down, but for some, marriage is still a significant and necessary starting point for couples looking to embark upon a new journey; one thatrepresentsthetransformationoftwoindividus uniting into one,bound perpetually by love, trust and hope for the future

It’s a powerful image and one that greatly appeals to both my partner and me as we grow closer and become more and more invested in each others’futures,but first, of course, I’ve got to propose. After that though, where do we start?

While I am certain that we will enjoy being engaged for a good year or two, I can’t help but think about it as an obsessive over-planner, so to help me work through my concerns–and hopefully some of yours–the Arizona Daily Sun and Mountain Living Magazine have put together a collection of stories that is sure to help all of us put our minds at ease.

Our feature story highlights Holleday Productions–an event and wedding planning team whose goal is to make every client’s dream a reality. We also have a helpful rundown on a few unique catering options for weddings hosted in Flagstaff Plastic Surgeons

ofNorthernArizonaandForestHighlandshavecontributedstories on their services, and John Vankat has compiled a list of wines for any romantic occasion.

All this awaits readers in the pages to come, and we hope that these stories both entertain and help all you brides and grooms and those still-to-be find comfort in the fact that Flagstaff, as always, has your back

As a closing note, thank you so much for reading our magazine over the last couple of years. We’ve gone through a lot of changes and endured the pandemic to the best of our ability, but unfortunately,this edition will be the magazine’s last.You will still be able to find stories similar to the ones you find here in every Sunday paper–just not in the glossy-print packaging–but as any newspaper person will tell you, it’s not the stock of paper that makes a story worth reading. We will keep telling our stories and continue to make them better as we move forward, and we hope that, no matterwhatthisjourneymightentail,you’llchoosetostickaround for the ride.

With that, we hope you enjoy this special edition New beginnings await. Ma

Hayden

Matthew

A ONE-WOMAN SHOW

Favorites of the season from the area ’ s art and entertainment offerings

MAR. 11

LaPosadaHotel|303E2ndSt., Winslow, AZ

Hannah Fontes is playing herself in this one-night-only cabaret fundraiser for the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival’s 2023 season. Fontes, who is a long-time actor and the festival’s Marketing Director, wrote the dialogue and composed the music in this stunning showcase of creative self-expression Titled “I Am Playing Me,” the performance highlights the growing pains of life as a young woman in 2023 as she comes face-to-face with loss and embraces love. The show will be held at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ and have a cocktail and appetizer hour before the event which will allow guests the chance to get to know the Flag Shakes team Learn more about the performance on their website at flagshakes org

MAR. 23

AN EVENING WITH AN ICON

CoconinoCenterfortheArts|2300NFortValleyRd.

In the abundance of musical talent in Flagstaff, Don Flemons stands out Raised in Phoenix, educated at Northern Arizona University and brought up by a family with deep roots in the southwestern civil rights movements, Flemons’ experience is one that pulls its riches from a distinctly American well; one that gets to the heart of Black music and its influence on contemporary country and folk He is a uniquely talented artist with a fresh yet familiar sound, and members of the Flagstaff community will be able to see him perform at the Coconino Center for the Arts on March 23. If you’d like to see him perform, visit the Center’s website at coconinoarts.com to buy tickets.

APR.

13-16

FILM IN THE PINES

OrpheumTheater|15WAspenAve.

For 21 years, the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival has provided members of the Flagstaff community a place where they can learn and be inspired by the work of filmmakers from all across the region As a mostly volunteer-run effort, any profits from the event are reinvested into future festivals or donated to a non-profit agency doing work in our community and beyond. The window to submit projects is now closed, and official selections are to be announced on March 1. To stay up to date on festival selections and ticket prices, bookmark their website at flagstaffmountainfilms org

LATE MAY

THE FIRST OF MANY

Later this year, Creative Flagstaff is launching a brand new, innovative festival experience with ARTx. Touted as a local SXSW (South by Southwest) or a cross between TEDx and Scottsdale’s Canal Convergence, the ARTx Festival’s goal is to provide artists and creative minds, “a regional and national platform.” For three years, the minds at Creative Flagstaff have brainstormed ideas on how to create a new and unique opportunity for the community to engage with local art in an immersive and interactive way, and now, they’re bringing their vision to life ARTx is working on building its own website independent from Creative Flagstaff’s, but if you would like to read more about this innovative project, check out creativeflagstaff.org/programs/artx/.

f irest The of wedding fares

Three unique options for catering and rehearsal

SABRINA GRIMALDI

When planning a wedding, there are a million and one details to ponder over. There are decorations, music and songs to symbolize each moment; the venue, the dress, the suit, hair and makeup and so many little touches that add together to create one big day.

Outofalloftheselittledetails, thereisonethingthatcanmakea weddingsomethingtoreallyremember Whilethelovingcouple might recall every last moment oftheirbigday–mostguestsare reallyexcitedandwillforeverremember the food, as long as it’s done well On the hunt for the perfect catering and rehearsal dinneroptionsinFlagstaff?Here are three award-winning spots that can make a wedding day really special.

Say Olive You with Fat Olives

Pizza may not sound like the most traditional choice for a wedding,buttheteamatFatOliveslikestopushthoseboundaries. Weddings are very different thantheyoncewereexpectedto be, and many modern couples are striving to create a day that feels uniquely them, meaning pizza might fill the bill.

Travis Dodson,Fat Olive’s directorofcateringsaidthatwhile pizza might sound like a strange choice for a high-class or even black-tie event, he assures you to think outside the box. Literally

“Pretty often, a lot of people will think about pizza and think it’snotfancyatall,”Dodsonsaid “They are thinking it will be a pizzaparty,andthey’reimaginingpizzaboxeseverywhere Immediately,whenweshowup,we

havethatcrowdwhowasdoubting it coming up and asking to take pictures with the oven. It startsassoonasweshowupand we set up a full back-of-house kitchen and connect with the guests It’s a higher level of servicethatwearebringing.It’snot justpizzainboxes,we’recooking them fresh; we’re throwing the dough in front of them.”

Beyond the unique kind of food, General Manager Kaiti DuPuy said,Fat Olives is unique initsdeliveryofthefoodaswell. Unlike many other options that prepfoodahead,alloftheirfood is made on site. They do this by bringing their 4,000-pound, wood-firepizzaovenouttopeople’s weddings.

“Fat Olives is one of the few caterers in Arizona that cooks 100% of your food on site with our mobile, wood-fire ovens,” DuPuy said. “With a lot of caterers you’ll find that it is cooked a few hours beforehand and brought to your venue, but with Fat Olives, we’re cooking everything on site. It’s a super interactive event, so you’re able to watch our crew cook and interact with the people who are preparing your food.”

Beyond its catering options, Fat Olives also offers couples a

private rehearsal dinner space. In their historical private chef’s room, set apart from the rest of the restaurant, wedding parties can come together to celebrate. This space,which holds up to 25 people,hasalotofcharacterand can be decorated by the couple and their family’s as wanted. DuPuysaidthis,alongwiththeir catering options, is a way that a couple can integrate their own unique spin on their big day

“I think we’re seeing more and more people step away from baby’s breath and Mason jars,which is great if that’s what you’rewanting,butwe’reseeing so many fun and unique themes that people are moving forward with.Peoplearereallyabletoput yourpersonalanduniquespinon it,andIthinkFatOlivesisagreat way to do that.”

Fat Olives offers catering and rehearsaldinneroptionstocouples and are currently booking for 2023 and beyond. To learn moreaboutFatOlives,headover to fatolivesflagstaff com

Salsa Brava is Nacho Average Option

If the happy couple would like to incorporate their love of Mexican food or even their cul-

tural background into their big day, Flagstaff’s Salsa Brava has some great options. Between their several catering and rehearsal dinner options,they can definitelyhelpaddsomespiceto your big day

SalsaBravaisafamily-owned restaurantthathasbeeninFlagstaff for 35 years According to general manager Ashlea Lindemuth, the Salsa Brava team loves working with couples to create the perfect wedding day or rehearsal dinner. Their team workshardtoupkeepthehighest level of hospitality possible.

“We provide ourselves in quality customer service,” Lindemuth said. “We go above and beyond to ensure that pretty much all of the guest’s requests are met or exceeded. We are a family-owned restaurant that has been here in Flagstaff for 35 years, and we also have a lot of catering experience under our belts.”

SalsaBravahasmanycatering packages available, offering tacos,fajitas,enchiladasandmore. Out of everything they offer, catering director Sara Gonzalez said they are proud of the way they have always been able to work with the couple to create a perfect spread for them. Out of all their past clients and 35 years of experience, Gonzalez said they have never failed to create a perfect day.

“If they chose Salsa Brave to do their event, it would not go wrong,”Gonzalezsaid “Itwould be completely, over-the-top satisfiedwiththelevelofservice we provide We take huge pride in our service, and we want to cater to that specific client every time It’s never the same, no matterwhattheeventis.Whatever it may be, we cater to that client so they feel over the top, 100 percent taken care of.”

Alongwith their catering options,Salsa Brava can host up to 30 guests in their restaurant for a rehearsal dinner. No matter what the couple wants,Gonzalez said their team is happy to help and make it happen. After the COVID pandemic halted everything for a few years, they areexcitedtojumpbackintothe wedding world.

“We’re really excited to be back in the catering business after a couple of down seasons with COVID and everything,” Gonzalez said. “We’re back in business,andwe’rereadytogo.”

Salsa Brava offers catering and rehearsal dinner options to couples and are currently booking for 2023 and beyond TolearnmoreaboutSalsaBrava, headovertosalsabravaflagstaff. com.

Go Classic and Classy with Josephine’s

Classic does not equal boring,

andthatringsespeciallytruefor Josephine’s Modern American Bistro. Chef and owner Tony Cosentino and the Josephine’s teamhaveofferedclassy,classic fare since 2002.

While they don’t offer catering options for weddings, Josephine’s is the best rehearsal dinner spot for couples with a largeguestcount.Manyrestaurants in Flagstaff can only hold around 25 to 30 guests, but Jo-

sephine’s is equipped for even more With their large outdoor patio, couples can have a rehearsal dinner in style, Chef andownerTonyCosentinosaid

“We do quite a few rehearsal dinners,” Cosentino said. “I think we’re a pretty good spot for it. We have a homey feel. We have a large patio,and we’re capable of doing some of the larger parties. It’s our niche to do larger family get-together

parties.”

Josephine’s is a highly regarded and well-known Flagstaff restaurant, for Cosentino, this means he interacts with customers on the daily He said thesweetestmomentsofhisjob are being a part of a customer’s big day

“We get people coming in to propose at the restaurant or cominginfortheiranniversary,” Cosentino said. “It’s a part of thebusinessthatmakesyoufeel goodtohavepeoplecomeinand say that they just got proposed tooveratatable.It’safeel-good part to hear these stories For us working here, it feels good that you’re there for that time of their lives and that you are a part of that big moment.”

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro offers rehearsal dinner options to couples and are currently booking for 2023 and beyond. To learn more about Josephine’s, head over to josephinesrestaurant com

THE ASPEN ROOM DIY RENTAL BRING IN YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINKS/ LIQUOR, INCLUDES:

• PREP-KITCHEN (FULL REFRIGERATOR, SINK, MICROWAVE)

• BUFFET BAR AREA WITH FRIDGE

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• COAT ROOM

• 20 TABLES, 120 CHAIRS

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• PROJECTOR ($50 ADDITIONAL CHARGE)

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL US AT EVENTS@THEASPENROOM.COM CAPACITY 200 PEOPLE VISIT THEASPENROOM COM 2223

Wines for

Romantic Occasions

JOHN VANKAT

Wine Columnist

Romantic wines featuring captivating aromas and flavors are ideal for celebrating any special day. The following recommendations cover a broad range of prices and styles,andeachwineishighlyappealing for sharing with the person you love.

$10s-20s

Benziger 2019 Merlot “Monterey County” ($16): Attractively purple hued, this nicely priced Merlot has strength, full body, expressive fruit, medium-soft tannins and very good complexity for its cost.

Gonzalez Byass non-vintage dessert wine “Nectar, Jerez Xeres Sherry, Pedro Ximenez, Spain” ($17; 375 ml): Don’t be put off by its brown color, but instead enjoy the powerfully complex nose, thick body, excellent balance, extended length and more. For more refinement, try its sibling sherry “Noe” for $50 (375 ml).

Charles Krug 2020 Merlot “Napa Valley” ($28): Appealing across the board. I loved its hue and color depth paired with a forward, quite complex nose, as well as strength, full body and dimensionality on the palate.

Additional fine values: Cave de Lugny 2020 Chardonnay “Les Charmes, Macon-Lugny, France” ($19); Imagery 2021 Pinot Noir “California” ($20)

$30s-40s

King Estate 2021 Pinot Gris “Domaine, Willamette Valley” ($30): This beautiful wine excels on the palate with strength, full body, wonderful fruit, fine balance, highly attractive complexity, excellent integration and extended length Delicious!

La Follette 2020 Chardonnay “Zepher Farms, Sonoma County” ($60): Very pleasing on the palate with engaging strength, body, balance, medium oak and very good to excellent complexity. Plus, its strong personality includes long-lingering length.

Williams Selyem 2020 Pinot Noir “Russian River Valley” ($62): My favorite Pinot Noir in tastings for this column has attractive color and a very strong nose with powerful complexity. Moreover, there is highly appealing forwardness on the palate featuring fine fruit, layering, integration, personality and length

Michele Chiarlo 2018 Nebbiolo “Tortoniano, Barolo, Italy” ($64): Lightly hued, but strong to bold in all other dimensions, including wonderful quality on the palate with strength, body, appealing balance, medium soft tannins and much more all prolonged throughout an extended finish.

King Estate 2021 Pinot Gris

Domaine Bousquet 2021 Chardonnay “Reserve, Organic Grapes, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina” ($18): Attractive all around, but especially on the palate with strength, full body, forward fruit, fine balance and lingering length.

Domaine Bousquet 2021 Malbec “ serve, Organic Grapes, Tupungato Valley, Argentina” ($18): Strong on and palate, I enjoyed its highly appe balance, medium soft tannins, engag complexity and prolonged finish Qu buy!

“ReTupungato, Uco on nose

The Big Easy (by Fess Parker) 2019 red blend “Santa Barbara County” ($37): Tops among red blends in its price range, this Syrah-dominated wine features very appealing intensity, complexity, body, balance and personality all carrying throughout a prolonged finish.

Concannon 2017 Petite Sirah “Reserve, Nina’s Cuvee, Livermore Valley” ($40): Enjoy the beautiful, deep purple hue and strength and layering on the nose. Plus, there’s thick body, medium tannins, excellent complexity, fine integration, strong personality and extended length.

I appealing engaging Quite a 2020 “Overlook, with rounded body, impressive complexity, ample person“Estate among Pinot Noirs its this pleasing layered forward

Landmark 2020 Chardonnay “Ove Sonoma County” ($27): Very strong rounded body, attractive fruit, impre complexity, fine integration, ample p ality and extended length.

Yamhill Valley 2018 Pinot Noir “Es Grown, McMinnville” ($28): Tops a Pinot Noirs in its price range, this ple wine has a strong, layered nose, forw fruit with good complexity on the palate and an attractively extended finish.

Aperture 2020 red blend

Frescobaldi/Tenuta ano 2016 Chianti “Reserva, Italy” superb Chianti on the nose and I cially attracted to its fullish body, pleasing balance, throughout extended

i/Tenuta Perhianti Classico taly” ($40): This nti Classico excels on nd palate. I was esperacted to its vigor, fullish easing fruit and superb , all of which carry out an extended finish.

+

Aperture re e d “Sonoma joy the terrific by a forward, nose. savor

e 2020 red blend ma County” ($60): Endeep purple hue of this Bordeaux blend followed ward, very complex Then savor its full body, beautiful fruit, wonderful balance, fine integration and prolonged finish

“Brut

What’s better for Valentine’s than Rose Champagne? This highly

Champagne Collet non-vintage “Brut Rose, Champagne, France” ($65): What’s better for Valentine’s Day than Rose Champagne? This highly enjoyable wine has beautiful color, voluminous fine fizz, refined vigor, excellent balance, strongly attractive complexity and exceptional length.

Justin 2020 red blend “Justification, Paso Robles” ($65): Deep purple hue announces this is a very appealing wine. I especially enjoyed its strength, fruit and complexity on the nose and full body, strong fruit, medium tannins, forward personality and long-lingering finish

The Big Easy (by Fess Parker) 2019 red

Merry Edwards 2020 Chardonnay “Olivet Lane, Russian River Valley” ($68; direct shipping): Excels on the nose and palate with strength and powerful complexity. Plus there’s excellently balanced fruit, medium soft oak, fine integration, forward personality and impressive length.

Silvio Nardi 2017 Sangiovese “Brunello di Montalcino, Italy” ($85): Light in color but with an attractive hue. Exceptional nose featuring strength, fruit and complexity. Very strong on the palate with full to heavy body accompanied by beautiful fruit, wonderful balance and a long, expressive finish

Recommended wines can be ordered from local wine stores unless indicated otherwise Prices may differ John can be reached at azpinewine@yahoo.com.

Charles Krug 2020 Merlot

“Zepher

What

are made of

Holleday

Productions plans weddings fit for fairy tales

As the wind began to catch edges of the crisp white linens on the buffet table, eyes turned skyward. The focus had been within thePoorehomeforhoursastheladies primped and family gathered. Atthebottomofthegarden,afloral archandrowsofchairsstoodready for the couple to take their vows.

Rain began to patter and build, and instead of driving guests indoors, they crowded the patio watching nature have its way on a wedding day.The mood remained positive,and guests reassured one another that rain is good luck

GAIL G. COLLINS

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

And in Arizona, rain is generally welcome.The drama passed,and a double rainbow took its place. Then, dressed in their finest, folks wiped down the benches, and the ceremony began. It wasn’t the first time the Poore family had rallied in support, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Such devotion is one of the reasons Hailey Muller chose to marry Travis Kasinger in this place. Well, that and her many memories,like youthful tales of Bigfoot living in the rocks nearby Their theme was Coming Home.

The property’s rambling home began as a dairy barn, built of brick and stone. Suffused with natural light and southwestern art,saddles are mounted across the loft’s bannister and repurposed as end tables, bunking simply alongside a worn hat and striped blanket. Dedication and a doctor’s presence is found in a framed Hippocratic oath while an enormous fireplace begs guests tolinger.Theroomy kitchen and wall of old photos say, “Home sweet home” It’s a humble homestead near the woods that has created solace and a love of place for this extended family since 1966

As Alexis Holle of Holleday Productions says of such events, “It begins and ends with family” This is her second wedding on the Poore property.In fact, the impetus for Holle’s business was a family event her sister’s marriage.“We planned it together and did so much DIY,” she remembers. “We thought how much fun it was, and the idea took off.”A winding road of experiences through the study of fine arts and art history, retail fashion design via her shop, Sundara, and hospitality gigscombinedtoprovidethenecessary skills set.

As it suits clients,Holle can integrate herweddingplanningwithMainStreet Catering, partnering with siblings

Jyllian McIntire and Stewart Holle to serve as a one-stop shop About half of her clients opt for this.

“It’s a love of hostessing,” she says. “It’s not just food; it’s a love of people The job came naturally.”

Every detail on the day matters to a bride, and Holle channels that same

perfection After more than 20 years in the area, she is familiar with people, places and particulars. Although clientsaredrivenbytrends,shedoesn’t aspire to transient whims.Instead,she turns to their backgrounds.Personality and style are incorporated into crafting every aspect, such as serving a treasured, childhood dessert versus a celebrity pick Holle’s guiding principle: Life is art.

“I have my own aesthetic but aim to base the details on the couple’s story,” she says. This involves idea gathering and design boards. “I live vicariously through the client” Examples of elemental attention have ranged from a vintage typewriter and library book cards to the heirloom flatware plus bride and groom chairs this couple employed.

Holleday Productions is the dedi-

cated planner for weddings held at The Arboretum, and an information guide lays out the umbrella of services available from a rental equipment catalog to flowersandphotographers.Everyevent is unique and Holle becomes a part of the family on the day

How does a planner’s typical wedding day play out? By noon, Holle and a crew of three to five people begin to set the scene. Subsequent vendors arrive over the next three hours layering in furniture,food and services Holle’s oversight includes arranging floral, staging furniture, setting tables, candles, cake presentation and a hundred other particulars that may involve rain or power needs. Guests arrive in the late afternoon when the bulk of tasks are complete (whew!), the ceremony kicks off at 4 p.m., and the reception lasts until 10 p.m.Clients and vendors

are off-site an hour later,and Holle finishes between midnight and 2 a.m.

“Then, I take two days off with a wedding hangover,” she laughs

On the Poore wedding day, subtle rust, plum and gold colors permeated the place from blooms to attire,blending with a fading landscape. Wood tables, family flatware, gold chargers, cream linens and fresh greens fashioned an elegant al fresco atmosphere under a massive white tent. Glassware glowed, champagne flowed and buffet chargers were filled with beef tenderloin in Dijon sauce, cedar planked salmon, organic greens in champagne vinaigrette,pumpkinravioliinbrowned butter-sage sauce, marinated and grilled Portobello, rosemary red potatoes, blistered green beans and dark chocolate cups of mousse with berries, courtesy of Main Street Catering.Tears of joy flowed,photos followed and celebrating the happy day felt effortless More than that, it felt natural.

Specifics and scenery make for gorgeous photos, but Holle is sensitive to people enjoying themselves in the space, not engrossing them in the production A coordinator makes all the difference, she advises. It’s her job to seamlessly think and act on her feet, so when something goes awry and it inevitably will the bride and groom won’t even notice.

“There will always be a hiccup,” she reminds clients. “Our job is to guard against it.”

Lately, there has been a return to more classic aesthetics in wood tables, eclectic décor and thrift store collectables, such as a collection of mismatched candleholders and vintage heirlooms.ThePooreweddingincluded a song to which the grandparents had danced at their wedding decades before Perhaps, the pandemic reigned in the former grandiose craze, but in any case,interest in family-focused events, like a heritage wedding on family land, has blossomed.

“Throwing parties for a living it’s a dream job,” Holle says And Holleday Productions helps others’dreams come true.

Alexis puts the finishing touches on the floral arch

GAIL G. COLLINS

Why should you celebrate your wedding at Forest Highlands?

Upon entering Forest Highlands, you will realize immediately that you have entered somewhere magical;aforestfulloftall,sparkling pine trees as far as the eye cansee.Beenchantedbybeautifulwildflowers and lush greenery in the summers, vivid brightcolorsinthefallandagorgeoussnowy wonderland in the winter Greeting you will beourprofessional,friendlyandfuncatering staff with your on-site coordinator who will assist you with facilitating details for your special day. We have three outdoor picturesque ceremony sites available dependent uponyourweddingdatewithchairsandsetup included. Staff will lead you through the rehearsalthenightbefore,assistwithanyevent set up and then possibly host your rehearsal dinner,right on property.

Our beautiful banquet room boasts a large wrap around patio that holds a full bar, lighting,furniture and ceiling heaters,perfect for your cocktail hour. Our bartenders can serve up specialty cocktails while our staff serves your guests delicately prepared hors d’oeuvres. In the case of inclement weather,your guests will still be able to enjoy the outdoors while staying cozy and dry.

Our banquet room will transport you to relaxed elegance with floor to ceiling windows and beautiful forest scenery. The room can comfortably fit 140 guests, with tables and wood chairs included. Our professional staff will serve your guests unique entrees prepared by our talented culinary team, selected and tasted by you during the planning process. Our pastry chefs can create your dream wedding cake or an entire dessert table of assorted treats that we will be happy to set up for you. One more thing we can help cross off your list Our staff will happily handle clean up at the end

of the evening so that you and your guests can hop into our complimentary shuttles to head back to hotels, or to continue the celebration right in downtown Flagstaff

You do not have to be a member or sponsored by a member to use the catering facilities. Enjoy discounted venue fees in our off-season from November through March. Go to www fhgc com/weddings/ for more information.

ABOVE: Forest Highlands offers an unforgettable wedding experience all four seasons of the year.

SHELBY FITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

LEFT: KATRINA WALLACE

CoolSculpting Before and After

What to Expect

BRIAN CRIPE, M.D.

In the past decade, millions of patients have received CoolSculpting treatments to shrink stubborn fat deposits At Plastic Surgeons ofNorthernArizona,we’veprovidedCoolSculptingprocedures forfouryearsandaretheregion’s premierplasticsurgerypractice.

CoolSculpting is an effective, FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure and fat-reduction treatment. In this article, I want to address some of the common questions we get about CoolSculpting, including:

„ What to Expect: CoolScuipting Before and After

„ The Procedure and Recovery

„ Risks of CoolSculpting

„ The Gold Standard Alternative: Liposuction

CoolSculpting Before and After

CoolSculpting can be used to safely spot-treat multiple fatty areas without incisions or anesthesia. Patients usually see a 25% reduction in fat in treated areas, and results are visible

withinonetothreemonths.The treatments are relatively quick and painless, and recovery is easy. With CoolSculpting, we can treat multiple areas during each session. Common treatment areas include the submental area (neck and double chin), upper arms, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, banana roll, bra fat and knee area.

As you can see in the photo to the right, this patient significantly reduced subcutaneous fat stores in the lower abdomen following her CoolSculpting sessions The photo on the right was taken three months after the second session.

What to Expect from CoolSculpting: Procedure and Recovery

CoolSculpting procedures are generally well tolerated and produce minimal side effects. Some patients report soreness, bruising and temporary tingling right after the procedure.

CoolSculpting is extremely efficient and non-invasive. A single CoolSculpting treatment for one area takes about 30 minutes. During the procedure, we place applicators in targeted treatment areas. You may feel a pulling sensation, followed by coldness It feels a bit like putting your hand in ice water. After the treatment, we massage treated tissues to help accelerate the fat cell apoptosis (programmed cell death)

Risks of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting recently made headlines when supermodel Linda Evangelista shared how her fat-freezing treatments inadvertently deformed her figure instead of improving it. She is one of a small percentage of patients who experience a condition known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) following cryolipolysis.

While PAH is not harmful to patients from a medical standpoint, it is a concerning complication. In patients with PAH, instead of fat cells getting smaller and dying, they

swell up and harden, creating lumpy pockets of dense adipose tissue

We still aren’t sure why some patients develop PAH, but it’s an infrequent complication.

In Linda’s case, she received seven treatments from her dermatologist over six months. Instead of stopping treatments after the first procedure flopped, her provider continued to freeze the cells, which I believe exacerbated the issue.

By the time the treatments stopped, the patient was no longer a good candidate for corrective liposuction, leaving her “permanently disfigured.”

CoolSculpting providers need to recognize the early signs of PAH, halt subsequent procedures as soon as possible and correct with traditional liposuction.

The Gold Standard Alternative to CoolSculpting: Liposuction

If you’re looking for a lower-cost, convenient, and non-invasive way to spottreat stubborn fat stores, then CoolSculpting is a great solution. But, if you want to permanently remove fat cells in greater quantities, then liposuction is still the “gold standard” option for effective body contouring and fat reduction.

A single liposuction procedure will eliminate far more fat than repeated CoolSculpting procedures. On the other hand, liposuction requires anesthesia, and a longer recovery period of wearing compression garments, and can be more expensive than CoolSculpting. Multiple CoolSculpting procedures in many areas can be more costly than liposuction.

Both procedures have pros and cons that patients must weigh.

Book Your CoolSculpting or Liposuction Consultation Today

If you’d like to learn more about CoolSculpting or liposuction procedures, we’d love to bring you in for a consultation. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and experienced providers at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona

can answer your questions and discuss a wide range of surgical and non-surgical body contouring treatment options.

Brian Cripe, M.D., is an awardwinning, board-eligible plastic and reconstructive surgeon proudly working with the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona practice. Dr. Cripe specializes in cosmetic surgery, limb salvage, peripheral nerve microsurgery, hand surgery, and oncologic reconstructive procedures. He has performed more than 5,000 surgical cases during his eightyear tenure as a surgeon.

Forget What He Thinks

Full body solutions including packages to make your skin radiate the happiness you feel as well as body contouring and muscle sculpting for a perfect fit in that gorgeous dress!

THEO CALLAN

GeneralManager ofthe Arizona Nordic Village

Theo Callan is the General Manager of the Arizona Nordic Village located off of US-180. The Village is a wonderful wedding venue for folks looking to express themselves in ways that are unique to each couple,but their ultimate goal is to provide visitors quality outdoor and environmentally sustainable experiences We had the opportunity to talk to Callan about this Flagstaff staple.

Tell us a little about yourself How did you end up working at Arizona Nordic Village?

My background is actually in elementary and special education, and I graduated and didn’t want to teach. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do,and I really just wanted to be outside. So I put in an application, and, you know, here I am.

For those that don’t know, what is the Nordic Village, and why was it founded?

It was founded by a gentleman in 1984 in order to just create a cross country ski area, in conjunction with the Forest Service,and it has grown since then We have 30 miles of cross country ski trails, 15 miles of snowshoe trails and then 12 rental units for some outside of our parking lot and then five backcountry yurts that you can hike, bike, ski or snowshoe to. And we also host weddings and events in the spring and summer season,which has really grown for us as well.

Why would the Nordic Village be a good place to host a wedding?

My favorite thing about the Nordic Village in terms of weddings is that it’s really kind of a blank slate A lot of the things

thatpeople do are just DIY–doing their own decorations–and we don’t have any restrictions onvendorsoranythinglikethat,unlike alot of venues. Plus, we’re really cost-friendly. In addition to being just an absolutely gorgeousareatogetmarried Youknow,we’rea really accessible option for people to kind of haveyourweddingthewaythatyouwantit.

Thinking back on your time with the Village, is there a particular wedding memory that sticks out to you?

Yeah! This past fall in the lodge,I started

seeing people walking by with elf ears and archery bows and capes and things, and it turns out, they were having a Lord of the Rings theme wedding where the groom rode up on a motorcycle into the ceremony and the bride–who was really proud of an old Range Rover she had restored–rolled up in that. And then they got married.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Probably just my being able to give people that experience. There’s no feeling quite like having somebody that’s nervous to go and stay in a backcountry unit or they’ve never camped before. They haven’t spent a lot of time outside, and then, they come back two days later and tell you that “This was one of the best weekend’s of my life, and I’m gonna come back again and again” I mean, that’s a really awesome feeling to provide people with that kind of experience.

Mormon Lake Lodge nestled amidst the largest stand of ponderosa pines in Northern Arizona just 30 minutes southeast of Flagstaff on the beautiful scenic Lake Mary Highway Mormon Lake Lodge is the perfect location to have your beautiful wedding or an event, that you will remember for the rest of your life Our tradition of dedicated service coupled with our western hospitality and charm allows for the successful combination of any event, large or small Our staff works hard to coordinate each detail to ensure unforgettable memories you will never forget We invite you to come out and experiment the rustic settings of Mormon Lake Lodge and the beautiful environment that surrounds it

Photos by Julia Romano Photography and Andrea Cleghorn Photography