PALM SPRINGS WEDDING
You know the type of people who make you feel like you’re their favorite person? That’s Perlita and Sam; they’re the kind of people who make everyone feel so loved, welcomed, and cherished. Their superpower for connecting humans is beautiful and it was obvious they both got this from their parents. Their Palm Springs Wedding was held at a gorgeous adobe church tucked between downtown and the mountains. As Perlita walked down the aisle at Our Lady of Solitude, I turned around noticing her mom’s eyes welling with tears, trying to peek over my shoulder. I immediately snapped a shot and then pulled her in front of me so she could share in that moment with her daughter. They hugged before reaching Sam, who had tears streaming down his face at the sight of his wife-to-be. After making their walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, they hugged every single person who was at the ceremony.
AND A MEXICAN STYLE RECEPTION AT EMPIRE POLO CLUB
Perlita and Sam hired some of my favorite people to bring their wedding vision together over at Empire Polo Club, which also happens to be the grounds for Coachella each year. Candace Jolee nailed the Spanish aesthetics and decor, Rogue & Fox Floral Co. created vibrant floral pieces with cumquats and pomegranate accents, and Elise Cakes killed it with the custom wedding cake design. Perlita and Sam had family friends keeping the beat going with a live drummer and epic DJ, Happen Events. Yet, these beautiful details were only decorations to the heartfelt speeches, tears on the dance floor and the epic party that ensued. My eyes watered so hard during speeches that my sleeves were wet from wiping tears away. Sam’s best friend shared life-changing memories that made him cry, while Perlita’s sister shared what an inspiration she has been to her. Then everyone PARTIED!!! Sam made sure my assistant and myself had a custom drink in hand while we continued to photograph the night away. We got to take the Cantarito that held our drinks home with us and it now houses succulent babes.
THE COUPLE
Perlita and Sam spent an entire day adventuring Channel Islands and downing beers with me and my husband for their engagement photos. It was then, I knew, these two have something so special. It’s not every day you find a couple willing to hike in humidity for hours, dressed to the nines, downing bud lights while getting cozy in front of the lens. But Perlita and Sam are different. They light up any room they walk into, carry a glowing smile on their faces and hold a deeply rooted love for their friends and family.
THE PROPOSAL
Oh boy, where do I start. It was Valentines Day, 2017. I woke her up at 3am and asked her to get up and get ready. Her reply was, “for work?” She had no idea what time it was. I told her it wasn’t for work and needed her to put something warm on.
We left our place at 4 am and had to be in Temecula by 6:15am for our Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride. She still has no clue what’s going on. I’m pretty sure time was on my side since she was still half asleep the whole way there. We eventually arrived to our destination, which happened to also be a winery. Her reaction was great! “Are we going wine tasting?” she asked. I replied with, “something like that,” as I was backing in to a parking spot.
She was so confused. She asked why we where there so early. I hit my flashers to show her the Hot Air Balloon. She turned to me and said “WHAT?!? I’M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS!” I had NO idea. After trying to calm her down about the heights issue, she asked me, “Wait, I have to go to work today. Did you happen to let anyone know you were doing this?” I DIDN’T! I didn’t want anyone to know at her work in fear of it getting out to her. (In retrospect, I should have talked to one of her managers, but no reason to cry over spilled milk, right?) Anyway, she wasn’t afraid of heights at all.
After the Hot Air Balloon ride, we went over to walk around a winery while we waited for our lunch reservation. During this time, I had her family set up at a fountain in front of the vineyard I was going to propose at. I finally got the text from her brother that they were ready and we started on our way over. This was definitely the longest walk of my life. As we walked up to the meeting spot, her family was holding the sign that said “Will You Marry Me?”
Perlita and Sam, your marriage is already so beautiful! Forever wishing you both the greatest marriage! xoxo Alex
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Solitude
Reception Venue: Empire Polo Grounds
Coordination + Styling: Candace Jolee Events
Florals: Rogue & Fox Floral Co.
Hair: Christina Irene Alba of For the Love of Hairspray
Wedding Gown: Panache Bridal + Calla Blanche
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire: Al Weiss
Groom’s Shoes: Kenneth Cole
Bridesmaids Gowns: White by Vera Wang, Asos, Social Bridesmaids
Catering: Mr. WorldWide Catering
Dessert: Elise Cakes + Churros Baja
DJ/Music: Happen Events
Photo Booth: Porty The Foto Booth Bus
Invitations: Contrast Collective
Calligraphy: Brie Lettering
Rentals: La Piñata (Flatware), Sundrop Vintage (Candlesticks), Lights for Nights (Farm Tables + Lighting)