Villa Carmelita Wedding by Ryan Timm Photography

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From the Bride... Our wedding was nothing less than perfect. When Kyle and I first got engaged and started the wedding planning, we really made it a point to hone in on the details that would make the day special for everyone. We wanted the day to be one big party that turned our "guests" into "participants" of the day. The theme of the wedding was "Vintage Garden Romance." We incorporated big garden flowers and greens, mason jars, candelabras, lanterns and bird cages to get the complete look. Once we had the majority of the design decided on, we started our long list of DIY decorations and favors. The DIY part was what really meant the most to me because I could personalize everything. I designed coasters for each of our guests, a family friend made beautiful pieces of jewelry as gifts for the bridesmaid to wear for the wedding, and we put together welcome bags and delivered them to our guests hotels to have upon their arrival. The list goes on, but those were a few of the most time-consuming projects we took on. We were so fortunate to have such support and help from friends and family, and we honestly couldn't have done it without them.

Having a destination wedding, thousands of miles away from home, we wanted to be sure that we expressed our gratitude to our family and friends who had made the trip out to help celebrate our special day. Guests arrived as early as Tuesday to get the festivities started, so the entire week before the wedding leading all the way through the reception really was a huge party. We had rented the Villa Carmelita to host the ceremony and reception, but we also had the rehearsal dinner and a bridal brunch at the house. Our bridal party stayed at another house we had rented just a block away. Our other guests and families stayed at nearby hotels within blocks from the Villa Carmelita.

The ceremony was led by my youth pastor, Pastor Steve Spangenberg, and was also one of the most important pieces of the planning process for Kyle and me. We wanted our families closely involved, and we wanted the ceremony to be extremely personal and moving for everyone, not just us. Kyle and I wrote our own vows and had a communion service of our own, which was followed by a family prayer in which our family surrounded us around and prayed aloud. It was such a touching experience for everyone. Once we had said our "I do's" and had had our first kiss as husband and wife, we immediately started the dinner and reception, which was just up the steps of house foyer and through the sliding glass doors that led to the pool patio. A Mediterranean, family-style dinner was served, toasts were made, and the dancing began. The night ended when Kyle and I lit a wishing lantern and whisked it away into the wind just before our sparkler exit to the getaway car. Like I said before, the entire day was magical. Although there were only a few hiccups in plans throughout the day, we moved on to the next and left the mishaps behind. I truly believe that being able to "go with the flow" is one of the most important things to keep in mind throughout the entire day. Things may go unplanned — it's almost inevitable — but as long as two people are married by the end of the day and surrounded with those they love dearest, it should be considered a successful day.



Wedding Photography: Ryan Timm Photography / Wedding Venue: Villa Carmelita in Palm Springs, California / Floral Design: The David Rohr Floral Studio / Catering: Sherman's Deli & Bakery / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: The Pastry Swan Bakery / Officiant: Pastor Steve Spangenberg / Wedding Invitations + Programs: Kelly Murray / Music: Musical Affair Entertainment / Rentals + Linens: Signature Party Rentals / Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal via The Crystal Bride / Veil: David's Bridal / Hair: Bethany Messier of Rumors Salon / Makeup: SpaTerre at Riviera Palm Springs / Bridesmaids' Dresses: H&M / Groom's Attire: Macy's / Groomsmen Attire: Haggar