If you’ve ever been to a “progressive dinner party” or gone pub hopping with friends, you know this concept well: one ongoing party in many festive locations.
It’s a theme that promises to keep things interesting and filled with an upbeat momentum that surprises at every turn — and it works as well for a wedding as any other event.
A stylish wedding, in fact, is ideal to take advantage of several incredibly beautiful locales that a resort has to offer. Why choose between a lush green lawn, a mountain-view terrace, and a ballroom or open-air dance floor when you can have all of the above?
While attending a recent event at the effortlessly elegant Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, I was astounded by the variety of venues we experienced over the course of just one evening. I think everyone was! We never knew where the party would lead next, yet we were always eager to follow our hosts down a landscaped pathway or up a dramatic staircase to find out. The flawlessly executed flow added a wonderful movement to the event that took us from dusk to starry sky, and promoted a new round of mingling at each new destination.
Photo by Christine Arnold Photography
Reverend Richard Cadieux dances to Pharrel Williams’ "Happy" down the aisle of the Spa Las Palmas Lawn at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage. He didn't even disturb the petal path! Flowers by Artisan Event Floral Décor.
Intrigued? The pre-party began at 4:30 p.m. with champagne on the plaza, which allowed everyone to gather in one place then walk to the lawn — without any tardy stragglers! The tear-jerking ceremony unfolded on the Las Palmas Lawn, where Reverend Richard Cadieux joyfully danced down the petal-strewn aisle to “Happy,” followed by the groom and a fresh tune of his choice.
Photo Courtesy Omni Rancho Las Palmas
An early evening cocktail reception on the Sunrise Terrace at the Omni Racho Las Palmas featured views of the property and the couple’s signature drink, a mint- and ginger-infused Pineapple Moscow Mule.
After Kristen and Nic exchanged vows, we followed the program’s itinerary and headed to a cocktail reception on the Sunrise Terrace, with its gorgeous views of the resort on all sides. There, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and wine joined the couple’s signature cocktail: a juicy Pineapple Moscow Mule made with fresh mint leaves and ginger beer. What a refreshing concoction for a desert toast at sunset!
Photo Courtesy Omni Rancho Las Palmas
On the second-level, the open-air Starlight Terrace at Omni Rancho Las Palmas has hosted ceremonies and wedding receptions as an ideal day-into-night venue that can be decorated to suit your theme. Flowers by Artisan Event Floral Décor.
Just when everyone was beginning to feel the pleasant evening breeze, we discovered ourselves whisked up to the chandelier-lit Starlight Terrace for al fresco dinner, dancing, a DJ, and a photo booth by Depiction — everything but the cake. That’s because, in one last fun twist, our hosts served chocolate and red velvet wedding cake, coffee, and sparkling rosé wine in the intimate Spa Las Palmas Courtyard, where conversation tables surrounded a bubbling fountain.
Photo Courtesy Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Chocolate and red velvet wedding cake, coffee, and sparkling rosé wine were served in the intimate Spa Las Palmas Courtyard.
Though the couple were the only ones to climb the stairs up to their honeymoon suite for the night, we all went home to sweet dreams and a night of memories made in many beautiful locations. It was a perfect example of how a wedding can move through a resort’s best venues and sample a little of each. Couples often host a rehearsal dinner in a private dining room the night before and a farewell brunch the next morning, as part of a weekend wedding that feels like one, long relaxing vacation for each of their friends and family members.
Event Vendors
photo courtesy of Omni rancho las palmas
The 5th fairway at Omni Rancho Las Palmas offers a picturesque setting for a wedding.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Whether you choose a ceremony on the Las Palmas Lawn, 6th Tee Box, or the 5th Fairway, two terraces, two ballrooms and several other venues round out an unforgettable “progressive wedding” event.
41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, (760) 568-2727, www.omnihotels.com
Artisan Event Floral Décor
Known for arrangements that range from opulent arches with classic pink roses to modern centerpieces featuring citrus fruit or succulents — and always with large, plump petals for the aisle — Artisan has become a go-to resource for weddings valley-wide.
1241 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, (760) 778-1964, www.artisanevents.net
Rev. Richard Cadieux
He has performed more than 1,000 weddings at nearly 200 different venues, “Reverend Richard’s” ceremonies ring heartfelt and true. (760) 320-8141, www.palmspringsweddingofficiant.com
Depiction Photo Booth
The fun of a self-serve photo booth is amplified by props, take-home souvenir portraits, and instant social media compatibilities.
303 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 327-5477, www.depictionphotobooth.com
DJ James Gonzalez with Music Media Entertainment
Even with a portfolio of high-profile valley events at nightclubs, casinos, and hotels, this DJ loves to personalize an evening of music for each couple, balanced with his own creativity, originality, and ear for what makes a great party.
(760) 333-7888, www.musicmediaentertainment.com
Lisa Marie Hart has been writing about weddings since serving as an editor at Bridal Guide magazine in New York City in 1999. Since 2006, she has been editor of the annual Palm Springs Life Weddings & Honeymoon Planner. Away from the laptop, she creates tiered cupcake stands for weddings and celebrations at www.highteaforalice.com
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