Desiree and Carlos chose Palihouse West Hollywood for their wedding because the space aligned so well with their personal taste and vision. They wanted everything about the day to reflect themselves, so they incorporated favorite readings, wrote their own vows and designed the favors around their proposal story. The tablescapes by Earthbaby Flowers set on rustic tables created a casual yet elegant atmosphere that welcomed their guests. We love the photography style of Greg Ross and the unique simplicity of the details including Desiree’s stunning Nicole Miller dress.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Reciting our vows and the moment we first saw all of our closest friends and family in the same place.
What made the wedding special and unique?
It was important that our wedding felt like an extension of ourselves. We chose Palihouse because of its residential-style and decor aesthetic, which happened to align with our personal taste. This allowed us to let the space speak for itself and we loved that it provided a cozier feel to the day.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my dress at Nicole Miller on Sunset Blvd. I wanted something I could feel like myself in – something timeless, little bit modern and clean, and nothing too busy. They didn’t have anything in-store that fit my description, but there was one dress in the upcoming season’s collection they felt I might like. I was shown pictures from the look book and they called a sample in for me to try the following week. I knew it was my dress the moment I put it on. It was true to my style and I loved the simple and elegant lines throughout.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
We completely personalized our ceremony. We chose readings we really resonated with, wrote our vows together, and I surprised Carlos with part of the ceremony modeled around an old email he sent back when we dated where he drew parallels between our relationship and those of famous couples. It was both sweet and funny to revisit and served as a really beautiful moment.
We also incorporated our proposal story into quirky wedding favors. Everyone received a cookie shaped like an iPhone with the picture Carlos posted on Instagram from that day on the front. The caption read, “I asked her mid French fry.”
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We shared mutual friends, but never actually spoke to one another for years until one night a hat I wore to a party served as a conversation piece. We found we had so much in common all along and became fast friends.
Five years later, on our annual visit to New York, he proposed over a Shake Shack lunch in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge served as the perfect backdrop. Passersby snapped photos of the moment where I can be found in complete shock, still holding a French fry.
Photography: Greg Ross // Day of Coordination: Jessica Carrillo, Art & Soul Events // Florals: Earthbaby Flowers // Invitations: Minted // Venue: Palihouse West Hollywood // Dress: Abigail from Nicole Miller // Bride’s Makeup: Erika Reno Artistry // Bride’s Hair: Miss Rockabilly Ruby // Cake: Vanilla Bakeshop // Wedding Favors: Cake and Art // Groom’s suit: Lubiam // Officiant: Chris Robinson