Sometimes you just know.
That’s the way things went for Eleni + Daniel when they were looking for their wedding venue. “From the moment we walked through the courtyard at Korakia Pensione, we were absolutely blown away,” Eleni says. “Korakia feels like another world as if you were instantly transported to the Mediterranean.”
The Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Palm Springs, California is an actual oasis in the desert. Secret gardens with perfect views of the San Jacinto mountains. Artful architectural details. Bright pink blooming bougainvillea and candles absolutely everywhere. It was the perfect spot for Eleni + Daniel’s intimate 40-person celebration, and they just knew it.
“After seeing it, no other venue even came close,” says Eleni. “We literally called a few hours after leaving to put a deposit down, even with a few more venue tours to go.”
Eleni + Daniel braved a whole host of pandemic setbacks throughout their wedding planning process, rescheduling four times in all. Eleni’s from New York, Daniel’s from the UK, and finding a window to safely get Daniel’s family to the States for the big day proved impossible, sadly. They thought the timing would work out, but in the end they were just two days shy of the end of the UK’s travel ban.
Still, Eleni + Daniel made the most of their romantic day in Palm Springs, and, thanks to planners at The Walk Down The Aisle they pulled off an earthy yet whimsical celebration full of indie rock music and surprise virtual appearances by loved ones stuck overseas.
And photographers from Let’s Frolic Together snapped gorgeous photos all day long, so we get to take a peek!
Eleni added designer flair to her wedding day ensemble with these chic white Chanel boots.
Check out some of our favorite wedding boot ideas!
This getting ready robe is nonstop sheer, feathery glamour!! Take a look at this similar one from Etsy to add some Old Hollywood drama to your big day like Eleni.
We LOVE a unique and colorful engagement ring!! Eleni’s is STUNNING.
The First Look
Why not get a little *fresh* with your fiancé for your first look??
A sweet, sunny secret garden moment.
Daniel’s super-cool slate blue suit is from The Kooples.
Eleni’s beautiful blonde waves and bold brow makeup look are by Elwynn + Cass. Her Swarovski crytal hairpiece by Lelet NY adds edgy elegance to her look.
Eleni + Daniel’s original wedding date was April 4th, 2020. Eleni had said yes to a simple, minimalist dress she loved despite having dreams of something bigger and bolder. When the pandemic shut the world down just two weeks before their date, the bridal boutique where Eleni had found her dress asked her to come pick it up in mid-alterations. Trying on her unfinished, half-altered dress amidst the chaos of an indefinitely postponed wedding and a global shutdown was a crushing moment. So when wedding planning started up again Eleni took it all as a sign to go for her dream dress!! That’s what led her to this absolute masterpiece of a shimmery, full-skirt, open back gown by Berta. We LOVE the intricate all-over lace and high-neck silhouette!!
Don’t miss Daniel’s rad chunky-soled wedding shoes by Sandro Moscoloni. This loafer-style pair has a similar vibe if you’re into the look!
Florist Layered Vintage embraced an earthy, soulful color palette for the day’s flowers and was not afraid to work dark, moody colors into arrangements like Eleni’s textured bridal bouquet.
These velvet bridesmaid dresses came from Baltic Born, and the groomsmen’s suits are J. Crew!
The Ceremony
A clever way to work flowers into your day: have some floating in a fountain!!
No ceremony arch needed when your backdrop is this architectural gem of a Moroccan-style doorway!
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Knee Socks" by Arctic Monkeys
Recessional: "Get Back" by The Beatles
First Dance: "I Wanna Be Yours" by Arctic Monkeys
There are so many reasons to opt for intimate “I do’s.” Check out these intimate wedding planning tips if you’re leaning towards a smaller invite list.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now From Eleni: "As a millennial, the generation of our parents expect things to be done as they've experienced them. They expect the traditional wedding, bridal shower, having a big say in the guest list, and so on. What we experienced and what our friends are experiencing right now is you have to level-set with your folks or guardians from the get-go. Clearly communicate what you want and that this will make you happy and planning will be a breeze! My mom was shocked when I told her I didn't want a bridal shower, instead I went for paella and cocktails with my friends, then hit a few local bars - it was the best non-bridal shower I could've asked for."
The Reception
We love the simplicity of this glass bottle seating chart!
Furniture rentals from Signature Party Rentals like these worn wood tables and mismatched guest chairs added tons of earthy charm.
How magical are those market lights worked into the greenery garland full of hanging florals!!
Wildhouse Ink is behind the day’s simple, elegant paper goods like these menus. And how incredible does this menu by F10 Catering and Events sound?! F10 is also behind Eleni + Daniel’s favorite steakhouse, Mr. Lyons. The afterparty took place at their speakeasy, Seymour’s!
Tabletop rentals from Planks & Patina embraced the warm, moody color palette. Eleni + Daniel were aiming for the perfect combo of dramatic and minimal, and they NAILED it.
These B&W plates!! Snag a set for yourself here if you’ve got as big of a crush on them as we do.
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding The first look for both of us was our most memorable moment, the build up and anticipation, coupled with nerves all melted away once we saw each other. Despite doing the first look we both felt so much emotion walking down the aisle. We had to postpone our wedding 4 times due to the pandemic, Dan is British and our final postponement date we felt was safe from the UK travel ban. It wasn't, we were 2 days shy. We were devastated but our UK family assured us to go ahead with our day. During the dinner, a projector was suddenly turned on facing one of the beautiful stone walls, and then appeared Dan's grandad Ron with a video speech. We laughed and cried, and were so pleasantly surprised. Then came Dan's mum, who recorded a speech complete with outfit changes, different hairstyles, and cocktails - it was such a gift and made it feel as though they were there.
This moody Moroccan celebration was well worth the wait!! Congratulations from GWS, Eleni + Daniel!!
photography: Let's Frolic Together // venue name: Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs, CA, USA // planning: The Walk Down the Aisle - Trish Jones // florals: Layered Vintage // wedding dress: Berta // wedding dress boutique: L'Fay Bridal // hairpiece: Lelet NY // bride's shoes: Chanel // bridesmaid dresses: Baltic Born Clothing // hair stylist: Elwynn + Cass // makeup artist: Elwynn + Cass // groom attire: The Kooples // groom's shoes: Sandro Shoes // groomsmen attire: J.Crew // paper goods: Wildhouse Ink // catering: F10 Catering & Events // cake: Cakes By Roman/Over the Rainbow Desserts // tabletop rentals: Planks & Patina // furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals // specialty rentals: Sky Wild // music: Dart Collective // officiant: Randy Lioz // rentals: Archive Rrentals
