Parker Palm Springs Wedding
A Colorful Modern Palm Springs Wedding: Part 1
When you have the opportunity to work with a client that A) Wants to go BOLD with color! B) Has a love of traveling as much as you do, and C) Gives you carte blanche to just ‘go for it!” It was truly a magical combination. After touring with with Jenn & Chance in person and showing them how cool a Parker Palm Springs wedding would be the rest of the planning was done from afar. With Jenn and Chance living in Florida and me traveling in Europe for the previous summer, we worked off of Skype calls from cafes in Ibiza and Monaco with wine in hand. Making working with them a true pleasure!
JP + Chance’s Love Story….
From Jenn:
When Chance and I met we quickly bonded over our mutual love of food, travel and the west coast. I had just moved back to Florida from San Francisco and Chance moved to Florida from LA the previous year. We chatted for hours about our fondness for the Golden State and how we both ended up in Florida to be closer to our families. From the moment we met, we were completely inseparable. Our first year together we traveled to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Tulum, Napa Valley and NYC. Through endless food-a-thons, hiking, exploring some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and even one case of Montezuma’s revenge, our love grew stronger with each trip.
We both wanted a destination wedding and California was an obvious choice. We were bringing together friends and family from all over so we wanted everyone to make a vacation out of it. We fell in love with The Parker as soon as we toured the venue. The property is the epitome of an instant vacation: the mid-century modern vibe is unreal and grounds are beyond gorgeous! Vanessa Van Wieren, our wedding planner, urged us to think outside the box and suggested we have our dinner on the bocce ball court and our reception in the Palm Springs Yacht Club, which is the Spa. We immediately loved both ideas and they turned out to be stellar moves!
Design, Planning, & Invitations: Alchemy Fine Events and Invitations / Photographer: Scott Clark Photo / Videographer: DP Weddings / Venue, Cake, Catering, & Rentals: The Parker Palm Springs / Floral Design: Arrangements Floral & Party Design / Hair: Jose Neira Salon at The Parker / Makeup: Makeup By Keturah / Linens: La Tavola / Cigar Rollers: The Cigar Guys / DJ: Chris Cote / Bride’s Dress: Anne Barge from Malindy Elene in Tampa, Florida / Shoes: Valentino / Wedding Band: Tacori / Engagement Ring: Designed by Groom / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Shoes: Allen Edmonds / Tie: Ted Baker / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Adrianna Papell, & Donna Mizani / Groomsmen Suits: Banana Republic / Flower Girl: Ava Madison Boutique
Read More »Romantic Art Deco Wedding Invitation Suite
Modern Laser Cut Art Deco Wedding Invitation
For Karoll and Carlos’ modern glam Mexican wedding near Puerto Vallarta we created a soft and romantic art deco inspired invitation suite. Laser cut details on a dove grey sleeve opened up to reveal a siver foiled and letterpress printed invitation on a thick opalescent cardstock.
Pastel pink and white striped envelope liners added a soft touch of color to the invitation suite while white calligraphy and a stunning monogram foiled onto the backflap made the envleopes a beautiful piece as well.
Our bride gave her bridesmaids these darling macaron trinket boxes we adored! Perfect for easy to lose precious rings and stud earrings.
Invitation Design Alchemy Fine Events
Calligraphy by Kathryn Murray
Photography by Paula Luna
Read More »Ocean in the Desert Scottsdale Wedding
Deserted Ocean Private Estate Scottsdale Wedding
We are so so excited to finally show off one of our favorite weddings we designed and planned for a lovely couple in Scottsdale, Arizona on Martha Stewart Weddings today!! When Kari the bride first called me we were discussing a cool Sedona elopement after her hectic previous attempt at wedding planning which she scratched for an easier, less stressful route. With so many people to coordinate and schedules to consider she was wanting to just ‘do it!’ with out the worry. When her family friend offered her gorgeous Scottsdale esate after hearing of her woes, we jumped at the chance to move it there to accommodate her guests easier. The only catch? The season was getting hot soon and we had 4 weeks to plan the whole thing!! We jumped into action and made this spectacular back-yard wedding a hit!
Kari and Charlie both loved the ocean but also the desert. I came up with the creative vision of a ‘deserted ocean’, a dried up ocean bed in a magical desert. After bringing on the fantastic Luna of Arrangements Floral Design we whipped up this fantastical evening which turned out to be pure magic. Gina Meola did a fabulous job of capturing the day’s beautiful details and was such a pleasure to work with!
Arrangements Floral & Party Design crafted a stunning bouquet of coral charm peonies, king proteas, ranunculus, astilbe, and tulips. Wrapped in gold sequined trim, the finishing touch was a skeleton leaf. 
Kari worked with stylist Alex Evjen of Ave Styles to create her stunning ensemble. After trying on the blush pink Monique Lhuillier “Candy” dress at Destiny’s Bride in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kari knew it was her gown. A custom sash, veil, and earrings by Paris were added to the ensemble, which was rounded out with nude Jimmy Choo pumps.
Charlie sported a gray Savvi tuxedo by Mr. Formal.
For the invitation I hand illustrated a jellyfish and had it foiled onto a croco embossed glossy paper for a fun contrast of styles. More to come on this invitation as well!
Boutonnieres were made with ivory roses, brunia, and dusty miller—a heart-shaped charm once belonging to Charlie’s late mother was attached to his as a special way of honoring her memory.
The matron of honor and best man carried seashells housing the wedding bands. 
Kari’s sister Lori carried a clutch of coral charm peonies, king protea, yellow roses, brunia, and dusty miller. Kari’s other sister Susan’s bouquet was comprised of a king protea surrounded by white roses, brunia, dusty miller, and coral charm peonies.
Guests were treated to cool lemonade as they arrived. Since we knew the day was going to be so hot we dip-dyed fans to match the decor and tied on feathers and beads with leather cord.
To work with a backyard and actually have the ceremony on their driveway I knew we had to transform the space. I designed a geometrical wall to be built on which we applied mirror to reflect the gorgeous desert landscape. 
In lieu of a traditional guest book I created a ‘Message in a Bottle’ table were guests could write their sweet notes to the couple and float them in the infinity pool. They’ll be read at their one year anniversary which is coming up soon!
We also created a wall of photos with fun facts about the couple that guests would be quizzed on later.
To bring in the ocean vibe we had to serve fresh delicious seafood!
To create the feasting style dining table I built a structure which we mirrored and then hung shelves of floating candles and flowers for a seemingly floating tablescape.
I wanted to create a beautiful tablescape that seemingly floated in our modern mirrored structure so that you saw nothing but the desert around you and make you forget you’re dining on a driveway. The open structure built around the long feasting-style table allowed for showcasing the landscape, while adding drama and romance with candles hanging overhead on white-washed wood shelves also filled with floral arrangements and gnarled grapewood. Constructed with help from a framing contractor, mirror acrylic panels were added to created the illusion of a disappearing structure. 
Trailing down the middle of each table was a collection of oceanic elements, including ceramic sea urchin votives, air plants, and aqua sea glass. 
Ombré napkins tied with leather cord and sea urchins topped geometric plates and silvery placemats. 
The petite cake, by Classic Cakes and Confections, was inspired by the bride’s gown. 
To bring in more of the ‘ghost-like’ creatures that used to live in this ‘deserted ocean’ I found these incredible jellyfish lanterns from designer Roxy Russel which I hung in front of sheer panels of fabric and twinkle lights for our Jellyfish Lounge. 
Photography: Gina Meola
Event Design and Planning, Stationery, and Napkins: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Catering: RendezVous Catering
Flowers, Lighting, & Draping: Arrangements Floral & Party Design
Cake: Classic Cakes & Confections
Music: [string trio] Simply Three; [Flamenco guitarist] Miguel Rodriguez from Jim May Productions
Rentals: [furniture] Pacific Event Productions; [linens] La Tavola; [china and glassware] Classic Party Rentals
Hair and makeup: TEAM Hair & Makeup
Enchanted Garden Malibu Wedding by Alchemy Fine Events at Stone Manor
Stone Manor Malibu Wedding with Jill Thomas
Our darling bride Andrea came to us inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted” perfume ad and our very own Fairytale “Once Upon a Bride” photo shoot we designed for Utterly Engaged. With the stunning Stone Manor as the backdrop for their December Malibu wedding, we were extremely excited to take these inspirations and create a magical evening for her! This property had picturesque cobblestone paths, overgrown ivy walls, an umbrella of trees and a stunning Malibu view overlooking the pacific ocean. We played with these marvelous features and added a few finishing touches to enhance the natural beauty of this location to create an enchanting evening for our lovely couple Andrea & Jeff’s Malibu Wedding.
FASHION
Andrea donned a simple yet stunning gown by Alina Valenta of ivory silk that fit her body like a glove and carried a wild bouquet of sterling roses, lambs ear, black calas and orchids while the bridesmaids surrounding our stunning bride were dressed in a gowns in a gorgeous array of purples, lavender and steel grey and carried dusty sage toned bouquets of all greenery. The slightly gothic and romantic feeling bouquet was worthy of a dark queen we joked. Her lovely maids wore silk gowns of shades of plum, mauve and steel blue and carried bouquets of silvery greenery, lush and full of texture.
THE INVITATION
We create a blind embossed letterpress invitation showcasing a lace-like texture as well as Andrea’s favorite plum purple ink. This romantic wedding invitation printed on 100% cotton paper was nestled inside of a plum hued textured envelope with white calligraphy featured on the back flap.
The intimate Malibu wedding ceremony took place in Stone Manor’s outdoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful foliage and a striking view of Malibu’s rolling hills and Pacific Ocean backdrop. We worked with Krista Jon to create a white birch arbor that we accented with a crystal chandelier and sheer draped cheesecloth for a juxtaposition of glam and with an understated organic, garden vibe.
THE RECEPTION
Guests were welcomed into a stunning stone lined room with open beamed rafters from which we hung glass votive candles that glowed over feasting style tablescapes lined w glowing eggplant taper candles in brass candlesticks. Damask silver and sage linens were lined with mossy birch bark boasting sage toned greenery, white lilies and sterling roses along with heart shaped ivy for a romantic, overgrown garden feel.
For a stunning sweetheart table Krista Jon created a stunning floral installation inside of a ironed framed table flowing with a gorgeous array of greenery, vines, black baby calas and more of the brides favorite sterling roses.
Guets dined on a delectable menu by Whoa Nelly catering including arugula salad with persimmon and crushed hazelnuts, braised shirt rib and roasted winter squashes and sweet potato mash while they sipped on rich red wines to warm their hearts and bellies.
THE DESSERT BAR
For this chilly December wedding we wanted to create a cozy and fairytale worthy dessert bar nestled into the tree lined garden. We hung various mirrors and frames behind a grey velvet covered table covered with delectable sweets & treats by Whoa Nelly and Sweet & Saucy shop. Treats such as pomegranate panna cotta, salted caramel puddings with crème fraiche whip, brownie bites & chocolate peppermint cupcakes were offered above risers boating mossy arrangements, wild greenery and loose blooms. To keep guest cozy as they nibbled on these sweet bites in our heated outdoor lounge, we also offered a hot cocoa bar with homemade flavored marshmallows, caramel nibs, candy cane stir sticks and various liquors to spike them with.
With a revived sugar buzz guests continued to dance into the night and join the bride as she shook her newly wed booty to her favorite Taylor Swift songs with her hubby and friends and family in tow.
photography: Jill Thomas
venue: Stone Manor
event design, planning & invitation: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
floral design: Krista Jon
rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals
wedding dress: Alvina Valenta from The White Flower
bridesmaid dresses: Swoon
hair + makeup: Bekah and Nina with Brides by Brittany
catering: Whoa Nelly
cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
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