Claire and Laurence’s desert-chic wedding combined a stylish yet warm and relaxed vibe under the rare rainy skies of Palm Springs. Hosted at the iconic mid-century Lautner Compound, their wedding day seamlessly paired modern aesthetics with the playful energy they envisioned for their guests, who traveled from around the world to celebrate with them. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was an unforgettable experience filled with personal touches that reflected the couple’s personalities and their unique love story, beautifully documented by AshGabes Photography.
Location: Palm Springs, California, USA
Style: Desert, retro, chic, playful, warm
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Wedding venue
Season: Spring
Claire and Laurence’s love story began in New York City, at the height of the COVID pandemic. They met through mutual friends at a house party, and what started as a friendship gradually transformed over time. Years of knowing each other as friends allowed them to build a genuine connection. “We learned everything about each other as friends first, and it made our relationship that much more authentic,” Claire shared. When it came time to tie the knot, they envisioned a wedding that would feel worth the journey for their international guests—a celebration that was both elegant and filled with life.
Bridal Morning
On the wedding day, Claire prepared with her bridesmaids, each donning soft curls while bride opted for an elegant updo that highlighted her natural beauty. Makeup and hair by Julia Gonzales brought a fresh, natural look to the entire bridal party. Claire’s gown, simple yet stunning, was a reflection of her understated elegance.
Meanwhile, her bridesmaids wore dresses in earthy tones that complemented the desert setting and echoed the warm sunset color palette that defined the day’s aesthetic. Bouquets by Joy of Bloom Florals added soft pastel accents, with blooms in pink, peach, and cream, tying the look together beautifully.
Groom's Fashion
Laurence kept it classic with a black tuxedo, perfectly tailored in NYC. His groomsmen mirrored his timeless style, each dressed in black tuxedos, adding a formal yet cohesive feel to the gathering. They shared a light-hearted morning together, filled with laughter and anticipation for the day ahead.
First Look
Claire and Laurence’s first look unfolded like a scene from a romantic film. Under the light drizzle, Claire approached Laurence with an umbrella in hand, her gown flowing effortlessly as she smiled with anticipation.
"We managed to get married on the one day of the year when it rained in Palm Springs."
Sitting together on a sleek black leather couch, they shared an intimate and lighthearted moment as Laurence opened a thoughtful gift from Claire. Her radiant smile and his joyful laughter filled the room, creating a scene of genuine connection and excitement for the day ahead.
Ceremony
The ceremony space featured a vibrant floral backdrop of orange, peach, and blush blooms, perfectly complementing the Palm Springs aesthetic. Guests sat on elegant wooden chairs arranged on a lush lawn, surrounded by towering palms. Just as the ceremony began, the rain cleared, creating a fresh and serene atmosphere as the couple exchanged heartfelt vows under the open sky—a moment filled with joy and magic.
"Knew we wanted to get married in Palm Springs so we picked a venue shortly after getting engaged and then locked in the Fetelle team to organize the wedding – best decision we made!"
Claire’s radiant smile lit up as she read her vows, and Laurence’s emotional response showcased the deep bond they share. The couple’s walk down the aisle as husband and wife was filled with joy, with Claire raising her bouquet triumphantly as guests cheered.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour was a relaxed yet vibrant affair, where guests mingled in cozy lounge areas styled with mid-century modern furniture and vibrant accents. Signature drinks were served by Cocktail Concierge, perfectly blending style and flavor, while the cheerful atmosphere set the tone for the evening. The couple’s vision of creating an inviting space was evident in every detail.
“We wanted our guests to feel like they were part of an unforgettable desert experience, stylish yet comfortable.”
Private Moment
Claire and Laurence took a quiet moment to walk the venue’s grounds as golden light bathed it in a warm glow. The photographs by Ash Gabes Photography beautifully captured these heartfelt moments. From the candid smiles to the romantic backlit shots, every image showcased the genuine connection between the couple and the stunning desert backdrop. Using both film and digital cameras, the photographer enhanced the richness and depth of each shot, creating timeless memories that perfectly preserved the love and atmosphere of their special day.
"Somehow the rain stopped exactly as we started our ceremony and by the time we did our reception the sun was peeking out, which made for beautiful photos."
Decor & Setting
The reception was an indoor-outdoor experience under a clear tent, blending the natural beauty of the desert with elegant decor. Tables were adorned with flowers in vibrant shades of orange, pink, and peach, while textured linens and tabletop pieces from Catalog Atelier added depth to the design. Delicate, personalized touches like the custom stationery from Velvet Fox Designs highlighted the couple’s attention to detail. The lighting created a warm glow that set the stage for a night of celebration, perfectly aligning with the chic, modern feel the couple had envisioned.
"A desert sunset color palette and design details flowed perfectly throughout the ceremony and reception space."
Reception
As the reception began, the wedding party made a lively grand entrance, setting the celebratory tone for the evening. Claire and Laurence followed, radiating joy as they stepped into the bright space, welcomed by the cheers of family and friends.
The champagne tower by Towers by Bottles and Blooms was a show-stopping moment, with the sunlight catching the cascading bubbles as Claire and Laurence raised their glasses for a toast, surrounded by applause. After the couple shared their first dance under woven lanterns, swaying gracefully in the warm golden rays that poured through the clear tent.
"Most of our choices like music, cocktail hour, ceremony had a modern spin on wedding tradition, which made things unique and fun for our guests."
Celebration
As the evening unfolded, Claire changed for a glamorous new look, swapping her elegant gown for a playful white mini-dress with feathered details and pearl-studded sleeves. Paired with sparkling earrings and heart-shaped sunglasses, her outfit set the tone for a lively celebration. Guests gathered as she tossed her bouquet into a sea of cheering bridesmaids and friends, creating a moment of pure fun and excitement.
The couple then shared a sweet tradition, cutting into a cake decorated with cherries, whipped icing and the name “The Bauderts”. Claire and Laurence fed each other bites amidst laughter and cheers from their guests, savoring the moment under the soft glow of string lights.
The dance floor quickly came alive, with the bride leading the way in her white sneakers, embodying effortless charm and energy. Guests joined in for an unforgettable night of dancing, celebrating the love and joy of the day. The laughter, movement, and vibrant music carried the party into the late hours, ensuring the wedding ended on the highest note of fun and connection.
Advice from the couple:
• Take it all in. It goes by really quickly, so make sure you enjoy yourself – and don’t forget to eat!
• Hire planners! If your budget allows, or even if you think it doesn’t, cut something else to hire planners, even a partial package is great.
• Don’t worry about whether other people are having a good time – if you’re having a good time, everyone else will follow your lead.
• We booked out a dive bar for our afterparty – one of our favorite things we did as it meant we could play whatever music we wanted and drink whatever we wanted, and it was very cost-effective.
PHOTOGRAPHY Ash Gabes Photography | VENUE The Lautner Compound | PLANNING & DESIGN Fetelle Designs | MUAH Julia Gonzales Beauty | FLORALS Joy of Bloom Florals | CATERING F10 Catering | BAR Cocktail Concierge | CONTENT CREATOR Cupid Content Co. | STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Velvet Fox Designs | RENTALS & LINENS Bright Event Rentals | SPECIALTY RENTALS Adore Folklore | TABLETOP RENTALS Catalog Atelier | LIGHTING SD Socialights | DJ Dart Collective | PHOTO BOOTH Tipsy Twins Photo Booth | CHAMPAGNE TOWER Towers by Bottles and Blooms | TRANSPORTATION Cardiff Transportation | OFFICIANT Great Officiants
