We’re taking a stroll down memory lane today and looking back at this beautiful desert wedding we did for our lovely couple back in 2020.

Kelly & Ryan had originally planned their big day at a local venue in the South Bay, but COVID had other plans. Like many other couples that year, their celebration was cancelled because of the restrictions around large gatherings in Los Angeles County at that time. But when one door closes, another door opens!

Being lovers of the outdoors and nature, the couple pivoted toward having a smaller celebration later that year in Joshua Tree. And as avid rock climbers, this place was much more meaningful to them and one they thought they could share with their loved ones. So off to Joshua Tree we went!

The couple decided to hold their ceremony at Joshua Tree National Park and reserved one of the spaces where we could achieve a simple but elegant ceremony setup. And for their reception, they booked the Joshua Tree Ranch House Motel - a quaint ranch-style motel that fit their intimate desert inspired vibe.

We started off the day with getting ready for both the bride and the groom. The bride booked her own separate AirBnB while the groom got ready at the Ranch House Motel. The energy was vibrant and exciting, but most of all fun - a true testament to the love everyone had for this amazing couple.

Tiny details were not lost at this celebration. Things like the bride’s bouquet dedicated to her late grandfather were among many thoughtful moments spread out during the day and intentionally placed throughout the decor and the design of the day.

The couple opted for a First Look before the ceremony, and chose none other than a location at Joshua Tree National Park to meet. Ryan was blindfolded while Kelly walked up behind him, and there they shared a quiet and intimate moment with their party watching from afar.

Before heading to the ceremony space, we made sure to get plenty of their portraits along with portraits of the wedding party. All that was left was to walk down the aisle.

And yes, you guessed it. A rock-climbing photo of the soon-to-be newlyweds!

Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Ceremony

We set up an arch with florals, chiavari chairs, and a rug as an aisle runner to create the space for their ceremony. The backdrop, which was part sky and part monzogranite (or sculpted granite), was like something out of a fairytale or a movie. Guests arrived and were welcomed with the sound of guitar playing in the background, setting the atmosphere for the ceremony. The air was buzzing with excitement as they sat in their seats and waited for the wedding party to walk down the aisle.

As each pair processed down the aisle and to their place at the altar, you could feel the tension build just like in the movies. Everyone waited with bated breath for the bride to walk down the aisle. And when she did, it was magical.

She wore a beautiful custom-made backless dress that fit her like a glove, and included a beautiful lace detail in the train. Her sculpted back almost stole the show and was a subtle (but awesome) nod to her rock-climbing hobby and pastime. It was truly one of a kind.

Joshua Tree Ranch House Motel Wedding Reception

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we brought the couple back to the Ranch House Motel so that they could see their vision brought to life. We set up string lights to mimic the star-lit desert sky. To keep the groupings of tables on the smaller side, the couple opted for bistro-style seating with no more than 5 at each table. Deep red florals adorned each table, and a beautifully lush arrangement was set aside for their sweetheart table.

We kicked off the festivities with a group photo that included everyone present, a fun Grand Entrance, and First Dance.

Food included wood-fire pizza and tasty appetizers, and a fun bar trailer with cocktails that fit the outdoor vibe perfectly. Topping off the menu for the night was a delicious 2-tier wedding cake and a macaron tower.

The couple included the bride’s Japanese heritage and family crest, made up of 1000 hand-made cranes contributed from friends and family.

The couple along with their guests danced the night away under the string lights and under the moon-lit sky, with stars visible like you would expect in that setting. It was the perfect ending to the most magical wedding day!