Monica Osborne and Jay Karas’ Palm Springs wedding was unforgettable. When Jay first approached Monica, she was skeptical. Upon learning that Monica teaches Jewish Studies, he disclosed a key piece of information: his grandfather was a rabbi, and not just any rabbi, but one who was a member of the first graduating class of Yeshiva University. Fortunately for Jay, this inadvertent tidbit of data was all Monica–who was meeting her friends after driving a Holocaust survivor home–needed to agree to give him her phone number.

One year later, they became engaged. It was after an incredible dinner in Palm Springs, in the privacy of their suite at the Viceroy.  It was perfect for them: intimate, and devoid of spectacle.

After another year, friends and family joined them for their Palm Springs wedding at The Bougainvillea Estate.  It was intimate, unconventional, and unpredictable (especially with intermittent rain and bursts of sun in the desert). They wanted the beauty of simplicity, to keep things organic, real, and present. One best man; one maid of honor; 60 guests.  Lovely accent colors of gold, ivories, shades of tangerine. Their favorite detail of the day was observing the coming together of diverse groups of friends and family (Jews, Non-Jews, Comedians, Academics/Professors), and being able to watch some of the least likely people forge fast friendships.

Monica is a professor/writer and tends to be philosophical and intense, but with a wildly funny side; Jay makes his living in the world of comedy and drama as a director/producer, but also has a deeply serious side. They discovered this creates the ideal balance in their relationship. They also like sushi.

Jay Karas and Monica Osborn walking together at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea EstateFriends laughing during a welcome gathering the night before with Monica Osborne and Jay Karas for their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea EstateJay Karas singing during a welcome gathering with Monica Osborne the night before their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea EstateFriends laughing during a welcome gathering the night before with Monica Osborne and Jay Karas for their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea EstateGorgeous photo of Monica Osborn getting ready for her Palm Springs Wedding with Jay Karas in California at The Bougainvillea EstateJay Karas and Monica Osborn laughing together during their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn reflection photo at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn laughing with family and friends at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas signing wedding certificate during his Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn about to begin their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn walking into at their Palm Springs Wedding ceremony in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn entering their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Wide angle photo of Jay Karas and Monica Osborn exchanging vows at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn exchanging vows at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn exchanging vows at their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Jay Karas and Monica Osborn joyfully exiting their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Friends and family walking with Jay Karas and Monica Osborn during their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Happy friends and family with sun flare with Jay Karas and Monica Osborn during their Palm Springs Wedding reception in California at The Bougainvillea Estate Father of the bride giving a wedding speech to Jay Karas and Monica Osborn during their Palm Springs Wedding reception in California at The Bougainvillea EstateFamous comedian giving a wedding speech to Jay Karas and Monica Osborn during their Palm Springs Wedding reception in California at The Bougainvillea EstateJay Karas and Monica Osborne bursting into laughter from a famous comedians speech during their Palm Springs Wedding in California at The Bougainvillea Estate

Photographers: Jos & Tree | Venue: The Bougainvillea Estate
Wedding Coordinator: Belle Notte Events – Viviana Salvia – Belle Notte blog | Dress and Jewelry: Badgley Mischka
Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Suit: Versace | Music: Magnolia Memoir (band) | DJ: UnieQ
Florals: Elegant Thorn | Catering: Catering By Brenda | Linens: Raquel’s Linens
Party Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Comedian: Jeffrey Ross

Read about our couples experience with us on Wedding Wire