Local Celebrity Elevates Phoenix Couple’s Backyard Wedding into a Fairytale Celebration
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In a unique turn of events, a couple’s backyard wedding was transformed into a fairytale occasion when television personality Arie Luyendyk Jr. officiated their ceremony in Phoenix on March 28. Nicholas Ansel and Zoe Skorey, who have shared a love for Luyendyk since his time on “The Bachelor,” expressed their excitement for having him officiate their special day, amplifying its significance and charm.
“Having a local celebrity there was all the more perfect, and really elevated the day into even more of a fairytale dream,” the couple shared in an interview with PEOPLE following their honeymoon.
The inspiration to invite Luyendyk, who was the star of the 22nd season of “The Bachelor,” stemmed from their early relationship. The couple religiously followed the show during the early stages of their romance and felt that Luyendyk’s involvement would be a fitting tribute to their shared experiences.
Ansel recounted the moment of reaching out to Luyendyk with a message that stated, “Hello, I am reaching out to see if Ari Luyendyk would be interested in officiating my fiancé Zoe’s wedding on March 28. We met around the time Ari was on The Bachelor and started to fall in love while watching the show together.” To his surprise, Luyendyk responded positively, much to the delight of the couple.
Ansel vividly remembers the shock of receiving the officiant’s acceptance. “I remember calling Zoe after I got the email and just freaking out about the whole thing,” he recalled. The couple’s delight only grew when they met Luyendyk for coffee prior to the wedding, allowing the officiant to gain insights into their relationship and customise his speech.
“He brought a small notepad to write down little facts about our relationship and told us about his own experience getting married,” Ansel explained. Luyendyk, who married Lauren Burnham in Maui in early 2019, took the time to create a personal and heartfelt officiant speech that resonated with the couple’s journey.
On their wedding day, Luyendyk brought warmth and light-hearted humour to the ceremony, proving his ability as a charismatic officiant. Ansel noted one of their favourite lines from Luyendyk’s speech was, “From sitting on the couch and watching The Bachelor to now being married by that same Bachelor…” Another amusing addition referenced the couple’s passion for cooking, stating, “Nick brings the savory, and Zoe brings the sweet.”
The intimate ceremony attended by around 100 guests was planned meticulously by the couple. Ansel crafted the floral arrangements himself, while Skorey showcased her baking skills with her award-winning chocolate chip cookies, which received first place at the 2024 Arizona State Fair. The couple also favoured local beverages, serving wines and beers from nearby producers, lending a distinct regional flavour to their festivities.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds celebrated at Thunderbird Lounge, where they arrived in Skorey’s beloved 1993 Mazda Miata, decorated with a “Just Married” sign and trailing glittering cans.
Reflecting on the memorable occasion, Luyendyk took to social media the day after the wedding, expressing his joy at having officiated the event. He described the request as “out of left field”, yet felt compelled to seize the opportunity. “Why not? This should be amazing,” he recounted thinking at the time.
He also shared insights into his preparation for delivering the ceremony, mentioning how he practised his speech in front of their youngest child and received help from his wife, Lauren, in picking out a suitable outfit for the day. “Thankfully, the jokes landed, and I had a blast,” he declared, offering his heartfelt congratulations to the couple.
Lauren Burnham, a former contestant on Luyendyk’s season, congratulated the newlyweds, further highlighting the familial warmth surrounding the wedding festivities.
For Ansel and Skorey, their backyard wedding, enhanced by Luyendyk’s presence, turned into a dreamlike event that beautifully encapsulated their love story amidst a backdrop of fond memories tied to their shared love for a reality TV show.