Michelle and Mark were married in Palm Springs at the luxurious Miramonte Resort & Spa where guests enjoyed a classic, elegant ceremony and reception.
The Story: Standing tall at 6’1” and 6’6”, these long-limbed, toned volleyball players, Mark and Michelle Williams, fell in love on the sandy beach courts as they traveled all over the United States on the AVP Tour. “We spent an intense amount of time together, cheered each other on at the games and never got sick of each other, which was a good sign,” laughs Michelle.
Mark, a two-time Olympian on the beach circuit, was born in Australia but grew up in Los Angeles, while Michelle was raised in Redondo Beach. On New Year’s Eve in the Santa Ynez wine country, Mark popped the question just before midnight, so they rang in 2009 as an engaged couple, surrounded by some of their best friends. Desiring a destination wedding, they opted for the Tuscan-styled Miramonte Resort in Palm Springs, where 175 people gathered for a long festive weekend. “I grew up going to Palm Springs with my family. I love Miramonte as it feels like a quaint Italian village,” chimes Michelle.
The festivities kicked off with the family and bridal party enjoying tapas and sangria accompanied by live Spanish classical guitar music, followed by dancing and fun at the Aqua Caliente casino. The next morning, the guys hit the golf course while the girls went to the spa, after which everyone reconvened in the red cabanas by the pool. That night at the rehearsal dinner, guests enjoyed a low-key, family-style Italian feast on the piazza overlooking the romantic resort with the jagged Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop.
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VENDORS
Ceremony and reception location, and catering: Miramonte Resort. Wedding planner: Cathy O’Connell, Celebrations Of Joy. Flowers, lighting and rentals: Arrangements Floral & Party Design. Cake: Exquisite Desserts. Gown: Enzoani, from La Soie. Shoes: Charles David. Makeup: Suzanne Stonebarger, Signature23. Groom’s attire: Friar Tux. Invitations: Paper Source. Chairs: chiavarichairs4rent.com. Officiant: Rev. Lee Albert. DJ: Vox DJ. Ice cream cart: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Photo booth: Mint Photo Lounge. Linens and furniture: Peggi Walker. Photography: Marisa Holmes. Videography: Luv Bug Films.
