A Playful Fiesta-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in Palm Springs

By Lydia Chan
October 18, 2016
Lacie Hansen Photography

The precursor to a chic wedding, this fun get-together was a desert dream, complete with Mexican influences.

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Brittany and Damion

Lacie Hansen Photography
Go Inside the Couple's Wedding Day at The Parker Palm Springs!

The night before their elegant "I do's" at The Parker Palm Springs, Brittany Link and Damion Mathis joined 128 friends and family to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with a fiesta-themed fête. The Houston-based couple are both from California and couldn't think of a better spot to host the weekend festivities—particularly because they had previously stayed there during their first vacation together. Held on the same property as their wedding the next day, the couple used different locations across the resort, focusing on a more laid-back celebration. Incorporating fun, bold colors and quirky touches, this rehearsal dinner was the perfect casual kick-off to one memorable wedding weekend.   

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The Invitation

Lacie Hansen Photography
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Jill Sassa from PS Paper created a rehearsal dinner invitation that featured a maracas illustration on the top, encapsulating the "desert fiesta" theme. To play off the illustration, hand painted mini maracas in shades of blue functioned as the dinner's escort cards.

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The Location

Lacie Hansen Photography

Brittany and Damion drew inspiration from the abundant palm trees in the area to create a Palm Springs-style rehearsal dinner at The Parker, with tropical and Mexican touches.

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The Welcome Bag

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elcome Bags from Real Weddings

PS Paper put together the ultimate Palm Springs-themed goodie bag, filled with "his & hers" bottled Camper Cocktails, a flamingo drink float, a mini Evian spray mist, kale chips (a tongue-in-cheek nod to Brittany's dietitian career), and California Crisps pineapple chips. In case of too much fun-in-the-sun, a mini emergency kit with items like ibuprofen and sunscreen was provided in the aptly emblazoned "#poolside" tote.

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The Fashion

Lacie Hansen Photography

The bride and groom channeled summer-chic—Brittany in a blue-and-white printed Dolce & Gabbana dress and Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, and Damion wearing a blue Hugo Boss shirt, white pants, and Tod's loafers. It wouldn't be a desert party without sunglasses, and they both accessorized with Oliver Peoples and Oliver Spencer shades, respectively.

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The Cocktail Hour

Lacie Hansen Photography

The cocktail hour was held on the side lawn attached to the Parker's Gene Autry Residence. Rattan chairs and round tables covered in blue-and-white paisley-printed La Tavola linens allowed guests to sit and enjoy music performed by a flamenco guitarist.

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The Centerpieces

Lacie Hansen Photography
Related: Best-Ever Wedding Centerpieces

Lexie Brooks created the couple's cocktail hour centerpieces of vibrant, sunset orange orchids, adding a splash of color to the more neutral table setting.

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The Drinks

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Summer Cocktail Recipes to Create a Stir at Your Wedding

In keeping with the fiesta theme, everyone sipped on both skinny jalapeño and regular margaritas, the perfect cocktails for this sunny celebration.

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The Dinner

Lacie Hansen Photography
Wedding Cake Alternatives We Love

Following cocktails, guests moved to the resort's petanque court for dinner, where long tables covered in patterned linens awaited. A row of trees provided just the right amount of shade as everyone dined on a buffet-style Mexican feast of fish tacos, chicken and steak fajitas with mango salsa, and churros with chocolate for dessert.

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The Place Setting

Lacie Hansen Photography
Trending: Protea Wedding Bouquets and Arrangements

Coral pink was featured in the linens and napkins as well as the dainty pincushion protea placed on every place setting, framed by silverware from The Ark. Bolder colors were incorporated with the vibrant centerpieces of yellow and orange orchids and pincushion protea.

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The Hammock

Lacie Hansen Photography

A hammock was set up in one of the couple's favorite spots on the property, providing a great photo opportunity and a little rest-and-relaxation for guests.

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Sources

Lacie Hansen Photography

Photography, Lacie Hansen  

Location, The Parker Palm Springs

Event planning and Flowers, Jenna Lam Events

Stationery, PS Paper  

Calligraphy, Monks of Age  

Music, Milton Merlos

Rentals, Classic Party Rentals; The Ark; Frances Lane; La Tavola Fine Linens

Bride's dress, Dolce & Gabbana  

Bride's accessories, Nicholas Kirkwood sandals; Oliver Peoples sunglasses

Hair, Jose Niera of the The Parker Palm Springs Salon

Groom's outfit, Hugo Boss shirt

Groom's accessories, Tod's shoes; Oliver Spencer sunglasses

Lighting, Lighten Up Inc.

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