Aaron proposed to Lee on New Year’s Eve while glittering fireworks filled the sky—it only makes sense an engagement that spectacular would lead to a wedding as colorful + exciting as their fabulous celebration in Palm Springs!
“We love to entertain as a couple and knew for many people it was their first big gathering since the beginning of the pandemic,” say Lee + Aaron of their 2021 wedding. “We wanted to prioritize their experience and make it as fun as possible.” The day these two created alongside planners + event designers from Gather Events was gold, green, and pink perfection with old Hollywood glam vibes that highlighted the vintage charm of their venue.
“Palm Springs holds a special place in our hearts,” says the couple, “and we were blown away by the beauty and style of the Sands Hotel & Spa – an exquisite combination of Mid-Century Palm Springs and Moroccan design.”
There were sequins. There were feathers. There were synchronized swimmers. We are so glad Jen Emerling was there behind the camera so we can give you a peek into all the excitement + “elevated kitsch” of Lee + Aaron’s day!
How stunning are Lee + Aaron’s refined, Art Deco-inspired wedding invitations from Swell Press? LOVE the shimmery gold foil and the palm frond envelope liner!
Lee had a meant-to-be moment when she found her stunning beaded long sleeve wedding gown from Anthropologie Weddings: “I tried it on, and it fit perfectly on the first try. The pointed star beadwork played well with both the Art Deco throwback style of the wedding as well as the Moroccan design of the hotel.”
Lee’s classic Hollywood glam waves were the work of T’Nique Hair, and Alondra Excene + Zenna Hodge created Lee’s peachy lip makeup look.
We don’t know if you’re ready for the floral creativity that Of The Flowers brought to Lee + Aaron’s day. We’re loving the pink + green avant-garde edge that this bouquet added to the day’s vintage vibe.
A Pink Courtyard Ceremony
Tulle. Feathers. Fringe. Floral garlands. OBSESSED with all the texture in this ceremony backdrop!
Lee + Aaron’s double half-arch wedding welcome sign mixed a chartreuse palm frond pattern with a minimalist list of their wedding party’s names!
Want to write something special for your big day like Lee + Aaron did? Check out our vow writing guide + template and 39 best quotes about love for tons of romantic ideas + inspo!
The ingeniously glam ceremony arch that Felisa Funes of Of The Flowers created was Lee + Aaron’s favorite part of the wedding: “We still can’t get over her work. She created a stunning altar frame installation that was totally unique to us, along with aisle runners, centerpieces and various other extravagant installations placed around the ceremony and entryway.”
Our Musical Choices Processional: "This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies, “Real Love Baby” by Father John Mist, and “Lorelei” by Cocteau Twins
Recessional: “Best of My Love” by The Emotions
First Dance: “You Belong to Me” by Patsy Cline
“We decided almost immediately that synchronized swimmers would perfectly match the Mid-Century vibe of the hotel and Palm Springs. We ended up hiring the Aqualillies, and their performance was an absolute showstopper.”
The entertainment didn’t stop there: Lee + Aaron’s guests enjoyed music by DJ Paul Cherry of Dart Collective, an ABBA tribute band, and a Bruno Mars impersonator throughout the night!
photography: Jenn Emerling // venue name: The Sands Hotel + Spa // event design: GATHER Events // planning: GATHER Events // florals: Of The Flowers // wedding dress: Anthropologie Weddings // bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka – Babette Beaded Satin Ballerina Flats // hair stylist: T’Nique Hair // makeup artist: Alondra Excene // groom attire: The Black Tux and Suitsupply // groomsmen attire: The Black Tux // paper goods: Swell Press Paper Co. // catering: The Sands Hotel & Spa // cake: Josephine // tabletop rentals: Signature Party Rentals // furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ La Tavola // music: Dart Collective // lighting: Signature Party Rentals // photo booth: Smilebooth // entertainment: Aqua Lillies // cover band: Abba LA // Bruno Mars impersonator: Johnny Rico // makeup artist: Zenna Hodge // cocktail napkins: Hello Harper // clutch: Cult Gaia- Eos Rhinestone // jewelry : Olive + Piper // bridal cape : RMINÉ