A Minimal Palm Springs Wedding with a Retro Twist

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Caitlin wanted a summer wedding for the weather, while Jason wanted a fall anniversary… The two discussed having a small destination wedding or a large family affair on the East Coast. As they both have an affinity for Mid-Century architecture, which the Ace Hotel has in spades, Palm Springs was the best of both worlds! Caitlin could have her summer weather and Jason could have his fall anniversary. With that set, and the help of Jesi Haack Design + LB Events/Sarah Dollar, everything else just started to fall into place. Opting for a minimal, less frilly look with a desert vibe, palm fronds were used in lieu of traditional flower arrangements, along with earthy tones and pops of vibrant color.

Rewind to a year earlier when Jason was at a bar with his best friends… They suggested that the Jason + his buddies ride their motorcycles across the country to get to the wedding. Giddy with laughter + liquor, his friends thought the idea wouldn’t stick… Well, two weeks before the wedding day, Jason kissed Caitlin goodbye, told her he trusted any last-minute decision she would make, got on a motorcycle, and left with his friends from Brooklyn, NY.

Ready to see how the whole day came together?! Let’s take a peek at the photos captured by Mandee Johnson Photography!

colorful invitation

Corine Zach Jumpsuit

Hello modern + ultra-cool pantsuit by Corine Zach!

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Protea + palm fronds rounded out this bouquet by Jesi Haack Design.

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

modern bride

Want to make a statement? Pantsuits are definitely in vogue for modern brides!

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Caitlin: The shift between the solo moment of quiet together on our patio right after the ceremony before rushing into the most amazing party with all of our favorite people in attendance and confetti flying everywhere. The moments we made sure to spend totally present appreciating it all – together.

Jason: Walking into a room full of all of our friends and holding the hand of my wife... Seeing just how much thought and care went into every decision she made throughout those weeks.... It was beyond my expectations and it felt just like us.

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Jason said, “I wanted to earn it. I wanted it to be hard to get there. Because marrying Caitlin was the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do.

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

macrame backdrop

Dark wood chairs, a macramé backdrop, and tons of potted cactus set the stage for the ceremony.

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

We love the way the made a note of “please no cell phones/pics during ceremony!” We’re all about having an unplugged ceremony where everyone there is truly present + in the moment with the couple.

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out cover by Vitamin String Quartet

Recessional: Just Like Heaven by The Cure

First Dance: The Promise by When In Rome

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

colorful escort cards

All the paper goods were done by the bride!

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

The way the string lights dress up the interior = MAJOR *heart eyes*

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

His + hers drinks for a personalized touch to the bar!

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Tropical Palm Springs Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Trust the people you choose to work with. Have your ideas, but let them do the thing they do best. Collaboration brings out beauty you never knew could exist.

confetti

So CUTE!! Congrats, Caitlin + Jason!

photography: Mandee Johnson Photography // venue name: Ace Hotel and Swim Club, Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: Jesi Haack Design // planning: LB Events/Sarah Dollar // florals: Jesi Haack Design // wedding dress: Corine Zach // bride's shoes: Valentino // getting ready robes: Friends // hair stylist: Girl meets Bongga/Lindsay Snipes // makeup artist: Girl meets Bongga/Johcelynn Fawcett // groom attire: Alton Lane // groom's shoes: Cole Haan // paper goods: Bride, Caitlin Guendelsberger Slack // catering: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs // cake: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs // desserts: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs // music: The Flashdance/Phil Quinaz // officiant: Friend, Matt Jourdian

Explore: