Paulette & Ben // La Quinta Country Club Wedding
I had the good fortune of meeting Paulette a few years ago when we sat next to each other on a shuttle to one of her best friend’s weddings outside of Mexico City! We got to chatting on the long car ride, and I quickly grew to admire her kind heart, her sweet demeanor, and her unbridled enthusiasm for life. When she reached out many moons later, saying she was engaged, I was so stoked to get the chance to hang out with her again!
Paulette and Ben’s story begins like many modern love stories: on a dating app. Despite Paulette’s roommate expressing light concern (describing Ben’s profile as “unserious,”) Paulette was drawn to Ben and decided to give him a chance. They met for drinks at a bar in San Francisco, and the rest is history. Their spark was undeniable—Ben’s humor immediately drew Paulette in, and Paulette’s adventurous spirit and undeniable charm had Ben smitten.
Since that fateful date, their relationship has grown into a deep companionship that “just feels right.” Paulette describes Ben as her rock and the person with whom she can be her truest self. Ben loves how naturally Paulette fits into his world—winning over his friends and family with ease, all while putting up with his occasional stubbornness. Together, they are goofy, fun-loving, and care-free as kids on a playground. As a couple, they have the perfect balance of mature partnership and child-like whimsy.
The couple decided to wed in beautiful La Quinta on a sunny summer day. Their silly pup, Goose, joined them & their friends & family as they celebrated their love under the desert sky. On that glorious 108-degree afternoon, I arrived strapped with literally one dozen Gatorades and greeted the couple and their big, boisterous (in the best way) wedding parties. From the jump, I had such a wonderful time laughing (& hiding from the sun) with them all day. The comedy started during their first look, when Ben laid wide eyes on Paulette and said, and I quote, “What the f**k?!” The man was too stunned to formulate a non-expletive thought as he gazed at his gorgeous bride. Iconic, hilarious, 1 of 1 moment.
Despite the absurd forecast, everyone was high-energy and so loving through every toasty moment. Highlights included Ben using a tube of suncreen as a temporary pocket square, the couple sharing emotional private vows, taking photos with their pup, having a sweet ceremony officiated by the bride’s brother, pouring a champagne tower, and belly-laughing at every toast (one that included a photo of Ben as a teenager with a mop haircut, printed 3ft by 2ft.) The day was non-stop goodness and overflowed with personality and love.
One of my favorite bits of this magical couple’s wedding was when we got to take a golf cart around the country club at sunset. Ben was the captain of our ship as we zipped from one spot to another, chasing the last golden glowing moments of light. Their ceremony behind them, they were all laughter and all playful and all love. It was that little pocket of time where it felt like Ben & Paulette were the only people in the world, the bougainvillea and cool grass surrounding them as they joyfully walked hand in hand into their next chapter as husband and wife.
ILY, P & B… and Goose!!!!!
