Do you have any particular colors in mind? or a kind of "look" you're after? You've got time to do this....no worries.

I'll take any. although blues and purples are her favorites. she would love a california-ish look. esp in the court yard.

I think I like the white roses for the back wall, if they'll grow in time. should I be looking to plant in march?

Lady Banks roses do not bloom in the fall. Sorry. They bloom once per year, in the spring. Try bower vine, that might work. October is tough for blooms, it's right after summer.

For fast, easy, reliable color I'd recommend lantana.

How about some annuals? I live near Tucson and in October, the nights are cooling down and flowering annuals can do really well. I've had some nice marigolds in the fall. I think you can also plant sunflowers in late summer that will bloom in October. Even more reliable: potted annuals! Shortly before the event, buy zinnias, marigolds, petunias, geraniums, etc. and pot them up, and place the pots in any bare spots.