Stephanie + Ronen live in Sydney, but wanted a quintessential desert destination wedding to pay tribute to Stephanie’s roots as a California native. They dreamed of the vibe feeling more casual, like an epic backyard party, with the most beautiful desert + mountain views. And they created a setting that was unique to them by embracing the spirt of their surroundings and only including the most fitting details for a Palm Springs affair. We wanted color, succulents, Dean Martin, bougainvillea and Mexican food, says Stephanie. And with details like those, she is definitely speaking our language!
Since S + R were planning from afar AND had recently had a baby, hiring a kick-ass wedding planner was beyond crucial. Tori + her team at Sitting in a Tree brought their dream setting to life and we have to admit, we’re thrilled that we get to relive it ourselves through Studio Castillero’s stunning captures from the day!
Steph’s understated Grace Loves Lace dress was a perfect fit for the laid back setting, don’t ya agree?
When we think Palm Springs, we tend to also think Siren Floral Co.! Their florals always seem to be a perfect representation of desert-chic. Just check out all those gorgeous colors!
Such a perfect little family moment…
There truly were so many… The ceremony itself was definitely up there, seeing each other all dressed up and knowing that the day had finally come. Ronen looked so handsome. Our dear friend Colin officiated and created the most beautiful and hilarious tribute to Ronen and I. It was incredibly special having a close friend perform the ceremony, which gave it that unique and personal touch that we were hoping for. He had the crowd laughing and crying. Ronen and I joke that Colin and his “performance” stole the entire show. There were also a few surreal minutes immediately after the ceremony where my husband and I were surrounded by the joyful faces of our family and friends all congratulating us. This is the moment that made our hearts swell and our heads spin. Somebody then handed us each a glass of champagne…I then took a deep breath and tried to take it all in. I think above all though, it was just so rad to be able to experience family and friends from high school, college, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, all over the US, and Southeast Asia all coming together. We had our best friends from literally around the world all to ourselves for one weekend. I honestly can’t think of anything better and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Processional: Catch the Wind by Donovan and That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding
Recessional: Modern Love – David Bowie
First Dance: Girl From the North Country – Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
We’re really digging the modern feel of those pretty desert place settings.
And don’t miss their wedding film captured by Austin Hendrix!
We believe that good photography is everything. And photographic style is such a personal thing. Find a photographer that you absolutely are in love with and lock them in. This is priority number one in my mind. We were fortunate enough to have our favorites, super rad couple Rachel and Rico Castillero of Studio Castillero, available for our day. Also, the day goes by in the blink of an eye. Everybody tells you that. The fewer things and formalities that you “have” to do (cake cutting, garter tossing, super long ceremony, a million speeches, etc) the more time you have to socialize with the people that you love and perhaps don’t get to see very often. Doing our photos before the ceremony also helped free up time afterward for this and eased those pre-wedding jitters! Lastly, don’t obsess over silly details and try to enjoy every second!
photography: Studio Castillero // venue name: Gene Autry House at The Parker, Palm Springs, California // event design: Sitting in a Tree // planning: Sitting in a Tree // florals: Siren Floral Co. // wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace // hair stylist: Brie Leach Crouse // makeup artist: Brie Leach Crouse // videography: Austin Hendrix // catering: The Parker // cake: The Parker // music: Austin Hendrix // officiant: friend, Colin Cunio
this is just pure awesomeness!
This ceremony site is amazing, and the flowers lining the aisle make it even better. My favorite photo is the one of the baby playing with the flowers though. :-)
Awesome!