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Doux Amour


The Bride: Cari Ann Valenstein
The Groom: Jared Potts
Date: May 1, 2010
Venue: Korakia Pensione (Palm Springs, California)

This California couple loves the outdoors and therefore chose a venue where they could exchange vows in the open air. Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, California, hosted their 150 guests on May Day under bright, clear blue skies. The Moroccan- and Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel, tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains, was originally the Moroccan villa of a Scottish painter. Cari Ann and Jared’s wedding featured creative details that suited this romantic and unique venue.
Venue
Korakia Pensione, a Moroccan- and Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel, tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains, was originally the Moroccan villa of a Scottish painter.
Bridal Attire
Cari Ann purchased her hand-embroidered, A-line Liancarlo gown straight from the designer at a trunk show. The design was never added to that season’s collection and therefore remained one of a kind.
Stationery
Milkmade Press was responsible for the design of the couple's invitations and stationery, which featured a stunning brown and green garden motif.
Wedding Party Attire
The bridesmaids’ pink J. Crew gowns, in a variety of styles, popped next to the groomsmen’s light gray suits, accented with pink satin ties.
Flowers
Floral designer Aly Morford of The Vine’s Leaf mixed modern flowers like white anemones, dahlias, dusty millers, and succulents with classic ivory roses and hydrangeas, giving all of the arrangements a fresh yet elegant feel.
Favors
Mini-succulents created by The Vine’s Leaf doubled as favors and escort cards, planted in mason jars with a wooden stake and tag indicating guests’ names and tables.
Reception
Every table at the reception was named “love” in a different language, including some more obscure ones like die liebe (Finnish) and rakkaus (German).
Menu
Served family style at long, candlelit tables, guests enjoyed fresh salads, beef tenderloin, Mediterranean-style halibut, and lemon-scented gnocchi.
Cake
The wedding cake spoke to the Mediterranean vibe with a lemon chiffon and lemon curd filling hidden beneath mascarpone cream cheese frosting.
Photo Booth
A photo booth, set up by Joy Marie Photography, included silly props and captured loads of great moments on film. A chalkboard with chalk allowed guests to include a message to the newlyweds in their mug shot.
Photo Booth
A photo booth, set up by Joy Marie Photography, included silly props and captured loads of great moments on film. A chalkboard with chalk allowed guests to include a message to the newlyweds in their mug shot.
Interior design improves home value