Some love stories take the scenic route. For Dom and Chase, what began as high school smoothie “dates” sparked by Dom’s dad’s soccer games eventually led to years apart, and a surprise reunion on Black Friday that changed everything. That reconnection turned into daily Skype calls between San Francisco and Shanghai, followed by a spontaneous trip to Japan “as friends.” A trip that quietly, completely, changed the course of their relationship.
When it came time to plan their wedding, it was only fitting that their day would be as intentional and unconventional as their love story. Rooted in personal meaning, layered with creativity, and set in the desert landscape of their hometown, this nontraditional Palm Springs wedding was an honest reflection of who they are—fun, expressive, sentimental, and full of soul.
What We Love About This Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding:
- A vibrant color palette of chartreuse, cayenne pepper, lavender, and cream that made every detail pop
- A private vow exchange at the Palm Springs Art Museum that felt as personal as it was meaningful
- Statement wedding fashion, including a gold jacquard suit and a veil with fluffy floral appliqués
- DIY touches everywhere—from the stationery to handwritten guest cards and travel-inspired table names
- The relaxed, intimate energy of a 50-guest wedding that still felt full of personality and fun
“We didn’t have a rigid wedding vision,” Dom shared. “But I always knew how I wanted it to feel—intimate, creative, and completely us.”
Rather than build around expectations or tradition, Dom and Chase focused on feeling. That approach inspired every choice, from skipping a wedding party to choosing a bold palette of chartreuse, cayenne red, lavender, and cream. It was vivid and unexpected—just like their relationship.
Both creatives in their fields, they drew inspiration from their design backgrounds to lean into texture, color, and emotion. The result? A nontraditional Palm Springs wedding that felt artful, effortless, and uniquely theirs.
Invitations That Set the Vibe Early
As a wedding stationer, Dom knows that design is more than just pretty details. It’s the first impression. “The save-the-dates were neon chartreuse with cayenne pepper letterpress and a bold floral liner. We wanted people to feel the vibe immediately.”
The invitations kept things playful, asking guests to dress in “festive formal wear,” with a cheeky note: “Outdress the bride and groom.” That energy carried into the day-of details too. Everything from menus and signage to handwritten cards, was designed and crafted by the couple. Their table names were inspired by places they’ve traveled together, each holding a piece of their shared story.
Making the Guest List Count (And the Guest Count Small)
Limiting their guest list to 50 meant every invite was intentional. “It was one of the hardest parts,” Dom admitted. “But having only our closest friends and family there made everything more meaningful.”
They kicked things off with a welcome party at Chase’s childhood home, where his parents once hosted their own pre-wedding event. With tiki drinks, handmade tacos, their favorite coconut cake, and music by their friends, the night was full of nostalgia and love. It set the tone for a weekend rooted in memory, community, and joy.
Featured Vendor:
Carmen Lopez Photography
Wedding Fashion That Reflected Their Personalities
Dom and Chase decided to keep things simple by skipping a wedding party and focusing on personal style, each wearing a different outfit for their first look and their ceremony.
- Dom’s first look: a silky white open-back dress with a birdcage veil—elegant with a playful twist.
- Dom’s ceremony look: a timeless Katherine Tash gown with a chapel-length veil adorned with soft floral appliqués, plus a pearl heirloom ring from her great-great-grandmother.
- Chase’s first look: a Miami Vice–inspired Paul Smith top to complement the museum backdrop.
- Chase’s ceremony look: a gold Hibiscus Jacquard suit from Mr. Turk paired with a sentimental heirloom watch and a crane lapel pin symbolizing longevity in Japanese culture.
“It was important to us that our outfits told a story. They were bold, personal, and very us.”
Intention in Every Layer of their Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding Day
Rather than jump straight into the ceremony, Dom and Chase made space for private vows at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Just the two of them, surrounded by art. Dom arrived in a vintage Rolls Royce, a meaningful nod to her late father’s love of classic cars.
Related: Get Inspired By These 30 Touching Wedding Vows Examples
A Simple, Sentimental Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding Ceremony
Their official ceremony took place in the intimate Cactarium at Moorten Botanical Garden. Surrounded by towering cacti, guests explored the space with champagne in hand before and after the vows.
“We wanted a venue that felt timeless and returnable. Moorten is a local gem. It’s historic, beautiful, and feels like home.”
They kept the decor simple—acrylic chairs and pedestals, sculptural florals, and calla lilies as a tribute to Chase’s mom. The couple co-wrote the ceremony script with Chase’s sister and included a group reading of “Scientific Romance” by Tim Pratt. “It was a little silly and very us. Exactly what we wanted.”
Trusting the Right People for Their Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding
As someone who works with couples daily, Dom knew exactly who she wanted to bring this day to life—like Junebug vendor Carmen Lopez Photography, whose warm, artistic eye matched the tone of the day.
“I gave them a mood board and said, ‘Run with it.’ When you trust creative people to do what they do best, magic happens.”
They carried that same energy into their music choices. No DJ, just a guitarist and a meaningful playlist that honored their late fathers and favorite memories. “Every choice had a reason. Even the fun ones.”
Rethinking What a Reception Needs to Be
Forget a traditional dance floor. After the ceremony, the celebration moved to Mr. Lyon’s, where cocktails on the terrace led into a moody, textured dinner surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements and funky paper goods. “We put our energy into what mattered—good food, drinks, and a well-designed experience.”
The night ended with a silent disco back at the couple’s Airbnb. Just them and their closest friends dancing the night away.
Redefining What a Wedding Can Look Like
A nontraditional Palm Springs wedding gave Dom and Chase the freedom to focus on feeling instead of formality. And for couples planning their own celebration, they offer this advice:
“Stay anchored in your why. When every decision comes from that place, the day just clicks.”
This wasn’t a wedding that checked boxes. It was a love letter—to their hometown, their people, and the life they’ve built together. It was layered with meaning, infused with artistry, and completely, unapologetically theirs. Because in the end, a wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. It just has to sound like your song.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Carmen Lopez Photography
Ceremony Venue – Moorten Botanical Garden
Reception Venue – Mr. Lyons
Floral Design – Dogwood Florals
Live Music – Luke Metzler
Invitation Design – Stay Spicy Design
Wedding Dress – Loho Bride
Groom’s Apparel – Mr. Turk
Rings – Smoketree Jewelers
Rentals – Bright Rentals
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