The venue was booked, the date was set, and everything was in place for Laurel and Dave to say, “I do,” at their dream location in Malibu. But, just two months after booking, the bride and groom received word that their venue was damaged by the wildfires that ravaged Southern California in November 2018. 

Laurel and Dave were back to square one. Luckily, they knew exactly what their next best option was.

“Palm Springs rose to the top of the list because it’s one of our favorite weekend getaways, and we’ve always been enchanted by the old Hollywood feel,” Laurel says.

Enchanting was just the start. Laurel and Dave’s wedding would take place at the historic Frederick Loewe Estate, an iconic, 3-acre luxury property located just five minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. The estate was built in 1956, and it was the home of Broadway composer Frederick Loewe. Known for its glass walls, mid-century modern design, gorgeous greenery and picturesque view of the mountains, the Loewe Estate provided the ideal Hollywood setting for Laurel and Dave to exchange their vows.

“Palm Springs is such an amazing getaway,” the couple says. “We were so thrilled to share it with our friends and family.”

Knowing there was no way they would be able to plan a wedding from afar without help, Laurel and Dave hired two professional planners.

“We were in great hands with Jamie and Erika at Wild Heart Events. We also used Aisle Planner to review recommendations from our planners, create vision boards, keep organized, and make seating charts,” the bride says.

Laurel and Dave made sure to have some fun during their planning. Dave insisted on one key DIY project: crafting a bow tie and hat for a taxidermy pheasant at the Loewe Estate. The pheasant, who now looked the part, was deemed the “Party Fowl” by guests. Altogether, the pair had a lovely, memorable wedding that was uniquely their own.

“We had a beautiful sunset for cocktail hour and the perfect weather for our dinner under the night sky,” Laurel says.   

Complete with breathtaking views of the Palm Springs desert, an idyllic landscape, and the warm presence of friends and family, Laurel and Dave’s Palm Springs wedding redeemed their initial upset of losing Malibu. 

Vendors: Photographer: Molly + Co; Wedding Planner: Wild Heart Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Frederick Loewe Estate; Florist: Nectar and Bloom; Stationery: Sophia Loves Letters; Hair & Makeup: Nancy Z Beauty; Gown Designer: Rime Arodaky; Groom’s Clothing Designer: John Varvatos; Catering: F10 Catering; Rentals: Signature Party Rentals; DJ: Dart Collective