The literal meaning of la vie en rose is 'life in pink,' which was a bold and elegant motif of this desert wedding. Whitney Walsh and Mitch Woods centered their nuptials at La Quinta Resort around the theme pulled from the tune "Le Vie en Rose" with pink hues everything and more symbolic interpretations of romance and majestic whimsy shining through. Cascading Fuschia blooms were a fitting adornment for La Quinta's Spanish-style architectural elements, which were emphasized with some more southern-inspired décor. In a special touch, florals from the day uniquely blended greenery and blooms, but also varieties of hand-torn citrus fruits. The design showcased a bold take on a colorful theme that persists timeless romance with a daring edge; Whitney and Mitch highlighted their own passions while elevating a design with gorgeous results.
A common theme of the event was a stylish mixture of traditional and modern elements, aptly balanced by the couple's theme of "Le Vie en Rose" combined with more fun nods to their love of travel and animals. One animal in particular found itself on display: the donkey. Featured at the welcome table, cocktail hour and in the cake topper, donkeys made recurring appearances throughout the day's festivities. The cocktail hour was a particular highlight, where guests were greeted after the ceremony with tequila shots and photo-ops with Burro, the adorable (and very real) "tequila donkey." Tying the entire mood together was the elevated romance of classical Spanish guitar, played by live musicians during parts of the day. For their ceremony, Whitney and Mitch said their vows at the end of an aisle swathed in rose petals set in the Greta Garbo Courtyard. The ceremony design was an electrifying and unique showcase of color with just the right touch of sophistication, featuring a few bursting floral arrangements lining each side of the aisle leading to the altar. Whitney's floral headpiece paid homage to her family history, featuring flowers from her mother's wedding day more than three decades past. Classic black-tie formality was a chic fashion choice alongside the brighter décor theme that kept things feeling classic and timeless. From start to finish, meaningful family additions found their way into the day's design. A donkey plant holder from Mitch's late grandmother became a focal point for the design, serving as a program holder and inspiring more donkey décor. Tiles hand-painted by Whitney's mother set each place setting, and she also painted a special bottle of Veuve Clicquot featuring the couple's name and wedding date as an on-theme keepsake.
Décor was a true wedding delight, featuring a custom seating chart wall with an LED sign reading, "La Vie en Rose" and a living ombre of florals. Before the sun set the display was a delicate piece of décor, transforming into a late-night photo op with ease. Expanding on the reception's design, Cathy O'Connell of COJ events said, "The Greta Garbo Patio, where the reception took place, was adorned with Spanish wood tables draped with flowing chiffon runners and arrangements of pink and blush peonies, roses, sprigs of green including palm leaves and the California classic bougainvillea. Set with woven wicker mats, pink napkins, cut glass water goblets, custom watercolor menus and hand-painted tiles by the bride’s mother, no detail was overlooked!" A Michael Buble arrangement of “La Vie en Rose" was the perfect choice for a first-dance to keep their theme going, and Mexican wedding cookies awaited guests as a sweet treat after a night of dancing and the grandiose send-off of our newlyweds in a vintage golf course. It was only after all their guests were gone that Whitney and Mitch crept back into their reception to enjoy one last dance just to the two of them to "Lover" by Taylor Swift.
When you have an idea based around a color or concept, own it! Don’t shy away from it! Make it uniquely yours and let your personality and love shine through all that you create for your special day.
— Cathy O'Connell of COJ Events
