The Vault

Welcome Party

The Wedding Day

Brophy Chapel

Ceremony

Arizona Biltmore

Cocktail hour

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

Helen: “Deej and I were both busy starting our careers—me as a pediatric nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and DJ in the world of commercial real estate preparing to launch his company, Integral Partners. Phoenix being the small world that it is, we matched on Hinge and figured out that our paths had crossed numerous times in the past starting in highschool at Brophy and Xavier. DJ asked me out to dinner at Tarbell’s Tavern. I spotted DJ through the window and instantly felt butterflies! From the moment we sat down, something just clicked. We took two hours to order because we couldn’t stop talking—and didn’t want to!” DJ: “I remember looking at Helen about twenty minutes into the date thinking, “something feels different about her!” The night flew by with laughter, stories, and the most genuine spark we had ever felt.” Helen: “As the night came to a close, we shared our first kiss…The very next day, I walked into work, turned to my coworkers at the hospital, and said with complete certainty: “I’m in love. I’m going to marry him.”” DJ: “That next week, I headed to Colorado for a ski trip with some friends. Helen and I spent countless hours on FaceTime each night. We shared so much over those FaceTime calls and truly fell for each other…and fast. In November of 2024, I drove out to Palm Springs, California to ask Doc and Mama Staren for their blessing with the ring that my father gave to my mother in hand.” Helen: “On the 18th hole of Paradise Valley Country Club, just before our second-anniversary celebration, DJ proposed! Our families were gathered there to witness the moment, and my oldest brother, Eddie, shared his 40th birthday, making it an even more special occasion! I cannot wait to marry my Prince Charming that I have prayed about for so many years.” As we sit to write this and plan our wedding, we still feel the magic of our first date has not ended but grown to a true love. Our sweet family and friends, we thank God for the impact that you all have had on our lives. We can’t wait to gather on March 21, 2026 to celebrate the next chapter with all of you.

Our story

Our Story

The first wedding we attended together for our friends, Jack and Emma! All of my coworkers helped me find the perfect dress for this to meet DJ’s friends. This was the night he told me he loved me…and I of course said it back!

DJ’s 28th birthday in Seattle…Go Hawks!

Our first trip to Hawaii together!

Helen’s 25th birthday in Big Bear with Mama and Papa Staren

Visiting Napa with Brian and Kim! DuMol is a Brown family favorite!

DJ made my dream come true of horseback riding in the Napa vineyards! We found one of our favorite wines on this ride at Bartholomew Estate Winery.

Our first time to Disney together!

One week before DJ proposed! Helen had no idea yet!

One of the most special moments of our lives!

Our amazing family. Not a day goes by where we don’t feel so blessed to have the love and support of all the people in this photo.

DJ thought of everything for the proposal…He reached out to my nurse manager, Dawn to get me the Monday after our engagement off. Even she was in on the surprise! He took me to L’Auberge in Sedona (one of my favorite places in the world) to extend the engagement bliss!

The day we chose our wedding venue! The Arizona Biltmore is special to both of our families and we knew it was perfect for our big day.

Dancing the night away at Hunter and Marissa’s wedding, some of our closest friends!

Our two year anniversary…at the same place, same table, and wearing the same outfits as our very first date on March 6, 2023!

Celebrating our friends, Rory and Brooke’s wedding in Laguna Beach, CA.

Photos

Amy Staren

Leslie Staren

Kaitlynn Staren

Guru Khalsa

Madison Staren

Lindsay Sobinsky

Gabby Kozlowski

Katelyn Letz

Tate Johnston

Kim Christifulli

Sara Weintraub

Michael Brown

Eddie Staren

Danny Staren

Johnnie Staren

Tony Staren

Mike Staren

Brian Christifulli

DJ Sullivan

Joe Cunningham

Matt Auran

Aiden Howard

Wedding Party

Q + A

We've secured a room block at a discounted rate here! Please use the link below to book.

Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts

We have secured a discounted rate at this hotel. You can use the link below to book!

Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore

AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore

The Camby

Travel

Tarbell's Tavern Wine Bar

A go-to Staren and Brown brunch/dinner spot for years!

Chelsea's Kitchen

Arizona Biltmore Golf Club

Phoenician Golf Club

Biltmore Fashion Park

If you’re looking for a fast and easy meal to take back to your hotel room, this is one of our favorites. Pro tip from DJ: Get extra copy cane’s sauce!

Fly Bye

Good quality wood fired pizza! A Brown family staple that now has become a Staren favorite too!

Base Pizzeria

Italian dinner that feels like you’re at the Staren house. Tell Greg we sent you! Fun fact: Johnnie proposed to Kaitlynn here!

L'Amore Ristorante

Very authentic Mexican street tacos..a fave lunch spot for Deej and Brian!

Taco Viva