A Glam Desert Wedding at Frederick Loewe Estate in Palm Springs, California

When Anna Tou (37 and the creative director at Chipotle) and AJ Keifer (36 and a studio lead at Salesforce.com) decided to wed, the location was a rel

When Anna Tou (37 and the creative director at Chipotle) and AJ Keifer (36 and a studio lead at Salesforce.com) decided to wed, the location was a relatively quick decision. “Since we're both New Yorkers by way of San Francisco who grew up in Minnesota, there was no way we were going to find a wedding location to easily accommodate a large number of our guests,” Anna says. “Instead, we decided to pick one of our favorite places, Palm Springs, California.” The couple hosted their 85 guests at an outdoor ceremony reception in the rose garden at Frederick Loewe Estate, which offered a naturally beautiful backdrop for their wedding’s glamorous black-and-white palette. “No property in Palm Springs could compare with Frederick Loewe Estate,” Anna says. “It has a blinding white and glass house nestled like an oasis overlooking an unending, panoramic view of desert and sky. Aesthetically, we took inspiration from the property and city—focusing on desert plants, midcentury-modern furniture and clear acrylic accents.” After the ceremony, guests dug into the crostini bar before taking their seats at long wooden banquet tables under string lights. For dessert, guests were given individual cakes. “Pick what's most important to you and your future mate, and spend your focus there,” Anna says. “Don't worry about checking the box on every tradition, and don't worry about what others want you to do, even if they're your close loved ones. Today of all days is truly your day.” —Carolyn Meers

San Francisco's Jack & Ginger crafted the invitation suite and all signs for Anna and AJ's wedding. The design had an old Hollywood/Palm Springs feel, centering on a black-and-white palm motif.
At the reception at Frederick Loewe Estate in Palm Springs, California, tables were topped with greenery-rich garlands filled with native desert plants like succulents and grasses. Anna and AJ's table was topped with special bronze monogram letters.
AJ wore a black tux—fitting with the old-Hollywood, black-tie vibe—paired with patent leather shoes.
Anna and AJ exchanged vows in in Frederick Loewe Estate's rose garden. "We had a custom clear acrylic arch manufactured to frame the ceremony, with simple white draping," Anna says. "Neither of us are specifically religious, so the ceremony was simple and casual, and we wrote our own vows."
Stainless steel boxes of tissues were provided for guests at the ceremony.
"We kept flowers on the minimal side since our venue was so beautiful," Anna says. "Except the bouquet, which was a showstopper created by Native Poppy,  filled with native desert plants like succulents, air plants and grasses in shades of white and green."
At Frederick Loewe Estate in Palm Springs, California, guests could relax on vignettes artfully appointed with modern white chairs, couches and love seats.
At the reception at Frederick Loewe Estate in Palm Springs, California, guests snacked on a fully loaded crostini bar.
San Francisco's Jack & Ginger Studios crafted all the signs for the wedding day.
Two clear acrylic panels were calligraphed with guest names and their corresponding table numbers.
"We mixed classic, modern, gold and white table settings with farm tables and black bentwood chairs in two long rows," Anna says. "We wanted the dinner to feel cozy and elegant at the same time."
Instead of having a cake cutting, Anna and AJ gave guests personal cakes made by Cake Monkey Bakery. They also served as place markers at the tables.
Guests were given individual cakes by Cake Monkey Bakery. "We loved having the individual cakes, since it made each guest feel cared for," Anna says.
“Pick what's most important to you and your future mate, and spend your focus there,” Anna says. “Don't worry about checking the box on every tradition, and don't worry about what others want you to do, even if they're your close loved ones. Today of all days is truly your day.”