Dreamy Desert Wedding in Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert Wedding Photography for Darian & Josh

A dreamy desert wedding with the most AMAZING couple of humans! From the moment I met Darian and Josh I knew we  connected on a different level. Darian is a mix of modern and free-spirited style, a touch of sass and sophistication and a Texas meets Cali soul. It was easy for me to “Say Yes” to photographing both her and Josh’s engagement and wedding. Here’s a little peek into their love story and journey to “I Do.”

Darian grew up in Texas but several years ago she and her best friend decided it was time for a change of scenery. So, they packed their bags and left the “everythings bigger in Texas life” and headed west….destination – sunny California. But, before making the journey they vowed to each other that they would take time to get to know Cali and not get into relationships right away…but Cupid had other plans, and just a few days after moving, Darian met Josh on a double date.

Josh is the laid-back surfer type and Darian is a kind and super stylish, awesome person and they both have hearts of gold. Together they make a pretty amazing couple, so working with them was truly a dream. 

After meeting, their love story just blossomed and became one of the coolest, most awesome loves I’ve ever seen. 

Engagement Photography Session in Salvation Mountain

Shortly after getting engaged, they booked me to capture their engagement photos and wedding day. And let me say – it was a blast! For their engagement photos, they wanted something unique, you know different from the norm. They considered Cabazon Dinosaurs or Salvation Mountain and ultimately decided on Salvation Mountain. The result was an incredibly unique engagement session that allowed them to be free, have fun, and relax. Their love was effortless and they were so comfortable in front of the camera that we totally connected.

As a photographer, it’s truly rewarding watching two people that are in love, celebrate each other, and being able to document it on film is something I’ll always cherish. My experience with them was just absolutely amazing. Their engagement session and wedding day were just absolutely flawless as they were perfectly organized by Lotus Events, one of her best friends from Texas, they were calm, collected, and excited. Everyone was just giddy with the excitement ahead of the day.

When you have a couple that is down-to-earth, truly in love, and each other’s biggest cheerleader, it’s hard not to have fun. And although it was “work” for me I couldn’t help but get caught up in the laughter, jitters, tears, and free-spirited fun that radiated everywhere.

Wedding Photography at Villa Leche in Palm Desert

Fast forward to the wedding, and well….it was nothing short of amazing! 

Darian and Josh tied the knot at the beautifully rustic gem of the desert—Villa Leche. Nestled on a 3-acre hilltop, this Mediterranean-modern estate features breathtaking views of stunning vistas made of mountains and golf courses. It’s a painterly portrayal of desert-in-the-raw with no hustle and bustle,  city lights, or noise to speak of. The property offers a mix of earthy elements with bursts of rustic oranges, reds and stunning pops of vibrant greenery. Truly a stunning desert wedding setting for a laid-back, fun, and memorable wedding experience. 

The reception was disco-themed (how cool is that?) with disco balls abound and beautiful florals to compliment. The naturally beautiful colors around the venue and in the views made everything pop. There was a crazy wind right before and during the ceremony but the bride, groom and all guests rolled with it and made it fun! Nothing stopped these two from officially getting hitched. 

Darian couldn’t have looked more stunning in a sleek and gorgeous dress. Josh looked dapper in a burnt-orange western-style suit. The styles complimented each other so well. At the end of the night before dancing, Darian changed into a cool white jumpsuit with light-up disco ball earrings to make the dance floor extra fun. What a blast!

I really and truly connected with this couple. I can’t wait to see all their adventures in life together and where life takes them. These memories will last a lifetime for us all!

A little about the photography style & editing….

I went with vibrant, warm, and earthy editing with a timeless look for the photos. I didn’t want them to look too vintage or too saturated and settled right in the middle. For me, it’s important to infuse my photography and editing style with the vibe of the couple as well as the venue and wedding decor. The naturally rustic setting of Villa Leche, the warm, fun-loving spirits of Darian and Josh, and the excitement that filled the air photographed beautifully.

If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding or elopement, and you like what you see, let’s connect! 

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Check out some of the incredible images from their wedding experience!