Missy Roney was taken by surprise when she learned how involved wedding planning can be, as she began the process of organizing her nuptials to beau Josh Mele. “I didn’t realize how difficult and involved it is!” she laughs now of the memory. Over an eight-month span, the bride worked side by side with her event designer and her mother to create a brilliant celebration that included 120 of the couple’s loved ones. 

Missy wanted to place an emphasis on flowers and the décor of the reception in an effort to not only create a beautiful space, but also to leave a lasting impression on guests. When scouting venues, the trio considered the climate of the area, the distance from the couple’s California home, and the site’s autumn availability. Finally deciding on a gorgeous estate within the Palm Springs vicinity, the location offered picturesque views of the desert and ideal balmy weather in October. 

The aisleway was covered in vanilla flower petals, and a ring bearer duo – Josh’s nephews – stole the spotlight as they proceeded down the middle row holding a sign that read, "Uncle Josh, Here Comes Your Bride." Missy appeared, escorted by her parents, wearing an opulent strapless gown with a cascading skirt and holding a fluffy bunch of cream blooms wrapped in satin. The bride and groom opted for a ceremony that incorporated a blend of religious traditions and ethnic customs, including a lovely chuppah made of breezy fabric and monochromatic white florals with pops of pale pink, and a unity candle lighting to symbolize the joining of two becoming one. At the conclusion of the service, Josh performed the breaking of the glass – a time-honored Jewish practice – to congratulatory applause and made his way up the aisle with his bride in tow. 

“The dance floor was full all night, our friends were up and moving, and it was great [being] all together the entire time.”

Missy and Josh were able to take a peek of the reception area before their guests were ushered in. A large tented space was swagged with sheer white fabric and boasted numerous dazzling crystal chandeliers suspended overhead. To create an open-air feeling, additional diaphanous fabric had been meticulously wrapped around the structure’s poles and intricacies so they were hidden from public view. “The lighting and the tent were breathtaking,” Missy confirms of the dreamy décor. 

Lounge sections and differently shaped dinner tables were decorated with an assortment of candles in golden holders and florals in all white with blush accents for a touch of slight color. Glass charger plates edged in gold were topped with menus tucked into linen napkins in a crème brûlée hue. Family and friends enjoyed a sumptuous supper, slices of cake iced in white-chocolate buttercream or sweet selections from the Italian dessert bar, and danced into the late evening hours. “The dance floor was full all night, our friends were up and moving, and it was great [being] all together the entire time,” remembers the groom.

Though the bride realizes – and frankly admits – “You can’t please everyone,” she is also left with feeling that perhaps they could have done one thing a little differently. “Our guest list was very tight and there are a couple of people that we wish we would have included,” Missy says of the challenge that many engaged couples are met with. 

Because of the bride’s demanding job and sparse time to concentrate on planning, Missy is grateful she had the support of her fiancé and parents, and was thoroughly appreciative for the guidance of her experienced wedding consultants, as the festivities truly culminated into the day of her dreams.