This Couple Let Their World Travels Inspire Their Vibrant Wedding and Its “Colorful Formal” Dress Code

When world travels and wedding planning collide, the result is a celebration full of so much color + an adventurous spirit.

At least that’s what happened in Palm Desert, California when newlyweds Lauren + Dylan tied the knot at the stunning Stone Eagle.

“We were together for nearly twelve years before our wedding, so it was a long time coming!” the couple says. “During those twelve years, we traveled the world (25+ countries, 5 continents) and followed our passions (Lauren writing/producing in Hollywood, Dylan operating and owning a surf school business, Aqua Surf).”

Planners + event designers from COJ Events collaborated with Lauren + Dylan to translate their decade-plus of romance and international exploring into a vibrant vision their guests could experience first-hand.

“Our inspiration was our true individual passions and our experiences traveling together, bridging our love for nature adventures with the vibrant colors and cultures we have seen around the world,” say Lauren + Dylan. “We wanted to create an experience from start to finish that would be impactful with adventure, color, and most importantly, was uniquely ‘us.’”

The creative color-shock floral arrangements full of interesting insects + fresh fruits. The multicolor silk parasols guests put to use during the sunny ceremony. Lauren’s bombshell bridal style (a versatile double-silhouette wedding dress and overskirt PLUS a pearly, feathery reception mini dress). These are all elements of this modern + playfully elegant wedding that we simply can’t get out of our heads.

Oh, and the dress code? “Colorful formal.” So all of the guests brought their boldest looks to the table.

“Our day was vibrant, exotic, personal, fun, and real,” the happy couples says, and we couldn’t agree more. So, what are we waiting for?! Adventure awaits. Let’s take a look at these brilliant photos from Hannah Greenwood.

What could be more fabulous than prepping for the Big Day in coordinated feather sleeve robes?? We’re obsessed. Our brand new guide to the Best Bridesmaid Pajamas Sets + Cute Getting Ready Outfit Ideas has tons of inspo you need to see, too!

Why yes, this incredible boutonniere features a real beetle! And it’s just the beginning of the one-of-a-kind floral masterpieces that Cobra Lily created for Lauren + Dylan’s wedding.

“I wore custom diamond & pearl wedding earrings,” Lauren says. “The pearls we got at Komodo Island in Indonesia, which we brought back together years before.” And they look so perfect paired with the pearl hairpins in this chic low bun bridal updo.

Cobra Lily went full throttle with the COLOR in this bouquet!

These bridesmaid dresses were a shining example of the balance between maximalist color and a chic silhouette. Look through our favorite floral bridesmaid dresses if you’re digging the pops of pattern in this palette.

“Lauren’s bouquet was stunning, exotic, and delicate, with a personal photo charm of her father who had passed away,” the couple recalls.

A Moment Together Before

“We knew we wanted to do a first look and family photos before the ceremony,” Lauren says of how the day’s timing impacted her different bridal looks. “I still wanted to surprise Dylan, so I opted for Eva Lendel‘s Lika dress. I wore the tight silhouette for the first look and family photos which fit the chic Palm Desert tone…”

“…and I added the wedding veil and dramatic overskirt to walk down the aisle. Not only was Dylan (and guests) surprised, but the only photos with the “complete look” are with Dylan (during and post-ceremony).”

“I wore a bright blue bespoke suit from Art Lewin,” says Dylan. “The color worked well with our vibrant florals while contrasting with the desert backdrop. My coat and shirt were personalized with our wedding date as well.”

A Sun-Drenched Ceremony

Lauren + Dylan had Indian printed silk parasols and white hand fans ready to keep each of their guests cool + shady at the sunny hilltop ceremony.

“When we visited the venue for the first time, we saw a roadrunner, hummingbirds, and butterflies. We knew this venue was more ‘us,'” Lauren + Dylan say. “We loved the beautiful desert natural vista, and equally, the safari jeep ride our guests had to take to get to the ceremony spot. It was very adventurous and set the tone from the very beginning. Our guests said: ‘Of course we need to take a safari jeep to this wedding!'”

“The umbrellas were one of our unexpected highlights,” the couple shares. They make such unique wedding favors and look amazing in pics!

There’s that GORGEOUS overskirt!

“Lauren’s brother walked her down the aisle as well as officiated,” remember Lauren + Dylan. “It was special and efficient!”

Our Advice
While it's so easy to be caught up in being overly accommodating for the guests, remember the guests are there for you to celebrate your love. The more you focus on your personalities, experiences, and love story, the more creative and original your day will be. The best complement we received is that our wedding was "so us." And for brides, Lauren highly recommends a dress with an overskirt if you're looking for two looks in one!

The Reception

Our Favorite Memory
Having a private moment after the ceremony to watch the sunset together for about 20 minutes. It was a beautiful, calm moment that allowed us to soak it all in before the fun began.

“Our guests understood the assignment!” say Lauren + Dylan of how their friends + fam used the “colorful formal” dress code to add lots of vibrant looks to the day.

Pro wedding guest tip: we’ve got style guides to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of semi-formal wedding attire, black tie optional looks, and black tie dress codes if you’re looking to stun like Lauren + Dylan’s invite list did.

Something Lauren + Dylan really loved about their day? “Incorporation of real butterflies into the florals (an homage to Dylan’s love of insects) as well as tropical fruits like citrus, kiwis, melons  and giant papayas which reminds us of our trips to Indonesia.”

“Cobra Lily is a true artist,” the couple says, “and embraced the opportunity to go all in when incorporating creative elements in his floral art.”

“We served appetizers that were both desert and travel influenced, starting with dressed up rattlesnake sausage bites (from Wurstkuche) as well as “classic” cultural dishes we’ve enjoyed abroad (like Indonesian inspired Gado Gado tofu skewers and Indian inspired Tandori chicken skewers),” say the newlyweds of the day’s internationally inspired fare.

Our Musical Choices
Processional
Dylan and family walked to "Come & Get Your Love" by Redbone and bride/brother walked to "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. The first song was fun and upbeat (family dance-walked down the aisle) and then it switched to more emotional.
Recessional
"Lil Boo Thang" by Paul Russell
First Dance
"Safe & Sound" by Capital Cities. We loved that song in college (and even saw them perform). Plus, the lyrics hold true!

Q: What could be *sweeter* than a darling, heart-shaped vintage wedding cake?

A: Absolutely nothing. 🍰

As the party really got started, Lauren switched into this feather + pearl reception dress by Nadine Merabi which she pared with sheer bridal gloves and some super cute bridal sneakers.

“We had a live saxophonist and bongo player for the reception courtesy of Dart Collective,” say Lauren + Dylan of the evening’s dance party, which was brilliantly lit by Perfect Touch Inc.

Congratulations, Lauren + Dylan! Your Palm Desert “I do’s” were such a creative tribute to your love and your travels! We loved every vibrant detail. Congrats from GWS!