Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. A Casual, Outdoor Wedding in Palm Springs with a Black-Tie Dress Code
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Casual, Outdoor Wedding in Palm Springs with a Black-Tie Dress Code

Lydia Chan
By Lydia Chan
Skip gallery slides
Pin
wedding couple
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

This couple combined Hollywood sophistication with homey New Orleans charm to create a dressed-down formal affair—marching band included.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brittany and Damion

wedding couple
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Great things come to those who wait and Brittany and Damion are the best example of that. The Houston-based couple met and started dating during sophomore year at Tulane University and stayed together for nearly a decade before tying the knot.

Brittany, who's now studying to be a dietitian, moved to London with Damion, a commodities trader, for a year-and-a-half for his work. During their time abroad, they traveled and explored Europe and their wanderlust became the inspiration for Damion's proposal. The twosome was invited to a friend's wedding in France, so Damion surprised Brittany with a weekend trip to Mallorca. "I knew Brittany would want a private proposal, so I rented a beautiful villa, overlooking the bay, and proposed there that first evening," he says. Little did his fiancée know that he'd asked her parents for their blessings and that he'd worked with her sister for months to design the perfect engagement ring. The couple spent the next week celebrating with friends in London and France before returning stateside to be with family.

When it came to choosing a wedding venue, it was a no-brainer for the California natives, who selected The Parker Palm Springs. The expansive resort has always had a special place in the couple's hearts as six years prior, Brittany and Damion fell in love with the grounds and setting when they stayed there during their first vacation together. So, it felt fitting to host their big day at such a memorable locale. They drew inspiration from the places they've lived—the Southern charm from New Orleans and Houston, and Southern California's glamour and laid-back vibes—to create a refreshingly relaxed black-tie celebration.

On June 4, 2016, Brittany and Damion exchanged their vows, surrounded by 138 of their closest family and friends. The wedding channeled Old Hollywood elegance with its gray-and-gold color palette but maintained the fun Palm Springs energy with added pops of bright colors.

Watch Brittany and Damion's Wedding Film

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Stationery Suite

wedding stationery
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
Get More Wedding Invite Inspo

Jill Sassa of PS Paper created the couple's orange save-the-date, a fitting reflection of the ceremony's sunny location. However, for the wedding invitations, she encapsulated the glamorous fashion that the couple envisioned—gray script penned by Sally Laporta of Monks of Age, and a matching envelope with a gold-foiled palm leaf-printed liner.

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Location

wedding parker
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

"The Parker Palm Springs is such a magical and romantic property, with intimate gardens connected by mazes of intertwining paths—a refined ambience with just the right amount of quirkiness," Brittany says. "The fact that we have history there only added to the nostalgia and significance." It was also the perfect location for the couple to throw a formal shindig while still maintaining that relaxed Southern California vibe. A fiesta-themed rehearsal dinner kicked off the weekend festivities.

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Fashion

wedding couple
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
See More Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dresses!

Brittany's Oscar de la Renta gown was already sought out for her a year prior to her engagement! The bride's sister had seen someone else trying it on then and when Brittany got engaged, she knew it was the perfect fit. "I also think it is important to consider your setting when choosing your dress and it felt right for the event," she advises. Brittany's choice featured lace and hand beading—luxe enough for the black-tie fête but still light and fresh for the outdoor ceremony. Not wanting to steal the limelight from her intricate gown, the bride chose a simple veil made by Heidi Johnson of The Wedding DeTailor and Rene Caovilla sandals.

Damion complemented his beautiful bride in his custom Sid Mashburn tuxedo, Ralph Lauren bow tie and shirt, a Tom Ford pocket square, Hermès cufflinks, and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Bouquet

bouquet
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
Get Inspired by the Prettiest Peony Bouquets

The couple worked with their florist to create floral arrangements that were "elegant but not stuffy." The result: a delicate bridal bouquet of peonies, roses, and variegated greenery that had subtle pops of color, aptly capturing their idea of "dressing up the desert."

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Furry Family Member

wedding dog
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
Creative Ways to Include Your Pet!

Among all the loved ones in attendance, one special guest stood out: the couple's dog, Cricket. More of a family member than just a pet, Brittany and Damion had adopted her five years prior and Cricket was part of all the wedding festivities. The pup also played a big part of the ceremony as she was walked down the aisle by one of the flower girls.

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Guests

wedding parasol
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Despite the sweltering heat (Palm Springs had a heat wave and it was close to 110 degrees!), guests abided by the black-tie formal request and came dressed to the nines. Parasols were also provided for the stylish attendees to shade themselves from the Californian rays.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony Location

wedding ceremony
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

The ceremony was held on the property's Gene Autry lawn, where rows of white chairs, potted green plants at the beginning of the aisle, and a white arch covered in greenery made up the quintessential outdoor nuptials set-up. 

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Flower People

flower girls
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

The ceremony started off with an adorable ensemble, thanks to the darling flower people. "Our flower people were the nieces and nephews of my best friend," Brittany explains. "They feel more like family than friends—all our parents even went to college together and our dads ran track together back then too."

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

wedding ceremony
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Brittany's father escorted her down the aisle to Les Misérables' "I Dreamed A Dream." The bride and groom also made the unique decision of not having a bridal party. "We felt that everyone invited was special and it felt more personal to be standing up there, just the two of us," she says. However, Damion's sister did a Kahlil Gibran reading on marriage for the two.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Escort Cards

wedding escort cards
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

In keeping with the Palms Springs theme, the escort cards were done in the same gold foil palm leaf print as the couple's wedding invitation envelope liner.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

wedding tables
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Following cocktails, guests walked through a hidden door in the hedges to a lawn for dinner. The newlyweds loved this little element of surprise and the reception's set-up of different sized tables made the area feel even more expansive, much like the panoramic views of the mountains.

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Centerpiece

wedding centerpieces
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
Get More Wedding Centerpiece Inspo

While lighter tones were used during the ceremony, as the night progressed, the couple chose to incorporate bolder pops of color in the flowers. The centerpieces of peonies, stock flowers, and olive branches were surrounded by tea lights.

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Place Setting

plates
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Gold touches were seen in the patterned plates and gold-rimmed glasses by The Ark as well as the elegant Frances Lane flatware. The gold-foiled PS Paper menu boasted the night's spread of baby beet salad and a citrus BBQ duck confit with coconut rice and passion fruit black pepper sauce.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Marching Band

marching band
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Homage to where they met and fell in love, Brittany surprised her new husband (and everyone else) with a Second Line, a New Orleans tradition.  She had booked the entire Palm Springs High School marching band (dancers included!) almost a year earlier and was so happy to see her surprise come together.

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Dancing

wedding reception
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

The marching band played a rendition of Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" as they led guests to the ballroom for dancing. "It was a great way to get people on to the dance floor and get the party started," Brittany says.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Special Moments

wedding second line
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

With a fun wedding weekend accomplished, Brittany and Damion were spoilt for choice when it came to picking their favorite moment. In the end, the bride says that nothing beat seeing her groom's face when the marching band came in. And for Damion? "My favorite moment was seeing Britt walk down the aisle with her dad," he notes. "But the marching band second line definitely comes close to that!" 

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

wedding couple
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Photography, Lacie Hansen

Location, Parker Palm Springs

Event planning, Jenna Lam Events  

Flowers, Jenna Lam Events

 

Videography, Cana Family

 

Stationery, PS Paper

Calligraphy, Monks of Age

Music, Cedar Chest String Quartet (ceremony); Warren Priske Jazz Band (dinner); DJ Cams (dancing) 

Rentals, Classic Party Rentals Palm Springs; The Ark; Frances Lane; La Tavola

Bride's gown, Oscar de la Renta  

Bride's accessories, The Wedding DeTailor veil; Rene Caovilla shoes

Hair & Makeup, Janet Miranda of Be.NYLA

Flower Girl dresses, Nellystella

Groom's suit, Sid Mashburn

Groom's accessories, Ralph Lauren bowtie and shirt; Tom Ford pocket square; Hermès cufflinks; Salvatore Ferragamo shoes

Lighting, Lighten Up Inc.

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lydia Chan

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18 Brittany and Damion
    2 of 18 The Stationery Suite
    3 of 18 The Location
    4 of 18 The Fashion
    5 of 18 The Bridal Bouquet
    6 of 18 The Furry Family Member
    7 of 18 The Guests
    8 of 18 The Ceremony Location
    9 of 18 The Flower People
    10 of 18 The Ceremony
    11 of 18 The Escort Cards
    12 of 18 The Reception
    13 of 18 The Centerpiece
    14 of 18 The Place Setting
    15 of 18 The Marching Band
    16 of 18 The Dancing
    17 of 18 The Special Moments
    18 of 18 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Casual, Outdoor Wedding in Palm Springs with a Black-Tie Dress Code
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.