Alex & Ben's Palm Springs Wedding Ended With a Splash

Wedding Date: March 16, 2019

Five days into their first semester at the University of Oregon, Alex Stoltze and Ben Bye caught each other’s eye at the community rental counter of their neighboring dorms. A foosball game led to the couple spending the next four years enjoying college life together, from jogging around campus and visiting the local art-house cinema to rocking out at concerts. They even spent a year in a long-distance relationship, with Ben interning in London while Alex was in California, where she had begun working in advertising. During one of Ben’s visits to the Golden State, Alex surprised him with a trip to Palm Springs, where the pair instantly fell in love with the mid-century modern vibes. Thus, their decision was simple when it came time to select a wedding location. Their mutual appreciation of architecture, the striking desert scenery, art and poolside lounging made the desert oasis the obvious choice. They rented the Historic Cree Estate for four nights, making use of the easily customizable space for their rehearsal dinner, wedding and even Ben’s father’s retirement party. Expert wedding designer and florist James Calhoun transformed the space into a magical bohemian dream. Best of all, the estate’s black-bottomed pool is the deepest in the desert, making the perfect place for a refreshing plunge to cap off a late night of dancing to tunes spun by Supermoon DJs. Even the bride followed up her dance moves with a leap into the pool.