Three weeks before leaving on a trip to Palm Springs, Andrew asked Brie if she wanted to get married while on vacation. “Initially I thought he was crazy,” the bride recalls. “Then, I realized that if we could pull this off it would be the best memory ever!” Luckily for Brie, her sister-in-law is a wedding planner, so they quickly got to work. Even at such short notice, the couple was able to successfully convince nine of their unsuspecting family members to join them in California.
With only three weeks to plan her wedding and find a dress, Brie knew she needed to find a dress quickly. “The fact that Bisou Bridal was able to get my dress ordered and ready was a miracle,” Brie says. “It made me feel romantic, tucked in, and beautiful all in one.” As an ode to her brother, Brie wore pink high-top Converse All-Star shoes with her gown. “He and I shared a pair when we were little,” the bride shares.
For their wedding day, Brie and Andrew planned to pull off the surprise of a lifetime. Minutes before their ceremony began, the couple presented their family members with wedding invitations in the backyard of their rented Airbnb. “Seconds later, they were walking into the backyard to champagne and music,” Andrew recalls. “Seeing the look of shock, denial, acceptance and excitement in everyone’s faces was incredible!”
Keeping things intimate, the backyard-style wedding was decorated with one long wooden table. Further, the family-style meal was cooked by a private chef. Brie and Andrew loved sharing their special day with such a small group. “At dinner, we got to have one conversation and all speeches had to be impromptu,” the couple shares. “It took them all night to realize what was happening!” As the evening went on, guests were presented with sweatshirts that said “Deer,” a play on Andrew’s last name. “It was so fun seeing everyone wearing them at dinner, comfortable, casual, and having a good time.”
Brienne Armstrong and Andrew Dear, March 11, 2019, Palm Springs, California.
Photography courtesy of Sweet Paper Media.
Vendors
Venue: Airbnb Private Residence
Wedding planner: Aly Armstrong Event Planning & Design
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from Bisou Bridal
Flowers: Studio Kate Floral
Caterer: Chef Sarena
Furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Music: Andy Mauser Music
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* This article was originally published here