YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING- MUCH MORE THAN A CEREMONY

Destination weddings are becoming very much the norm as couples choose a departure for the “home town” wedding and instead, select a neutral destination that becomes a weekend celebration of their relationship and a mini vacation for their family and guests.

Their event becomes much more than just a beautiful ceremony, it becomes an experience, a weekend of individuality and expression, perfectly orchestrated to reflect their style, graciousness toward their guests and love for each other.

The greater PALM SPRINGS area is a magical destination for couples wanting to create a wedding event that is distinctive and unique, truly their own.

The beauty of PALM SPRINGS is its proximity to several large metropolitan cities and the ultra easy access for national and international air travel. The greater PALM SPRINGS area does everything it can to lure and romance couples seeking an original, elegant wedding experience.
 

 

 

 Beautiful churches, gorgeous country clubs and 7 grand hotel resorts all present wonderful options for the PALM SPRINGS DESTINATION WEDDING weekend. But, the slightly off center, eclectic, unique and discrete venues found only through a professional event planner is where the Palm Springs area really shines!

 

 

 

PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING

When planning a destination wedding, the first 2 questions you must discuss and resolve are:

Question #1. What is your budget?  Truly, in your heart of hearts, before you ever make a single phone call, decide on what you would “like to spend” and what you are “willing to spend” on your event. Somewhere between these two numbers is your “reality.” 

Question #2. What type of weekend experience do YOU, as a couple, want to share with our family and friends. Quite often, well meaning family and friends weigh in very early and impact your original ideas and true wishes. Keep in mind, although family is very important, this is your day and should evolve into an experience exquisite and uniquely your very own.

When considering a destination wedding, having the assistance of a professional “on the ground” in your desired area, is invaluable. She or he, will most certainly help you save precious time and yes, even money! They know the ropes, so to speak, and can efficiently help you sort through and organize all the details that can become overwhelming and unfortunately, if mismanaged, costly. They will help you select the perfect mix of required vendors and introduce you to many location-venues you may have never even considered.

 Cathy O’Connell owner of “Celebrations of Joy” is a professional wedding-event planner in the greater PALM SPRINGS area. Her experience, connections and local insight opens doors you may never find on your own! She recently took us on a tour of 4 of her favorite wedding venues, a variety to be sure, each spectacular and original and certainly off  the beaten path.

THE LIVING DESERT. Located in Palm Desert Ca, was established in 1970 as a non-profit education and conservation center dedicated to preserving desert plant and animal life.  It contains lush botanical gardens and more than 430 desert animals representing 150 breeds including endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra, Arabian oryx, Mexican gray wolves and Peninsular Bighorn sheep. Throughout the park are amazing areas perfect for social events both large and small.  With the assistance of an experienced planner, this rustic but refined outdoor establishment can be transformed into an unforgettable wedding venue.  

The Commissioners house, an intimate living-dining room authentically appointed  accommodates parties of 50 or less and  is a slice of African heaven.

The Palm Patio, for larger parties of 50-400 lets you dine and dance under the stars surrounded by beautiful Palm trees and the natural sounds of the desert.

The newest event space is the Chase Building. The epitome of cultural class, this indoor-outdoor space offers an outdoor patio space for cocktails and dancing , interior space for formal dining and a private collection art gallery for continued socialization.

 HOME OF WILLIAM HOLDEN.

A private home perched in the hills above Palm Springs still reflects the life and times of William Holden and Stephanie Powers. Their love for Africa, and their zest for gracious entertaining are evident in this spacious 7000 SF home with indescribable views.

 

 

 

THE ACE HOTEL recently transformed, is a trendy, campy hotel located in Palm Springs, Ca. that appeals to the hip style seekers of Hollywood, San Francisco and New York.  Edgy, original, and extremely comfortable, it is part of a very successful hotel chain out of Portland Oregon.

Chrome, glass, steel, lashed canvas and concrete create the huge gymnasium like event compound adjacent to a gorgeous pool. The glass walls completely open and dissappear to create an amazing indoor-outdoor venue. Hosting your entire wedding at the Ace Hotel with 450 guest rooms, restaurant, room service, 2 pools and a relaxed atmosphere is a spectacular option.

 

THE LA QUINTA RESORT.  Nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, tucked within this amazing resort is LA CASA, the  former personal retreat of Greta Garbo. A petite lawn and garden  is transformed into your very own, very private ceremony site. Migrate to the intimate covered patio with outdoor fireplace for cocktails then enjoy your reception under the stars as you dine and dance the night away surrounded by flowers and citrus trees. Nicely secluded, this venue is away from most resort traffic, personal, private and quite perfect!

 

A DESTINATION WEDDING CAN BE THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. Enjoy the process from planning to savoring every single minute of your weekend. Spend the weekend in Palm Springs and discover the magic of the California desert resort area and all it has to offer. For a destination consultation and area tour with a true professional, contact Cathy O’Connell. 

Visit   CELEBRATIONS OF JOY or call  760 777-8420  Tell her you saw the desert on  BeHereTV.com!