For Emily and John, their wedding location was an easy decision. "We travel to the Palm Springs area every year to attend the Coachella music festival, so the city has become very special to us," Emily says. The couple decided to host their nuptials at the Parker Palm Springs.
Emily wore a Marisa gown and carried an all-white bouquet by R. Jack Balthazar. The bouquet's handle was accented with a vintage brooch. Bridesmaids wore turquoise Jenny Yoo dresses in styles they chose themselves.
Emily and John envisioned a "Great Gatsby-style" midsummer-night affair, Emily says, infused with Chinese tradition. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was held on the Croquet Lawn. Decorations included red Chinese paper lanterns symbolizing good luck, in honor of the bride's heritage. The couple also performed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
Emily and John set up a lounge area where guests could relax and mingle after the ceremony while enjoying hors d'oeuvres along with muddled lemonades, the couple's signature drink.
The reception took place in the hotel's Grand Ballroom, which was set up with a mix of rectangular and round tables decorated with turquoise runners, gilded vessels, and white florals. Each place setting featured a spider mum and a menu card listing the dinner offerings, which included pumpkin risotto, halibut, and filet mignon. The cake and catering were provided by the hotel.
Photos: Megan Sorel Photography
The newlyweds' first dance was to Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," performed by the band Jumpstart. Following the reception, guests moved to the Gene Autry Villa for more merriment. "For some of my relatives, this was their first visit to America, so it was very special to share the happiest moment of our lives with them," says Emily.
Photographer: Megan Sorel Photography || Bride's Gown: Marisa || Groom's Suit: R. Jack Balhazar || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Ceremony and Reception Site: Parker Palm Springs || Programs: Lazaro Press || Wedding Planner: Alexandra Koiendrianos || Reception Music: Jumpstart
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