You guys, this Colony Palms Hotel wedding that GATHER Events sent our way is nothing short of surprising. From getting the chance to rent out the entire hotel (hello private guest yoga sesh in the garden!) to their charming proposal story, every detail is super unexpected and meaningful. Thanks to Braedon Photography for the photos!
A white, copper, terra cotta, and blush color palette to bring out the beauty of the venue…
Christine wore the vintage turquoise ring her mom wore on her wedding day, along with other heirloom jewelry and her French lace veil was worn by four generations of brides in Jaie’s dad’s family. Even their wedding cake topper had adorned five generations of cakes in his mom’s fam.
Planning advice from the bride… Don’t do anything until you have a wedding coordinator… When planning from 3,000 miles away, pick a location you love and let the planners do the rest. If possible, rent out the entire hotel—it creates a great atmosphere for friends and family to mingle all weekend long. Take time to eat during the reception. If you love food, you probably spent time picking a delicious menu. Invest in live music. If you love to dance, it makes ALL the difference. During the reception, take 10 minutes away from the crowd with your spouse and soak up the moment. There will never be one quite like it again. Pick a location with good hair weather—the guests all looked incredible in the dry Palm Springs air!
Just gorg.
Btw, have you ever seen anything like this ceremony arch, complete with Moroccan lanterns?!
And at last, the proposal story…
On our 3-year anniversary, Jaie prepared an elaborate picnic for us and planned to propose at the National Arboretum, a beautiful spot in DC, where we would typically spend our Sundays with our dog. Logistics became a challenge when we pulled up to the entrance gate and realized it was closed due to the government shutdown. Jaie tried to recover the picnic and find a different meaningful spot in the city, but soon found out all public parks, monuments, and common areas in DC were also shut down, and his plan was foiled. Determined to propose and not let our beautiful Champagne picnic go to waste, Jaie scoured the city for a quiet little spot, AKA drove off the side of the highway and set up in a little grassy area overlooking the Potomac. After a lovely picnic, by the side of the highway, Jaie still hadn’t found the perfect moment to propose. He decided to pack up, head to the location of our first date and proposed in the same tiny bar in Capitol Hill, while I was sitting on the same bar stool, where we had had our first drink together 3 years ago to the day. It was fantastic and very DC!
Congrats!
Photography & Videography: Braedon Photography / Venue & Catering: Colony Palms Hotel / Event Design & Planning: GATHER Events / Floral Design: Krista Jon for Archive / Hair & Makeup: Jenny Bowker Makeup / Invitations & Paper Goods: Lupa & Pepi / Calligraphy: Anne Robin Calligraphy / Dessert: Over the Rainbow Cakes / Rentals: Archive Rentals & Signature Party Rentals / Linen: La Tavola Linen / Ceremony Musicians: Organic String Quartet / Reception Band: Johnny Jordan Band / DJ: Dart DJ / Bride’s Dress: Shareen / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Le Vallauris
