I’m very excited to share this post with the story of Brian and Rob and their desert wedding. It was such a beautiful wedding and looking through the photos gives me a chance to re-live it all! Here is their story.
The couple…
Brian and Rob met 4 years ago in LA. Brian is in graphic design and Rob is in the entertainment industry. They got engaged last year on Catalina Island and decided they wanted to do a destination wedding. The couple frequented Palm Springs for weekend getaways and thought it would be the perfect destination for their guests coming in from LA, New Jersey and Miami. They chose the Riviera Palm Springs because they loved the beautiful property and laid- back vibe.
130 guests traveled to Palm Springs for the wedding weekend. Brian’s mom organized for each guest to receive a welcome bag when they arrived, which included favorite treats of the grooms (chocolate chip cookies for Brian and Red Vines for Rob), various snacks, and some advil (planning ahead!). Brian created the graphics for the weekend itinerary, which was also included in the welcome bag. It helps to have a graphic designer as your groom- Brian also created the design for the place cards, programs, and gobo.
The Bridal Party…
Each groom chose 3 girls and 3 boys plus each had a best man to be part of the bridal party. They chose gray suits for the guys and navy dresses for the girls based off a photo they saw that inspired that look. They also had their nieces and nephews as the flower girls and ring bearers. The grooms were twinning in their matching navy suits. Their furry kids, Max and Bandit, also took part in the festivities.
The Ceremony…
The couple wed at the Wexler Garden at the Riviera, which is a beautiful garden space surrounded by greenery and the mountains beyond. The décor was simple and masculine, with geometric fixtures flanking the aisle and accents of succulents and garden roses. The couple stood under a wooden pergola which was hung with flowers and candles for their intimate ceremony.
The couple’s longtime friend, Lisa Turner, officiated the wedding (her first!), sharing personal and funny stories about the couple. She did such a good job, guests were asking her to officiate their upcoming weddings! The couple also wrote their own vows and there literally was not a dry eye in the house!
The reception…
Guests entered the Chiki Pool to find their Star Wars themed place cards (Rob is a big fan!). The reception tables were decorated with lots of candles, succulents, and white garden roses for a desert/ masculine vibe.
String lights hung over the pool to create an intimate feel at the poolside reception and the couple created a “Kupe and Rob” gobo which projected on the dance floor all evening. The couple danced to “Make you feel my love” by Adele for their first dance as husband and husband.
As the sun went down, guests danced the night away, got rowdy in the photo booth, and snacked on some yummy treats from the dessert table. The evening ended with everyone jumping in the pool. It was definitely a night to remember!
Vendors…
Photography: Tawny Alipoon
Wedding coordination: CaliJen Events
Décor: ESE Lifestyle
Venue: Riviera Palm Springs
Dessert: Over the Rainbow Desserts
Music: Red Shoe DJ’s
Lighting: PSAV
Photo booth: Social Light