Location: Palm Springs, California, USA
Setting: Hotel
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 120
How long did the couple plan the event: 3 years
Wedding theme/style: The classic Palm Springs desert vibes and lush oasis of the Parker’s aesthetic.
Meet Devra, a talented visual artist, and Imran, a dedicated attorney, two souls who embarked on a journey of love that began during their college days at Bard College in 2009. They nurtured their relationship for many years, sharing dreams of uniting their friends and family at their wedding. Devra, an ardent dance lover, couldn’t wait to see her loved ones join her on the dance floor.
Imran chose a picturesque beach on Martha’s Vineyard for the proposal, a place with special significance as his grandparents owned a home there. As they relaxed on the tranquil beach with their adorable Chihuahua mix, Pebbles, and a picnic prepared for later, Imran took a spontaneous plunge into the ocean. Devra, completely unsuspecting, watched as he returned and, leaning over, surprised her with a beach-found treasure – an engagement ring.
The natural beauty of Parker Palm Springs’s surroundings played a pivotal role in shaping Devra and Imran’s wedding vision. With the breathtaking backdrop of lush green gardens and majestic mountains, they aimed for a vibrant and organic atmosphere.
The bride’s morning was filled with pleasant excitement as she prepared for her wedding alongside her close friends. Together, they shared both tears and laughter, their enduring friendship woven with countless shared memories. They were all overjoyed for their friend, knowing that this was one of the most important days of her life.
With the help of stylist Olya Tizer and makeup artist Annie Bran, Devra’s bridal look was nothing short of extraordinary. She looked stunningly beautiful, radiating a natural and delicate charm, capturing the essence of the special day perfectly. Her Markarian silk dress with an open back and rhinestone belt evoked timeless beauty look.
At the same time, Imran was also preparing for the wedding, spending this precious time with his friends. For each of them, it was a significant and momentous day. Imran had made a profound choice in his life, and in this joyous moment, his closest friends were right by his side, sharing in his happiness.
The first look was an incredibly sweet moment. The lovely and graceful Devra approached Imran, who hadn’t yet seen her in her bridal attire. He stood there in anticipation, knowing that his beloved would look stunning. When he finally turned to see her, for a brief moment, he was left speechless. Devra looked exceptionally beautiful, refined, and elegant in her exquisite silk gown from Markarian.
Two extraordinary elements made their day truly unique. The first was the chuppah, a sacred space with immense sentimental value. It was handmade by Devra’s late mother and was used in their extended family for special occasions. It was a way for her mother’s presence to be felt even though she couldn’t be there in person.
Devra had a strong desire for an abundance of vibrant orange bougainvillea to be incorporated into their floral arrangements and the structure of the chuppah. She was captivated by the bright and organic cascading properties of this flower. Sarah Tivel of Gather events and Britlyn Simone Floral, with her exceptional talent, masterfully translated Devra’s vision into reality.
The floral arrangements and installations prominently featured orange and yellow bougainvillea, lending a vibrant touch, while the softer, peach-colored sweet peas added a whimsical and captivating element. These flowers proved to be stunningly beautiful and contributed to the overall enchanting ambiance of the event.
As the ceremony began, the guests were eagerly anticipating the start of the beautiful wedding ceremony. Imran was already standing and waiting for his beloved.
And there appeared the lovely bride, arm in arm with her beloved father, whose happiness knew no bounds. Imran admired Devra as she walked towards him down the aisle.
Repeating their vows, the couple stands beneath the chuppah. This traditional Jewish wedding canopy has four corners and a roof. The chuppah symbolizes the home that the spouses will build together. While the groom and bride are under the chuppah, it is believed that the couple has a direct divine connection with God. Therefore, the guests pray for good health and fortune, believing that God will hear their prayers through the groom and bride.
How wonderful it is to have close friends nearby, ready to share the happiness and joy of this special day!
Before the wedding reception, the guests gathered to socialize and enjoy delicious appetizers and cocktails. A beautiful lounge area was set up for this purpose, adorned with flowers just like the ceremony venue. Britlyn Simone Floral paid special attention to every detail.
How wonderful the setting for the wedding dinner was! A magnificent garden adorned with string lights that created a special romantic ambiance, flower arrangements, and candles on the tables. It all looked splendid, and every guest felt the enchanting atmosphere. All this splendor was brought to life through the creative vision and craftsmanship of Britlyn Simone Floral
Another special touch was the quilt crafted by Imran’s mother. She reached out to close friends and family members, asking each to create a square for the quilt. This quilt is a visual representation of the couple’s gathered family, friends, and their beautiful relationship.
Of course, one of the most heartwarming moments at a wedding is when the bride and groom receive congratulations from their loved ones. And let’s not forget the emotional highlight of the evening – the toast given by Devra’s three older sisters. Their rendition of ‘Matchmaker Matchmaker’ from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ with altered lyrics telling the couple’s love story was a performance that made Devra laugh and cry simultaneously, encapsulating the joy of the day.
Another poignant moment was the dances, with Morgan dancing with her father and John dancing with his mother.
“Dancing the Hora” where the bride and groom are lifted in chairs during a dance, is another expression of the extraordinary, joyous, carefree celebration of happiness.
The wedding cake was adorned with flowers that matched the overall wedding decor. This was executed in an incredibly organic and stylish manner, not extravagantly, but with an elegant and aesthetic touch.
The evening after the wedding dinner came alive with joyful dancing and live music, creating an indescribably vibrant atmosphere. Guests reveled and mingled, forgetting everything but the pure joy of this splendid moment. This night was not just wonderful but a true fireworks display of emotions, filling the air and the hearts of everyone present at the wedding.
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy, it flies by.
FLORAL Britlyn Simone Floral | PLANNING, DESIGN & STATIONERY Gather Events | PHOTOGRAPHER For the Photo | VENUE & CATERING Parker Palm Springs | MUAH Olya Tizer Annie Bran | MUSIC Saasil Kantenah | RENTALS Signature | DRESS DESIGNER Markarian Bride | HER SHOES Miu Miu Ferragamo | HIS SHOES Ferragamo | TIE Dries Van Noten | MENSWEAR Bindle and Keep
