Elopements are by definition small scale affairs. After all, the romantic part is that it’s just the two of you! But just because the guest list is small it doesn’t mean that you can’t still do the MOST.
A visionary crew of vendors based in the Palm Springs area including Mary Costa Photography and planner Samantha Dapper showed us all what it would be like to make a magical maximalist moment of an elopement with an editorial shoot at the absolutely iconic Trixie Motel.
Trixie Motel, a colorful theme room wonderland of a restored vintage motel, is the punny, pink brainchild of drag superstar Trixie Mattel. The whole place is a kitschy, quirky explosion of pinks and patterns, and it provided the perfect balance for all of this shoot’s seriously chic, retro-inspired energy.
And if you want a peek behind the curtain into how this pink paradise came to be, check out the making-of design + decor show Trixie Motel on Discovery+ or Max!!
Okay! Let’s check out Mary Costa Photography’s dreamy photos!
Iris & Marie Letterpress created all of the shoot’s fun and funky paper goods including these pink and red scallop-edged beauties.
Need a fun way to decide what your wedding stationary style is gonna be? Find out your dream wedding invite according to your zodiac sign!
These bright, citrus-tone florals by Shindig Chic added the perfect pop against all of the pastel pinks you’re about to see. Plus, how great are the pearl accents added to the orchids!
Also, so into that antique heirloom ring. Check out our buyers guide to vintage engagement rings if you’re looking for some sparkle with a little bit of history.
Poolside Elopement Style
Obsessed with this pink poolside paradise!
This shoot’s models, Sunday + Leah, are a real-life couple!
Sunday’s white chunky sole platform loafers add some edge to their more tailored look and remind us of this Dirty Laundry pair from Nordstrom. And if Leah’s braided lilac block heel mule sandals are catching your eye, don’t miss this similar pair from Target
Photographer Mary Costa points out a super meaningful reason for choosing this particular venue for the shoot: “Aside from being a retro-kitschy paradise, Trixie Motel is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community – all are welcome, accepted, and celebrated there.”
We cannot get enough of Sunday’s floor-length beaded cape and the gentle shimmer it adds to their look. Check out our list of the most stunning capes for your wedding day!
Florals and pearls…a match made in heaven.
Leah’s ivory ankle-length off-the-shoulder-dress from En Blanc is such a chic silhouette. Dig into our collection of 32 puff sleeve wedding dresses you’ll love if you like the idea of a look with some drama in the sleeve department like Leah’s.
The shoot’s hair and makeup were the work of Hair by Corinne and Mink Makeup Artistry. We’re really into all of the subtle shimmer and Leah’s glamorous Old Hollywood waves and bold pink lip.
Grab some pink heart-shaped pool floats to recreate this fun vintage-y resort vibe on your own!
Really into all of Sunday + Leah’s gold jewelry accents.
A Retro-Inspired Reception Setup
Still can’t get over these pink + red paper goods by Iris & Marie Letterpress. This menu is giving vintage Valentine vibes.
Sage green and citrus details from Table Method and handmade details by Erin Elyse Long made for a tablescape that embraced but balanced all of the pretty pink-ness of the venue.
Snag a set of orange spiral taper candles to bring this sherbert-colored setup to life yourself!
This centerpiece situation with all of its multicolor, multi-shape glassware is nonstop eccentric fun!!
Take a look through our tips for how to plan an intimate wedding if you’re thinking a little less along elopement lines and would want a few choice friends and fam to gather around a table like this one on your wedding day.
A Chic Second Look
Check out our lists of the best short and tea length wedding dresses and the our 21 fave chic bridal suits if the short and tailored vibes of Leah’s second look are speaking to you!
Sunday’s blush bow collar blouse and pink silk trousers are the definition of chic romance.
Love Leah’s switch into a pair of braided lime green block heel mule sandals!
Rocking a pair of sunnies on your big day is just undeniably cool. Take a peek at our fave bridal sunglasses!
Moi Boi made this absolutely irresistible retro-inspired wedding cakes—one of the wedding trends we’re excited to see!!
We are so in love with the way this shoot brought chic and simple style to a maximalist venue. Can’t wait to see more elopements like this one that embrace and make the most of unique and colorful spaces!!
photography: Mary Costa Photography // venue name: Trixie Motel, Palm Springs, California, USA // planning: Samantha Dapper // florals: Shindig Chic // wedding dress boutique: En Blanc // bride's ring: Vintage heirloom // hair stylist: Hair by Corinne // makeup artist: Mink Makeup Artistry // paper goods: Iris & Marie Press // handmade details: Erin Elyse Long // cake: Moi Boy // tabletop rentals: Table Method // models: Leah and Sunday
