1. How did you two meet or what was the proposal like?
Jill and Avi’s love story began long before their wedding day — fourteen years earlier, to be exact. At the time, Avi was living in Phoenix while Jill was in Corvallis, Oregon. The two met online and spent months getting to know one another from afar before Avi finally booked a flight to visit Jill for a weekend in Oregon. That visit turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with camping, off-roading, and a trip to the breathtaking Crater Lake National Park.

Life eventually pulled them in different directions, and like many young couples, they lost touch. Years later, when the timing was finally right, fate stepped back in. Three years ago, Avi reached out to Jill with a simple Facebook message — and just like that, the connection they once shared came rushing back. Both had recently come out of long-term relationships, and once again found themselves navigating a long-distance romance, this time between Phoenix and Houston.

It didn’t take long for them to realize what they had was something special. Just three months later, Avi asked Jill to move in with him, and she happily made the move to Phoenix — officially becoming a proud Phoenician and beginning the next chapter of their story together.

 2. Were you happy with the venue?
Extremely happy with the Crowne Plaza San Marcos. They were absolutely fantastic, listened to our thoughts, concerns, and ensured we had everything we needed to have a successful day. Many of our guests were from out of town, and nearly all of them stayed at the Crowne Plaza, as well, and they all enjoyed their stay. So glad we went with them.

 3.  Describe the theme or color scheme of your wedding, and what you chose for your table setting at the reception:
Our theme was natural, elegant desert. We featured soft, natural colors with the main color being succulent/sage green and soft pinks, oranges and white. We thought it would be fitting to honor the beautiful native desert features that we have in and around Phoenix. The boutonnieres and corsages were succulents, our table settings featured succulents, various different cacti in little pots, driftwood, and soft, natural colors. We are outdoorsy people and wanted to bring a little bit of the outside in. Our tables were named as different types of cacti, and we had a good time putting it all together.

 4.  What piece of advice would you give other couples planning their big day?
Be sure to make it your day, relish in the moments, and don't stress about the things that go wrong...because it is inevitable that something will go wrong. Just be at peace with it. Also, be sure you have shout wipes on hand with you (I spilled tomato sauce on my dress and it saved me).

Read more here: Chandler Wedding Venue - Crowne Plaza Phoenix - Wedding and Event Center - Arizona Wedding Venues

💍 We’re Engaged! A Season of Yes — And Now It’s Time to PlanThere are moments in life that feel like they happen in slow motion — where time pauses, your heart races, and everything shifts in the best way possible.
Getting engaged is one of those moments.
Recently, I said yes — and I’m still smiling about it.
That beautiful, emotional, joy-filled “yes” marks the beginning of a brand new season. A season of dreaming together, planning together, and imagining the life you’re about to build. It’s exciting, a little overwhelming, and completely magical all at once.
And then it happens…
You realize it’s time to start planning a wedding. ✨

From “Yes” to “I Do”Engagement is such a sweet in-between stage. You’re celebrating the promise while preparing for the commitment. You’re sharing the news with family and friends, taking ring photos, and starting Pinterest boards you may or may not have secretly had for years.
But one of the very first — and most important — decisions you’ll make?
Choosing the perfect venue.
The place where you’ll walk down the aisle.
The space where you’ll exchange vows.
The backdrop to the first day of your forever.

We Have the Perfect Venue for YouIf you’re newly engaged and starting this exciting journey, we have the perfect venue for you.
Imagine romantic ceremony spaces filled with natural light. Stunning backdrops for photos you’ll cherish forever. A reception setting where laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories unfold effortlessly.
Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day — elegant, timeless, intimate, joyful. It’s more than just a location; it’s where your love story steps into its next chapter.

A Season Worth CelebratingThis season of engagement is about more than planning a single day. It’s about preparing for a lifetime. And while the details matter — the flowers, the dress, the guest list — what truly matters is beginning your marriage surrounded by beauty, intention, and the people you love most.
Your forever started with a yes.
Now let’s find the place here at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort where you’ll say “I do.” 💛✨