When we saw that Mara + Dean tied the knot at the ever-stunning Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, we knew we had to see more photos from Cheryl of Jim Kennedy Photographers. And when we learned that Mara is the talented designer behind Smith+Mara and dreamt up their wedding rings—naturally we had learn more about the whole process and how it influenced their design throughout. Get the scoop on both the wedding and the wedding ring, below!
Mara says, When I designed the rings I wanted something that was very classic, timeless, and would not go out of style. I find a lot of people I know who married years ago are in the process of updating their designs from the once trendy pave/halo style rings. I loved the simplicity of a solitaire and the oval shape. For me, the oval is a “high heel” for the finger—it elongates and creates a slimming look for the finger. I know that yellow gold is not the usual go to color for engagement, but it is very much my style and what I wear most.
As for the channel set baguette wedding band, I also wanted something timeless, but a little more contemporary and interesting. I wanted the most seamless setting with longer baguettes than you see in most settings. I thought it made it a little more unique and something that could stand alone on a daily basis or when traveling. I am not a flashy person and wanted to keep it simple, but still very me.
This gold collar necklace was one of her grandmother’s favorite pieces to wear to special occasions.
I have been a bridesmaid in about 10 weddings and chose not to have any of my own. I wanted people to really enjoy their “vacation” weekend and not have to spend the entire day with me in a room getting ready. My friends came by, had some champagne with me, and explored Palm Springs or hung at the pool. We catered an amazing Mediterranean lunch for everyone and it was really about making our guests experience just as wonderful as ours. By not having bridesmaids, it took the pressure off of choosing a handful of special women because I felt like everyone I invited was special enough to be a bridesmaid.
Just like when designing the wedding rings, their goal for their wedding theme with coordination by Katie Jo Donaghue and florals by Siren Floral, was to keep everything understated, but beautiful. To achieve that, they stuck with a vibe of sunset hues and a bit of Grecian flair.
We chose to do a first look in order to maximize our time with guests during the cocktail hour and ceremony and I am so happy that we did because I got to cry, kiss him, and have a special private moment before we spent time with all of our family and friends.
Click into our gallery below to see more from M + D’s Palm Springs wedding…
On narrowing down the guest list… We got married in November of 2017 and we started planning beginning of February 2017. Luckily we nailed down the venue immediately and they had wonderful preferred vendors, so it made it pretty easy to plan. The biggest hurdle was narrowing down the guest list. We wanted to keep it pretty small and mainly a wedding full of just our friends and very immediate family. That was a bit of a challenge given that my father is one of the most social people I know and could have invited 100 guests of his own. I think a good rule of thumb is not inviting people based on obligation, but because you have a real relationship with them.
Congratulations, Mara and Dean!
Photography: Cheryl Bradley of Jim Kennedy Photographers / Venue: Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, CA / Wedding Coordinator: Katie Jo Donaghue / Florist: Siren Floral Co / Hair: Julie Parr of Born Blonde Salon / Makeup: Marisa Anhaltzer of Violet Grey / Invitations & Stationery: Minted / Catering & Cake: Woah Nelly / Other Table Rentals: Planks & Patina / Linens: Signature Party Rentals / Entertainment: Dart Collective / Bride’s Dress: Christos Costarellos / Shoes: Valentino / Jewelry: Smith+Mara / Groom’s Suit: Hickey Freeman / Officiant: Tiffany Hasse
