Courtney White and Brian Procel’s Merv Griffin Estate Wedding was unworldly! These are two of the most adventurous people we know. Destined for luck and love, in 2012 Courtney was living in Uzbekistan working for Doctor’s Without Borders and flew back to the US to renew her visa. During her brief visit, she went to a birthday party in Palm Springs and ran into Brian. “We spent the whole night talking. It was like the lid on something had been opened, but I didn’t know what. Unfortunately, I was heading back to Uzbekistan the next day. There were plenty of sparks, but no time to develop them.” Courtney says.
Brian’s head was spinning, what to do? “How about a little vacation in the world’s most romantic country, India? It seemed far-fetched, but with Courtney, it just may work. I’ve been on many first dates, but none of them involved vaccinations . . .” Brian says.
Six weeks later a plane landed in New Delhi, India (with Courtney on it). She learned that Brian had not booked any accommodations. They made every decision together. And every decision led to a new adventure. “It was amazing. We just seemed to click, like we had been traveling together for years. We visited almost every corner of India. We spent several days in the Maldives—a honeymoon on our first date!” Courtney says.
From this trip, they both recognized that their lives would never be the same. They learned that they are not only perfect traveling companions but also perfect soul mates. Their lives were forever transformed.
All 200 guests who attended this wedding at the Merv Griffin Estate knows it felt like stepping into a grand dream. The legendary entertainer Merv Griffin at this vast 39-acre estate boasts a 13 bedroom exotic home, a jaw-dropping Moroccan themed play-ground. Over 60 full-time vendors helped orchestrate this magnificent wedding including aerial performers, stilt walkers, circus folk, fire dancers and belly dancers. Their “cirque story of love” theme consisted of vintage and modern urban elegance with pops of plum/eggplant, whites and gem colors.
Their ceremony was a beautiful family procession held in a circle. Courtney, her mother, and sister walked around outside of the circle of family and friends receiving individual flowers from 30 family/friends before walking down the aisle. Their comical and poetic storytelling vows made everyone unforgettably laugh and cry.
With roaming cirque performers everywhere, heart-melting speeches, and a hilarious “trash the cake” during dinner the party just kept getting better. There was a 20-30 minute performance with a Beatles Love theme with four-act sets. Then… a surprise aerial performance by Courtney that flowed into their first dance together. Unbelievably gorgeous! Fun! Stunning!
Photographers: Jos & Tree
Venue: The Merv Griffin Estate – Beau Monde Villas | Wedding Planner: Kelsey Connelly – Kelsey Events
Performance/Entertainment: Susie Culini | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Lighting & Sound: Amber Event Production | Door Rental & Guest Walk Way
Dress: Eve of Milady | Florist Design: Lotus & Lily
Hair: Lana Grand | Makeup: Vaida Pavarde
Detail Photographer: Brian Leahy
Catering: Contemporary Catering | Bar: Cocktail Concierge
Valley & Golf Cart Rental: All Smiles Valet | Video: Plug Video
Baby-Sitters: Desert Super Sitters | Engagement Date: Courtney & Brian Los Angeles Engagement
Accolades: The first photo in this collection, the circus flame throwers forming the shape of a heart with Courtney and Brian, received a Fearless Photographers award. With over 10 thousand entries only 1% of the images are given fearless awards. We are thrilled and honored to have this photo awarded. It was a photo captured among all the chaotic celebrations during this extraordinary wedding.