Zenobia and Nick’s Palm Springs wedding pool party started their destination wedding weekend with a splash! The lovely couple hosted this  intimate gathering at the historic Cree Estate, where the magic of  classic Palm Springs meets modern desert luxury. As their Palm Springs wedding photographer, I jumped at the chance to document this relaxed celebration that brought their closest friends and family together ahead of the formal wedding plans.

Desert Setting

The couple’s choice of venue for the weekend’s festivities fit their vision flawlessly. Previously a private estate, this historic property now operates  as a quietly tucked-away private venue that perfectly balances vintage charm with contemporary comfort. Cree Estate offers  a unique advantage: on-site accommodations for the wedding party, while the neighboring Paloma Resort hosts additional lodging for all the guests. This thoughtful arrangement created a seamless experience for everyone attending this  wedding weekend in the desert.

Pool Party!

Nick and Zenobia invited all wedding guests who arrived early for the wedding to join them for the wedding pool party; definitely the Palm Springs version of a welcome dinner or cocktails. In this case, the hot weather warranted a dip for most everyone who came to celebrate! . The couple welcomed all their guests’ children to participate in the fun which created a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Party-goers came ready for swimming and  dressed in fun, floral Palm Springs attire. The result was a vibrant mix of bright colors, patterns, and playful sunglasses that embodied the spirit of the celebration.

A Colorful Desert Welcome

The afternoon was carefully planned to embrace both style and comfort. Similar to the rainbow pops of color in the abundant plants surrounding the property. Guests arrived in vibrant florals and playful Palm Springs attire, creating a sea of cheerful patterns and bright colors around the pool. Despite the mid-90s temperature, the atmosphere remained delightfully comfortable. We can give thanks to strategically placed draping and umbrellas that provided abundant shade for guests to relax and mingle. Ice cold natural wine and 80’s pop music flowed!

Fashion Moment

The bride and groom’s commitment to style was evident in their carefully chosen attire. Zenobia wore a stunning custom bridal cape jacket, complete with an elegant bow detail on the back – a special piece created by her friend who owns The Law Bridal. This personal touch added an extra layer of meaning to her poolside ensemble. Nick complemented her look perfectly in his resort wear, and together they set the tone for a fashionable yet relaxed gathering. Hats and sunnies required, of course!

Euro Inspired Evening 

One of the highlights of the afternoon was Gelato Granucci, a beloved Palm Springs institution since 1929. This family-run business, with its authentic Italian roots, brought their charming gelato cart complete with a striped umbrella that added the perfect touch of European sophistication. Guests could choose from various flavors, served in either cups or cones, providing a refreshing respite from the desert heat. Stracciatella was my personal favorite!

Creating Connections

The informal nature of the pool party accomplished exactly what Zenobia and Nick had hoped for – it gave their guests a chance to connect and spend time together before the wedding day. Children splashed in the pool while adults enjoyed wine and appetizers under the shade. The relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to truly get to know each other, creating a warm community feeling that would carry through to the wedding day. Many folks traveled from around the country to celebrate Z+N, so it was sweet to see them enjoy the vacation side of Palm Springs with a drink in hand.

A Photographer’s Perspective

From a photographer’s perspective, this celebration offered beautiful opportunities to capture the beginning of their wedding weekend. We created a mix of digital and film images that documented not just the events, but the feeling of the afternoon. From architectural details of the historic venue to candid moments between guests, each frame helped build the narrative of their wedding weekend.

The welcome pool party achieved something special: it removed the pressure of formal introductions from the wedding day itself. By spending quality time with their guests in this relaxed setting, Zenobia and Nick were able to ensure their wedding day could be focused entirely on the celebration of their marriage. 

Vendors:

Planner: Lori from LTI Vision Events 

Venue: Historic Cree Estate

Dessert: Gelato Granucci

Draping: ESC Productions

Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Bride’s custom look: The Law Bridal

Ready to dive into your own destination wedding planning? I can’t wait to hear all about it!