This is a story of when a fashionista fell for a surfer…sounds like the opening of a good beach read, right?! It’s actually the opening to this perfectly gorgeous Palm Springs wedding — the story of Ali and her Max. The day came together in perfect harmony between the couple’s passions and style: feminine chic details (hello, bridesmaids in white) meet surf culture decor (boards in place of a guest book)! But design aside, A + M put their priority on people, planning an epic weekend for the folks whom they loved the most. Ali filled us in:
Our goal was to have everyone we love in one place for the entire weekend. We wanted to create a weekend-long experience, not just one event. We knew that our wedding would be fun no matter where it was because of the people, but to make the wedding uniquely us, it was all about the details. The Parker Palm Springs was the perfect combination of playful yet chic. What we loved about the Parker was its laid back, intimate, and stylish vibe. You could get lost on the tropical grounds and find hidden nooks everywhere – it felt like a super classy adult playground. Not just a venue, it was truly an experience. From the grapefruit trees and gorgeous overgrown bougainvillea to the snow dusted mountains above, the lush landscape provided the perfect home for our wedding weekend.
With brilliant design by RO & Co. Events, the day was beautifully photographed by Jana Williams Photography. Let’s have a look!
Bridesmaids in White
I always knew I wanted to do bridesmaids in white. White represents light, love and new beginnings, and I just love the way it all looks together. The lush tropical greenery at The Parker provided the perfect background for all white!
I co-founded an on-demand personal styling company called StyleLab with one of my MOHs. StyleLab helped coordinate and source dresses that represented each bridesmaid (and one brides-man)’s personal style. Our whole mission of StyleLab is to empower people with confidence and it starts with feeling good in what you’re wearing. Each of my bridesmaids, glowing in a white dress that she felt comfortable in and represented her own style, was a perfect example.
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These surf boards doubled as a guest book! So fun!
The Ceremony
Of the Flowers designed stunning sculptural pieces for the day, including these hanging painted ceremony backdrops!
Processional: Boys walked out to: One by Bob Marley and Girls walked out to Old Pine by Ben Howard
Recessional: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder
First Dance: Coming Home by Leon Bridges
AW!! Jana Williams caught this sweet shot of Ali’s brothers tearing up during the ceremony!
What I really found so special about Ali + Max is how deeply they are loved by their family and friends. This was by far the largest group I have photographed but it was so inspiring to see the love everyone shared with each other! Ali has four brothers and it was touching to see each one of them in tears as their sister married the man of her dreams.
Couple Style
Have you ever wondered how a stylist would design her own wedding look? Here’s what Ali had to say about her and Max’s unique, yet timeless, wedding-day style:
Max wore a perfectly tailored midnight blue Giorgio Armani Tux with a black lapel, black velvet Salvatore Ferragamo slides (no socks!) and an oversized black bowtie by Gucci. We chose this special Gucci bowtie to give his tux a edgy, chic look. I chose a modern yet timeless Marchesa Daffodil gown with embroidery, lace and 3D flower pedals. I wore silver Gianvito Rossi heels. All StyleLab approved!
The first look and the surprise silent disco given by my siblings are our favorite memories. Nothing beats the first look! All the anticipation and hard work that goes into the weekend was really exciting, but the first look was a gentle/special moment that reminded us what the celebration is all about.
The after party was a surprise silent disco, given by my four brothers and sister-in-law. We danced amidst the palms until the early morning. It was magical.
The Lounges
Witty Rentals provided eclectic cocktail hour furniture for the lounges, completed with A + M’s fashion and surfing coffee table books for a personal touch.
Escort cards, meet bar: it’s two birds with one stone! Guests were given their own coconut water to sip at the “Coconuts for You” escort card display as they found their seats!
The Reception
Robin of RO & Co. Events was behind the day’s design + planning, and she gave us the scoop on A + M’s stunning reception:
Ali wanted to capture the vibe of the Parker, with its desert-meets-tropical-oasis feel, but in an unexpected way. Rather than blowing out the spaces with vibrant color, we worked with the natural greenery of the property and added in high contrast black, white, and metallic details for a fresh and glamorous aesthetic. A mix of patterned black and white linens from ModMix Studio added to the high-contrast/high fashion aesthetic. Compartes Chocolate Bars, in a variety of sleek patterned packages, were the perfect sweet favors to greet guests at their place settings.
It’s all class here, with tabletop rentals from borrowed BLU, a gilded black + gold menu, and funky napkins from Hostess Haven.
Can you believe these centerpieces?! Of the Flowers’ gilded tropical leaf installations added major texture and drama to each event space including the ceremony, bars, head table and dessert display.
Enjoy the process. It can be grueling at times, but if you step back and remember what it's truly about, it will be really enjoyable. Drink wine! It makes everything more fun, including stuffing invitations and stamping envelopes. Also, let people help you when they offer.
Love on Film
This sweet film from Hoo Films captures the true joy of Ali + Max’s day! (That first look, TEARS!) All our congrats to the beautiful couple!
photography: Jana Williams Photography // venue name: The Parker, Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: RO & Co. Events // planning: RO & Co. Events // florals: Of the Flowers // wedding dress: Marchesa // bride's shoes: Gianvito Rossi // hair stylist: Alisha Cheney // makeup artist: Lindsey Dickenson // groom attire: The Black Tux and bowtie by Gucci // groom's shoes: Ferragamo // videography: Hoo Films // tabletop rentals: borrowed BLU // furniture rentals: Witty Rentals // linen rentals: La Tavola Linen // music: Patrick McArthur // officiant: Scott Shealy (friend of the couple) // dj: DJ Smiles Davis // cigar roller: The Cigar Guys // furniture + lighting rentals: Signature Party Rentals // table runner rentals: ModMix Studio // napkin rentals: Hostess Haven // favors: Compartes Chocolates // save the dates + invitations: Copper Willow Paper Studio // day-of paper goods: Prim & Pixie
Holy wow that’s one gorgeous bridal party !
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That’s one huge wedding party :)
Beautiful wedding! May I ask where you got your custom coconuts from?