This Bohemian Desert Wedding in Palm Springs Featured Plenty of Art Deco Details

Although they had discussed getting engaged at the end of 2018, Robert Miller knew he didn't want to wait to propose to Meagan Smith. "I surprised Meagan on a family vacation in Hawaii in January 2018," he says. "Meagan had no idea the question was coming, and during a Maui sunset photo shoot, we began our forever story."

With ten months to plan a wedding, the Bakersfield couple concentrated first on selecting a destination, ultimately choosing Palm Springs, California. "We knew we wanted a location that was central to one of the following: where we went to school, where Robby grew up, and where I grew up," says Meagan. The pair landed on a beautiful property called Colony 29 after finding it online. Featuring six acres of lovely botanical gardens, the property boasts views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the Indian Canyons. "When we toured the venue for the first time, we knew it was the place for us," says Meagan. With the desert as their backdrop, the couple focused on an eclectic theme that mixed a bohemian vibe with 1920s Art-Deco details. "We wanted to use a lush emerald green and bright gold, as well as some neutral pinks and nudes," says Meagan.

On November 24, 2018, Meagan and Robert began their big day with a dramatic first look. "I will never forget the emotion I felt waiting to see my beautiful bride," recalls Robert. "Having those few moments alone, prior to the craziness of the ceremony and reception, was so needed." The couple then exchanged vows in an outdoor service officiated by a family friend.

"Our wedding was special because of every single person that took the time to witness us begin our journey together," says Robert. "We have loved ones from all over the place, and they chose to spend their Thanksgiving weekend with us." Aside from the people, the couple's nuptials were special because of the details. "Everywhere we looked, there was a touch of our personalities," says Robert. "From the florals to the food, our day was a perfect representation of us."

Watch Meagan and Robert's wedding video by Le Rêve.

The couple's wedding invitation suite was custom-made by Matinae Design Studios and featured gold foil printed on a beautiful matte white paper backed with lush green velvet. Emerald detail cards and programs added a bold stroke of color.

Meagan chose the very first wedding dress she ever tried on. "It was completely out of my comfort zone and far from the idea I had envisioned for so long," she says, "but I fell in love with it!" Her favorite features? The lace train and rhinestone straps. "The details were stunning, but not overwhelming. I felt so comfortable in the dress and knew it was perfect for my wedding day," she says.

Like her wedding dress, the bride's champagne-hued Badgley Mischka pumps featured rhinestone details.

Inspired by a photo of a wedding band she came across online, Meagan took the image to her local jeweler, who recreated the Art Deco piece to fit perfectly with her emerald-cut engagement ring.

The bride's beautiful bouquet by Foxtail Florals was comprised of neutral blooms accented with deep red peonies and lush stems of bright bougainvillea; the mix was tied with an emerald ribbon.

Bridesmaids donned emerald gowns from David's Bridal in the silhouette and neckline of their choice.

Robert wore a custom suit with a black velvet jacket designed by Fino's Menswear.

A vivid bougainvillea garland, dotted with red and neutral roses, draped a fountain on the property.

Acrylic signage topped with flowers welcomed guests to the wedding; the Lucite featured the same Art Deco details seen on the couple's invitation suite.

The couple's ceremony aisle was punctuated with bougainvillea, dahlia, rose, pampas grass, and eucalyptus arrangements, which were placed on tall gold pedestals.

Flowers adorned half of a geometric structure artfully designed to accent the desert during the couple's ceremony.

Flower girls garbed in feathery dresses carried halos of flowers down the aisle.

Robert's nephew donned a velvet suit for the occasion and carried signage that—jokingly—warned his uncle that his last chance to flee had long passed.

"Our ceremony was not overly religious, but it did focus on our love for each other and the love Christ has for us and the church," says Robert. The groom's college roommate officiated the wedding: "He took the time to contact numerous people in our lives and get their words of encouragement to use during the service," he adds.

In lieu of vows, the officiant read some answers to thought-provoking questions about marriage he had asked the couple to answer a few weeks prior. Another special moment? "When we took communion—and when Spencer asked that all in attendance take the time to pray for us and our marriage," adds Robert. "He tied all of this together beautifully and gave us the ceremony we always dreamed of."

The cocktail hour space featured comfy lounges; rattan chairs, an emerald couch, and gold tables were arranged next to an outdoor fireplace. A fun touch? A VW bus photo station. Nearby, a pair of salmon-colored velvet chairs provided a place for guests to sit while they waited for their photo op. Up above, warm string lights gave the area a magical feel.

During the reception, bare wooden tables set with golden napkins and red-and-cream floral arrangements were surrounded by gilded chairs. Green menu cards added a dose of earthy color.

Alternating round tables swathed in green tablecloths were topped with centerpieces composed of roses, dahlias, and bougainvillea. Table numbers made of etched acrylic brought the newlyweds' Art Deco vibe straight into their party.

Meagan and Robert's Over the Rainbow wedding cake, decorated with green-and-salmon smudges, tiny dots, and gold-leaf squares, was a multicolored focal point of the reception.

Photography, Rachel Jane Photo

Venue, Colony 29

Event planning and design, Detailed Touch Events

Catering, Liquid Catering

Flowers, Foxtail Florals

Videography, Le Rêve Films

Wedding invitations and stationery, Matinae Design Studio

Cake, Over the Rainbow Desserts

Music, Innocenti Strings (ceremony and cocktail hour), Digital Party Sound (reception)

Rentals, Adore Folklore, Nuage Designs, Signature Party Rentals

Bride's gown, Panache Bridal

Bride's shoes, Badgley Mischka

Bride's hair, BC Styling

Bridesmaid dresses, David's Bridal

Groom's suit, Fino's Menswear

Lighting, Signature Party Rentals

Rings, Houston Jewelers

Photo booth, The Traveling Photo Bus

Staffing, NPD Productions