James + Al, An Ace Hotel Palm Springs Wedding

I met these two sweethearts over cocktails on balmy spring evening in 2016 at the Ace hotel. They were visiting from Sydney, Australia, and were planning their destination wedding at the Ace. (Next time you go to the Ace, there is a watermelon margarita there that is super delicious)

We talked about themselves, their hopes, their dreams for the big day. Everyone was flying from all across the globe to see them get married – and so we wanted to be a big part of making this day unforgettable for them, and for their families. Both grooms told me that they had been together for almost ten years before tying the knot. I asked them on their wedding day, what was the secret magic ingredient to keep that love glowing for so long. Their words: “we do everything together. We laugh together, we work out together, we dine together. Everything we do, is with each other.” And that beautiful answer was evident in their big day.

They started the day dressing in their matching bowties, suspenders and suit (from an Australian designer) and both wore matching Sperry Topsiders. Because we all had decided to shoot their portraits the day before, there was very little stress at missing out at seeing friends and family during the day. The day before we ventured into the Palm Springs desert, with a quick stop at the iconic windmill farms. So, on the big day the boys were able to just focus on friends and family. After the ceremony, the boys went to rest and take a few private moments to themselves, and as they went back to join the celebration, they were followed by a surprise guest(s): a mariachi band!

After an hour of playing many a favorite Latin song, they party commenced with some moving toasts, a delicious meal, and a mellow cocktail party after. Thank you James and Al for having us alongside you! xoxo