Monica and Ryan made plans to travel across the country to say their vows in Joshua Tree on the first day of winter. They had never been there before but something about that mysterious place was calling to them. They share a passion for hiking and in their 6 years together have always know they would get married in a nontraditional way. Winter Solstice in the middle of the California desert just made sense.
The hours leading up to their ceremony it was pouring rain. There were flash flood warnings on the freeway and reports of hail in the desert. But Monica and Ryan kept their spirits high as they got ready at the Ace. I met them at their hotel room and then we drove into the park through the storm clouds. The moment we stepped out of the car in Joshua Tree, the rain stopped and the wind was calm. We walked through dirt and cactus until they found a spot for the ceremony that felt right. Besides the occasional howl of a coyote, the palpable quiet made it feel like there wasn’t another soul for miles. The sun peeked in and out from behind the clouds as they read their promises to one another and exchanged rings. It was the perfect day.
Monica and Ryan, thank you thank you thank you for asking me to be a part of your elopement. I will never forget how calm and happy you were that day, and like I told you before I would shoot 1,000 more weddings just like yours! I’m especially grateful you asked me to be your witness as well- what a huge honor and a big check off my wedding photographer bucket list 😉
Photography: Jessica Hickerson Photography
Flowers: My Little Flower Shop
Dress: Stone Fox Bride
MUAH: Ace Hotel Spa
Officiant: The Vow Keeper
Hi! I love all of your photos! Can you tell me where exactly in Joshua Tree did you take these photos? I love the location!
Hi Adeyling! This was close to the Hidden Valley Picnic Area 🙂 But truly every inch of Joshua Tree is gorgeous!