Palm Springs, California is famous for a few reasons. On the East Coast, the "snow birds" flock to Florida. On the west, they flock to Palm Springs. It's a beacon of life and warmth during those dreary, sunless days. Here in the desert, the palms are always cheery and the fantastic architecture, plucked from a 70s magazine, is always a highlight. For this reason, many folks opt to host their destination weddings in Palm Springs.

Southern California has many charms. California (in general) is one of my favorite places to shoot and not just because I lived there. The light in this part of the world is really divine. It's softer here than in other places within the U.S. It wraps around its subject and warms everything up from the inside out. 

We have Palm Springs, San Diego, Joshua Tree, Ojai. You really can't go wrong when considering a SoCal wedding venue, but with Palm Springs you can ONLY go right. 

You might recognize venues like Avalon Hotel, Indian Wells Country Club, Korakia Pensione, or Colony 29.  They've surely popped into your search results if you've ever asked where to get married in Palm Springs. They're popular for a reason: the views around the valley are sweeping.

For this day, we found ourselves at the O'Donnell House.  This historic, landmarked building seems to float above the city with its open terrace and comforting inn. The natural architecture of the space speaks to its Colonial Spanish influence and is the perfect setting for an intimate day that doesn't leave the city. 

These guys, too, were perfect. 

Their day was honest and full of tearful smiles and silly laughter. Thanks Kristen Kay for bringing me along to help.

Everyone wants to be in Palm Springs.