Christopher + Megan knew a few things going into wedding planning: they’d design it all themselves, the wedding would take place outside, and the bride would not wear white! And so it was. They were married at The O’Donnell House in Palm Springs, in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony surrounded by family + friends, many of whom had lent a hand in the details of the day. Here’s the inspiration from Megan:
We fell in love in the desert and wanted to bring all of our favorite people to Palm Springs. When looking for venues, being outside was our number one priority. The rest was just blending the desert aesthetic with our style. We used to live in New York and moved back to Los Angeles a couple of years ago, so both places had a big influence on how we designed our wedding. CP + I planned everything together! We did as many DIY projects as we could without making ourselves crazy, and designed the whole event ourselves. We kept the traditions we loved and threw out the ones that didn’t hold a lot of meaning for us. No cake, more dancing!
Nicole Leever stepped in to photograph the event! Let’s have a look at how it all came together:
Megan’s Custom Bridal Look
Megan is a designer-by-day who’s best friend just happens to be a major player in the fashion industry! We’re mildly obsessed with her STUNNING look, so we had to get the story behind it:
My wedding look was a custom gold silk lamé bustier with an asymmetrical sequin drape, a detachable silk tulle train and a sequin wide-legged pant by Halpern. One leg is printed sequins and the other leg is brushed metallic sequins.
Michael (Halpern) and I met at Parsons and studied in Paris together. We made our junior and senior thesis collections side by side. Now, he lives in London where his brand is based. When CP and I got engaged, Michael called and offered to make me something for our wedding weekend, and I said, “How about something for the actual wedding!” From the very beginning, we knew it wasn’t going to be white and it wasn’t going to be a dress (which were the only hints I gave CP)!
CP and I went to London a few months before the wedding so Michael and I could do fittings and look at fabrics. It also turned out to be a really fun pre-honeymoon (with friends!) and a great way to take a break from the actual wedding planning. I didn’t see my actual wedding look until the week of the wedding, but Michael and I have always been on the same wavelength and I trust his brilliance. We cried together when I put it on for the first time. It was an actual dream come true to get married wearing my best friend’s clothes.
Christopher: I can speak on behalf of myself and everyone else there that the most memorable part was when Megan stepped out into the sunlight on the top of the staircase and all of the sequins were glowing in the setting sun. She looked like a goddess!
Christoper has two brothers and Megan has two sisters, so their wedding party was predestined!
Ceremony in Palm Springs
Such a view!
Both of Megan’s grandparents passed away the year before the wedding and so as a tribute to them, she walked down the aisle with her parents to their song, Spanish Eyes.
Processional: Do you Realize? by The Flaming Lips and Spanish Eyes by Al Martinoo
Recessional: Kiss by Prince
First Dance: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel
Isn’t she a vision?! Cannot get over every little detail from her gold bridal look—and that bouquet by My Little Flower Shop is the perfect accessory!
Fully loving her romantic curls by Ty Shearn!
The cutest newlyweds!
The Desert Reception: A Family Affair
Such a fun hand-dipped painted escort chart by friends at Pop Up Greens! Love how it has a cool desert-inspired feel with the colors + texture.
When in doubt, call on friends! Christopher + Megan’s friends + family not only made the celebration fun, but they also helped make it happen!
Our day really felt like us because so many of our close friends lent their skills and time! Michael made my outfit, Marco did my makeup, Adrianna designed my sisters’ earrings and brooches for our friends to wear, Jane helped me tie-dye all of the napkins by hand, Molly made the seating chart, Abraham made the photo booth props and brought them in his suitcase from New York, and my dad made and painted all of the table numbers!
It goes by in a blink! We wish it was still happening right now. Ha! But in all seriousness, it’s important to communicate with each other the things that matter you to the most and to work together to prioritize those things over what you may be flexible on. You may not realize what those things are until you take the time to sit down and discuss or get out together and do research.
We were so happy that we had planned the whole weekend to spend with our friends and family, from our welcome party on Friday night to brunch by the pool on Sunday morning. We stayed in Palm Springs the day after relaxing with our friends and family, which was such a wonderful way to wrap up the weekend before going on our honeymoon!
Love a couple who stays true to themselves in every way through every detail! Here’s one more peek at all the fun by The Vision Field:
Congrats to Christopher + Megan from all of us at GWS!
photography: Nicole Leever // venue name: The O’Donnell House, Palm Springs, California, USA // planning: Lisa at the Events Department // florals: My Little Flower Shop // wedding dress: Halpern // bride’s shoes: Dries Van Noten // bride’s ring: Polly Wales, Wwake // bridesmaid dresses: Self-Portrait // hair stylist: Ty Shearn // makeup artist: Marco Campos // groom attire: Indochino and Paul Smith // groom’s shoes: J.Crew // groom’s ring: Catbird // videography: The Vision Field // catering: F10 // furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals // specialty rentals: Adore Folklore // music: Dart Collective // seating chart: Pop Up Greens // bridesmaids earrings: Mignonne Gavignan // groom’s bolo tie : Vintage