Kendra & James Peterson • June 6th, 2009 • La Quinta, CA

Kendra and James had originally wanted to have a destination wedding in a tropical paradise. So, when the wedding venue was moved to the country club near Palm Springs where Kendra's parents live, they decided to bring the beach to them! They closed down 9 of the course's 18 holes to allow them to take over one of the greens and convert it to a beach scene with tons of imported sand and tropical accents.

Since Kendra's parents are in the aviation business, there were bound to be aviation-related themes in this wedding. As a surprise for the groom and the guests, Kendra's parents arranged for a chopper to pick up Kendra and her father right next to their house! After circling the golf course for about 10 minutes, it landed near the green on the golf course where the ceremony was taking place.

The event coordinator was Cathy O'Connell from Celebrations of Joy, and she ensured that the huge event went off without a hitch. The beautiful floral design were created by Arrangements Floral & Party Designs.

The reception included a lavish tropical-themed feast with fresh fish, chicken, and beef grilled to order, iced shrimp cocktail and oysters on the half-shell, and a rocking live band. The night was topped off by a huge fireworks display over the lake.

(Photographed by Loren, Paul, and Rachel)