Embracing Classic Palm Springs Style: An Outdoor Wedding Extravaganza

Palm Springs, with its timeless allure and chic ambiance, serves as the perfect backdrop for a classic outdoor wedding. From the breathtaking mountain vistas to the mid-century modern architecture, every element of Palm Springs exudes elegance and sophistication. In this blog post, we delve into how to infuse your special day with the quintessential Palm Springs style, creating an unforgettable celebration that captures the essence of this iconic desert oasis.

Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, with a gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees as you exchange vows against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Embrace the natural beauty of the desert landscape by choosing an outdoor venue that showcases Palm Springs at its finest. Whether it's a lush garden oasis, a stylish poolside soiree, or a glamorous rooftop affair, the possibilities are endless when it comes to outdoor wedding venues in Palm Springs.

Channeling the retro glamour of Palm Springs' golden era, opt for a timeless color palette of soft pastels, vibrant pops of color, and sleek metallic accents. Incorporate iconic elements such as geometric patterns, sleek furniture, and vintage-inspired décor to capture the essence of mid-century modern design. Think plush lounge areas adorned with oversized palm leaves, elegant string lights casting a warm glow, and chic acrylic signage guiding guests to their seats.

For the bridal party, embrace the effortlessly chic style of Palm Springs with flowy silhouettes, statement accessories, and retro-inspired details. Bridesmaids can don pastel-hued dresses in a variety of styles, while groomsmen can opt for tailored suits in lightweight fabrics paired with playful accessories. As for the bride and groom, embrace classic Hollywood glamour with a sleek, sophisticated gown for her and a sharp, stylish suit for him.

No Palm Springs wedding would be complete without a menu that pays homage to the city's culinary scene. Treat guests to a mouthwatering array of fresh, seasonal dishes infused with vibrant flavors and locally sourced ingredients. From refreshing craft cocktails served poolside to decadent desserts inspired by desert delicacies, every bite should be a celebration of Palm Springs' rich gastronomic heritage.

Keep the party going with entertainment that reflects the lively spirit of Palm Springs. Hire a live band or DJ to serenade guests with a mix of classic hits and modern favorites, or surprise them with a fun-filled photo booth complete with props inspired by iconic Palm Springs landmarks. For the adventurous at heart, consider arranging outdoor activities such as guided hikes, scenic bike rides, or even a hot air balloon ride to take in the breathtaking views from above.

In the end, a classic Palm Springs-style wedding is more than just an event – it's an experience that captures the timeless allure and vibrant energy of this beloved desert destination. By embracing the city's iconic aesthetic, incorporating retro-chic elements, and infusing every detail with warmth and elegance, you can create a celebration that is as unique and unforgettable as the love you share.

Sailing Into Forever: A Dreamy Yacht Wedding in Newport Beach

Imagine the sun-kissed waters of Newport Beach, the gentle sway of a yacht, and the love of your life by your side. Intimate weddings have an undeniable charm, and when set against the backdrop of a serene ocean vista, the magic becomes unparalleled. Picture this: exchanging vows, surrounded by loved ones, amidst a sea of beautiful flowers in soft whites, creams, and lush greens. Welcome aboard as we delve into the allure of a yacht wedding in Newport Beach.

There's something inherently romantic about the sea – its vastness mirrors the depth of emotions shared between two souls embarking on the journey of marriage. A yacht wedding amplifies this sentiment, offering an intimate setting where every wave seems to whisper words of love. As the yacht sets sail, so too does the couple, navigating the waters of matrimony with grace and determination.

In a world filled with grandiose celebrations, intimate weddings stand out for their sincerity and authenticity. Surrounded by a select few cherished guests, every moment becomes more meaningful, every exchange more heartfelt. On a yacht in Newport Beach, intimacy intertwines with luxury, creating an ambiance that is both exclusive and inclusive, where every guest feels like family.

What better way to complement the natural beauty of the ocean than with an array of exquisite flowers? Imagine delicate blooms in shades of white, cream, and green adorning every corner of the yacht – from the ceremony space to the dining area. Each petal and leaf adds a touch of elegance, harmonizing with the surrounding seascape to create a vision of sheer perfection.

The golden rays of the sun dance upon the water, casting a warm glow over the festivities. A gorgeous sunny day in Newport Beach sets the stage for a celebration filled with joy and radiance. Against this picturesque backdrop, the couple exchanges vows, promising to love and cherish each other for all eternity. Every smile, every tear, is illuminated by the sun's benevolent embrace.

As the day draws to a close and the yacht glides back to shore, the memories created will linger in the hearts of all who were present. From the heartfelt vows to the laughter-filled toasts, each moment is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of intimate gatherings. And as the newlyweds look out at the horizon, hand in hand, they know that their journey together has only just begun.

A yacht wedding in Newport Beach offers the perfect blend of romance, intimacy, and natural beauty. Against the backdrop of the ocean, surrounded by loved ones and adorned with exquisite flowers, it becomes a day to remember for a lifetime. So, if you're dreaming of a wedding that is as unique as your love story, consider setting sail on the adventure of a lifetime.

A Whimsical Engagement Session: Love Blossoms in the Fields

There’s something profoundly magical about the simplicity of nature. It has an uncanny ability to frame the beauty of human connection, creating a scene that feels both timeless and surreal. Recently, I had the honor of being a part of an engagement session that epitomizes this magic—a loving couple, dressed in elegant black, embracing amidst a wide-open field of tall grass, their love punctuated by a bouquet of stunning, textured flowers.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape, the couple arrived at the chosen spot. The vast Irvine California field, with its gently swaying tall grass, stretched out like a natural canvas, ready to be filled with moments of love and joy. The couple’s attire—a striking contrast of deep black against the earthy tones of the field—added a touch of sophistication to the rustic setting.

The bouquet she held was a masterpiece in itself. A symphony of textures and colors, it featured tuberose, roses, butterfly ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace, and lisianthus. Each flower added its unique charm to the arrangement, much like the way each shared moment contributes to a love story. The tuberose, with its intoxicating fragrance, symbolized their deep, heady connection. The roses, timeless and elegant, spoke of passion and romance. Butterfly ranunculus brought a whimsical touch, echoing the playful, lighthearted moments they share. Queen Anne’s lace added a delicate, intricate beauty, reminiscent of the intricate dance of understanding and compromise that sustains love. lisianthus, with its soft, ruffled petals, embodied gratitude and appreciation.

As the couple moved through the field, their interactions were a testament to their bond. They walked hand in hand, occasionally pausing to steal glances at each other, their smiles radiant and genuine. The tall grass whispered around them, as if sharing in their joy. The way they held the bouquet together, with reverence and care, mirrored the way they hold their relationship—delicately yet firmly, appreciating each moment and each other.

This engagement session wasn’t just about capturing photographs; it was about capturing the essence of a love that feels both grounded and ethereal. The field, with its tall grass and open skies, became a metaphor for their relationship—vast, open, and filled with potential. The flowers, with their varied textures and forms, symbolized the many facets of their love.

As I packed up my equipment, the couple took one last walk through the field, the bouquet gently swaying with each step. Watching them, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for being able to witness and be a part of such pure, unfiltered love. It was a session that left me inspired and reminded of the simple, beautiful ways in which love can bloom, even in the most unexpected places.

Wedding Trends of 2023

With 2023 here, let’s start talking about wedding trends for the new year. 

FLORAL STATEMENT PIECES:  A statement flower piece is a great way to make your bridal style stand out. Be bold and head-turning with an extravagant floral piece or keep it simple with something more understated.

It's going to be a big year for statement flower pieces. We’ll see lots of brides wearing them as jewelry, hair pieces and even decorating their bespoke wedding dresses.

WEDDING CAKE:  This wedding cake table with fresh flowers will make your guests feel welcome and like they are part of the celebration.

The classic white wedding cake table makes a return in 2023. Gather fresh flowers to decorate this popular centerpiece with, either on pedestals or as place card holders.

FLORAL POCKET SQUARES:  This bride's bouquet-inspired pocket square is the perfect addition to your most formal suits.

Put your best foot forward on your wedding day with the addition of a floral pocket square. It's simple and sophisticated, making it ideal for daytime events like the bridal brunch or rehearsal dinner.

ADDING COLOR TO YOUR WEDDING

Weddings in the past have been known to be a little colorless. When it comes to thinking about personalizing your special day with your favorite color, there are a few options that you can do:

1. Flowers
   Flowers come in all the colors of the rainbow, feel free to add your favorite color flower to your bouquets, boutonniere’s, ceremony area and/or table arrangements. Even the ribbon you choose to add to your bouquet can contribute to your color scheme.

Soft color wedding bouquet

2. Shoes
A great way to add your signature color to your wedding is with your shoes. Just think how cute it would be to see a hint of color underneath your wedding dress as you walk down the aisle.

Badgley Mischka wedding shoes

3. Invitations
A perfect way to set the tone for your wedding is with the invitation. It’s the first indication your guests receive with regards to how fancy, relaxed or what your color theme will be on your special day. The wedding invitation is the perfect place to start to show your personality.

Wedding Invitation flatlay

When incorporating your color scheme in your wedding, it is important to walk the fine line between stylish and over the top characteristics.

Intimate Beach Side Wedding

I have known Colin since he was 5 years old and living next door to my parents’ house.  So, when he got engaged, I knew it would be my honor to do the flowers for his wedding.

When I sat down with Colin and his soon-to-be bride Christina, we discussed what they wanted their wedding to look like and they both decided on an intimate beach side wedding in Laguna Beach, California.  Christina wanted the flowers to be simple in whites, creams and green. So, what the bride wants, the bride gets!

I used vendela roses, majolica spray roses, lisianthus, veronica, seeded eucalyptus, silver dollar ecualyptus and Italian ruscus in the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets.

On the day of their gorgeous wedding, their family and closets friends stood alongside Christina and Colin in the gazebo on a cliff over-looking the Pacific ocean to watch them say I do.

A flower girl and her flower crown

After the I do’s were exchanged, everyone took the short walked over to Las Brisas to enjoy their amazing dinner inside the restaurant.

Following the dinner, Christina and Colin proceeded down to the water’s edge to take the cutest family pictures with Christina’s daughter, Valentina.

And they lived Happily Ever After!

The Classic Looking Bride in Newport Beach, California

At the beginning of 2019, I made a New Year’s resolution to do a styled wedding photo shoot within the year. After coordinating with a photographer, videographer, model and wedding venue, I was able to accomplish that goal. I have to say that it feels amazing to achieve one’s goal, no matter how small or large they are!

The theme for this photo shoot was “The Classic Bride”. The color palate was soft whites, greens, pinks and a hint of mercury glass to add a glamours effect. The wedding venue was at the prestigious Balboa Bay Club Resort in Newport Beach, California because of its gorgeous backdrop along the bay and tall green hedges.

Wedding Floral Centerpiece.

Classic Bridal Look.

Bridal Bouquet in white, pink and cream.

I loved all the flowers that I worked with for the centerpieces and bridal bouquet. A variety of roses were used, including garden roses, spray rose, the classic rose, and the lace-like Orlya flower, which added the perfect amount of texture to the arrangements.

An up close look at these gorgeous wedding flowers.

a classic wedding cake decorated with pink roses.

It was an amazing experience organizing this photo shoot. I envisioned a certain type of bride that would want a classic wedding look, and I hope I pulled it off!