American Lutheran Church

Ceremony

The Grand Highland Hotel

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Our Wedding

“Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up the other.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

In the summer of 2021, Elise had just moved to Tucson for medical school when David became her first houseguest. At the time, they were just friends. They quickly fell into an easy rhythm of studying together, working on research, and navigating the chaos of training. One night, he invited her over for a swim, and they ended up talking for hours about their goals and what they envisioned life might look like one day.

Their mutual friend Sabina saw the romantic connection before they did and decided to intervene in a very intentional way. She invited both of them over for what she called a casual get-together, but when they showed up, it became clear they were the only two invited. Fully committed to the plan, she sat them down and had them go through Oprah’s famous “questions to fall in love.” It was a little ridiculous, a little uncomfortable, and surprisingly meaningful. By the end of it, they both walked away realizing they had more in common than they had ever noticed before.

What drew them closer was how much they wanted the same kind of life. They both cared about family, spirituality, hard work, being thoughtful with what they had, and showing up for the people around them. Elise swears their first date was July 4th, 2023, when they drove up Mount Lemmon for fireworks. They sat wrapped in a blanket eating the picnic David had packed, and on the drive home talked about the kind of parents they hoped to be someday. Not long after, on September 15, David asked her to be his girlfriend.

Over the next couple of years, their lives blended in a steady, uncomplicated way. Elise observed David's character in the way he showed up for her little brother, Justin, with patience, playfulness, and genuine understanding. It wasn’t something he tried to prove, just who he was. David appreciated how Elise brought warmth, joy and steadiness into his life, especially during the harder stretches of training.

When it came time to apply for residency, they made the decision to couples match, choosing to take on the next phase of training committed to one another. It felt like a natural extension of how they had already been living, building something together while pursuing the same calling.

On May 7, 2025 David proposed at Los Milics Vineyard with the help of their closest friends. A few weeks later, they graduated from medical school together and stepped into residency, and the rest of their lives, side by side.

Our Story

Photos

Lauren Batzli

Sabina Saeed-Qadri 

Sparshee Naik

Nichole Johnson

Olivia Williams

Tyler Jafary

Austin Ramsey

Jonathan Russo

Michael Billera

Zane Huffman

Wedding Party

Boots, Bolos & a Bit of Bling

Our dress code is semi-formal with a Southwestern twist. Think cocktail attire that’s dressed down (or up!) with Western flair: cowboy boots, bolo ties, turquoise jewelry, fringe, feathers, or a good hat. Come polished but comfortable, ready to celebrate and dance under the desert sky.

Dress Code

Phones Down, Hearts Open

We kindly ask that you put away phones and cameras during the ceremony. We want this to be a sacred time of worship and celebration, free from distractions, and we hope you’ll be fully present with us in the moment. Our photographer will capture everything so that you can relax, soak it in, and celebrate alongside us.

Cell Phone Policy

Getting to Prescott, AZ

The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 100 miles (approximately 2 hours) south of Prescott. A smaller regional option is Prescott Regional Airport (PRC), located about 20 minutes from the ceremony. From Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX):By Car:From Sky Harbor, follow signs to I-10 West, then merge onto I-17 North toward Flagstaff. Continue on I-17 for about 70 miles, then take Exit 262 for AZ-69 North toward Prescott. Follow AZ-69 for about 33 miles into Prescott.By Shuttle:Groome Transportation offers daily shuttle service between Sky Harbor and Prescott. Reservations are recommended, and shuttles drop off at multiple locations, including local hotels.By Rental Car:Rental cars are available at Sky Harbor and are recommended if you plan to explore the area. From Prescott Regional Airport (PRC):By Car or Rideshare:The ceremony location is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. From PRC, take AZ-89 South toward Prescott, then follow signs into downtown and to the church. Rental cars are available at the airport, and rideshare services may be available, though they can be limited.

Navigating to the Ceremony

American Lutheran Church1085 Scott DrivePrescott, AZ 86301 From central Prescott:Head north on AZ-69 (Gurley Street).Turn left onto Willow Creek Road.Continue about 2 miles, then turn left onto Rosser Street.Turn right on Scott Drive—the church will be on your left.Parking is available onsite.

Navigating to the reception

Grand Highland Hotel154 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ From the church, head south on Scott Drive toward Gurley Street.Turn left onto Gurley Street (AZ-89) and continue driving west toward downtown.After about 1 mile, turn left onto Montezuma Street (you’ll see the historic courthouse square on your right).The Grand Highland Hotel will be on your left, right on Whiskey Row across from the courthouse square.Approximate drive time: 5–7 minutes. Parking Options Around the Courthouse Square:Free Street Parking is available around the courthouse square and on nearby side streets.Public Parking Lots can be found on Granite Street and Goodwin Street, just a short walk from the Grand Highland.Parking Garage: The Granite Street parking garage offers convenient all-day parking and is only a couple blocks from the venue.Rideshare/Carpool is also encouraged, as downtown can get lively in the evenings.

Travel and Directions

Grand Highland Hotel is offering accommodations in Prescott. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located a 11-minute walk from Prescott College. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a closet. At the hotel each room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests at Grand Highland Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Prescott, like hiking. Ernest A Love Field Airport is 8.7 miles away.

Opened in 1927, this historic Prescott, Arizona hotel features an on-site bar and restaurant and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a 15-minute drive away. A flat-screen TV, a DVD player and tea and coffee-making facilities are included in all of the comfortable rooms at Hassayampa Inn. The rooms include antique furnishings with windows that look out on the streets below. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Peacock Room is on site at Prescott Hassayampa Inn. The restaurant features a wide-variety of entrees and features an art deco setting with floor-to-ceiling windows. The lobby bar features live music and a selection of cocktails. For convenience, Hassayampa Inn provides an on-site business center with fax and photocopying services. The hotel also features an on-site fitness center and 24-hour front desk. Courthouse Square is a 3-minute walk from Hassayampa Inn. Pubs, bars and music venues at the popular Whiskey Row are less than a 5-minute walk from this hotel. Sharlot Hall Museum is a 2-minute drive away.

Hassayampa Inn

Hotel St. Michael offers accommodations in Prescott. Free WiFi is provided. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. A TV with cable channels is featured. You will find a 24-hour front desk, hairdresser's, and gift shop at the property.

Hotel St. Michael, BW Premier Collection

Located in Prescott, a 11-minute walk from Prescott College, Hilton Garden Inn Prescott Downtown, Az has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. The hotel has a hot tub and a business center. The hotel offers an à la carte or American breakfast. Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Prescott Downtown, Az will be able to enjoy activities in and around Prescott, like cycling. Ernest A Love Field Airport is 8.7 miles from the property.

Hilton Garden Inn Prescott Downtown

About half a mile from Route 89, this hotel offers an indoor swimming pool with a jacuzzi and fitness facilities. Prescott National Forest is less than 1 mile away. The rooms at the SpringHill Suites Prescott offer a pantry area with a microwave and a mini-fridge, along with a spacious work desk equipped with an ergonomic chair. A continental breakfast is served every day. The golf courses of Stoneridge are 10 miles from Prescott SpringHill Suites. Thumb Butte recreation area is about 4 miles away.

SpringHill Suites By Marriott Prescott

Minutes from Buckey Casino and historic downtown Prescott, this Arizona hotel provides a free daily hot breakfast as well as spacious guest rooms featuring signature Cloud Nine beds. Each room at Hampton Inn Prescottincludes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a microwave and a small refrigerator. A private bathroom with a hairdryer is also included. On-site at the Hampton Inn Prescott, guests can work out in the fitness center or relax in the indoor pool and hot tub. The hotel also provides on-site laundry facilities. Popular attractions, including Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monument are within driving distance of the Prescott Hampton Inn. Prescott Gateway Mall along with the Phippen Museum of Art is also easily accessible.

Hampton Inn Prescott

Located in Prescott, La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites Conference Center Prescott features accommodations with private patios. An indoor pool and a hot tub is available for guests, as well as a fitness center. Free WiFi is provided. A flat-screen cable TV is provided in each air-conditioned room at La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites Prescott Conference Center. Complete with a microwave, the dining area also has a refrigerator. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. At La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites Prescott Conference Center a free breakfast is served each morning. Other facilities offered include luggage storage. The property offers free parking. Prescott National Forest is 13 mi away from this hotel. Smoki Museum is 4.5 mi away.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Conference Center Prescott

Overlooking the town of Prescott, Arizona, this resort and spa offers stunning views of the Prescott Valley and surrounding mountains as well as an exciting casino and luxurious guest rooms. Prescott Resort &amp; Conference Center features a full-service health club and salon with a salt-water swimming pool, sauna, spa services and more. The resort's helpful staff can arrange tee times at the nearby Prescott Country Club, horseback riding or adventurous jeep tours. At the on-site casino, guests can choose from 300 slots or play a game of poker. The guest rooms at the Prescott Conference Center are decorated with artwork inspired by the Yavapai Native American Tribe and the area's beautiful scenery. Guests will feel pampered with amenities such as premium Dolcè Vitaô bedding, down comforters and Judith Jackson bath products. After a busy day, guests can relax while watching a movie on the flat-screen TV or with an in-room massage.

Prescott Resort

Accommodations 

<a href="https://www.experienceprescott.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to access Prescott's official tourist guide </a>

Best Hikes & Outdoor Spots

Prescott is known for combining lakes + mountain terrain in one place, making it ideal for casual exploring or more active hikes Watson Lake + The Granite Dells – iconic Prescott landscape with massive rock formations and kayaking options Thumb Butte Trail – short but rewarding hike with sweeping views Lynx Lake – peaceful forested lake, great for a slower morningGoldwater Lake – shaded trails and picnic spotsPeavine Trail – easy, scenic walking/biking trail along the water

Unique Places to Eat

Downtown Prescott is full of locally owned restaurants clustered around the courthouse square. Farm Provisions – elevated farm-to-table, one of the best dinners in townRaven Café – laid-back, artsy, great for brunch or coffeeThe Local – modern American with a cozy atmosphereEl Gato Azul – tapas-style, very fun for groupsBill’s Pizza – casual but locally loved (and surprisingly memorable)

Bars, Whiskey Row & Speakeasies

Whiskey Row – historic strip of bars with true Old West energy (once had 40+ saloons) The Palace Saloon – oldest bar in Arizona, very classicThe Fire &amp; Sword Speakeasy – hidden, moody, one of the coolest spots in townBack Alley Wine Bar – relaxed and intimateMatt’s Saloon – live music + dancing, very Prescott

Museums & Art

Sharlot Hall Museum – best place to understand Prescott’s historyPhippen Museum – Western art, very on-theme for the areaFort Whipple Museum – small but interesting historical stop Downtown Galleries – scattered around Courthouse Square, easy to wander

Downtown & Easy Exploring

The square is really where Prescott comes alive—music, markets, and people gathering under the trees Courthouse Square – the center of town with shops, cafés, and eventsFarmers Market (seasonal) – great for a relaxed morningAntique shops + boutiques – fun to wander without a plan

Memorable Experiences

Kayaking at Watson Lake – especially at sunsetPuzzle Rides (escape room on wheels) – quirky and surprisingly funGhost tours downtown – if you like history with a twistHorseback riding in Prescott National Forest

Where can guests learn more about horseback riding options?There are several great local outfitters that offer guided horseback riding experiences in and around Prescott. We recommend checking out: Yavapai Trail Adventures – offers guided trail rides of varying lengths, including private and half-day experiences Foothills Ranch – a more rustic, working ranch experience with scenic rides through the Bradshaw Mountains You can also explore general options and tips through local guides like <a href="https://www.experienceprescott.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Prescott tourism site,</a> which highlights a range of rides for all experience levels—from beginner-friendly scenic rides to more adventurous terrain

Things to do in Prescott

Registry

Your presence is truly the greatest gift. If you feel inclined to give, we’ve created a registry and honeymoon fund to help us start this next chapter together.

Honeymoon Fund

Can I bring a plus-one?

Due to space and planning considerations, we’re only able to accommodate the guests listed on each invitation. We truly appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Are children invited?

We’re so happy to include children at our church ceremony and would love for them to be part of that moment. Due to space and seating limitations at the cocktail hour and reception, we will be hosting an adults-only evening. We truly appreciate your understanding and support.

When is the RSVP deadline?

We kindly ask that you RSVP at your earliest convenience. The RSVP deadline is May 10th.

Will the event be indoors or outdoors?

We’ll be starting with an indoor ceremony at the church, followed by an indoor-outdoor reception so you can enjoy a bit of both. Prescott evenings tend to cool off after a warm day, so a light layer may come in handy.

Will there be assigned seating?

Seating at the church ceremony will be open, so feel free to sit wherever you’d like. For the reception, we will have assigned seating, and you’ll be able to find your table when you arrive.

Will there be dinner, and what type?

Absolutely. We’ll start with light bites during cocktail hour, followed by a buffet-style dinner. And for those still on the dance floor later in the evening, we’ll be serving up local wood-fired pizza!

What airport should I fly into?

The most convenient option is Prescott Regional Airport (PRC), just a short drive from the venue. If you’re looking for more flight availability, Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is about a 2-hour drive and an easy route up to Prescott.

Are rental cars recommended?

Yes, we recommend renting a car if you’re flying in. Prescott is a smaller town, and having your own transportation will make it easier to get between the airport, hotel, and wedding events. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, but can be limited—especially later in the evening.

Is there an open bar?

Yes, enjoy the open bar. We’ll have wine, beer, standard liquor drinks, and a custom cocktail for both the bride and groom.

Is there a preference for gifts vs. honeymoon funds?

Your presence is truly the greatest gift to us, and we are grateful for anything you choose to give. If you feel inclined, we would love contributions toward our honeymoon to help us create lasting memories together. For convenience, we have also registered at Target for those who prefer a traditional gift.

Elise & David

Elise & David

Photos