THE VENUE
Our wedding and reception will take place at The Willow Wedding and Event Venue in Surprise, AZ. Located in the Sonoran Desert, The Willow is an outdoor venue nested on 6 acres of scenic natural landscapes and backdrops of mountains.We can't wait for you to join in our celebration!
The Willow Wedding and Event Venue
Phoenix is a wonderful city full of culture and entertainment. Explore the vibrant experiences that only Arizona can provide by taking a look at the best the area has to offer!
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s largest art museum, presenting world-class art in the heart of downtown Phoenix. During wedding planning when we were trying to save, we took advantage of the "Pay What You Wish Wednesday" program - check it out here!
VISIT PHOENIX GUIDE
Much of Dominic's family are joining us from out of town, but even if you're native to Phoenix you should take every opportunity to learn your community! Click below to see the site for helpful suggestions for visitors and homegrown Phoenicians alike.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden offers a glimpse into the beauty the Sonoran Desert has to offer. The park showcases more than 50,000 flora on display and is a significant location to us. If you are local family and friends, you can visit the DBG free every second Tuesday of the month on Community Day!
Eating, as told by us
One of the best things that bring us together is our mutual love of food. Alicia feels insanely lucky that Dominic loves to cook, and Dominic loves to cook for Alicia. It's really a win-win. When we are able to splurge on a meal out, we have a few places we are always in the mood for. Take a look below!
HER GO-TO'S
Best Breakfast: Fàme [fà-me] is a great place to stop for an open, laid-back atmosphere in Phoenix. I personally recommend either the classic "Dos" or "Breakfast Sandwich." Because I'm not a coffee drinker, I prefer the organic apple juice!
Best Tacos: Taqueria y Neveria La Chin-gada has some of the top tacos on the West side. The small family business offers a variety of items on the menu, but my go-to's are carne asada or pollo tacos. My other top contenders are their carne asada burritos and carne asada fries. (que the drool 🤤)Best Pizza: Otra Pizzeria is a mobile wood burning food truck bringing the best made-to-order pizzas to the valley. While all their stuff is good, my regular order is the "El Diablo." Follow them on Instagram at @otrapizzeria_!
Best Ice Cream: Mighty Moo Ice Cream is one of the best little family stops in the West Valley city of Youngtown. The local dessert place turns out small-batch ice cream and their fun flavors ensure everyone will have something to like! The classic hot fudge sundae with chopped nuts and whipped cream is the choice for me.
HIS GO-TO'S
Best Breakfast: Original Breakfast House is a staple in our lives and is our go-to place for our birthday breakfasts. All their stuff is great and I like to try their seasonal menu. Regardless of food choice, you need to get the fresh squeezed orange juice.
Best Tacos: Taco Boys has multiple locations throughout the valley and are worth a visit. Their tacos are true quality with charcoal grilling all of the meats and their open topping bar lets you make them just right. I suggest a splash of salsa with your preferred spice level. Too many favorites to choose.
Best Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco is the brainchild of James Beard Award winner Chris Bianco. Voted the best pizza in America in 2015, Bianco's pizza is wood-fired to perfection and my suggestion would be to order a Sonny Boy.
Best Ice Cream: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is an almost weekly visit for us. Mostly because I stood in line for hours at the opening of one location and got a punchcard for a weekly small scoop of ice cream for a year. The sunburn was worth it. Go for a scoop of the buckeye, an homage to the original location in my hometown in Youngstown, OH.