REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Brian Alevis

    CHRISTINA CARUSO & MICHAEL CLERICO

    June 13, 2015 in Palm Springs, California

    Within minutes of publishing her dating profile on OK Cupid, Christina Caruso received a message. The sender was Michael Clerico, who asked her to go antiquing–a date idea that left Christina skeptical, believing that the website generated a fake email from her dream guy. Wanting to make sure he was the real deal, she showed up wearing a suit, took a businesslike approach, and prodded Michael with questions for two hours. After his initial interview, the two went their separate ways without any real follow-up.

    A few weeks later, Christina was having dinner with her two best guy friends. She showed them Michael’s photo and profile, and they immediately stole her phone and wrote him a message which got the ball rolling again. “Michael and I went on another day–a real date,” says Christina. “I wore something flirty, loosened up, and had a glass of champagne. We had a great time, and the rest is history.” In less than two years, Michael proposed.

    CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS, AND WHITE ROSE PETAL WALKWAY CREATED A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY

    As native New Yorkers, the couple decided to have a destination wedding in sunny California. For the ceremony, the Palm Court at the Parker Palm Springs hotel was decorated with large white crystal chandeliers, and white rose petal walkway created a beautiful path for the processional. The bride and groom also put together a detailed play list that is still being talked about by those in attendance. For the processional, an instrumental version of Moby’s “Porcelain” played, followed by Maria Callas’ “Mio Babbino Caro” while the bride walked down the aisle.

    After a cocktail hour of muddled lemon drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, guests made their way to the Parker’s ballroom lawn for the reception. Long king tables were dressed in white linens and matte golden table runners adorned with sequins. The centerpieces consisted of gold Moroccan lanterns with candles, surrounded by three glass angel vases filled with a mounded pave of blush peonies. Juliette garden roses, cream tea roses, succulents, and a large gold wire twist created a landscape down the center of the tables.

    Guests were treated to a delectable dinner of crab and avocado salad, a choice of beef or fish entrees, an open bar with top shelf liquor, and a three-tiered vanilla wedding cake with a fresh strawberry filling.

    For their first dance, the newlyweds chose “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones as their song. Not only did they dance to the song when they first met, but it also fit in with the wedding’s desert setting. Afterwards, everyone danced the night away while the DJ played an eclectic selection of tracks ranging from Kate Bush to the Wu-Tang Clan.


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location: The Parker, Palm Springs, Palm Springs, CA; Floral and Event Design, Planner, Linen and Rentals: Artisan Event Floral Decor, Palm Springs, CA; Wedding Dress: Anna Maier Ulla-Maija; Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren

    Follow us: