Just when you though this elopement couldn’t possibly get more gorgeous, that nothing could possibly top those shoes, that dress, their love – the next group of breathtaking images from my dear friend Jose Villa just might make you fall out of your chair. It’s a scene set by Kristeen LaBrot of sequins and candlelight surrounded by cascading flowers from Primary Petals, and it’s honestly so pretty we could cry. It’s inspiration overload in the best possibly way, made even better because it’s a real life love story. And it simply doesn’t get better than that. See every last bit right here.
From the Bride… Choosing my wedding photographer was easy — I have always loved Jose’s work and knew as a person he was right for such an intimate celebration. We even checked his availability before setting our date. Planning a destination wedding isn’t easy, however once we got our amazing planner Kristeen LaBrot on board, she made the whole process enjoyable, easy and fun. She sourced some brilliant suppliers and, I was able to have as much or as little input as I wished on each aspect. She took on all my requests and ideas, however outlandish, and always found a way to make it happen, even finding a vintage car and arranging for it to be specially trucked into the desert and finding a private chef to cater sushi and fish in the desert. Having photographed many many weddings, I had a clear idea of what I wanted for many aspects, and the setting dictated a focused theme.
Our ceremony was amazing. I cried all the way through, wiped away my makeup, laughed and felt more in love than ever before with my husband. We wrote our own vows, chose the songs that would be sung and picked readings for each other. Our celebrant JP was brilliant, and I highly recommend doing his pre-wedding exercises beforehand: they solidified and clarified our plans for marriage and provided a framework for discussions that brought us closer and gave a depth and context for our wedding vows. After the ceremony, we drank champagne in the sunshine and listened to Laura’s beautiful voice amidst the vast desert landscape. We headed out into the desert for photographs with Jose at sunset, and then back for a six-course Japanese/Vietnamese-inspired meal. We did a first dance to a song we chose that morning together, read speeches to each other, cut a little cake and lit wish papers to mark the start of a new future together. If I were to use one word to describe our wedding, it would be “magical.” Our wedding was simply a celebration of us as a couple, a touchpoint in our shared lives. It was a celebration of how far we have come together, what we have created together and a vow of intent for a special future together.
Wedding Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Wedding Venue: A Private Residence in Joshua Tree, California / Wedding Design + Planning: Kristeen LaBrot Events / Floral Design: Primary Petals / Officiant: JP Reynolds of JPR Weddings / Catering: The Paper Palate / Wedding Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Calligraphy: Paul Antonio / Menu Design: Maison du Papier / Ceremony Music: Laura Keller / Linens: La Tavola / Other Rentals: The Korman Group / Transportation: Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car / Wedding Dress: Marchesa / Bride’s Earrings: Alexis Bittar / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Clutch: Anya Hindmarch / Bride’s Cardigan: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: 10.11 Makeup / Groom’s Suit: Whistle & Flute