From this moment on, when I think of Palm Springs, I’ll think of this vibrant beauty. It’s literally bursting at the seams with pretty. From the insane florals from Arrangements Party & Floral Designs to the stunning setting of The Parker Palm Springs (one of the most stylish venues ever), everything sitting in this gallery (captured beautifully by Jen Lauren Grant from Birds Of A Feather Photography) is pin-worthy to say the very least, and you can see it all here.
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From the Bride…Parker and I wanted to choose a venue that would give all of our family and friends an excuse to get away for a memorable weekend. Our vision was to have a space that would invite a fun, relaxed yet stylish and elegant vibe to our celebration and somewhere that reflected our personalities at the same time. The two of us had been together just shy of ten years before we got married so to say it was a much-anticipated celebration by everyone closest to us would be an understatement.
After a surprise engagement on a trip to Thailand we immediately knew The Parker Palm Springs was the perfect destination for our vision. Both growing up in Southern California, it was place we frequented together for sun-soaked weekend getaways and we couldn’t wait to share it. Quickly, it became apparent the our venue, designer of our bridesmaids dresses and my fiancé had one theme in common – they carried the same name, Parker, so we went with it.
I couldn’t have dreamt of a better wedding day. Even with guest delays due to road closures in preparation for a desert visit from the US President, a major magazine cover shoot spread throughout our venue grounds and some rather higher than expected rising desert temperatures, I still wasn’t fazed. Just as most brides do, I had put so much time and creative energy into the day that I had become somewhat worried how it’d all come together and yet it did surprisingly with ease. Thanks to our parents, friends and our kick-ass group of partners that are not only talented but are downright cool cats that completely helped to paint our day.
Our wedding day flew by and there’s a reason that everyone warns you of it – because it does. In a blink of an eye it went from of the most anticipated days to a profound life-changing memory.
Some wise words for couples counting down their days: Make a conscious effort to really observe the special moments. It’s easy to get sucked into the force of the day so remember to savor it, together. Also, capture your wedding on film. Period. No matter how big or small your budget is, make it happen. Compromise in another area of your wedding if you have to. You will thank yourself for the rest of your life. Lucky for us, my amazing and uber-talented brother, who’s in the film industry gave us our most cherished gift. He had an industry friend capture the footage so he could enjoy the day with us then he created it. We watch it on the regular and my heart skips a beat every time.
As anticipated, our guests did not disappoint. We danced the night away to great music, sipped cocktails and topped off the party with a freshly baked sugar high from donuts made by our favorite local bakery (coincidentally, our wedding date happened to fall on National Donut Day). A late night pool party followed into the wee hours and I’d be lying if I said that the father-of-the-bride did not drive a bicycle into the pool.
I’m not sure if it was the lure of the warm desert night, the dinner party under the stars, a dose of the old-Hollywood charm or if there was simply something in the water but I have to say love was certainly the air and it turned out to be one heck of a party. I feel like we floated through the day; surrounded by our most favorite people and so much love…and I’d do it all over again if I could.
Photography: Birds of a Feather | Videographer: Colton Schropp | Event Planning: Liz Beck Events | Floral Design: Arrangements Floral & Party Designs | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Invitations: Ladyfingers Letterpress | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: Parker | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Grooms Attire: Vera Wang | Bride + Bridesmaid's Earrings: Double Happiness Jewelry | Bride's Bracelet: Chanel | Catering + Cake: The Parker Palm Springs | Donuts: Donut Bar | Location: The Parker Palm Springs | Musicians: Otherwise Strings | Save-the-Dates: Serendipity Beyond Design