The power of Joshua Tree is luring city couples to take a trek into this desert unknown and experience all that California’s landscape has to offer. Is a Joshua Tree wedding in your future?

The Couple

From start to finish Keri and John’s Joshua Tree wedding was full of personality and whimsy, just like the two of them! Keri, a San Diego native, glows with long, harvest gold hair and a face adorned with tiny freckles. John, an Australian, lives the surfer life. He is half sea and half land with a full, bushy beard and a hearty laugh. Positive energy and a youthful spirit radiate through their essences. Spending a good deal of their relationship thousands of miles apart (Cali and Australia) makes their wedding day that much more special knowing they will finally be together, forever.

The Design

I am a huge fan of themed design. I always say it’s better to make a big statement then no statement at all. Anyone can have a ‘pretty’ wedding, but it takes a unique vision to make it something very special and unique. Keri and John are big fans of the 1970s and the laid back vibe it comes with. They played with the natural desert colors like mustard, rust, and sage that complemented the natural surroundings. Bring on the Boho!

The Look

Keri’s wedding dress, her mother’s from the 1970s, was re-imagined into a two-piece that was to die for! Not many can pull off a crop top as Keri can! Her petite figure and shape framed the eyelet number to a T! Incorporating something her mother loved was a special part of this Joshua Tree wedding day! The vintage dress paired well with her yellow and white daisy pom pom bouquet (again, modeled after her mother’s own wedding florals). How cute it that?! The look perfectly complemented the old school ride that groom, John, showed up in upon arrival to the ceremony venue! A rented surprise wedding day gift from Keri to John!

Fun Fact!

Did you know it was a woman named Minerva Hamilton Hoyt that helped Joshua Tree become a National Park? She took her love of the desert all the way to the White House! A Pasadena native and hailed as the first desert conservationist, Hoyt was called the ‘Woman of the Joshua Trees’ and the ‘Apostle of the Cacti’. 

The Desert

Joshua Tree has become an up and coming spot for weddings and special events in the last few years. Now seen over and over in wedding blogs, it’s fanfare is contagious. With its amazing mountain views and picturesque landscapes, it’s the perfect destination wedding location just 3 hours outside of Los Angeles. While many venues have popped up in Joshua Tree, it’s still a semi-remote and secluded area with a distinctly desert -living vibe! While it may not have the creature comforts of a big city, there are still many activities and sites for your guests to enjoy during their wedding stay like stargazing, horseback riding, and meditation sites.

Fun Fact!

Most venues in Joshua Tree require a 10 pm cut off for all noise (music) and light due to city ordinance. This is non-negotiable, so keep it in mind during your planning process.

The Details

Hanging dried hanging floral arrangements, faux fur throws, and lounges, daisy floral crowns, and smudge stick favors sporting the phrase, “Good Vibes” created just that for Keri and John’s Joshua Tree wedding! To show a little California love, tacos, churros, and a tequila specialty cocktail were served as well. From the bright yellow school buses that shuttled guests to and from the two venues, to the folk music that played throughout the evening, this wedding was dripping in groovy vibes. Every last detail of this Joshua Tree wedding was a vintage delight that reflected the couple’s personalities and unique wedding vision.

The Gallery

While I could go on and on about this Joshua Tree wedding, I think the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy, baby!

Vendor Team:

• Venues:  Folly Stargazing & Pioneer Soundstage 
• Photographer: With Love Photo
• Planning: Anything But Gray Events 
• Catering & Bar: MIHO Catering Co.
• Florist: Layered Vintage
• Music: Dart Collective
• MUH: Tres Belle Beauty
• Rentals: Signature Party Rentals 
• Specialty Rentals: Circa Rentals
• Portable Restrooms: Posh Privy
• Hotel: Ace Hotel Palm Springs
• Bus Transportation: First Student Charter Bus Rentals 
• Specialty Car: Palm Springs Classic Cars