It was a sunlit, joy-filled day celebrating Marissa and Chris, a dynamic, adventurous couple whose wedding at Alcazar Palm Springs was as bright and warm as the desert itself. From movie-themed details to the colorful flair of Palm Springs, every moment felt true to the couple’s journey together.

Their Story

Marissa and Chris met online in 2015 in SoCal. For two years, they managed a long-distance relationship before finally moving closer to each other. Nine years later, after a magical engagement in 2021 at Shoshone Point on a Grand Canyon hike, they said “I do” surrounded by friends, family, and their beloved corgi, Peach.

Movie-Themed Details & Pops of Pink

Chris, who works in the film industry on projects like The Late Late Show with James Corden and Devotion, brought a cinematic touch to their wedding. The couple chose a seating chart with a movie theme, giving a nod to Chris’ passion for film. Marissa’s warmth and caring spirit, honed by her career as a nurse, was a perfect complement to Chris’s outgoing personality, and their colorful wedding palette reflected “them”. With vibrant pinks and warm hues, the florals and decor beautifully contrasted the desert landscape.

Bold Florals & Palm Springs Boutique Style

Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, Alcazar Palm Springs was the ideal venue for their wedding. The venue’s green garden spaces and boutique charm provided a lovely contrast to the bold floral arrangements. Their ceremony featured a unique setup with chairs surrounding a waterfall wall backdrop, and flowers hanging elegantly from trees.

Sunset Photos by the Iconic Palm Springs Windmills

Just before sunset, we slipped away to a nearby desert overlook with Palm Springs’ famous windmills in the background. The soft, golden light, white sands, and vast desert landscape looked perfect in the photos. It was a sweet moment for Marissa and Chris to step away from the celebration, sharing a quiet moment to let it all sink in. I was trying to contain my excitement the whole time — it was too dang gorgeous!!!

Poolside Reception and Vintage Vibes

The reception was poolside, with tables arranged around the water and a decadent dinner of hors d’oeuvres and entrées. Their vintage-style cake was soooo pretty, and cutting into it revealed a vibrant red velvet center. The speeches during dinner were heartfelt and hilarious, with friends and family affirming just how perfect Marissa and Chris are together. If you saw me shed a tear, no you didn’t 🤫.

Dancing, Taylor Swift, and Peach the Corgi

As the night continued, the dance floor erupted with Taylor Swift music and other hits. They’re big Swifties, like me 😘. Their corgi, Peach, stole the show, making her way onto the dance floor (and even featured on fun cardboard head cutouts!) I loved the high-energy!

The Vibes

Being a part of Marissa and Chris’s day was an absolute joy. Chris’s extroverted energy matched my own, and Marissa’s kind and relaxed presence made her a dream to photograph.

Marissa and Chris, thank you for letting me capture these special moments. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and love (and many Taylor Swift dance parties)!

VENDORS:

Venue @alcazarps
Coordinator @thewalkdowntheaisle
Photography @parallel33photography
Florals @sparksandsand
DJ @secondsong_official
HMU @the.pretty.parlor
Catering @f10_catering
Rentals @sigpartyrentals
Specialty Rentals @planksandpatina
Cake @overtherainbowdesserts
LED Balls – Skywild
Welcome Party @boozehoundsps
Couple @marisssa13_ @chrismariusjones

Groomsmen + Groom group photos around the Alcazar Property

After their first look, we took photos around the wedding venue that they had rented out for them and their guests. This is the waterfall wall behind their ceremony! It separates the ceremony garden from the poolside reception.

Movie-themed custom seating chart to reflect Chris’ love for the film industry.

Poolside reception and cocktail hour space

It wouldn’t be a Palm Springs celebration without a pool and palm trees!

Cocktail hour furniture rentals for a cozy outdoor space.

The reception space, where the bride and groom shared a head table with their wedding party and parents.

Ceremony moments: the bride walking down the aisle, their flower girl dog, and the groom’s reaction.

Poolside reception and dinner.

If you’re planning a Palm Springs wedding and love the idea of a vibrant, fun, and heartwarming day, I’d love to help bring your vision to life through photos. Reach out to learn more!