Jack and Marco planned a destination wedding at Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, a boutique resort in downtown Palm Springs situated at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. A true desert hideaway, this luxurious retreat boasts historic Spanish mission architecture paired with modern and chic interiors. The property is dotted with private and secluded bungalows connected by well-manicured gardens, oasis pools, fountains, and romantic stone pathways meandering through lush greenery.

The desert was an important visual touchstone for the grooms with sentimental memories associated with this landscape. Jessical Fauls of Bee Loved Events designed and planned Jack and Marco’s big day, taking cues from the natural beauty of the desert and pairing it with lush greenery, modern accents, and luxurious details. Florals by VasoBello Celebrations consisted of exotic birds of paradise, cascading white orchids, bright brunello lilies, and verdant palm and monstera fronds.

Jack and Marco sported handsome and timeless black tuxedos paired with classic black patent leather oxfords. Both grooms incorporated a personal touch: heirloom cufflinks passed down from their late grandfathers. Jack and Marco opted to forgo the traditional wedding party and instead prepared for their nuptials together in a secluded and private bungalow–a poignant and intimate moment for the couple before embarking on their journey of marriage together. To highlight the landscape of Palm Springs, prior to the ceremony we took the grooms to the desert for a private photoshoot among the natural flora in the foothills of the nearby mountains. The combination of the grooms’ chic black tuxedos and the unexpected splendor of the desert made for some incredible portraits.

The ceremony site was set against the backdrop of the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains and framed by towering palms. The grooms walked down the aisle together–a beautiful emblem of their partnership. Halfway through the nuptials, their parents joined them at the altar as a symbol of two families uniting. Afterwards, the grooms were whisked away for romantic sunset portraits among the romantic gardens of the venue. The cocktail hour took place around the private Presidio Pool, with cabanas for guests to mingle while enjoying passed hors d'oeuvres and custom cocktails. Guests then made their way to the al fresco reception space, a private glade appointed with long communal tables, abundant florals, and romantic cafe lights. The stunning wedding cake by Roman Blas of Over the Rainbow Desserts was the perfect accent to the modern and chic affair: a pale ivory cake with marbled gold leaf and an intricate embossed geometric pattern garnished with candied lemon slices. The grooms sat at the head of the long center table with a backdrop of greenery and their names in neon lights as a celebration of the happy couple!

This wedding was featured in the print edition of Love Inc. Magazine. We hope you enjoy a selection of images below from this joyful, modern and lush LGBTQ+ wedding!

Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms Getting Ready Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms Getting Ready for Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms Get Ready at Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Gay Wedding Photography Ceremony Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Gay Wedding Photography Ceremony in Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms Kiss During Gay Wedding Photography Ceremony in Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Photograph of Grooms Kiss During Gay Wedding in Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Reception of Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms at Cocktail hour of Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Grooms at Reception of Gay Wedding Photography Palm Springs California at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

This modern LGBTQ+ destination wedding was photographed at the Avalon Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California

Planning and Design: Bee Loved Weddings & Events | @beelovedweddings
Venue & Catering: Avalon Palm Springs | @avalonhotels
Photography: Todd Danforth Photography | @toddthephotographer
Tuxedos: Ted Baker | @tedbaker
Shoes: Gucci | @gucci
Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. | @tiffanyandco
Florist: VasoBello Celebrations | @vasobello
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | @sigpartyrentals
Lighting: The Perfect Touch | @theperfecttouchps
Cake & Desserts: Over the Rainbow Desserts | @overtherainbowdesserts
DJ: DJ Chris Paul | @djchrispaul
Photo Booth: Classic Photo Booths | @classicphotobooths

Palm Springs wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.