Wedding Photo Memories

Celebrations of Joy


Photo Memories & Testimonials
Casey Eagan & Phil Larson Rancho La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, CA
Words cannot express the depth of gratitude and heartfelt thanks we feel for Cathy and Dorry. From the moment Phil and I first met them in La Quinta, we knew we were going to be in very good hands! The stress of planning a wedding can be overwhelming at times, especially when trying to bring together family and friends from all over the country for one weekend. Yet Cathy and Dorry alleviated that stress by giving us constant support, solving problems, and best of all, presenting new and unique ideas for the wedding weekend. As a team, they are creative, resourceful, knowledgeable, organized and without a doubt, entirely professional. But what made the planning process and the wedding weekend so special, is that Cathy and Dorry are now our friends. It was so much fun to get to know them, it really made the whole experience easy and personal. Many of our guests expressed how beautiful, thoughtful and meaningful the blessings and vows were during our ceremony and it was because Cathy took the time to really get to know us. She was able to create a moment that genuinely reflected who we are as a couple, we will never forget it. From the beautiful rehearsal dinner, to the fun and festive fiesta welcoming our guests, and finally the fabulous and seamless ceremony and reception, the whole weekend was magical. We couldn’t have done it without Cathy and Dorry. Their connections with vendors, warm personalities and expertise made everything spectacular and allowed us to relax and enjoy every second of this exceptional weekend. Thank you!!
Aly Wagner & Adam Eyre Honuala’i Estate, Hawaii, HI
We are forever grateful to you for making the beginning of our life-long commitment so memorable. Our ceremony could not have been more perfectly scripted and meaningful. Not being from traditional religious backgrounds, you did an amazing job of tying our spirituality in with certain ceremonial elements we wanted included. Cathy, you were the perfect minister. The reception was perfect as well. All we wanted was a great party, and that was exactly what we got. Everything, from the d.j. to the caterer, was spot on to what we had desired. You know it’s funny, you hear so many horror stories of things going awry on the wedding day that we prepared ourselves to be ready to handle some unforeseeable hiccup, but everything went so incredibly smoothly. You guys were on the ball and had planned for everything. It was such a huge relief to us that we never had to stress about the details. I know it must have been especially hard planning for a couple that was so difficult to get a hold of! We have no idea how you pulled it off without a glitch, but you did. And beyond that, you put together the most amazing and perfect week leading up to the ceremony. We knew we wanted our wedding to be more than just one night. It was important for us to celebrate with our family and friends as much as possible. You guys did a great job at helping us come up with and organize events that brought us all together. By the time the wedding rolled around we were already one big family. What more could we have asked for?! You guys were truly a pleasure to work with. We both loved your passion and vision, and more importantly, we loved our positive energy. You guys always seemed to have smiles on your faces and managed to allay us of any fears we had. The only question now is, will you be up for planning our vow renewal ceremony every 5 years?!
Shelle & Brian Ball The Hideaway Country Club, La Quinta, CA
Cathy and Dorry are the ultimate dream team. They are not only the best wedding planners and event coordinators but on top of that they are the most amazing people my husband and I have ever met. They are extremely professional and very organized and bring great ideas to the table but also take your ideas and make them happen. I was going to school in San Luis Obispo at the time of planning my wedding and dealing with a long distance engagement and wedding. They allowed me to finish school without worrying about the things I had to get done for the wedding and the end product was everything my husband and I asked for and dreamed of. Cathy and Dorry are very special!! I felt if I was having a bad day or a problem I could talk to them openly and it is just in their nature to make sure after you are done spending time with them that you leave feeling light, happy, and uplifted. I am happy to say that now I am working for Cathy and Dorry and I could not be luckier to still have them in my life.
Julie Shkolnik & Nick Ciriello La Quinta Resort, La Quinta, CA
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our wedding this past May. Thank to the two of you, we were able to relax and enjoy the entire day. I always pictured myself as being the nervous bride, worrying about details and that my guests were well taken care of. Instead, I relaxed and knew that you were taking care of all the details and running the show! Since I work in the hotel industry, I am all too familiar with the many things that can possibly go wrong during an event. Once I met with the two of you, I knew you were the ladies for the job. Your thorough knowledge of the resort I chose, and of the area, immediately put me at ease. I loved how detailed and specific you both are, and appreciated that you simplified things and made them easier for me. Your taste in decor is so tasteful and elegant that I completely trusted all your suggestions and choices. All of our guests simply raved about the beautiful, warm and inviting design of the ballroom and said it very much contributed to a sophisticated, yet relaxed ambiance that made for a perfect celebration. I could not have done it without all of your help. You two are so passionate about what you do - it is truly an inspiration!


Margo & Brian Abbott The Viceroy, Palm Springs, CA
Celebrations of Joy helped make our wedding day perfect! Cathy and Dory were unbelievable to work with and made sure we were confident that everything would be what we hoped it would. I missed them so much that I called them after the honeymoon just to say hello. I'm starting to plan weddings for our friends and will recommend Celebrations of Joy every time. They really took the time to get to know us and it showed during the ceremony. We got a number of compliments from our guests about how wonderful the ceremony was; I've never been to a wedding and even noticed the ceremony being anything extraordinary--ours was thanks to Celebrations of Joy! We genuinely enjoyed spending time with Cathy and Dory and are thankful to have met and worked with such wonderful people. We love you guys and appreciate all of your help as well as your extremely positive attitudes!
April & Ben Cauthen La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, CA
Cathy O'Connell and Dorry Wynham made all of our dreams come true! As soon as we walked away from our first meeting we knew that there was nobody else that we wanted to share this special day with. Cathy and Dorry are the most amazing people to be around. They made us feel comfortable and at ease with the wedding planning like they had been doing this for hundreds of years. Cathy and Dorry have great taste and style witch made it easy for us to make those 101 choices every bride and groom make. Their recommendations for vendors were impeccable. All of our wedding guests made sure to comment on how smoothly the wedding day went and how professional Cathy and Dorry were. Cathy had put together the most personal and intimate ceremony that we could have ever imagined. She truly is a master of her craft. Dorry was busy with the work behind the scenes and it made all the difference in the world. She made sure everything was in place and that we had everything we needed. She is a blessing! Celebrations of Joy made our wedding day what it was....fabulous!
Erika Koehler & Jerrod Stafford La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, CA
Thank you so much for your leadership in planning Erika's and Jerrod's wedding last spring. It was an absolute success under any and all criteria. More than six months later we still hear rave reviews from wedding guests. The selection of a destination wedding in somewhat unfamiliar environs was a bit daunting. we were not quite sure how to begin. Meeting you and Dorry was a godsend in that we immediately acquired a "roadmap" for the challenging course ahead and with that gained confidence that we really could achieve our goal of having a well planned and organized wedding for out of town participants and guests. Erika and Jerrod's wedding day was a special day for our family and we enjoyed it tremendously. Thank you once again for all the great advice, extra effort and countless tips that created a successful wedding and afforded us the privilege of relaxing and having fun at such an important family event. Steve & Carol Koehler (parents of bride)
Karen Brodkin & Chris Watson Hideaway Golf Club, La Quinta, CA
Cathy O'Connell and Dorry Wynham coordinated our wedding this past June at The Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta. In addition to writing and performing the most beautiful, memorable ceremony (many of our guests told us it was the best ceremony they and ever witnessed!) they acted as our wedding/event coordinator, providing us with extremely useful contact information for vendors in the area, assisting us with our flowers, cake, lighting, transportation, lodging and many other wedding-related details. You just can underestimate the importance of having a coordinator who is knowledgeable about the various vendors in the area, particularly if you're planning a destination wedding wedding. Cathy is so organized and thorough, as well as a creative source of brainstorming ideas. She is also very flexible and comfortable with both traditional and non-traditional wedding elements. Cathy had a wonderful calming effect on us in the weeks leading up to, and on the day of, the event. We had the wedding of our dreams and could not have done it without her!

Mimi Long & Chuck Hoblitzelle Occidental College, Pasadena, CA
Cathy O’Connell and Dorry Wynham were our wedding coordinators and also officiated at our wedding in December 2005 at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Cathy’s ceremony was elegant and meaningful, and Dorry’s role behind the scenes was equally important in making the experience both powerful and graceful. We started with a series of meetings and a questionnaire several months before the wedding. My fiancé and I spent many happy hours writing about our love and hopes for the future, and were delighted at how many of our responses Cathy wove into her ceremony. It felt wonderful to know that she understood what is unique about our partnership, and would make the wedding about us. Also at one of our early meetings, Dorry accurately predicted the sex of the little spirit whose life got started ahead of the wedding! As the weekend approached the number of ways Cathy and Dorry were able to take care of details and calm our nerves really amazed us. They orchestrated a flawless rehearsal the night before the wedding. They coordinated with the florist to receive all the flowers on the morning of the ceremony. With only two hours to go, they were hard at work helping my mother-in-law decorate the tables for the reception with the mistletoe, juniper and cedar that she had brought from home. Then they took care of the sound system for the ceremony. Dorry gave expert makeup advice (including “looks perfect! Put the brush down and let’s go have fun!) and a calming pre-ceremony meditation session. She effortlessly herded our families into formation for the processional, putting them at ease so everyone looked joyful coming down the aisle. During the ceremony Cathy worked her magic with the crowd; they all look moved and happy in pictures taken while she spoke. Afterward, both were charming hostesses at the champagne interlude while we were having photos taken. And at the reception, Cathy moved us gracefully from the first dance to the toasts to the cake-cutting with her luminous smile and elegance. It was truly perfect. Thank you, Cathy and Dorry! -- Mimi Long, Professor of Comparative Literature, University of California at Riverside

Keri Reese & Brandi Fitzgerald Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, CA
Recently my partner and I planned a wedding to celebrate our love for one another. As this was not a typical marriage, we were looking for a minister and wedding planner who would be able to create a beautiful, inspirational ceremony. We luckily found Cathy and instantly knew that she was the perfect person for the job. When we first started talking to Cathy (before we hired her), she was genuinely interested in getting to know each of us and "our story." She was professional, yet she was able to really get to know us on a personal level. It was so easy to talk to Cathy and plan the celebration with her. She was very creative and offered fantastic suggestions, but was willing to do what was in our minds as well. Cathy understood that this was "our wedding" and we could tell that she wanted to make it a celebration to remember. Cathy met with us several time prior to the wedding and we send numerous emails back and forth as well. She was always very timely on getting back to us, in fact, was essential in creating a timeline for the day. During the ceremony, Cathy was perfect. She delivered a ceremony that was breathtaking. Dorry was instrumental in making sure that everything happened smoothly and flawlessly. In fact, it has been almost a month after the ceremony and we are still getting compliments on what a great job Cathy and Dorry did. Thank you for a wedding of a lifetime!!

Bonnie Barkley & Tom Steferak Private Estate, Cathedral City, CA
We wanted to take a moment to thank you for making our wedding celebrations such a wonderful event. We couldn't have done it without your excellent guidance. Your truly helped us create the celebration exactly as we wanted it. Even watching the video has us in tears. It was so beautiful. Your wonderful communication skills made the process of planning this even from the east coast a delightful process. The ultimate compliment, however, has been from the many guests who have commented that they had "never been to a better wedding!" Your blessing was the highlight of the celebration and we truly appreciate it.

Fred & Georgia Bjork Private Estate, Thousand Palms, CA
We were cannot begin to tell you how touched we were by how you captured the essence of what we wanted to convey to our family, friends and each other on our wedding day. And a special thanks to Dorry for all her help in keeping everything moving and organized. The two of you are a great team; your presence was truly a gift that we will remember always. We continue to be overwhelmed and grateful for all the love and support that surrounds us, thank you for being a part of that!

Erin & Chris Acimovic O'Donnell House, Palm Springs, CA
Thank you again for all that you and Dorry did to make our wedding so special. Chris and I could not have asked for a more personal, warm and genuine pair to marry us off! We received so many wonderful compliments from our guests about you and the ceremony. They all commented on the intimate and inclusive feeling of the ceremony and particularly loved your message. Thank you again for not only meeting our expectations but exceeding them! You and Dorry are truly great at what you do. The remainder of the day was also amazing. Everything from the delicious food, fantastic music and gorgeous setting made for a perfect evening. Chris and I only wish it wasn't over so fast. We blinked and it was time to go. All the time spent planning was well worth it - we wouldn't have changed a thing!

Cheryl & Walter Jablow Desert Willow Country Club, Palm Desert, CA
Wally and I, as well as each of our families, wish to thank each of you for your time and talents in helping to create our beautiful wedding ceremony. Cathy, Wally and I were touched and strengthened by each word you and Michael spoke. Guests have also commented on how memorable of a ceremony it was. Thank you!

Nick & Jan Malhotra Hyatt Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA
Just a small note to say a big thank you for making our day so very special. It was a wonderful day for us both and one we shall remember for eternity. You have both really touched our hearts and we're honored to have you has our friends. With much love!			photo courtesy R. Scott Campbell

Sandra Bell & Michael Erwin La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta, CA
Michael and I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing experience you provided us during our wedding. Having waited quite a long time to wed (as you know), we wanted the ceremony to truly forward the deep commitment that we have made to each other with the friends and family that have played a role in it. With your guidance, we did just that. We were striving to have a ceremony that was heartfelt, honest, and not too traditional. The blend of various religions' practices, the words that Michael and I were able to share directly, and the involvement of the entire gathering was the perfect expression of our love. Thank you for leading the way through it all. I'm sorry that you and Dory weren't able to join us for the reception (especially since the first toast that we gave as bride and groom was to you!). It was a fantastic evening. The food was great, the music was amazing, and the joy was everywhere. Friends gave very moving toasts, and Jesse and Vonyse even surprised everyone by performing a song they wrote years ago (one they know that is very special to Michael and I). At one point in the evening I simply stood quietly at the side of reception area and took a scan of the entire scene. There I saw work colleagues chatting with my family members, my running friends dancing with people I grew up with, long-time clients/friends laughing with Michael's family, friends of my parents whom I've known from birth sharing stories with some of my newest friends. Most had never met each other before that night, and yet found a strong, natural, common joy. We could not have asked for more. Again, Cathy, we can't thank you enough for all you did for our special day. For two people who realize that we are each others' destiny, it seems that your presiding over our ceremony was destiny, as well.

Matt & Amy Alfano La Quinta Resort and Spa, La Quinta, CA
First off, I can't believe it has been more than a year since our wedding. You made it such a wonderful, special day that it seems to never face as memories often do...Matt and I are doing wonderfully - life is busy, but good and we've managed to take a few fun trips since our honeymoon. Thanks again for all your help and support during our wedding. Your contribution was so incredibly fabulous (!!) and we certainly feel like our wedding was the most special day of our lives!! All our best, Matt & Amy Alfano

Anne & Michael Levesque Casa Cody Inn, Palm Springs, CA
Can we ever thank you enough for our beautiful, heart-felt, simple, unique - did I say beautiful? ceremony! I was so concerned that without traditional Catholic/Christian trappings that there would be no emotional resonance, just trite, reciting your own poems to each other yuppie self indulgence. But you guided us into a perfect compromise. I'm told there wasn't a dry eye in the house, which gives you great satisfaction for your dollar, as a bride! Yours, Anne & Michael

Justine & Khari Jones Top of the Bank of America Building, San Francisco, CA
"It's just one day from the ceremony. Khari and I are so grateful we found you. It feels so natural to have your officiating. Your style, warmth, and charisma will brighten an already fabulous day. Thank you for your presence - " "Two days after the wedding and Khari and I are still glowing! Family and friends we've spoken to since the wedding thought you were wonderful - they just echoed our own feelings - everyone felt like they were part of the ceremony as you invited them to participate - a friend said he feels like he "witnessed something very important" on Saturday - we agree. You were present when I needed you, even thought I didn't know I would. Everything flowed with your calm energy overseeing the day. We are honored to have had you marry us. Thank you with much love!" Justine & Khari (see their Baby Blessing Ceremony - 2 years later!)

Jane & Tom Buckmaster Private Estate, Half Moon Bay, CA
How will I every thank you in words that express our joy and our gratitude? Tom and I were awestruck for days and weeks after that most incredible ceremony! You did a magnificent job of bringing to life what Tom and I dreamed of creating! Thank you! My family, Tom's family, and our friends thank you, also."

Dr. & Mrs. Steven Malosky The Lodge , Rancho Mirage, CA
Thank you so much for the wonderful wedding ceremony. It was everything we dreamed of. People have said it was the most personal wedding they've ever been to. Thanks for helping us make it perfect"

John & Jennifer Wertz Indian Palms Country Club, Indio, CA
Thank you for a special wedding celebration. Even thought I felt frantic, nervous and weird, as soon as the ceremony started I calmed down and appreciated your unique talent and am grateful! Thank you!

Dan, Miki & Makenna Ingleside Inn, Palm Springs
We would like to express our sincere thanks for the beautiful ceremony and the lovely words. Not everyone can do what you did with such gracefulness and kindness. You make out wedding unique and special. We will be forever grateful. We also received many compliments. We have recommended you to a number of people getting married in the next year. Cathy, you are one of a kind...the spirit speaks through your voice. Thank you soooo much!!"			photo courtesy DeAnna Caldwell

Dawn & Steven Clinton Ingleside Inn, Palm Springs, CA
You allowed and encouraged us to have OUR wedding and our wedding was fun! Thank you so much for our day! Thanks for letting us break out of the box. It made our day so unique to us. We had a blast!

Mark & Debbie Anderson Private Estate, Palm Springs, CA
Thank you again for the beautiful service you provided us on our special day. We truly felt that the day was absolutely perfect, in part thanks to you! Our guests were extremely impressed with the ceremony and had nothing but complimentary words to say. We really appreciate all that you did.