Brittany and Damion
The night before their elegant "I do's" at The Parker Palm Springs, Brittany Link and Damion Mathis joined 128 friends and family to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with a fiesta-themed fête. The Houston-based couple are both from California and couldn't think of a better spot to host the weekend festivities—particularly because they had previously stayed there during their first vacation together. Held on the same property as their wedding the next day, the couple used different locations across the resort, focusing on a more laid-back celebration. Incorporating fun, bold colors and quirky touches, this rehearsal dinner was the perfect casual kick-off to one memorable wedding weekend.
The Invitation
Jill Sassa from PS Paper created a rehearsal dinner invitation that featured a maracas illustration on the top, encapsulating the "desert fiesta" theme. To play off the illustration, hand painted mini maracas in shades of blue functioned as the dinner's escort cards.
The Location
Brittany and Damion drew inspiration from the abundant palm trees in the area to create a Palm Springs-style rehearsal dinner at The Parker, with tropical and Mexican touches.
The Welcome Bag
PS Paper put together the ultimate Palm Springs-themed goodie bag, filled with "his & hers" bottled Camper Cocktails, a flamingo drink float, a mini Evian spray mist, kale chips (a tongue-in-cheek nod to Brittany's dietitian career), and California Crisps pineapple chips. In case of too much fun-in-the-sun, a mini emergency kit with items like ibuprofen and sunscreen was provided in the aptly emblazoned "#poolside" tote.
The Fashion
The bride and groom channeled summer-chic—Brittany in a blue-and-white printed Dolce & Gabbana dress and Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, and Damion wearing a blue Hugo Boss shirt, white pants, and Tod's loafers. It wouldn't be a desert party without sunglasses, and they both accessorized with Oliver Peoples and Oliver Spencer shades, respectively.
The Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour was held on the side lawn attached to the Parker's Gene Autry Residence. Rattan chairs and round tables covered in blue-and-white paisley-printed La Tavola linens allowed guests to sit and enjoy music performed by a flamenco guitarist.
The Centerpieces
Lexie Brooks created the couple's cocktail hour centerpieces of vibrant, sunset orange orchids, adding a splash of color to the more neutral table setting.
The Drinks
In keeping with the fiesta theme, everyone sipped on both skinny jalapeño and regular margaritas, the perfect cocktails for this sunny celebration.
The Dinner
Following cocktails, guests moved to the resort's petanque court for dinner, where long tables covered in patterned linens awaited. A row of trees provided just the right amount of shade as everyone dined on a buffet-style Mexican feast of fish tacos, chicken and steak fajitas with mango salsa, and churros with chocolate for dessert.
The Place Setting
Coral pink was featured in the linens and napkins as well as the dainty pincushion protea placed on every place setting, framed by silverware from The Ark. Bolder colors were incorporated with the vibrant centerpieces of yellow and orange orchids and pincushion protea.
The Hammock
A hammock was set up in one of the couple's favorite spots on the property, providing a great photo opportunity and a little rest-and-relaxation for guests.
Sources
Photography, Lacie Hansen
Location, The Parker Palm Springs
Event planning and Flowers, Jenna Lam Events
Stationery, PS Paper
Calligraphy, Monks of Age
Music, Milton Merlos
Rentals, Classic Party Rentals; The Ark; Frances Lane; La Tavola Fine Linens
Bride's dress, Dolce & Gabbana
Bride's accessories, Nicholas Kirkwood sandals; Oliver Peoples sunglasses
Hair, Jose Niera of the The Parker Palm Springs Salon
Groom's outfit, Hugo Boss shirt
Groom's accessories, Tod's shoes; Oliver Spencer sunglasses
Lighting, Lighten Up Inc.