Getting out into the desert is something that digs deep into your bones—there’s a sort of call of the wild that always seems to ripple through me as soon as I’m on the highway, heading east for the wildness that awaits. Something about desert weddings just hits me in my gut—just feels like truth and magic and is still full of so much mystery despite this ol’ modernized world of ours. And for Jamie and Neil, I think this held powerfully true. As NYC urban creatives, getting away to the mystic wonder of the desert felt like a must—felt like the best way to experience their union. Jamie’s favorite national park in Joshua Tree, which says a lot for a talented travel writer who has been all over! Neil had mentioned the authenticity of Palm Springs when we first spoke—that it had retained something real and true straight out of the early 60s. It held such a special place in their hearts as a result. So for their big, audaciously midcentury day, the low slung desert hide-away vibes of The Hotel Lautner simply couldn’t be beat. And that’s where our story begins.
The Lautner, designed by the famed architect of the same name way back when, made for the most amazing mid-century setting for Jamie & Neil’s Mad Men-esque wedding. True Mad Men afficionados, every detail mattered to them. Jamie and her maids started the day champagning in their sweet in matching modern floral-print robes. There was this perfect moment when the girls helped Jamie into her smoldering hot satin old-hollywood gown by Sarah Janks. Everybody gasped. Jamie gasped. And she realized just how fab the day was going to be. The groomsmen all channeled the no-fuss class of ’60s gentlemen as they teased and hung out by the pool and Neil brought a creative edge to his classically clean-cut Ted Baker and Thom Browne look. Weren’t their matching hot pink socks a wild pop?
I just adored this perfect rally before Jamie and Neil’s first look. Tenderly, bringing the women that mattered most to Jamie in for a group hug. And then their glowing first-look moment just slayed. It was full of joy and delight and that fine line of being on the edge of good tears but also being all DO NOT WRECK THAT PERFECT MAKEUP! They’re adorably in love and it shows and shines so bright. Dig the bridesmaids in the background basically clapping their hands!
The ceremony began just as the sun hit the desert hills casting the most romantic glow during the nuptials. The love and excitement between Jamie and Neil was illuminated perfectly—I think all of the guests could reach out and grasp in the magic. I loved that Jamie’s uncle officiated over such a meaningful (but also playful) ceremony, as all remained un-phased by the swirling winds around them.
In the hot hot heat of Desert Hot Springs and despite the epic winds getting wild with all the wedding goodies, everything was just effortlessly lovely. The details of the event coordinted by Courtney of After the Engagement added sophisticated flair: tables dressed with crisp white center pieces by Branches Floral Studio, gold cutlery and orchids. Tote bags filled with Palm Springs essentials.
Roman Blas of Over the Rainbow Desserts recreated the most gorgeous classic cake from a black-and white photo of a 1960s cake that Jamie and Neil fell in love with. Three tiers of ivory frosted bliss! Vintage postcards as seating assignment cards were a retro glam touch that we especially loved.
Once the sun dipped down, the string lights twinkled above the guests, and toasts were made, the couple cut the cake and danced the night away. The evening wasn’t quite complete without a late night In N Out burger run joyfully celebrated by all! The call of the desert, the midcentury magic, these two completely sweet, tender, and playful dreamers—everything was just as it should be.
This wedding was also featured on 100 Layer Cake, so head on over there if you want to see more photos of this dreamy day!
TALENT ROLL CALL
Photography: Let’s Frolic Together / Venue: Hotel Lautner, Desert Hot Springs, CA / Coordinator: After the Engagement / Florals: Branches Floral Studio / Catering: Miho Catering Co. / Baker: Roman Blas of Over the Rainbow Desserts & Cakes / Dress Designer: Sarah Janks / Dress Store: Lovely Bride NYC / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridal Hair Accessory: Untamed Petals by Amanda Judge / Bride’s Rings: Single Stone / Bride’s Earrings: Ti Adoro Jewelry / Hair & Makeup: Aide Lopez of Salon 119 & Spa / Suit: Ted Baker / Bow Tie, Tuxedo Shirt, Shoes: Thom Browne / Groom’s Ring: Harry Winston / Officiant: Rev. Lyle J. Beckman / DJ: DJ Eko / Lighting: SociaLights / Rentals: Platinum Event Rentals / Bartending: Barcon Cocktail Co. / Invitaitons: Fancy That NYC / Save the Dates: Factory Made / Second Shooter: Natalie Emerson
Great wedding Jaz! You rocked the reception images by making me want to get my dance on! Beautiful couple. Beautiful setting. Incredible images. Thumbs up!
Thanks so much, Julie! I still wanna get my dance on but you know how we do. :P
YES! I have been waiting for this blog! Love the style of this wedding. The gorgeous florals and a bride with red lips really do it for me. Great images!!
YES! Red lip brides slay all day! Thank you for these kind words!
The shot of them on the street is perfection! Love this wedding… I’ve been to this hotel and thought how cool it would be for an event. You rocked it girl!
Don’t you just love its amazing vibe! Thanks so awfully much, Gabrielle!
How could they not love every single one of these!!! Amazing set!!
Thanks so much, Sarah! It was a delight to shoot. :)
So I think I looked at these images when you posted them (or some of them) on Facebook, shortly after the wedding. The cool thing? I didn’t care- I wanted to look at ALL OF THEM AGAIN. AND AGAIN. I love so many things about this wedding and your interpretation of it- such beautiful work!
Oh wow, that is some seriously high praise. Gosh, thanks so much, Natalie, I am honored!
I don’t know what magic camera vodoo you have but you are freaking amazing! I mean seriously, this could not be any freaking better!!
Awwwww. <3 <3 <3
Thanks so much Allie, that means so much to me especially coming from you!
What you do, Jasmine…it blows my mind! You are the best kept secret in SoCal. I could get lost in your images for hours!
Oh, Erin, you are just about the loveliest ever. Thank you for these amaze words!
Lovely images, you captured their day beautifully.
Thanks, Andrea!
Everything about this wedding is just perfectly amazing! The retro feel, the gorgeous bride and groom, the compositions, the lighting. Amazing!
Thank you so very much Sophie! We adored this rad retro glam day!
The story is Awesome. I can’t imagine how fantastic this wedding was. I adore looking through each photo. I wish I was there. It really tells the story of who they are!
Such super awesome praise, thank you! It really was a fantastic day!
Your work is just so incredible, Jasmine. I get sucked in to your blog. I just want to see more and more photos!! You are an amazing storyteller.
Oh wow, how sweet are you, Laura?! Thank you so very much for this super praise. <3
I’m loving your mix of black and white and color images here. The beautiful bride looks glamorous with her gown, bright lips, great smile! Such a cool location and energetic event!
We had such a blast with this stylish couple, thank you!