40 x Around the Sun: A White Hot Birthday in Palm Springs

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

We fully believe in all things celebration here at GWS! Friday’s finally here? That calls for wine! Crossed everything off the list? Manicures all around! Got in a workout before work on a Monday? We’re absolutely picking up flowers on the way home. Celebrating isn’t something we tend to skimp on, so when Carlie Statsky sent over photos from her “#40xaroundthesun” weekend in Palm Springs, you better bet we were on board. Spending your 40th birthday in the dessert with your closest friends + family, eating good food and soaking up the sun? That’s speaking our language.

Carlie is a phenomenal photographer–you’ve seen her work on GWS!–and in her line of work, it’s no surprise that some of her BFF’s also happen to be talented vendors and artists. The crew all set off for the dessert to create a memorable weekend commemorating Carlie’s milestone birthday and we’re thrilled to share it here today.

Here’s what Carlie had to say about the weekend! All I wanted for my birthday was to be warm with a bunch of my nearest and dearest, so Palm Springs seemed like the perfect place to go. I feel in love with The Junipero, especially since we could rent out all of the rooms and have the whole place (and pool) to ourselves–all 13 of us! We used the style, vibe, and colors at The Junipero as the inspiration for the party, incorporating lots of whites, blues, greens and some bright yellow too. Jacquelyn and Leah from Beijos Events did the most amazing job designing and planning the whole event, and went above and beyond in creating the look and feel that I was dreaming of. I feel so lucky to have some ridiculously talented friends like them, as well as a bunch of others who not only contributed their creations to the event, but were there to celebrate with me, too. Meghann Miniello, (the beauty sporting the cutest baby bump) totally outdid herself making the watercolor invitations and menus, the acrylic signage and place cards, and the cutest custom laser cut palm swizzle sticks. Julie from Shop Leo made the rad dip dyed tassels at each place setting. The Bloom Babes brought the modern boho vibe to life by adding greenery and texture to every space, and I love how they even wove palms into the outdoor furniture :)

And why not have a photographer on hand to capture every detail and memory? Jen Rodriguez did just that for Carlie’s 40th! Let’s have a look:

calligraphy invitation

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Girls in white! Love it!!

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Spell Designs Dress

We arrived that afternoon to see everything all set up beautifully, then got dressed up in shades of white and started the celebrations by popping the champagne and taking photos around the property with Jen Rodriguez. That lady is truly as talented as she is sweet and she gave me the best birthday present a girl could ask for with all of these amazing tangible memories to keep.

palm signage

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

(We just need to say what everyone is thinking: NO WAY she is 40! Carlie, tell us your secrets, please.)

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Because white never goes out of style, here’s what we’d pack for a weekend party in the desert!

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

The Junipero sure is looking mighty fine for a weekend away…

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

blue tablescape

Look at those pretty details! The tassels from Shop Leo are so cool and Meghann Miniello totally nailed it with the menus and place cards.

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Jaime from The Junipero recommended that I reach out to Stephen Lee for catering and he came up with the perfect asian-inspired menu for a warm Palm Springs night. We topped the night off with a delicious lemon cake from Beverly’s Bakery for desert, and then jumped in the pool and stayed in there for hours. 

tropical blue cake

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

One of the highlights was when we were chasing the setting sun and arrived at this spot in the desert covered in white windmills just as the light was glowing from behind the mountains! 

Spell Designs Dress

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

It really could not have been a more perfect way to start my new decade of life. A huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved–you managed to make turning 40 a positive thing and a whole lot of fun!

Around the Sun Palm Springs Party

SO. FUN! So many ideas here for a bachelorette weekend, small wedding party, or, of course, a birthday celebration! We just love seeing how you guys celebrate life’s grandest moments, so thanks to Carlie for passing this along. Here’s to your best year yet!

photography: Jen Rodriguez // venue name: The Junipero, Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: Beijos Events // planning: Beijos Events // florals: Bloom Babes // wedding dress: Spell Designs // bride's ring: Love Tatum // hair stylist: Kelly Jones Makeup & Hair // makeup artist: Kelly Jones Makeup & Hair // calligraphy: Meghann Miniello // catering: Stephen Lee // cake: Beverly’s Bakery // tabletop rentals: Hostess Haven // indigo dip dyed tassels: Shop Leo // wine + champagne: One Hope // invitations, menus, signage, palm prints, palm swizzle sticks + escort cards: Meghann Miniello

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