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Travel Diaries: Our 13th Wedding Anniversary in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

Writer: Brooke
Brooke
Aug 15, 2025
3 min read
A smiling couple in sunglasses poses by a pool at sunset. She wears a striped romper, he wears a green shirt and white pants. Palm trees and mountains in background.
Love being married to this guy right here.

Smiling man and woman take a selfie on an airplane. She wears a beige cap and brown shirt; he wears a beige shirt. Mood is cheerful.
Happy 13th to us!

Celebrating 13 Years!


When you land in Arizona at 11 PM and it’s still 101°, you know you’re in for a scorcher. lol


Brice and I were originally planning on traveling to Scottsdale for some business meetings, but we decided to turn it into yet another one of our mini travel adventures — meeting friends we’ve connected with on Instagram and sneaking in a little anniversary getaway to celebrate 13 years of marriage.




OUR STAY IN SCOTTSDALE


Modern desert resort with beige walls, surrounded by lush gardens and cacti. Mountain range and blue sky with clouds in the background.
The beautiful Sanctuary Resort & Spa - Photo courtesy of Expedia

Sanctuary Resort & Spa


We checked into Sanctuary Resort & Spa on Camelback Mountain — and wow. I think we scored an upgrade (maybe for our anniversary… or because it was 118°). We had a sprawling suite with wooden beam ceilings, a fireplace, a balcony with mountain views, and a bubble-bath-worthy tub. Even though they offered trips on the golf carts, we enjoyed walking the grounds — heat and all.


  • Infinity edge pool with desert mountain in background
    Sanctuary Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ
  • patio restaurant at dusk in desert climate with ambient lighting
    Sanctuary Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ

Photo Left courtesy of hauteliving.com / Photo Right courtesy of luxurytravelmagazine.com



Day One


Our trip kicked off our trip with business meetings during the morning and then exploring the grounds of our resort in the afternoon.


  • woman poses on large boulder wearing sunglasses and looking towards sun
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.
  • man and woman sit on ledge posed for photo as they look into each other's eyes with palm tree in background
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.
  • man and woman pose witting on boulders and look at each other
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.
  • man and woman pose witting on boulders and smile at camera
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.
  • woman poses in cobblestone street with desert mountain in the background
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.
  • woman looks at desert environment
    Posing around the resort for scenic pics.

Posing around the resort for scenic pics.


Woman in a black shirt and jeans reaches for candy on a shelf. Red cabinets and various candies in containers fill the dimly lit space.
RaRa Room - Candy Bar

For dinner, we went to RaRa Room, Phoenix’s newest upscale restaurant, with our friends Alicia and Maurice.


The burrata salad was dreamy, but the candy room stole the show. Picture this: jars of jelly beans, boxes of chocolates, buttery popcorn, and classic movie theater candies. Brice went for Raisinets, and because I'm a sucker for sour treats, I went for sour gummy worms (naturally).










After dinner, we headed to the WNBA game — Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury — with court-side seats. I’d never been to a WNBA game before, but the energy was incredible and the game flew by way too quickly. Huge thanks to our friends for carving out time for us and making it such a memorable night!


  • friends pose in courtside basketball seats for group selfie
    Night one in Phoenix was a blast!
  • man and woman pose for photo on wnba basketball court
    Night one in Phoenix was a blast!
  • man poses with basketballs and smile on face
    Night one in Phoenix was a blast!

Night one in Phoenix was a blast!



Man sits under umbrella outside a cafe with "Breakfast Club" sign. Sunny day, terra cotta tiles, bright blue sky in the background.
Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale

Day Two


We spent day two exploring Old Town Scottsdale. We had a brunch spot in mind, but our Uber driver, a local, steered us toward a better one — Breakfast Club.


And she was right. I had a delicious omelet and Brice had the french toast. Neither of us left disappointed.








  • woman poses with coffee mug at breakfast restaurant and sign in background that says "start your day off right"
    Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale
  • man drinks coffee at restaurant table with breakfast
    Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale

Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale


We strolled through the shops of Old Town, popped into restaurants, and fully embraced tourist mode (and the sweat).


  • man walks towards street mural in downtown scottsdale, arizona
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale
  • old building in scottsdale arizona
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale
  • man and woman pose for photo with desert mountain and cacti in the background
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale
  • man and woman pose for photo with desert mountain and cacti in the background
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale
  • man and woman pose for photo with desert mountain in the background
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale
  • man and woman pose for photo with desert mountain in the background
    Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale

Touring the streets of Old Town Scottsdale


In the afternoon, we thoroughly enjoyed the infinity edge pool at our resort. It was so hot outside. It was almost impossible to be out there if you weren’t in the pool. All the staff were so friendly though and kept pitchers of cold water at our chairs by the pool so we could stay hydrated.


  • couple pose for selfie at resort pool with mountain and palm tree in the background
    Soaking up the Arizona sun the only way you can - by the pool!
  • man stands at edge of pool with mountain and palm tree in the background
    Soaking up the Arizona sun the only way you can - by the pool!

Soaking up the Arizona sun the only way you can - by the pool!


Smiling woman with sunglasses and man wearing sunglasses kiss at sunset by a modern pool. Palm trees, clear skies, and orange horizon.
Perfect short and sweet anniversary trip to celebrate 13 awesome years together.

For our anniversary dinner, we dined at Sanctuary's on-site renowned restaurant Elements. From lobster corn bisque to peach burrata, Hamachi sushi, and a perfectly cooked steak, it was flawless. We skipped dessert (too full!) but returned to our room to find champagne waiting for us — the perfect ending to a packed few days.


  • man poses in front of scottsdale street mural
    Brice in his element.
  • man sits at table in hotel room with desert background
    Brice in his element.

Brice in his element.


Brice always comes home inspired after stays like this — he loves the blending of resort-style luxury with practical residential design. If only we could keep desert plants alive in our climate, we’d be set. I can’t wait to see what ideas he brings to life from this trip!


Until next time,


Cursive text says "Brooke & Brice" in sleek black lettering on a transparent background.









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