“It was one of those ordinary days that turned extraordinary the moment he walked in. There was something instantly familiar about him, something warm and magnetic,” Madie Ragatz remembers of first meeting Cody Caffery during a summer internship in the desert while she was still in college. “And then, in a moment that still makes me smile, he leaned in for a quick kiss – completely unexpected, but somehow it felt like the most natural thing in the world.”

Four years later, Cody planned a proposal that Madie describes as “the most beautiful surprise of my life.” It took place on his birthday – a day she thought would be spent celebrating him. “He planned a full dinner that felt like a mini wedding,” she shares. “Candlelight, flowers, our closest loved ones, and every little detail filled with intention… It was magical, personal, and more perfect than I ever could’ve imagined.”

The couple spent the next two years planning their October celebration in Palm Springs with the help of the mother of the bride and their planner. “Her wisdom, grace, and honesty helped shape our vision into something even more meaningful than we imagined,” the bride shares. One of the most special pieces of guidance they received was to take a quiet moment together inside the ballroom before guests arrived: “It’s a moment we’ll never forget,” adds Madie.

With 100 guests joining them, choosing a location close to their loved ones was a priority. “Having them there, celebrating with us, was the most important part of all,” Madie notes. With no bridal party or groomsmen, the couple focused on personalized touches that would elevate the guest experience – including a live band, a wedding painter, and aura readings for a unique addition.

“The little details truly brought our personalities to life throughout the day.”

The ceremony began promptly at 4:30 p.m. “I’ve never been late a day in my life, and I wasn’t about to start on our wedding day – not with a group of our favorite people waiting in 110-degree heat, and certainly not for the love of my life,” the bride says with a smile. “If there was ever a moment to show up on time, with all my heart, it was this one.”

Florals and décor were the priority throughout the planning process. “Most of our budget blossomed into the floral arrangements and décor, transforming the space into a truly magical setting that felt like a dream come to life,” explains the bride. The timeless white-and-green palette incorporated faux trees to add height and drama.

Meaningful details continued throughout the night. “The little details truly brought our personalities to life throughout the day,” Madie says. “From the elegant mirrored tables that reflected our style, to a special ballroom dance I performed with my childhood dance partner, each moment was deeply personal.” Cody also brought his own style to the day through the dinner menu: “making the food not just a meal, but a meaningful expression of who we are,” Madie shares.

A highlight for the couple and their guests was the live band. “Choosing a 15-piece live band was one of the best decisions we made – so much more than a DJ spinning current hits,” the bride notes. “They played a timeless mix that brought together all generations on the dance floor.”

When asked to share her most memorable moment of the day, Madie recalls: “The most unforgettable moment was when I stood surrounded by the circle of our loved ones, feeling their warm embrace not just in the here and now, but also sensing the gentle presence of those who weren’t able to be with us. It was a quiet, profound reminder that love transcends distance and time, weaving us all together in one beautiful tapestry.”

Looking back, she says,”“I wouldn’t change a single thing.” Her best wedding-planning advice: “Start early, but don’t come in with a rigid vision. Instead, allow your creative expression to grow and evolve throughout the planning process.” After their celebration, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Paris, France, followed by Casablanca and Marrakech in Morocco – “a precious chapter, a celebration of love and adventure before the next beautiful chapter of our lives unfolds,” the bride muses.