A black and white oasis wedding in the heart of palm springs

We first met eight years ago at Shannon’s sister’s 30th birthday celebration. While our lives continued to unfold separately, we would occasionally cross paths when Shannon visited Dallas. One memorable moment occurred when Murphy, Shannon’s cat-like dog, climbed onto the couch, fell asleep on Dimitri's shoulder, and sparked the beginning of our friendship. Over the years, Shannon continued her visits to family in Dallas, and Dimitri often found himself playing the role of her personal Uber driver, shuttling her to and from the airport. It wasn’t until one casual moment when Shannon was enjoying a slice of leftover Thanksgiving pumpkin pie that Dimitri realized he had feelings for her. It was only later, after Shannon had moved to Dallas and settled into her new home, that Dimitri finally asked her out on their first date. Fast forward to January, when, following a Cowboys playoff loss earlier in the day, Dimitri proposed during a trip to Tahoe with close friends. The rest of our story is still being written, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead!

The inspiration behind this wedding at Avalon Hotel in Palm Springs was a captivating fusion of Tulum and Greek influences, creating a unique atmosphere that reflected the couple’s vision and heritage. Dreamed up by Koral & Ko., the design embraced a striking black-and-white color palette, which was complemented by lush greenery and disco balls, adding elegance and a playful touch to the celebration. The couple was passionate about incorporating elements of Greek culture into the day, honoring their heritage through traditional customs and symbols. The combination of tropical vibes and Mediterranean flair, along with the emphasis on sophisticated design details, captured the essence of both destinations, making for an unforgettable celebration that was as stylish as it was meaningful. The couple even made their extra wedding invitations into handheld fans for the guests to enjoy during the beautiful and sunny ceremony.

Reception tables were adorned with textured glassware, gold flatware, and sleek black plates by Signature Party Rentals, contributing to the luxurious ambiance. From the moment guests entered through the sheer drapery into the reception space, they were enveloped in an atmosphere of enchantment, where the soft glow of candlelight danced across elegantly set tables, the string lights filled with greenery above twinkled in the night sky, and the delicate scent of fresh florals lingered in the air.

The bridal fashion details were truly stunning, starting with a gorgeous flatlay that showcased the bride's pearl heels from Badgley Mischka, a pearlescent clutch, and delicate jewelry, including a beautiful necklace and earrings, along with the couple's wedding rings. The bride wore a breathtaking off-shoulder gown by Stanley Korshak, which perfectly complemented her elegant and timeless style. Her makeup, done by Face By Raymie, was natural and refined, enhancing her features for a soft, glowing look. Her hair was styled in loose, cascading curls, creating an effortless beauty that radiated grace. The bridal bouquet combined roses, ranunculus, anemone, orchids, spray roses, anthurium, and vibrant greenery, all beautifully tied with a white ribbon. The bride’s Maid of Honor, her sister, was by her side throughout the day, offering unwavering support, helping with dress adjustments, makeup touch-ups, and sharing in those precious moments of sisterhood, making the day even more special.

The florals, arranged by Alex Telson Designs, were a stunning mix of modern elegance and tropical allure. At the ceremony, florals were elegantly showcased on white pedestals, with a blend of roses, white hydrangeas, delphinium, and bold tropical greenery, creating a sophisticated backdrop against the serene pool cabana.

The Mediterranean theme was evident, with one standout gesture being the couple’s thoughtful wedding favor—Koufeta, five Jordan almonds wrapped in a bag, brought directly from Greece. This personal and meaningful touch honored tradition and added an extra layer of sentiment to the celebration. Each guest was also personally welcomed with a handwritten note with their name on it from the couple, adding an intimate touch to their experience.

All tables had a beautifully framed dinner menu that incorporated Greek text throughout it, created by Noteworthy Co. The couple's custom bar menu featuring their pups added a fun and personal touch to the wedding celebration. The saying "Let's Pawty," displayed on the bar sign, highlighted two playful drinks for their guests to enjoy. "The Pitkingese" combined vodka, soda, and a splash of cranberry, while "The Chiwowow" mixed vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice for a refreshing twist.

The couple opted for a minimalist, two-tier buttercream frosted wedding cake. They incorporated their love for their furry friends with custom dog toppers on their stunning two-tiered cake, crafted by Exquisite Desserts.

The photographer Katie Geiberger-Teigen and videographer Alexander Mo beautifully captured these unforgettable moments, preserving the essence of the day forever. As the celebration transitioned to the dance floor, the atmosphere came alive with disco balls, a black and white dance floor, and silver tinsel (installed by Luna Designs), adding a touch of glamour to the space. To honor their Greek heritage, the couple and their guests joyously participated in the lively “Kalamatianos” dance, a beloved tradition that brought everyone together in celebration. This Palm Springs wedding was a perfect blend of timeless elegance, vibrant florals, and personal touches, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved.