Jackie and Jack hosted a Slim Aarons-inspired wedding celebration for their Desert White House wedding in Palm Springs. Oozing with vintage fashion silhouettes, colorful patterns, and those sweet desert breezes, this wedding avoided tradition and created instead the perfect slow-paced poolside cocktail party for everyone to mingle and relax.

Slim Aarons-Inspired Wedding Vision

Jackie and Jack told me that their wedding inspiration came straight from “Poolside Glamour” by Slim Aarons. Honestly, say LESS! My dream come true! They hoped guests would catch the vibe and arrive in prints, patterns, and bright hued-colors. Can I just say, the people DELIVERED! The fashion completely set the tone. High ponytails, scarves, feathers, ruffles… we had coordinated suits, wide brimmed hats, and tropical prints make an appearance. Combined with the stunning midcentury venue, I honestly felt like I had walked onto a movie set.

Timing is everything, so J&J planned accordingly for cocktail hour to begin around an hour before sunset. The golden light pooled (literally) around the courtyard as everyone enjoyed drinks, hugged, and took photos together.

Planning a Desert White House Wedding in Palm Springs

When Jackie and Jack started planning their wedding, they came across the Desert White House and knew they had struck gold. This unconventional venue is a private compound with a view of the mountains in the distance. Surrounding the sprawling ranch-style house are grounds with a pool, grassy lawn, and outdoor barbecue area. Couches, a lengthy fire pit, and multiple levels create so many opportunities for guests to mingle and chat without feeling too contained. The house is incredibly grounded in mid-century modern design. Windows are carefully placed throughout to allow for maximum sunshine and blue skies to peek through. Intimate courtyards adjacent to the bedrooms offer a sense of indoor/outdoor living that yields perfectly to getting ready photos of the couple before the party starts.

Along with finding the perfect venue to host their friends and family, Jackie and Jack loved that the Desert White House included space for 16 people to spend the night to extend the party after hours for their nearest and dearest. Inside, the hallways and bathrooms stay true to the mid-century modern desert aesthetic with white tile, wood paneled walls, and mirrored surfaces. This venue is truly the perfect blend of timeless style meets modern elegance, ideal for a Slim Aarons-inspired wedding in Palm Springs!

Memorable Moments from the Day

As Jackie and Jack walked out of the house to enter cocktail hour, everyone turned and cheered so loudly! It was incredibly sweet to watch everyone get so jazzed over the happy couple and come rushing over for a hug. Cue a full hour and a half of Jackie and Jack flitting from group to group to say hello and reconnect.

Many group photos and candids later, Jack told me it was time for the big surprise. Elvis was in the building!! The King himself came to officiate a (very) quick vow exchange for ceremony, and the crowd went wild. Elvis even performed a song leading to an unofficial first dance for Jackie and Jack with the guests gradually joining in.

Jackie and her dad have always played guitar together, so they practiced and performed a special song in honor of Jack. Everyone sat on the lawn, campfire style. Later, Jackie’s dad also gave a pre-written toast which highlighted tons of Jackie’s friend groups, leading to much cheering and waving from the guests as they heard their names mentioned.

Before the day really started, Jackie told me that it’s a pretty normal part of their getting ready routine as a couple for her to braid Jack’s hair. Definitely had to get a picture of that moment that’s typically mundane but felt even more special at their wedding celebration!

Film Photos at this Palm Springs Wedding

As a film wedding photographer, I was particularly excited to use analog as a primary medium when documenting Jackie and Jack’s wedding. With all the colors and an abundance of sunshine, I knew that medium format and 35mm film would shine when capturing the scenery and guest portraits. One of my favorite ways to capture a wedding is to step back and really take in the scene. Jackie and Jack loved this about my style and encouraged me to get lots of action shots showing off the house and all their guests’ style. Film was also perfect for some candids of everyone hanging out and celebrating together. Film at weddings forever, please!

Vendor Team

Venue: Desert White House

Planner: LTI Vision Events

Photographer: Erin Marton Photo

Rentals: Vision Events Rentals, Planks and Patina, Signature Party Rentals

Flowers: Hijinx Flowers (the bride!)

Catering and bar: Chef Gabriel Woo

Loving this Desert White House wedding in Palm Springs? You might also enjoy this Cree Estate wedding in Palm Springs at another local venue nearby. Books are currently open for 2026 weddings, please reach out so we can chat about yours!