Can you imagine Palm Springs in the ’60s? With all the glamour of a historic celebrity hideout, it’s mesmerizing to imagine likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra enjoying cocktails by the pool. For Mebus + Mark, Palm Springs‘ appeal had deeper roots. Their legendary wedding weekend captured the retro-glam spirit through several elements, the least of which, an epic lineup of ladies in pink bridesmaids dresses! Here’s Mebus with the inspiration:
We both love bright colors, wild patterns, nature, dogs, strong drinks, and happy people – so we wanted to make that a reality. For years, my grandmother had a house in the area so Palm Springs’ history, culture, design, and overall style has always been apart of my life. When Mark walked into The Parker he fell in love with the space’s funky yet relaxed vibe. We were memorized by what we kept calling our “outdoor ballroom.” As soon as we saw it we felt comforted and awed at the same time – the lawn captured our hearts.
M + M were inspired by famed photographer Slim Aarons and BrittRenePhoto channeled that classic ’60s +’70s “socialites by the pool” vibe in images throughout the day!
The wedding kicked off with a watercolor Save the Date by Wide Eyes Paper Co. and an invitation suite by Wheres the Party OC.
Before the pink, it’s the palms! The ladies donned palm leaf pajamas as an ode to Mebus’ affinity for the Beverly Hills Hotel, another historic California hang!
It’s absolute pink perfection!
The Bridal Ballgown
Finding a wedding dress was not easy for me. I knew the shape I wanted but wasn’t finding “the one.” After dress shopping everywhere from Beverly Hills to San Francisco, my mom and I drove to San Diego on a whim. We walked into an unassuming shop and right there, I saw a dress by Japanese-inspired designer YSA Makino. I tried it on in silver and was told it could be custom made in white with the floral applique I liked. We were there a total of 25 minutes! I didn’t see the dress in white until three weeks before the wedding and the last fitting was 4 days prior!
All the Pink Bridesmaids Dresses
With 14 bridesmaids (I know, a lot), I didn’t want it to look like an army of matching girls. I also wanted everyone to feel special and pretty. So, after much deliberation, I decided to simply choose the color and let the girls pick their own style. Luckily, I have the most stylish friends! This is what I originally told them:
“Pink – bubblegum or peony pink is ideal. No blush and no hot fuchsia. Ideally, floor-length and definitely below your knees. Fancy/retro Palm Springs Chic is the vibe. Embellishments, subtle patterns, ruffles, sequins, and beading and other fun details are encouraged!”
Carousel
CarouselCeremony on the Lawn
Mebus’ mother designed all the florals and worked with a team to have them delivered and installed. She also overnighted florals from LA to create the bridal bouquet the morning of!
Processional: The Sound of Music Melody, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and Can't Help Falling in Love (String Quartet)
Recessional: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole
First Dance: The Way You Look Tonight (Live Band)
The Retro-Chic Reception
Plan the wedding as if you were a guest: spend money on things that guests will enjoy and remember. This makes for a very fun party.
Wedding planning is simply a series of decisions that have to get made, so just make them and don’t drag it out.
That car! The most perfect photo accessory!
Mebus + Mark (and her parents) collected blue and white Chinoiserie vases for a year to set the reception tables. They paired well with citrus + lemons, an ode to Mebus’ memories of the lemon trees surrounding her grandmother’s house.
A few most memorable parts of the day, as it goes by so quick: walking out in my dress to show my bridesmaids (I didn’t show anyone before the day), the vows we wrote, the visual of my dad starting his speech as the sun was setting behind him, hearing the AMAZING band play all of the songs we'd chosen, attempting a champagne tower, and the fact that all Mark wanted to do was be with me on that dance floor under the stars.
These two, just adding their own love story + epic party to the rich history of the area! All our congrats to Mebus + Mark!
And be sure to check out their rad film below by Wade Koch
photography: BrittRenePhoto // venue name: The Parker, Palm Springs, California, USA // planning: Shannon Romijn from The Parker // wedding dress: YSA Makino // bride's ring: Simon's Jewelers, St.Louis // bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu, Halston, Tadashi Shoji and Maria Lucis Hohan // hair stylist: Jose Neira // makeup artist: Make up by Keturah // groom's shoes: Gucci // videography: Wade Koch // paper goods: Wheres the Party OC // catering: The Parker // tabletop rentals: Signature Party Rentals // music: On The Beat Music Agency // officiant: Father Robert Edwards // save the date: Wide Eyes Paper Co. // custom bridesmaid fashion sketches : Anna Ravelli // welcome bag agenda painting: : Weeds and Whimsy // chargers: Anna Weatherley Designs // personalized handkerchiefs + pocket squares: Donovan Designs // coordinator/planner: Kathleen Kincade // wedding scent: Kai // rehearsal planner: Nikki Keller // welcome party invites: William Arthur // bridesmaid's pjs: Parker Palm Springs Pajamas by Sant and Abel // vintage car: Family Item
Do you have a link/brand for the bridesmaid dress all the way on the right in the 7th photo? Looking for something similar for my friend’s pink wedding!