The return of large outdoor gatherings has created a bustling summer for Arizona Nordic Village and other local wedding businesses.
Sarah and Felipe Puente of Phoenix got married in May. “We had a pretty big mix of people coming from all over to the Nordic Village,” said Sarah. “I think a lot of our guests felt good about having the celebration outdoors with a lot of big space.”
“These weddings have an extra-special feel to them and an elevated level of excitement,” said Nordic Village Manager Theo Callan. “I think it’s because, for many people, they haven’t seen their friends and families in years. Some couples got married during the pandemic but are having the big party now. Some already have children, have moved out of the state and wanted to come back to Arizona for their long-awaited celebration, which is pretty cool.”
Callan says this season’s weddings are all over the place in size and style, from 30 to 300 people, from Boho chic to Lord of the Rings. “We have seen every theme under the sun. Our venue is awesome and unique in the way that couples can really make it their own. Some rent multiple cabins and yurts and create a wedding festival atmosphere that goes on for days. I’m also seeing a willingness in people to spend more for add-ons like décor, catering, photography and DJ services.”
For venues like Arizona Nordic Village, the wedding business has been anything but joyous during the last two years. The spread of COVID-19 had brides and grooms planning, canceling and postponing events as large gatherings came to a halt. Today, as couples are walking down the aisle, wedding vendors are running to keep up.
“The return of weddings has been great for Arizona Nordic Village,” said Callan. “We have been able to keep a larger staff for the summertime season and give them more days and hours than we were able to in the past, which has vastly decreased the turnover rate. We are proud that now the majority of our core staff has worked at the Village for well over a year.”
The business surge has enabled Nordic Village to invest in more wedding equipment needs, like a large dance floor and improved sound system. Wedding coordinator Serra Sanzo has already booked 15 weddings for 2023.
Wil’s Grill, with the slogan “Have grill, will travel,” is often found catering at Nordic Village. “We love it out there and are uniquely positioned to go where people don’t have power or water,” said owner John Christ. “We thrive in those types of environments.”
He says Wil’s Grill is experiencing the largest growth this year than ever before, mainly because of the influx of weddings. Christ started in 2015, selling BBQ out of the back of his pickup truck to college students in downtown Flagstaff. The business was growing every year until the pandemic hit.
“Ninety-five percent of our weddings were canceled in 2020,” he said. “We got back to our roots and hit the streets, started slinging the BBQ on the street corner again. In the open-air environment, folks felt safe enough.”
These days, he’s catering three to five weddings a week. “Our most popular wedding menu includes a buffet of BBQ-style sliced brisket, field green salad and charcuterie spreads. We do a lot of Greek meatballs, chicken alfredo and blackened shrimp pasta, too. We love to do live fire grilling that folks can see. Popular options are tri-tip steak and salmon.”
Four Sisters Floral also has blossomed with the number of nuptials. Co-owners Caitlin O’Meara and Jordan Pynes have gone from arranging bridal bouquets in their homes to renting studio space on 7th St.
“Most of our weddings this year require not just a bridal bouquet and the personal pieces for the attendants,” said O’Meara. “We are making arrangements for elaborate ceremonies and large receptions, as well.”
The two have transformed the ponderosa pine forest of the Nordic Village into a high elevation rose garden. “The outdoor setting feels very comfortable for people and very typical for Flagstaff, as couples like to get married in the pines,” said Pynes. “We make it super easy. For example, one couple was traveling in another country when they booked with us. We communicated over email and simply showed up with the flowers.”
Callan sees no sign of outdoor weddings trailing off. To meet the demand and take the weekend pressure off the Nordic Village team and other vendors, the facility has begun offering discounted weekday prices. “We’ve started advertising on social media and people are responding.”
For the Puentes, a Thursday worked well for their schedule and was easier on their budget. “We wanted guests who were traveling to see the natural beauty that you get at the Nordic Village and also have the weekend so they could explore many other places in Northern Arizona like the Grand Canyon and Sedona,” said Sarah.
“Maybe it’s the start of something,” said Callan. “Instead of Taco Tuesdays, we’ll have Wedding Wednesdays!” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
To reach Arizona Nordic Village, Wil’s Grill and Four Sisters Floral, contact
weddings@flagstaffnordiccenter.com, wilsgrill@wilsgrillflagstaff.com and
hello@foursistersflagstaff.com.