A few months ago we were invited by The Wedding Artists Collective(a talented crew of photographers) to organize a venue tour in Palm Springs, California. Any place with over 350 days of sunshine, endless blue skies and a mecca of Mid-Century Modern homes is our kinda place. Hollywood’s playground never gets old. Hillary Angel from Visit Palm Springswas our tour operator and planner extraordinaire.
The Venue Tour
Our cool caftan clad adventure and venue tour in Palm Springs had to begin with a custom map we collaborated on with Mae Mae Paperiewho designed it to perfection. The tour included a historic mid-century modern hideaway, a contemporary estate, a Spanish Revival artist colony and a late night pool party bar ideal for casual gatherings. We have a slight obsession with caftans (there is not anything much more comfortable for cocktails and appetizers), so the dress code was formed. The theme? Cocktails, Caftans & Cannonballs. Each venue stop had drinks, a pool, and our caftan clad crew.
Where else can you frolic where legendary celebs like Frank Sinatra & Marilyn Monroe have also frolicked in a bygone era?!
The Details
Each stop had fun cocktail stir sticks for our day drinking venue adventure. The group of caftan going gals are all event planners from California and New York. Inside Scoop: Virgin Airlines has direct flights from New York to Palm Springs during certain times of the year! So East coasters fear not. You too can host a Palm Springs soiree.
The Dress Code
Yep, we have a caftan obsession (there truly is nothing more comfortable to wear while eating and drinking). Caftans are also oh-so Palm Springs circa 1970. You can find true blue vintage ones on Etsy for $50 and less!
Stop #1 Frederick Loewe Estate
The Frederick Loewe Estate (FLE) was once the home of the famed composer, Frederick Loewe. Loewe was an Austrian-American composer born June 10th, 1901 in Berlin, Germany as “Fritz Loewe”.
The Details - Frederick Loewe Estate
There are multiple spaces at this sprawling estate to host events and the home itself has the most incredible Mid-Century Modern interior. The grounds are flawless and the view of Palm Springs is panoramic. Inside Scoop: The Master Bedroom bed is actually on a lazy Susan and can rotate 360-degrees; depending on the view you would like!
Party Poolside.
The crowning jewel and centerpiece of Frederick Loewe Estate is the turquoise pool. Perfect for poolside lounging and cocktails. Doesn't Amanda from 100 Layer Cake look like she came straight from the 70's? She's one glamorous gal.
Options, Options, Options - Frederick Loewe Estate
The We Studio set up so many fun details. When we arrived we were greeted by this retro airstream and giant bright pink bean bag chairs for lounging. Alison Eventsand Jillian from 100 Layer Cake enjoyed a nice chat in the Palm Springs sun.
Multiple Venue Spaces - Frederick Loewe Estate
How adorable are Angel from Love & Splendor and Shira the Editor of Martha Stewart Weddings lounging in those bean bag chairs?! The We Studio set up this stunning ceremony space in the rose garden. This is just one of the ceremony options you can choose from. The Rose Garden was originally designed and planted by Frederick Loewe himself! The venue also has four bedrooms, a tennis court, fire pit and stunning sculptures.
All aboard! Beep beep!
The ladies boarded the bus and were greeted by gold Palm Springs tote bags, custom made maps of our adventure to come dreamt up by The Venue Report & designed by Mae Mae Paperie, a hangover kit, lipstick from Fiore Beauty, water and some other goodies. Each stop had custom cocktail stirrers & fun signage. We especially loved the geometric swizzle sticks that The Wedding Artist Collective created and the bathing beauties designed by The Venue Report & Mae Mae Paperie. Each girl was greeted with a fun tote bag filled with goodies including Hang Over kits from Be Collective and buxom lip gloss form Fiore Beauty.
Stop #2 Colony 29
Formerly an artist colony, today Colony 29 is an expansive privately gated compound that offers overnight accommodations for up to 26 guests. You and your friends can basically take over your own village. How lovely is the signage by Mae Mae Paperie and custom cocktail stirrers by The Wedding Artists Collective?
The Details - Colony 29
This 1920's Spanish Revival venue sits on 6 acres of botanical gardens with views of the foothills. There are multiple venue spaces, manicured lawns, native palm oasis, orchards and rose gardens. As the sun sets, your guests will be greeted by strands of twinkling market lights, fire pits and lighting that washes the walls of the stunning mountain backdrop.
Inside Scoop - Colony 29
Who has visited this venue? Nate Berkus, Adam Levine, Diane Keaton and it was featured on an HGTV home tour!
Stop #3 El Portal Estate
Our third Estate stop was at the clean and contemporary El Portal Estate. Desert views, the saltwater pool and gas fire pit make this a fun party pad. We especially loved the poolside canary yellow bistro seating and umbrellas.
The Details - El Portal Estate
You won't need to do a whole lot of decorating at this 4 four bedroom, 3,000 square foot luxury home. The centerpiece is the glittering pool that glows magnificently against the starry desert sky. You can host a dinner party on the lawn and cocktail reception poolside. The interior of the home has an open concept that allows guests to flow freely between each venue space. The estate is gated from the street on its very private ¼ acre lot, so you’ll feel like you are in your own private oasis surrounded by magnificent desert views.
Inside Scoop - El Portal Estate
This luxury venue has hosted young Hollywood celebrities such as artists Katy Perry and Beck among others. They love the private pool, mountain views, chef's kitchen and ample square footage to entertain their friends and family.
Stop #4 Hacienda Cantina
We ended the night at brand new restaurant and swim club, Hacienda Cantina which opened June 2014. It is a one of a kind Palm Springs food, drink, entertainment and swimming venue. We feasted on delicious Mexican cuisine and took a tour of the pool, private dining space and games area!
The Details - Hacienda Cantina
This venue is absolutely perfect for pre and post wedding functions, group getaways, bachelor parties and bachelorette parties! You can rent one of their poolside cabana and play drinking games on the lawn. Host parties both large and small at the Chefs Table, pool, dining room or patio.
We finished off the night with a nightcap at Bar, where you can host an event in the new back patio they are currently completing. It's chock full of lawn games and a private bar, perfect for late night after parties. Sip, sip hooray! Too see more fun photos hop on over to 100 Layer Cakefor the additional scoop!
Hosted by: Hillary Angel from Visit Palm Springs , The Venue Report, The Wedding Artists Collective | Photos: The Wedding Artists Collective | Paper Design: Mae Mae Paperie | Venues: Frederick Loewe Estate, El Portal Estate, Colony 29, Hacienda Cantina, Bar | Frederick Loewe Estate Design: The We Studio
