Moroccan-Mediterranean Korakia Pensione Wedding: Gabby + Alex – Part 2

korakia pensione wedding

Did you guys catch part one of today’s incredible wedding, captured by Studio Castillero? If not, you’ll definitely want to check that out first to see the fashion, florals, and location from this wedding in full detail! For part two, we’re excited to share Gabby + Alex’s dreamy ceremony + amazing, camp-inspired reception. Gabby was the text book definition of a DIY bride, styling incredible vignettes + crafting her fingers to the bone to ensure everything would be just right. And Korakia Pensione (also featured in our Top 26 Coolest Places to Get Married) was the perfect canvas for all of the incredible Moroccan-Mediterranean inspired details that ended up being incorporated throughout. Before we dive into all the pretty photos, let’s hear a bit more about the design process from Gabby:

I think what made our wedding interesting and personal was watching the day unfold. We had good friends and family involved in almost all creative aspects of our wedding. From the florals, to the music, to building the chuppah, to our six amazing cakes, we depended on our family and friends to make it happen. To see all the talent come together was incredible and the end product truly reflected us as a couple.

camp korakia

wedding chuppah

desert florals

#campkorakia

desert essentials

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

When we began planning our wedding, tradition wasn't our focus. To our surprise, our favorite moments included: the ceremony (with my older brother as our officiant), the dancing (music played by good friends) and the cake cutting (the most amazing array of log cakes that were presented on a huge wooden board accessorized by sparklers - quite a production).

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione ceremony

korakia pensione wedding

bride and groom

Seriously in love with Gabby’s look!

lace edged veil bride

goblet


Much of the wedding was planned with their guests’ comfort in mind, so little details like wool throws doubling as escort cards, ensured everyone would stay warn on the cool desert night.

blankets to keep warm

korakia pensione wedding

indigo dyed napkins

indigo dyed napkins


I treated our wedding like a brand (I know, not that romantic right?). I created a logo for our weekend, which will now always be remembered as “Camp Korakia.” I started with the details (the logo, ceramics, cacti, geodes, bandanas, Weck jars, carnations and lilies, log cakes, just to name a few) and let the theme grow from there. In styling, I fell in love with the hotel aesthetic, but wanted to find a subtle contradiction to the Moroccan decor that sets the Korakia mood. That’s where the “campy” theme really flourished. I went for contrast – stark black & white bandanas (as napkins) placed against warn wooden tables and pottered/ceramic centerpieces (a year’s worth, collected by the MOB). I didn’t want to compete with the natural landscape, but still wanted the details to show through. 

fur chair

desert tablescape

mixed vases

reception rugs

succulents

table number

thistles

korakia pensione wedding

bandana napkin

korakia pensione wedding


Cacti, wax flower, thistle, and banksia felt like a fit for the desert surroundings + held up perfectly in the afternoon heat.

potted flowers

korakia pensione wedding

korakia pensione wedding

drink menu


The reception was filled with even more fun surprises. Casablanca projected on the white wall of a Korakia bungalow during the reception + flaming sparklers surrounded the dance floor + cake table!

entrance

first dance

dancing

sparkler log cakes

sparkler log cakes

sparkler log cakes

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

- I know there are many factors in choosing a wedding venue, but try to find a place that you both can picture being able to relax and enjoy all the wonderful moments of your day.

- A week before the wedding (or even just a couple days before) take time for you and your soon-to-be husband (key words: day-of coordinator).

- Organize your inspiration - I created a separate inspiration board for each wedding category - dress style, bridesmaids style, florals, cakes. This really helped to explain my vision to our vendors.

photography: Studio Castillero // venue name: Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs, California // florals: The Bloomery Co. // wedding dress: Claire Pettibone // bridesmaid dresses: Reformation // hair stylist: Lauren Lancaster // makeup artist: Lauren Lancaster // groom attire: GANT // videography: Broken Bridge Collective // paper goods: Gabriella Nourse Comley (the bride) RUTHKIND // calligraphy: The Bloomery Co. // catering: Cheeky's // cake: Beezoo -- [email protected] // music: Dj Glowing Andy -- [email protected] // stylist: Gabriella Nourse Comley (the bride) RUTHKIND // wedding shoes: Alexander Wang // rentals: Planks & Patina // day-of coordinator: Anna Dewey Greer -- [email protected]

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