Like so many other couples, Kayla and Ifeanyi found themselves faced with the realization and disappointment of postponing their 2020 wedding. With their original date set for May and over 200 guests invited, their sunny Huntington Beach, California wedding wouldn’t go on as planned. “We were feeling really defeated,” recalls Kayla. 

Their destination wedding plans were rescheduled for November 2020 at a totally different location and with far fewer guests. “When we decided to resume planning, we moved our venue to the desert to experience the warm weather on our wedding day,” says the bride.  

With the help of Alexa Infranca from Pure Lavish Events, the couple reimagined their destination wedding design and location. Set in the foothills of Palm Springs at Colony 29, the couple saw their dreams realized. “Our special day turned out EVEN BETTER than we could have imagined. I had always dreamed of a Spanish villa-style wedding and Colony 29 delivered beyond my wildest dreams,” says Kayla. “The wedding was planned in a month and a half. It was quite the process, but Kayla and Ifeanyi were on top of everything,” recalls their wedding planner, Alexa. “Kayla and I spoke on the phone regarding design and we decided that with their style and elegance, we wanted to go classic with the color palette and decor,” says Alexa. 

The “memorable mini-vacation experience” the couple wanted for their 33 guests was easily accomplished. According to Kayla, “Our family members stayed in six different houses on Colony 29’s beautiful property and we stayed with our wedding party at Kempa Villa, a private estate with eight separate rooms.” A rehearsal dinner at the couple’s villa allowed for guests to celebrate and experience their Mexican and Nigerian cultures through cuisine.

The wedding day was a true celebration and Ifeanyi’s uncle opened with a traditional Nigerian ceremony welcoming the guests. “I arrived in a 1962 pearl white Rolls Royce where my father walked me down the aisle. And my 13-year-old son delivered the rings while our very best friends stood by our side in support,” recalls Kayla. “It was important to both Ifeanyi and I to speak our own vows, which turned out to be one of the best parts of our day.”

Safety was paramount to the couple when it came to their celebration and they required Covid tests to ensure everyone could relax and enjoy the celebration without worry. Kayla had some additional helpful advice for other couples planning right now: hire an experienced wedding planner. “Alexa was so fantastic at guiding us every step of the way. She had amazing connections and recommendations that made checking items off our to-do list extremely easy!”

Vendors: Photography: Valorie Darling Photography; Planner: Pure Lavish Events; Venue: Colony 29; Video: Authentic Story Tellers; Florals: Florals by Jenny; Catering: Harvest Kitchen; Rentals: Signature Party Rentals; DJ: DJ Blast; String Quartet: Organic String Quartet; Cake: The Butter Cake Studio; Vintage Car: Classic Limos; Hair: Babe Hair By B; Dress & Veil: Idina Bridal; Designer: Pronovias; Groom’s Tux: Armani; Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Brideside; Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations

This article was originally published in Destination I Do’s Summer/Fall 2021 issue.