In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Chelsea Gibson, Editor-in-Chief of Arizona Bride, sit down with Mary Hotaling, Sales Manager at Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona. With a background in hospitality that spans from Napa Valley to the Sonoran Desert, Mary shares her expert insight on how to create a wedding that flows beautifully—from ceremony to final toast.
Mary dives into what makes Ocotillo such a standout Arizona wedding venue, from its lush, resort-style setting to its two distinct ceremony locations: a serene waterfront lawn and an upper terrace perfect for al fresco dining and cocktail hour. Unlike many golf course venues, Ocotillo was designed with weddings in mind, offering a highly intentional experience for couples and guests alike.
Listeners will learn what it takes to execute a seamless wedding day, including the role of a required planner, how to prevent guest fatigue with smart event flow and why vendor collaboration is key to success. Mary also shares trending ideas in food and beverage—like passed gelato, satellite bars and signature welcome drinks—made possible by Ocotillo’s full-service scratch kitchen and hospitality-forward approach.
As the episode wraps, Mary reflects on her personal experience planning her daughter’s wedding and offers heartfelt advice to fellow parents: trust your team, stay present and let the couple lead the way. Whether you're newly engaged or deep in planning, this episode is packed with helpful takeaways and thoughtful guidance on how to plan a truly unforgettable wedding day.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
- What sets Ocotillo apart from other Arizona wedding venues
- Smart layout strategies for keeping guests engaged all day long
- Why planners are essential for a smooth wedding at golf clubs
- Tips for making cocktail hour feel personal, fun, and fast
- How to curate a vendor team that understands your venue
- A mother-of-the-bride’s best advice for staying calm and present
Produced by Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com
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