Tropical Palm Springs weddings are always a hit here on 100LC, but we love how Mackenna + Mark, along with Green Ribbon Parties and the crew below, incorporated a more organic, earth tone design into the lush surroundings that Colony 29 has to offer. As you’ll see in the photos by Caleb of Branch and Cole, they went for a style that was a little boho, a little Moroccan-inspired, and reflected their laidback, casual personalities. Oh, and fun fact: When they got engaged, Mackenna referred back to an old Pinterest board of wedding inspo, and nope, none of them reflected their current ideas, years later. Raise your hand if you can relate!
Mackenna prefers greenery to colorful flowers, so Megan of Honey & Poppies whipped up lush bouquets full of greens and ivories, with blush king protea for the ‘maids.
The fact that Colony 29 was totally private, outdoors and naturally beautiful made it “the” place for us. It’s a gated-in colony that backs up against the mountains in Palm Springs, so we were really able to utilize the entire property with only friends and family around. The bridal party stayed on property with us, so we could enjoy the full weekend together. Thursday night we had a “Tacos & Tequila” welcome party, Friday morning we had a private yoga class on the lawn and a pool party in the afternoon before the Rehearsal dinner that night. Saturday was the wedding, and Sunday was a “Selamat Tinggal” brunch (meaning goodbye in Balinese—Mark and I headed to Bali for our honeymoon that afternoon!).
Wedding music:
Aisle: Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do Cover (Cello/Piano) – Brooklyn Duo
First Dance: James Arthur’s Won’t Let You Go
I’d say Mark and I’s favorite moment was right after we said our “I do’s” and kissed at the altar. We turned to see all our friends and family cheering, while Calvin Harris’ “Feel So Close” played—walking back down the aisle was a complete dream.
One other, funnier moment, was after I approached the altar, Mark (per habit) leaned in to kiss me. We both weren’t thinking, but it hit us at the same time that we couldn’t kiss yet! Startled, we stopped and leaned back, as the guests burst out in laughter.
Safe to say that Caleb of Branch and Cole captured countless stunning moments of these two! They wanted a photographer who had a slightly darker, more intimate, and natural style, rather than posed and bright images in traditional wedding photography. Luckily for them, Caleb not only has the perfect style, he was great with their wedding party and fam, so everyone loved the experience.
Yep, all about those nude bridesmaid dresses and natural bouquets over here!
Film by Shark Pig.
Parting words from our bride… My biggest hurdle to overcome was probably the fact that I’m a very visual person and like to have control over everything, so it was nerve-wracking to not be able to physically see exactly how everything was going to look until the day-of. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I wanted everything to be just right. Working a full-time job on top of planning a wedding was definitely stressful too. Once I relaxed and put the trust in my amazing wedding planner and vendors, it was much better! If you have good vendors, you have no reason to worry.
My piece of advice to other brides-to-to be is: enjoy every moment and don’t stress over every single detail. When it comes down to it you’re marrying the love of your life, surrounded by your favorite people, all in one dreamy place—it doesn’t get much better than that!
Congrats, M + M!
Photography: Caleb John Hill for Branch and Cole / Videography: Shark Pig Weddings / Venue Colony 29 in Palm Springs, CA / Planning: Green Ribbon Parties / Floral Design: Honey & Poppies / Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Knight and Veil / Other Hair & Makeup: Chelsea Nicole / Catering: Hungry Bear Catering / Rentals: Signature Party Rentals & Planks & Patina / Napkins: borrowed BLU / Invitations: Minted / Paper: Sophia Loves Letters / DJ: Dart Collective / Bridal Gown: Grace Loves Lace / Bridesmaid Dresses: Reformation / Groom’s Suit: Indochino
