After 10 years of dating, John proposed to Lauren during a vacation to Iceland. He popped the question while visiting Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest building in Reykjavik, overlooking the bright and colorful town.

For the bride, Palm Springs, California, felt like a second home. Lauren grew up visiting the valley over spring breaks to see her grandfather who lived in Rancho Mirage and her recently retired parents now live nearby. The newlyweds have always prioritized travel, and with Palm Springs feeling like a second home, it made sense to have a destination wedding there. Over half of their guests would have to travel to their hometown in Michigan and they figured it wasn’t much of a stretch to travel to California. “We also loved the idea of having a wedding weekend, versus just one night, to spend with our dearest family and friends,” the couple says. “So we did our best to host everyone throughout the entire week.”

The couple’s wedding theme was modern elegance with a nod to old Hollywood, decorated with peach, pink and orange flowers anchored with greenery offset by black and white and pops of gold. “We wanted to celebrate the history of Palm Springs and California’s mid-century influence, but have a strong sense of modern design,” Lauren says. 

The newlyweds say their favorite part of the wedding was the ceremony. Lauren’s uncle and brother officiated the wedding. The groom says their heartfelt descriptions of him and his bride’s relationship had most of the guests in tears. “The entire wedding weekend was a blast from the welcome party at The Saguaro to the dance floor, but the meaning during the ceremony and walking down the aisle beaming is a moment I will never forget,” the bride says.

The bride and groom opted for a private vow exchange. Lauren and John shared their vows before the ceremony with just each other. The bride and groom wanted this private moment to share with each other before the rush of the day. “It was truly one of the most special moments,” the newlyweds say.

Vendors: Venue: Avalon Palm Springs, Photographer: Mi Belle Photographers, Videography: Kapsul, Invitations: Prim & Prixie, Printed Materials: Emily Joel Lettering, Florist: Jensens Mary Cass, Rentals: Signature Party Rentals, Lighting: Perfect Touch, DJ: DJ Chris Paul, Signing Performance: Harmonic Voices, Desserts: Exquisite Desserts, Photo Booth: Photo Studio Party Bang Bang, Hair and Makeup: Jen Plus Colour, Bride’s Dress: Carol Hannah Bridal & Groom’s Tux: Versace.