Sexy, Sophisticated, Comfortable. Not only is this a great way for today’s featured bride to feel in her Jenny Packham gown, Laurel, but a truly apt description for Amy + Brent’s intimate ‘Palm Springs Chic’ wedding. I love Amy’s whole look (and Brent’s too for that matter)…her side-swept locks compliment the flowy ivory chiffon front of her dress. And the crystal embellished straps are an awesome focal point; or as Amy points out ‘the straps across the back take this dress to another level.’ Agreed!
Amy + Brent | November 7, 2013 | The Le Meridien Parker Palm Springs | Dress Listing: Jenny Packham, Laurel
The Ceremony
We were married outdoors on the Croquet Lawn at the Parker. It was a very intimate ceremony with only 18 guests. I wanted to keep it simple yet “Palm Springs Chic”. So instead of the usual lining the aisle with rose petals I had the florist spread the petals where we would stand. There were some lovely olive trees at the reception but I wanted to elevate the look a bit by hanging some mid century modern swag lights from the trees which I rented here in LA at a local prop house. I also didn’t like the usual option of rolled cones to hold the toss petals. So I decided to make my own by using the plastic strawberry baskets you get at farmers markets and spray paint them gold.
The Reception
Since we were only 20 people total I didn’t think it made sense to have the traditional reception in a banquet room with a dj. So instead we had a lovely cocktail hour outdoors near the ceremony which included passed hors d’oeuvres, a full bar and signature cocktail which was a French 77 (champagne, St. Germain and lemon juice). For dinner I rented out the private dining room within the hotel at the restaurant called Mister Parkers. The room was dark and swanky with a rat pack vibe, which was perfect for our intimate group. I think almost everyone gave a speech and cried at one point. I wanted to go simple/elegant with the cake so I used a vintage drink tray that I had for the cake tray and had the pastry chef just dust the rim of each layer with gold. Since our furry friends couldn’t be there we decided to use a set of Jonathan Adler (who also designed the hotel) salt and pepper shakers in the shape of two cats as our cake toppers, we also now have a great souvenir from our wedding to use at home!
Amy ‘s Dress Search
Originally I didn’t want a traditional white wedding dress at all. Knowing how small our wedding was going to be and the style of the hotel we were getting married at I was searching for an elegant champagne or silver colored evening gown, something you would see on the red carpet. But in order make my mom happy I went to a few bridal stores to just try some dresses on. The Jenny Packham Laurel dress was the 3rd dress I tried on and I knew it was the one. The shape was so simple and clean but it had the crystals at the shoulders and on the straps which made it elegant and the open back made it just sexy enough.
How Amy Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Sexy, Sophisticated, Comfortable.
Why Amy Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I decided to sell my dress because it is just to beautiful to be boxed up and put away forever, never to be worn again. It’s also wasteful! I want someone else to be able to wear this dress on her special day and feel the same way I did.
