Marc and Jonathan: Old World Hollywood in Palm Springs
"He stole my heart," Jonathan says of Marc, "he was the one."
For Marc and Jonathan it all started with a Facebook message that said: “So, you got a haircut, huh?". It was that Facebook message the led to their first date where Marc says "I took a chance and went in for a kiss, figuring I would either get punched or get kissed back. I did not get punched".
Surrounded by their family and friends, Marc and Jonathan said 'I Do' in a Palm Springs 'Old Hollywood' wedding, on May 29th, 2015.
Photographer Rouxby Photo
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How and when did you meet?
Marc: Of course, it all started with the hair. In June of 2012, I sent Jonathan a message on Facebook that said, “So you got a haircut, huh?” A few messages (and far too many smiley emojis later), we met for drinks, and the rest is history.
Tell us a little about the first time you met?
Marc: We grabbed drinks at a bar in our local neighbourhood and sat for hours talking about everything from Kelly Clarkson to Gloria Estefan. As we walked home, I took a chance and went in for a kiss, figuring I would either get punched or get kissed back. I did not get punched.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Jonathan: That he was very handsome! And that he was a family person, based on a little online research (stalking).
What stands out the most to you looking back at the early days?
Jonathan: Marc came into my life at a time when I least expected it. I wasn’t out—I wasn’t even sure I was gay. But he stole my heart. He was the one. And once I knew that, everyone else was able to see that too.
What does marriage mean to you?
Jonathan: Being a part of the best team in the world, forever: travel companions, dance partners, meal splitters, wine bottle sharers, shoulders to cry on, holders of hands, car stereo duet partners, party co-hosts, each other’s Instagram filter approvers.
Marc & Jonathan’s story continues below ↓
Tell us about the proposal?
Jonathan: We were moving in together, but I was travelling a lot for work at the time, so Marc was the only one who was able to see the house in person before we decided to rent it. So, when I got home, Marc took me to show me our new place on a Saturday morning. I walked into the empty living room, turned around, and he was down on one knee. Then, before I could even stop crying, a bunch of our friends showed up to drink champagne in our empty new house! What a day, and what a guy.
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
Jonathan: We wanted our wedding to feel cool and classic, but not too fancy. Because it was once a getaway destination for 'Old Hollywood', Palm Springs oozed the perfect mood and backdrop. And our venue, The Parker, has this laid-back sophistication to it that’s iconic without taking itself seriously.
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
Marc: It’s such a rare thing to have your family and close friends in one place to celebrate together, so we wanted to stretch that feeling as long as possible by making it feel like a vacation—that’s why we chose a destination. From there, our goal was to keep it casual and fun for our guests, and make it so that we could enjoy ourselves, too!
Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?
Jonathan: Once we decided on an 'Old Hollywood' vibe, we turned to Pinterest—but not for typical wedding inspiration. Instead, we looked for editorial images of couples and groups having fun in dramatic settings: Vanity Fair portraits by Annie Leibovitz, Dolce & Gabbana ads, GQ & Esquire fashion shoots, album covers for rock bands.
Any surprises on your wedding day?
Marc: Jonathan’s dad gave us a pep talk the night before the wedding and told us that we could choose to either have the wedding go perfectly, or we could have fun, but we would not be able to have both. Funnily enough, we actually got both, but only because we were in the mindset to focus on the fun part and not worry about what might not go according to plan.
Jonathan: For anyone planning a warm-weather wedding, I might discourage riding a bicycle for two in a black tux in midday desert heat—but then again, I think the pictures were well worth it. No pain, no gain!
What was the most challenging thing about planning your wedding?
Jonathan: We wrote our own vows, which required a bit of courage! But, in the end, I think that choice made the ceremony so much more intimate, no only for us, but for our guests as well. We laughed, and we cried, and it felt perfectly personal.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Marc: We went to Bora Bora. We’re lucky to have great friends who we love to travel with, so we wanted to choose a location that would be a great place for just the two of us. I’d highly recommend doing a honeymoon right after the wedding—the blues are very, very real when the main event is over, so we were glad to still have the honeymoon to look forward.
And finally, any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Jonathan: The more decisions you make upfront, the less work you’ll have to do during the final stretch. Find great vendors you can trust, and set clear expectations together so that when it comes to the big day, someone else can be in the driver’s seat and you can enjoy the ride.
Suppliers
Photographer & Videographer Rouxby Photo
Venue The Parker, Palm Springs
Tuxes Gucci
On The Day Coordinator Sweet Emilia Jane
Planning Consultant AE & Co Events
Flowers Artisan Event Floral Decor
Invitations Clinton Reno
DJ Chris Paul
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