Bouquets: definitely one of my favorite details of a wedding!

There is something magic about Palm Springs, somewhere along that long and winding road from LA to the desert, all your cares fall away.  Easy to get to, always sunny and warm, full of retro style that screams of yesteryear, Palm Springs is simply the ultimate destination wedding locale.  We met James and Cecile during our first Palm Springs wedding a few years ago.  When Cecile called from the UK and asked us to return to shoot her destination wedding at the O’donnell House we leaped at the chance.

We showed up a day early for a fun engagement shoot and knew immediately we’d have a blast with Cecile, James and their families the following day.

Cecile has a great eye for details! From her beautiful custom wedding gown created by Monique Lhuillier , her Rifle Paper Co stationary, to the amazing floral arrangements that blended in seamlessly with the Palm Springs landscapes.

I am in LOVE with the Rifle Paper Company, so much so that Chris got me my own custom stationary for Christmas!

Cecile and her sisters stole away a few moments whenever they could before the ceremony, couldn’t help but imagine Elsie and Kira on their own wedding days doing the same.

The O’Donnel House overlooks Palm Springs from high above the hillside, giving you a rare perspective of the desert.  The grounds are impeccably landscaped and the house features architectural details, pottery and furniture that echo the luxury of a time gone by.  Cecile was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the house on her wedding night!

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Thanks for stopping by!

We’re excited for your almost Christmas wedding at the Smog Shoppe!

Ivana and Arthur’s beautiful wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty today!  You can  view their adorable engagement shoot here! Ivana is from Indonesia, so she wanted to make sure she incorporated lots of Indonesian touches throughout the wedding. From the special Indonesian desserts, to the fabric swatches tied around the chairs, everything flowed so well together, many thanks to the fabulous Jessi of Just Chic Events for coordinating such a beautiful day!

Jimmy Choo’s, a Vera Wang dress, and a stunning bridal bouquet from Holly Flora!

A sweet first look!

Then off to the Long Beach Museum of Art! The museum is an intimate outdoor venue that overlooks the ocean, a really cool gem in Long Beach!

Ivana handpainted so many signs throughout the wedding!

A first time for us, watching a live painter paint at the event! So amazing!

For the reception, Ivana changed into a traditional Indonesian dress.

A sparkler exit to cap off a beautiful day!

How stunning are her flowers?!!

Such a sweet first look!

Minutes before walking down the aisle, the stunning Westminster Presbyterian Church





There were packets of lavender wrapped in vellum to throw after the ceremony.

Their reception was full of heart felt speeches, emotional dances with the parents, a surprise groom’s cake and a surprise choreographed Justin Bieber routine, good times!

Thanks to My Sweet and Saucy, and some other very good friends of Judith, this gorgeous dessert table was made. Aaron and Judith actually made the backdrop for the table by gluing pages torn from books!

Some pretty emotional parent dances:

Thanks to an all star vendor team!

Coordination: Jane of Jane: An event design & coordination company
Videographer: Peter of Studio 205
Flowers; Sacha of Bloom Custom Floristry & Events
Desserts: Sweet & Saucy and also handmade by friends
In case you missed it, the featured Justin Bieber dance post is here!
Head over to Style Me Pretty to see more goodness from this wedding!
Thanks Aaron and Judith, we love you both!

Swing me just a little bit higher, Obadiah, do
Swing me just a little bit higher, and I’ll love you
Tie me on and I’ll never fall
Swing over the garden wall
Just a little bit higher, Obadiah, do
Obadiah, do

Words by Alf. E. Rick

My grandmother used to sing this song to me, for whatever reason the melody and words stayed with me and I have sung it to each of our children. I have no idea what the writer meant when he wrote the lyrics, but the song makes me think of that spirit that is within us all as children that allows us to derive great joy from doing the same thing over and over again (“again daddy, do it again”) as well as that fearless curiosity that compels us to peek over that wall to see what lies just beyond.

May today be the day you push yourself to go just a little bit higher…Happy Monday.