When Katrina and Brandon set out to create their intimate wedding, they weren’t thinking small. They started the evening with a romantic ceremony and the sweetest candlelit first dance I’ve ever seen, only to complete the night with a surprise dance party reception that any bride and groom would envy. Best of all, Junebug members and phenomenal photographers davina + daniel captured the whole epic night!

The Couple: Katrina and Brandon

The Wedding: 1.11.2014 – Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs, California

The Goals: As a couple, and fellow wedding professionals (we’re both full-time wedding photographers), our number one priority was having a small, intimate wedding where we would be able to spend quality time with each and every one of our guests on our wedding weekend.

The Design: Brandon and I initially wanted a destination wedding, but when we first walked onto Korakia‘s property we immediately felt like we stepped into a venue with tons of history, character, and felt like it belonged on the Mediterranean Coast! Korakia is a Moroccan / Greek estate that has been transformed into a boutique hotel. It only had 28 rooms, no televisions, and encourages their guests to spend quality time with whomever they are there with. It was absolutely perfect for our small guest list! Each and every one of our guests stayed at the hotel for the entire weekend, making it a mini-vacation for everyone.

When Brandon and I began thinking of how we wanted to decorate the place, we knew that we’d just play off the existing elements of Moroccan oil lamps, rugs, tons of candles (literally, hundreds and hundreds of them!), and wooden benches and furniture to compliment the rustic atmosphere Korakia already has. Brandon had envisioned our first dance to be in a circle of candles at twilight, which created the most beautiful mood for the beginning of our reception. Our florals were mismatched with different desert and wildflowers, in a variety of different vases that we had found around the house and thrift stores.

For the reception, we wanted to portray a Vegas nightclub. We did so with confetti cannons, CO2 cannons, sparklers, glittered backdrops, along with flapper dancers! A completely different atmosphere from our reception at Korakia.

The Moments: Bride – My favorite part of the day were the moments right before I walked down the aisle to meet Brandon at the ceremony. Our guitarist began playing and singing “My Love” by Joshua Radin, and I bursted into tears right when I saw my dad waiting to walk me down.

Groom – The moment we told all our friends and family that we’re “taking them on a field trip” and asked them to get on school buses waiting to transfer them to our surprise reception.

The Photographer: When we were looking for a photographer, we were looking for someone that captures moments beautifully, can handle a crazy party, and can create killer portraits. Davina and Daniel were all of that and more. I really couldn’t ask for better photos to remember that entire weekend.

The Advice: Plan your wedding, YOUR way. Throw all of those preconceived “wedding traditions” and “timelines to follow”, and do things the way you want. Brandon and I did not have a formal sit down dinner, no color schemes, and planned the wedding according to beautiful light, and even pulled off a complete surprise reception to all our friends and family. Our parents didn’t even know of the surprise!

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: davina + daniel
Event Planner: CCL Weddings and Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Korakia Pensione
Reception Venue: Korakia Pensione and Snapshot Studio Palm Springs
Videographer/Film Maker: Vlad Films (view Katrina and Brandon’s wedding video)
Invitation Designer: Minted
Catering: New Leaf Catering
Florist: Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs
Cake: Over the Rainbow Cupcakes
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Apparel & Accessories: Lanvin
Hair & Makeup: Angie Hair and Makeup
DJ: Special Occasions
Live Music: Colin Armstrong
Transportation: First Student
Rentals: Found Rentals , Classic Party Rentals
Rings: Cartier

Thank you Katrina and Brandon for sharing your awesome wedding with us!

See more of davina + daniel‘s incredible work in their Photographer Spotlight Interview!