This stunning wedding was just full of surprises! Bride Eileen and Groom Mark were as disappointed as any other COVID couple when they decided to postpone their wedding. When it finally felt safe to say “I Do” in front of friends and family, no detail was left overlooked! Their Cinco de Mayo wedding was heavily influenced by their Filipino culture. Tropical fruits, florals, and fashion made this wedding feel straight out of a jungle – even in the desert!
Pursue Love Design Co. helped the couple make their wedding dreams a reality. With a venue as versatile as The Lautner Compound, it was easy to transform the venue into the couple’s very own paradise. Photographer Lex and the Lotus used her magic to bring every picture to life in full, vibrant color. Let’s get into it!
Flower Power
Behind many blushing brides, you’ll likely find a group of loving, supportive women. Eileen kicked off her wedding day with some of her favorite women, all of whom were wearing the cutest matching robes!
I always knew that I wanted a clean and modern silhouette. I went to three bridal shops and probably tried on over two dozen dresses. But I ended up buying the third dress I tried at Sarah Seven. Because of its simplicity, I accessorized it with a cape and a headpiece custom-made by my florist. I wanted to have an all-white look to contrast with the colorful floral dresses worn by my bridesmaids.
Florals were the name of the game! Each bridesmaid was decked out from head to toe in stunning floral patterns. If you’re feeling on the fence about mismatched bridesmaid dresses, this is your sign to go for it!
The flower power doesn’t stop there! Each bridesmaid (and the woman of honor, herself!) was adorned with the sweetest bouquets designed by Still Carnations.
Looking great, fellas! For each bridesmaid’s bouquet, the groomsmen had coordinated boutonnieres.
Love at First Sight
Mark and Eileen shared the absolute sweetest first look. The smiles on their faces are everything! Not only were they seeing each other for the first time as bride and groom, but as style icons, too!
The ceremony decor was sleek and simple. The green lawn was neatly lined with ghost chairs, and parasols were provided to protect guests from the desert sun.
Our Musical Choices
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Party in the Desert
Our Favorite Memory
We’ve planned our wedding meticulously from the dream venue to the perfect cake, flowers, but nothing can prepare you for the rush of emotions that happen during the ceremony. Reading our vows to one another felt intimate. Being surrounded by our family and friends who have known us throughout our ten-year relationship, was the perfect backdrop for us to promise our future to each other. It’s truly a moment we won’t forget.
Eileen’s beautiful gown flowed effortlessly in the desert wind. She’s such a true beauty!
Communicate your vision to each other. It’s important that both the bride and groom’s personalities shine through in the event. Pick vendors that align with your vision and aesthetics and place your trust in them. If you can afford it, do an open bar and when the day comes, just enjoy it. The pictures look better when the bride and groom look like they’re having the best time of their lives.Our Advice
Let there be color! Despite being in the desert, this wedding was certainly not lacking in color and life. Eileen and Mark initially planned to have a monochromatic wedding with a neutral color palette. After COVID derailed their original plans, color felt like the only way to go.
Incorporating the couple’s Filipino heritage was an integral part of the wedding. Fruits like tangerines, dragonfruit, and bananas alluded to the tropical nature of the Philippines.
The Filipino elements didn’t stop with fruit! Flowers were equally important in representing the couple’s culture.
Why have one cake when you can have three?! These beautiful cakes by Lila Cakeshop were ruffled to perfection.
Guests danced the night away underneath the stars while a live band played. A true dream evening!
Congratulations to Eileen and Mark on your dream wedding! Be sure to check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at what went into their special day.
GWS Preferred Wedding Artists
Love our partner’s work featured in this post? See more of it by visiting their Artist Guide profile.
Dart Collective
Featured in This Wedding
SD Social Lights
Still Carnations
Sun Beat Films
The Lautner Compound
Interested in becoming a GWS Preferred Artist? Apply Here.
Other Vendors in This Wedding
Photography: Lex and the Lotus Photography // Event Design: Pursue Love Design Co. // Wedding Planner: Pursue Love Design Co. // Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven // Hair Stylist: Bijoux Beauty // Makeup Artist: Bijoux Beauty // Groom Attire: Indochino // Catering: Paella Valenciana // Cake: Lila Cakeshop // Specialty Rentals: Create-A-Party Rentals // coffee: Moonwood Coffee
