Shannon could hardly stand still, seeing Steve only a few feet from her with his back turned so he couldn’t see her until she tapped him on the shoulder for their First Look. We told her take her time, enjoy this moment – but she couldn’t stand it, she was visibly vibrating with excitement because that’s just who she is – a beautiful ball of ecstatic energy, and so eager to show Steve her beautiful handmade, custom wedding gown. And Steve? When she tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around and took in the sight of his beautiful wife-to-be, the look on his face told us everything we already knew: that he loves her quite possibly more than any person has ever loved anybody before in the history of the world.

Shannon and Steve are two of the raddest people we’ve ever met, and their Spencer’s Restaurant wedding in Palm Springs a couple of weeks ago was the culmination of so much love, hard work, talent and vision … and we are so, so excited to be sharing about it on the blog today!! We had been looking forward to this wedding for nearly a year, especially after we shot their stylish vintage-inspired engagement photos last year … and we knew working with the First Pick Planning team, that it would be downright freakin’ fantastic.

And guess what: this wedding not only lived up to the plans + excitement: but it exceeded how rad we thought it would be!! Everything was so “Steve + Shannon” – from the hot neon pink floating flamingos in the pool, to the talented musicians who played alongside DJ Johnny Knight, to the beautiful custom handmade dress that Shannon wowed the crowd with, and the great food served all night long. Everything was just perfect and we couldn’t have picked a more excellent vendor team to work with.

This was our first Jewish wedding – complete with a Ketubah signing and the hora – even Bubbe got into the chair and was lifted above the crowd! We got to be right in the thick of the hora, and it made us feel so special to be part of something so amazing.

Something even MORE rad about this wedding – ditching the idea of a first dance, Steve + Shannon instead opted to perform for their guests in an epic lip sync battle (inspired by Justin Timberlake + Jimmy Fallon) – complete with references to Sia and Game of Thrones .. and finishing with a surprise battle to “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)” by Silento between the bridesmaids and groomsmen! Everyone LOVED it – the whole crowd was on their feet, cheering them on; it was easily one of the coolest wedding receptions we’ve ever seen!!

This was one of those weddings where we’re still so sad that it’s over – we could of partied with this crew until the wee hours of the morning!

Vendor Love

A big hug and super shout out to Steve + Shannon’s amazing vendor team, who made this one unforgettable wedding!

venue + catering | Spencer’s Restaurant, Palm Springs

planning + coordination | Jen Bergmark, First Pick Planning

day-of coordination assistant | Sarah Bond, First Pick Planning

hair + makeup | Jen Martens, Jen Plus Colour

hotel | Riviera Palm Springs

dj | DJ Johnny Knight

band | Renee Rojanaro, Keith McKelley (saxophone) + Carnell Harrell (keyboard)

jewelry | Jean Dousset

Shannon’s wedding dress | Brides by Liza

Steve’s suit | Men’s Wearhouse

officiant | Rabbi Joel Simonds

floral | Lotus + Lilly

cake pops | A Twist of Cake

invitations | Rick Lynch

videographers | Two Spoons Productions

photo booth | Classic Photobooths

chair rentals | Signature Party Rentals

dance floor + lighting | Impulse Event Lighting

linens | Luxe Linens

hotel | Riviera Palm Springs

assistant photographer | Stefani Ciotti Photography

Are you looking for a Palm Springs wedding photographer in Southern California??

Hey there, I’m Ashley Durham, a Palm Springs wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.

I am happy to serve couples from Palm Springs to Phoenix, and all over Southern California, Western Arizona, Southern Nevada or anywhere else I can drive or fly. You ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? Message me today!