SoCal Cakies, have you stayed at Sands Hotel Palm Springs before? The pretty pink Moroccan-inspired hotel and spa is perfect for weekend getaways, relaxing honeymoons, dinner dates at The Pink Cabana, and even vow renewal ceremonies. And, as evidenced by high school sweethearts Mariah and Andrew’s glam wedding, it just so happens to be a stunning spot to say I Do. They embraced the venue’s chic pink walls, desert gardens, and bold black accents as an anchor for their design and palette, beginning with Moroccan-inspired wedding invitations all the way through their cake design.
Find M + A’s Palm Springs wedding, with planning and design by Michelle Garibay Events, in Brett Loie‘s photos below.
The black and pink wedding invitations by Something Lettered got guests excited for their stay at the Sands!
Wedding Weekend Timeline
I really enjoyed that we planned an entire wedding weekend. I didn’t want that “omg, it went by so fast” feeling that every bride talks about. Of course I still can’t believe it’s over, but I do feel like I fully got to enjoy every second of it.
Thursday
Andrew and I arrived a night earlier than everyone else. We went to dinner and danced at a spot right next to the hotel. That was such an exciting night, the calm before all the excitement.
Friday
Rehearsal, followed by a welcome party. As our guests arrived for the first night, they were greeted with a cocktail party, complete with a taco truck.
Saturday morning
Andrew went golfing with his groomsmen and men in his family while I had a peaceful morning getting ready in the Sands’ gorgeous spa. My bridal robe outfit(along with the bridesmaids pjs) was one of my favorite parts!
Saturday night
Was the wedding! Again, I didn’t want it to end, so we stayed partying until 12:30am! We even had late night snacks (chicken fingers, fries, and grilled cheeses) come out!
Sunday
Pool party
To go along with the black + pink wedding theme, the bridesmaids rocked all black dresses while the groomsmen wore black suits, shirts, ties, and shoes too. So chic!
Didn’t we tell you these two had the cutest flower girls around? Those 3D butterfly applique dresses, ruffle socks, and mary janes and a ballerina bun to top it all off. Too sweet.
If you love all things modern, Moroccan, and pink + black, Sands Hotel Palm Springs is the place to be.
Mariah upped the glam factor with a sheer floral Galia Lahav gown.
Love us a good escort card display!
Pet-inspired signature cocktails are basically a wedding must at this point, don’t you think?
Favorite Moments
Mariah
My favorite part of the wedding was dinner. I loved sitting at the sweetheart table just the two of us and looking out to see all the people who love us surrounding us to celebrate our love. All of our favorite love anthems were playing and Andrew would swoop me up several times to slow dance to a few of our extra favorites. It was all so vibey and surreal and romantic. This was the moment it felt real, I was just soaking it all in, slowing down, and enjoying my brand new husband.
Andrew
Marrying Mariah was obviously the best part! I can’t stop thinking about watching her walk down the aisle and exchanging our vows. It all was going so fast until I saw her, then time stopped for a few moments while we were at the altar and exchanging vows. Her vows had me (and everyone else) crying.
The Pink Cabana was a hit!
Their Proposal Story
He proposed a couple days before our 10-year dating anniversary (July 14). I knew the entire time because Andrew is the worst liar and secret keeper. I took extra time getting ready and as we drove down to the beach, he was literally sweating bullets. I remember asking if he was ok, and he panicked and answered “ya, ya, I’m just really hot. It’s really hot. Are you hot?” When we got down to the beach, I immediately locked eyes with my friend and her boyfriend who were trying to secretly set up a camera, and they tried to duck and turn around quickly. But of course I kept playing along. He was so nervous, and it was so cute, and I was SO excited. We went to the prettiest little lookout spot and he got down on one knee and presented me with the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen. It was my dream ring and Andrew designed the entire thing himself. My family was all there for it, and we went to dinner afterwards!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Photography: Brett Loie | Planning & Design: Michelle Garibay Events | Venue: Sands Hotel & Spa in Palm Springs, CA | Floral Design: Vaso Bello | Makeup: Key Beauty | Hair Stylist: Matrimony Manes | Paper Goods: Something Lettered | Videography: The Siren & Co | DJ: Digital Party Sound | Cake: Exquisite Desserts | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Photobooth: Classic Photo Booths | Bride’s Dress: Galia Lahav | Bride’s Shoes: Louboutin | Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse | Rings: Alexander Jewelers
