Thompson Palm Springs

The Welcome Party

The O'Donnell House at the Willows

The Wedding Day

Summer

Our Wedding

Friday, January 30, 2026

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

The Thompson Hotel Courtyard<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/3mhK6MKxkoJLDxft9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;414 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262</a> Colorful Dressy Casual Please join us Friday evening as we kick off the wedding weekend with a relaxed gathering under the Palm Springs sky.Your children are welcome to join us at this event.Guests will enjoy a&nbsp;buffet-style street taco station, accompanied by beer, wine, and margaritas.We look forward to welcoming you!

Saturday, January 31, 2026

3:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Ceremony Starts Promptly at 3:30 PM

O'Donnell House<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&amp;query=33.82423520,-116.54999640&amp;query_place_id=ChIJP0rj7a8b24AR_jIjNA33rN8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">220 North Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262</a> Formal Attire Golf cart transport to the venue will begin at 2:45pm, with the ceremony starting promptly at 3:30pm. The venue is outdoors so please dress accordingly (more information in FAQ tab). Please do not use the address GPS will give you when searching for the venue. Proceed to the address above, walking to the NW corner (the side closest to the golf course) of the Air Museum parking lot where golf cart shuttles will take you to the venue. If you are driving, please park across the street in the grey and green parking structure.

Schedule

Stephen and Laura met in the most modern of ways—on a dating app. After matching on Hinge and exchanging a few messages, Stephen graciously declined to answer Laura’s standard questionnaire for potential suitors and instead invited her out for coffee. Laura countered and they compromised, settling on an evening at The Breakers. Their first date almost didn’t happen, however, as Laura received a call about a paralyzed squirrel needing rescue that very evening. Thankfully, she managed to save both the squirrel and the meet-cute, but only one stood the test of time (RIP squirrel). After a handful of memorable dates—including a ring-making class for their third—and plenty of heartfelt conversations, Laura and Stephen realized they had found something special. Soon, they blended their four-legged families under one roof in Stephen’s Boca Raton apartment. At the time, Stephen was navigating the demands of medical school while Laura worked as a substance abuse counselor. Despite their hectic schedules, they made time to foster their little family. Stephen was happy to introduce Laura to his passion for skydiving, but after a few exhilarating (read: terrifying) jumps she decided to keep her adventures underwater- sticking to scuba diving instead. Eventually, they moved to West Palm Beach, where they upgraded to a yard for their boys, Mac and Beau, to enjoy. Stephen graduated medical school in the middle of the pandemic, and the couple began their next chapter in New Orleans, where he began his neurosurgery journey. While Stephen tackled long hours and the complexities of the human brain, Laura found a new passion in wildlife rescue. Together, they became unlikely champions of New Orleans’ possum population, spending evenings caring for orphaned joeys and proving that love really can be wild. Meanwhile, Mac and Beau kept life interesting with their antics, offering comic relief and plenty of snuggles. Life in the Crescent City became a vibrant mix of challenges and triumphs, with the city’s rich culture providing the perfect backdrop for their ever-evolving love story. Stephen and Laura plan to remain in New Orleans for the next several years as Stephen completes his neurosurgery residency. Now, as they prepare to say “I do,” the bride and groom are overjoyed to celebrate with the people they love most in the sun-soaked beauty of Palm Springs. They can’t wait to toast to new beginnings, shared adventures, and all the possums they’ve yet to rescue. See you there! 🌴

Our Love Story

Our Story

Maui Engagement Photoshoot

Throughout The Years

Our Children

Photos

Wedding Party

Logistics

The Events

Welcome Party

The Wedding

Travel & Accommodations

We’re so excited to celebrate with you under the Palm Springs sun! Here’s how to make your getaway as smooth (and stylish) as possible:

Where to Stay

We’ve reserved a&nbsp;limited&nbsp;block of rooms at&nbsp;The Thompson Hotel&nbsp;— where you’ll also find the bride and groom sipping coffee in the mornings and possibly having a late-night swim. Book early to snag the group rate!The room block is available from Tuesday, January 27th 2026 to Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 if you would like to make a trip out of it. However, if you need to book those days please contact Laura or Stephen to make the reservation for you, as the website only permits for booking Friday and Saturday nights. Otherwise, please keep in mind the Welcome Party begins in the Courtyard of the Thompson Hotel at 5PM on Friday, January 30th, 2026.

Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt

How to Get Here

The closest airport is&nbsp;Palm Springs International (PSP)&nbsp;— just minutes from downtown and The Thompson.Other options if you’re up for a little road trip:Ontario International (ONT)&nbsp;– about 1 hour awayLos Angeles International (LAX)&nbsp;– about 2 hours away

Getting Around

We’ll be soaking up every minute with you, but we won’t be providing group transportation to events as they are all within walking distance of the Thompson Hotel. Palm Springs is easy to navigate and — rental cars, Ubers/Lyfts, and taxis are all available at the airports.

Travel

Palm Springs is the perfect mix of retro charm, stunning desert views, and good vibes. Whether you're up for hiking through palm-filled canyons, sipping cocktails by the pool, or eating your way through downtown, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our top picks!&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏞️ The&nbsp;Palm Springs Aerial Tramway&nbsp;is a must-do for anyone visiting the area! It’s the&nbsp;world's largest rotating tram, taking you on a scenic 10-minute ride from the desert floor to the top of&nbsp;Mount San Jacinto&nbsp;at&nbsp;8,500 feet. The views as you ascend are simply breathtaking!🌄&nbsp;What to Do at the Top:Hiking Trails:&nbsp;Once you reach the top, you’ll find&nbsp;over 50 miles of hiking trails&nbsp;for all levels, from a short stroll to more challenging treks.The Lookout Lounge:&nbsp;After your hike, grab a drink at the&nbsp;Lookout Lounge—a cozy spot with&nbsp;panoramic views of the desert below. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and the stunning vistas while sipping a cocktail! 🍸Peaks Restaurant:&nbsp;For something more formal, head to&nbsp;Peaks Restaurant&nbsp;for a meal with incredible mountain views. 🍽️Aerial Views:&nbsp;Even if you’re not hiking, just take in the&nbsp;spectacular views&nbsp;from the observation deck and enjoy the cool, crisp air at the top of the mountain!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

🍦If your excitement for the wedding brings you in town a day early, every Thursday night downtown Palm Springs transforms into an open-air street fair with live music, artists, and some of the best food vendors in town. It’s the perfect way to soak up the Palm Springs vibe before the weekend!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Villagefest

🖼️ If you love art, this place is a must! It features an incredible mix of&nbsp;modern and Native American art, sculpture gardens, and a wing dedicated to mid-century design.&nbsp;Bonus:&nbsp;It’s right next to our wedding venue!

Palm Springs Art Museum

✈️ A fascinating, interactive museum full of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War aircraft—you can even climb into some of them! If you’re into history or aviation, this is a must-see.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Palm Springs Air Museum

🦓&nbsp;A childhood favorite of Stephen’s, hand-feed giraffes, check out adorable fennec foxes, and wander through a mix of wildlife exhibits and botanical gardens. They also have hiking trails if you want to get in some cardio around meeting the critters!&nbsp;

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

🥾&nbsp;A short, scenic hike leading to a 40-foot waterfall (yes, a waterfall in the desert!).&nbsp;

Tahquitz Canyon

🐏 Gorgeous trails filled with towering palm trees, streams, and rock formations. The Murray Canyon Trail is a great moderate hike where you might even spot some handsome bighorn sheep (ewe better take pictures to show us!)

Indian Canyons

🐦&nbsp;Hidden palm groves, boardwalk trails, and a super peaceful vibe. A great spot for an easy walk or a quiet escape from the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

🌵A hidden gem full of cacti, succulents, and exotic desert plants. It’s small but super charming, and perfect for plant lovers or a quiet afternoon stroll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moorten Botanical Garden

🦍&nbsp;&nbsp;A full gym with&nbsp;day passes&nbsp;available, great for weightlifting, cardio, and group classes. Day passes will run you $15, and a week pass is $45.

Power of Fitness

🪬If you need a good&nbsp;stretch or vinyasa flow, this place offers drop-in classes for all levels.

Power Yoga Palm Springs

🚲&nbsp;Rent a bike (pedal or electric!) and cruise through&nbsp;downtown or the scenic mid-century modern neighborhoods.

BIKE Palm Springs Rentals on Tahquitz Canyon Way

💦&nbsp;Want a workout that feels more like a vacation? This&nbsp;trendy pool spot&nbsp;is open to the public with a day pass, and perfect for swimming laps—or just floating with a drink in hand.

ARRIVE Palm Springs

☕️&nbsp;A French countryside-style spot with&nbsp;amazing crêpes, mimosas, and a gorgeous patio.

Farm

🥑&nbsp;Though Stephen will not partake, Cheeky’s is famous for their bacon flight (yes, a flight of different kinds of bacon), killer chilaquiles, and fresh-pressed juices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cheeky's Palm Springs

🥞A classic diner known for their fluffy German pancakes and all-around great breakfast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elmer's Restaurant (Palm Springs, CA)

🍾If you’re looking for&nbsp;a chic spot with bottomless mimosas, Chi Chi at The Avalon Hotel is the move. This&nbsp;poolside brunch oasis&nbsp;serves up endless bubbly alongside&nbsp;avocado toast, chilaquiles, and their famous lemon ricotta pancakes (Laura's all-time favorite!)

Chi Chi Restaurant

🥪&nbsp;Iconic Jewish deli with&nbsp;massive sandwiches, killer matzo ball soup, and old-school vibes.

Sherman's Deli & Bakery

🍦&nbsp;Hands down&nbsp;the best milkshakes in town.&nbsp;They come with a tiny donut on top!

Great Shakes

🍝&nbsp;Old-school Italian with some of the&nbsp;best pasta and steak in town.&nbsp;Frank Sinatra was a regular here (enough said).

Johnny Costa's Ristorante

🌮&nbsp;Fresh&nbsp;Mexican food and amazing margaritas.&nbsp;Their&nbsp;short rib barbacoa tacos&nbsp;are a must!

Tac/Quila

🥂A vintage Hollywood-style restaurant where the&nbsp;martinis are strong and the tableside steak Diane is legendary.

Melvyn's at the Ingleside Estate

🍹A tiny, speakeasy-style tiki bar with&nbsp;strong, delicious cocktails.&nbsp;

Bootlegger Tiki

🐶&nbsp;A super cool,&nbsp;dog-friendly bar and restaurant&nbsp;with a fun atmosphere, great cocktails, and plenty of space to lounge. Take a shot for Mac &amp; Beau!

Boozehounds Palm Springs

🍸&nbsp;A sleek cocktail bar with an impressive menu that highlights different cocktail eras—from pre-prohibition classics to modern creations.

Truss & Twine

✈️ The PS Air Bar is a speakeasy disguised as an airplane! Enjoy your cocktails and some of their daily shows while lounging like you're mile high!

PS Air Bar

👜&nbsp;If you’re up for a&nbsp;shopping spree, this outlet mall is about 30 minutes away from the venue and has everything from high-end designer stores to everyday brands at great prices.

Cabazon Outlets

👗 A vintage boutique with&nbsp;amazing retro finds&nbsp;and stylish mid-century-inspired fashion.

The Frippery

🥷 A trendy little shop with&nbsp;handmade jewelry, unique gifts, and cool desert-inspired home goods.

Thick As Thieves

🌿&nbsp;A brand-new,&nbsp;luxury mineral hot spring spa&nbsp;with thermal pools, salt rooms, and full-on relaxation before (or after) the wedding festivities.

The Spa at Séc-he

💎&nbsp; A stunning day spa with&nbsp;private mineral hot spring tubs, Himalayan salt rooms, and desert views.&nbsp;If you’re looking for a&nbsp;total escape, this is it.

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis

🏌️‍♂️&nbsp;A&nbsp;classic Palm Springs course&nbsp;surrounded by&nbsp;towering mountains and 500+ palm trees.&nbsp;The South Course is more forgiving, while the North Course has&nbsp;challenging water features and mid-century modern homes lining the fairways.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort

🌴 A stunning&nbsp;Jack Nicklaus-designed course&nbsp;with&nbsp;wide fairways, panoramic views, and one of the best patio restaurants in town&nbsp;(perfect for a post-round cocktail).

Escena Golf Club

⛰️&nbsp;A&nbsp;former PGA Tour course&nbsp;with&nbsp;dramatic mountain views, rolling fairways, and a more secluded feel.

SilverRock Resort

🎯&nbsp;A great option for all skill levels, featuring a&nbsp;traditional Legend Course and a more modern Resort Course.&nbsp;Plus, it’s one of the more&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;courses in the area!

Laura & Stephen