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This week's topics: Arizona wedding venues, Ocotillo Golf Club, golf course weddings, outdoor wedding ceremony ideas, Arizona destination weddings, wedding guest experience tips, wedding planning logistics, Arizona wedding planners, cocktail hour food and beverage trends, luxury wedding reception ideas, golf club wedding perks, curated vendor teams, wedding hospitality insights, mother-of-the-bride advice.
In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, hosts Sonja Babich and Chelsea Gibson, Editor-in-Chief of Arizona Bride, sit down with Mary Hotaling, Sales Manager at Ocotillo Golf Club, to discuss the venue’s unique features, expert tips for wedding planning, and the importance of a well-curated vendor team. With years of experience in hospitality, including time in Napa Valley and Sonoma, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation—sharing insights into what makes Ocotillo a top-tier choice for Arizona weddings.
Mary begins by sharing her journey from California’s wine country to the Arizona desert, a transition sparked by a love for the region and a desire for new opportunities. She highlights Ocotillo Golf Club’s picturesque landscape, featuring two breathtaking ceremony sites—one by the water with lush greenery and another on the upper lawn, The Grove, which is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or outdoor dining. Unlike many golf course venues where event spaces can feel like an afterthought, Ocotillo was intentionally designed for weddings and events, ensuring a seamless experience for couples and their guests.
When it comes to wedding day logistics, Mary emphasizes the importance of movement throughout the event—from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. A well-designed wedding layout prevents the day from feeling stagnant and keeps guests engaged. She also discusses why wedding planners are required at Ocotillo, explaining how they work alongside the venue’s team to ensure a flawless experience. While Ocotillo provides an event coordinator to manage venue logistics, food, and beverage, planners focus on the couple’s vision, managing timeline execution, décor setup, and guest coordination—and even stepping in to save the day when last-minute hiccups occur, like a forgotten veil.
As the conversation shifts to food and beverage trends, Mary highlights Ocotillo’s scratch kitchen and full culinary team, which allows couples to customize their menu to reflect their tastes. Recent trends include dessert alternatives, like a gelato cart instead of cake, as well as welcome drinks to greet guests upon arrival. She also shares strategies for a smooth cocktail hour, such as tray-passed appetizers, satellite bars to reduce wait times, and setting aside food for the couple so they don’t miss out on their own menu.
Mary also discusses the hospitality advantages of hosting a wedding at a golf club, where high-touch service and guest-focused amenities elevate the experience. From breathtaking photo opportunities to a dedicated team that anticipates every need, golf clubs offer a level of seamless service that makes wedding planning easier for couples. She encourages couples to lean on their vendor team, ensuring they hire professionals who work well together and understand the nuances of the venue.
As the episode concludes, Mary reflects on her recent experience as a mother of the bride, offering heartfelt advice for other parents. Her biggest takeaway? Enjoy the moment and let the couple take the lead in planning their special day. With a trusted vendor team, a beautiful venue, and careful planning, wedding days at Ocotillo Golf Club are sure to be stress-free, seamless, and unforgettable. Tune in for expert insights on planning a wedding at a golf course, creating memorable guest experiences, and embracing the joy of the celebration.
This episode is powered by Ocotillo Golf Club. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
