Colorful and fun Palm Springs Wedding at The Saguaro

"We decided right away that we wanted our wedding to be more fun and less formal. Michael and I both work in the entertainment industry and have the personalities to match. We wanted very much for our guests to have a great time above all else, and decided to throw out some of the conventional norms in favor of things we actually like. When we first visited The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs we knew right away that it would be the perfect venue. Stunning mountain views, funky design, and lots of color: just the vibe we wanted. 

On the day of our wedding, we opted for a short outdoor ceremony. The majority of our guests came from cold states, Washington, New York, and New Jersey, and we were very happy to show off our California December weather. Palm Springs was nice for our local guests too, as its just far enough away from LA and OC to feel like an actual vacation get-away. After the ceremony, we moved inside to the Saguaro's ballroom for food, beverages, and dancing. We were very lucky in that the Saguaro has an excellent on site chef, who put together an amazing Cajun meal for our guests. Over the Rainbow Cupcakes created a beautiful cupcake spread along with a cake that perfectly matched our decor and tasted marvelous. I was also able to find the absolute perfect photographer, Ashley Durham, who was so fun to work with and so great at her job. Our photos were stunning and perfectly captured the feel of our wedding." -bride & groom

Vendors: Photographer: Ashley Durham Studios / /Hair Stylist: All Tressed Up // Bridal Gown: David's Bridal // DJ: DJ Gh0st // Bridesmaid Dresses: Mod Cloth // Invitation Designer: Molly Osborne // Jewelry: Newport Jewelers // Bakery: Over the Rainbow Cupcakes and Desserts // Event Venue: The Saguaro Palm Springs // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: The Suit Co // Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Temescal Canyon Engagement Session from Katrina Jayne Photography

"Our amazing photographer, Katrina Jayne, asked us to brainstorm three meaningful locations throughout Los Angeles. We ended up picking a park in Temescal Canyon since both of us are from the east coast and the park had a great east coast feel to it. We also loved it because we love being outdoors and we love nature. Our next stop was the Venice Canals because we love traveling the world together and this area reminded us of our trips to Europe. We ended at the LACMA because we're both artists and we also love the city of LA. This location was very artistic because it's so full of art and we loved the urban backdrop outside." -the couple

How he proposed: Phil and I went home to the east coast to visit our respective families in December of 2013. We had been dating for three years but we hadn’t seen each other’s childhood homes yet since we lived in Los Angeles and going home to both places together was always so difficult with work. First, we went to Albany, New York, to see my family. Then, we went to D.C. to see Phil’s family. 

On December 27th, 2013, Phil planned a whole proposal day for me as a complete surprise. The day started out with me going for a run outside (my favorite morning ritual which Phil made sure I was able to fit in), then he drove me around his hometown to see his elementary school, the pool he used to beat everyone in during swim meets, his friends houses, etc. We stopped for lunch at his friend’s house—who cooked us an amazing vegetarian lunch (which should have been a clue this was a special day since Phil never makes it through a meal without meat—he doesn’t understand how vegetarians like me survive). 

He then drove us to Great Falls, a park in Virginia that has a waterfall separating it from Maryland. He told me to dress warm so I looked like Nanook from the North (in retrospect, not the best look for engagement photos but at least I was toasty!). He walked me out to a rock and got down on one knee. I screamed because unlike many girls who had their engagements planned out in their heads or who had picked out their own rings, Phil planned all of this entirely as a surprise. 

I was shaking but was able to muster out a “yes” (after swearing a bunch of times asking if this was real--which were my first actual words!). I asked if anyone knew about this proposal or if he had just decided to do it right here, right now. He pointed across the waterfall to Maryland where our friend was stationed to take pictures and then behind us to two more friends on the Virginia side of the park who were also taking pictures. I was speechless—how did I miss that?! What an amazing surprise. He assured me that both of our families also knew. 

Next, he whisked me away to what I thought was a work dinner for his family business. When we arrived, his parents were already seated and they said theywere waiting on the rest of the company to show u. All of a sudden, in walked my best friend from childhood and my whole immediate family who had driven 8 hours from upstate New York to be there! It was a dream come true and a day I will never forget. The next day, Phil took my whole family and I around Washington D.C. to celebrate. Both of our families had a big party for us the next day. We were on cloud nine.

Vendor: Photography: Katrina Jayne Photography | Location: Temescal Canyon + Venice Canals, Los Angeles

Katrina Jayne Photography is a Preferred Top Wedding Vendor.

Presido Park Engagement Session

"Brandon & I dated long distance the first year we were together. The first time we dated while in the same city was when we each moved into the same beach community in San Diego. We decided to have engagements shots in the first city where our love story truly began. We wanted to have a good portion of our photo shoot capture our newfound love of the beach. However, San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in America, so we wanted to capture the lovely scenery more inland as well. Our gracious photographers, Matt & Jackie, were more than happy to oblige and suggested a picnic themed shoot in the lovely Presidio Park. I'd brought flowers Brandon had given just a few days prior and they provided the rest! They really made this process seamless. For the beach shot, we decided to go for a "fancy date night" aesthetic. We just walked around one of our favorite coves not far from our houses, played in the ocean and sand, and enjoyed the sunset. And kissed. Evidently we do that a lot. :)" -the couple

Vendors: Photography: Whiskers & Willow Photography | Location: Presido Park & the beach, San Diego | Dress: Guess from Saks off 5th 

Megan Ondercin Event Design

Megan of Megan Ondercin Event Desgin

Orange County, CA

Website: meganondercin.com
Email: megan.ondercin@gmail.com

  

ABOUT HER: I was born and raised in rural Maryland and earned a degree in Apparel Design. After working for both fashion and event companies on the east coast, I decided to make the move cross country to work in the entertainment industry as a wardrobe stylist/costumer. After working for an Emmy nominated show, as well as countless other sets, I decided it was time to leave that industry and turned my knack for being 'on-trend' to events. I've worked in every aspect of events over the past decade; from serving for a catering company to dabbling in floral arranging; from coordinating to styling and crafting decor, and even creating music playlists. 

I love weddings probably the same reason as everyone else- I love LOVE. I love what weddings symbolize and the diversity of tradtions between cultures. I love the simplicity and the complexity all at the same time. I love translating a couple's story and personalities into something tangible. 

ABOUT MEGAN ONDERCIN EVENT DESIGN: Megan Ondercin Event Design brings a unqiue blend of style, personality, logistics and design to each event. We pour our all into our work to create an amazing event that will leave guests breathless. We aren't afraid to get our hands dirty and prefer to make some custom elements from scratch, which means no two events will ever look the same. Making sure the overall feel of an event reflects the client's wishes and personality is our number one priority. We handle every detail of your wedding or social event from vendor management and logisitcs, to design and fabrication. Always staying one step ahead of a client's needs, we make sure nothing gets overlooked. At the end of the evening if you'd have the time of your life with not a worry in the world, then we've done our job successfully and proudly!

AREAS SERVING: Southern California and beyond.

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE: Our style is a chameleon. Whatever vibe you want to channel, we can tackle. Typically we gravitate towards the unexpected, never-been-seen-before designs, but we also love the classics.

Orange and Pink Spring Wedding Ideas by All In The Detail Design

About the shoot: "Jaime Davis Photography wanted to photograph a spring shoot for Southern California Bride. So when Damaris Mia, SCB Editor, asked for a planner to help coordinate and design this shoot I jumped on the opportunity! The bright color palette of orange, shades of pinks, greens, and ivory were set. Damaris and I began our collaboration to bring the inspiration to life. Once we decided upon Giracci Vineyards in the tucked away hills of Silverado Canyon, California, I knew that a horse must be involved since they are housed on the property. From there we added navy and gold to the color palette to create a happy and lively inspiration on the venue's captivating landscape. Once our talented team of vendors were selected we knew it was going to come together beautifully. Vintage pieces provided by Sundrop Vintage glamorously adorned the multiple locations on the grounds of Giracci Vineyards. Corie Sielaff, owner of Foxtail Florals, came on board only a couple weeks prior to the shoot. I had a vision of geometric shapes filled with floral hanging from the mature pepper trees. Not only did she deliver on the most stunning floral arrangements but she effortlessly made geometric floral chandeliers for me to hang. The idea behind this spring shoot was to pair the rustic beauty of the wedding venue with something romantic, charming and elegant with a splash of fun inspiration for the non-traditional bride." -Amy of All in The Detail Design

Vendors: Venue: Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Orange County | Photographer: Jaime Davis Photography | Videography: Miguel Garcia Studios | Event Planner & Coordinator: All In The Detail Design | Cake: RooneyGirl BakeShop | Florals: Foxtail Florals | Rentals: Sundrop Vintage Rentals | Tux: Friar Tux | Bridal Accesories: Elle & Jae | Bridal Gowns: Blush Bridal Couture | Calligraphy: Crafted By | Linens: Luxe Linens | Stationery: Paper Crew | Jewelry: Petals & Stones | Hair & Make-up: Beach Bridal Beauty | Catering: Jay's Catering

Jaime Davis Photography + All In The Detail Design + Miguel Garcia Studios + RooneyGirl BakeShop + Sundrop Vintage Rentals + Elle & Jae + Blush Bridal Couture + Paper Crew + Petals & Stones + Beach Bridal Beauty are Preferred Top Wedding Vendors. These members are highly recommended by the SCB Team.