Bouquets in the air, the most perfectly coordinated bridesmaid dresses, and millennial pink all over Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs—nope—you won’t forget Rosie + Joe’s wedding captured by Jess of Cheers Babe Photo. After 6 years, a surprise proposal seemed impossible, but Joe made it happen during a “work trip” to Palm Springs that he invited her to come along with. Next, the post-proposal weekend was packed full of *more* surprises like champagne, massages, pool time, and all the excitement of being newly engaged. Makes perfect sense they’d choose Palm Springs to say I Do, not to mention a spot with a 28-room boutique hotel they could fill with friends + fam.
Rosie explains, From the moment we first visited Korakia Pensione, we knew it was special. It has this dreamy, oasis-like energy that sweeps you up into it upon entrance; the perfect template for a magical experience. From the bright bougainvillea strung over white walls, to the warm Mediterranean architecture, to the little details that seemed to both hide and wave to you at the same time, it was hard to imagine a better setting to declare our eternal love for one another. The venue allowed for multiple settings—one distinct, intimate space for the ceremony, a more casual vibe around a pool for cocktail hour, and a beautiful space underneath the stars for the reception.
The groom, groomsmen and their dads all rocked tuxes by The Black Tux to create a black tie affair in the desert.
And this cutie flower girl you’re about to see started walking just weeks before the wedding! Too cute.
Early on in our wedding planning, we decided against a first look. After being together for six years, fantasizing about the day we finally became husband and wife, we wanted to feel those overwhelming and monumental feelings of locking eyes with each other for the first time on our wedding day as I walked down the aisle. The second my entrance song started playing, “Georgia” by Vance Joy, I started crying hysterically—almost uncontrollably. This moment I’d played in my mind over and over and over again was finally here and I felt a sudden surge of emotions rush over me. I wouldn’t change one second of those feelings or allowing our closest circle to witness it. It’s so important to “be” in that moment and I feel like our guests saw a glimpse into the pure love of our relationship that they hadn’t been exposed to in that way in the past.
See how that (gorg!) veil isn’t in all the photos? Rosie got the fabric for $20 while shopping for dress appliqués in the Fashion District. She loved it for her entrance, but didn’t love wearing it, so she threw it off halfway through the ceremony! No point in breaking the budget for five minutes of fame, huh?
Their floating chuppah (made of rose dyed cheesecloth) was a DIY project with Siren Floral Co., after discussing how they wanted to incorporate Rosie’s Jewish upbringing yet keep the ceremony secular.
Rosie showed her ‘maids a few examples of bridesmaid dress inspo along with possible styles, colors, and fabrics, (including how many prints vs solids) and let them take it from there. Turned out pretty darn flawlessly, no?
My sister made my dress with hand-placed and sewn applique, glitter tulle and silk! She’s a fashion designer and it’s always been the plan that she’d make something perfect and custom for me when the time finally came. The details were intricate and intentional—made to fit my curves, and show off my favorite features—my back, my shoulders, my waist. It moved perfectly with me as I danced with my skirt, flowing effortlessly and enhancing my spins on the dance floor all night.
Their modern Palm Springs color palette: peach, coral, nudes/tans/sands, fuchsia/bougainvillea pink, sage greenery, blush/millennial pink. See more on their Pinterest board.
More beautiful Palm Springs-inspired blooms by the talented Siren Floral Co.
See more photos from this fun pink Palm Springs wedding in our gallery!
Film by La Boheme Life.
Lastly, on writing their own vows… Believe it or not, the vows were probably the easiest and hardest part. Though traditionally that isn’t something you really “plan”, our vows were the majority of our ceremony. Joe and I both enjoy expressing ourselves with words and wanted to take a real opportunity to appreciate each other, what we have and make promises for life. For the last six years, I’ve been surprised by notes of gratitude and support tucked in corners around our apartment. Every time we have a glass of wine or drink, we make a toast—acknowledging each other or maybe an accomplishment that week. Joe’s love is often expressed purely with thoughts and words and sharing our love in this way with our friends and family was truly special. Though special, it can be really hard to put your thoughts about someone into words. We both spent time writing for months and months, trying to perfect our message. All of the time spent could not have been more worthwhile though—I’m SO glad we didn’t leave this until the week of.
My tip: Whenever you’re inspired to write, jot down some notes. As soon as you decide to write your own vows, start thinking about what you want to say: is this a declaration of all of the things you love? is it your promises? is it the story of how you fell in love? is it the meaning of love to you? Don’t worry about how long it is, or how short it is. Don’t worry about what the other person might say or not say. Try to forget you have an audience and identify why writing your own vows was something you decided to do. It’ll all come naturally once you remove the pressure and speak from your heart.
Such beautiful insight. Congrats to Rosie + Joe!
Photography: Cheers Babe Photo / Videography: La Boheme Life / Venue: Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, CA / Coordination: Sarah Peterson / Florals & Design: Siren Floral Co. / Hair & Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry / Cake: Over the Rainbow Desserts / Rentals: Signature Party Rentals & Planks and Patina / Catering: Whoa Nelly / Bar: The Whaling Club / DJ: Dart Collective / Bride’s Dress: Naomi Spindel (the bride’s sister!) / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Groom’s Tux: The Black Tux / Shoes: Wolf & Shepherd / Rings: Anna Sheffield & Vrai and Oro / Flower Girl’s Dress: Naomi Spindel for Lil’ Lemons
