Brandi & Michael are huge travellers so it wasn’t a surprise to me when they decided to have their intimate wedding in Joshua Tree at the beautiful High Desert Paradise. And honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the stunning mars-like landscapes I was about to experience with these beautiful people and their families.

Their wedding is so near and dear to my heart for so many reasons and it’s difficult to put into words. I hopped on a plane and bunked with about a dozen strangers who soon became close friends of mine. Probably due to the lack of sleep, the 3 hour drive from LAX was hysterical as we drove past wind turbines and through rolling hills to suddenly find ourselves amongst the Joshua Trees. I felt like I’d known them all for years.

Their ceremony was relaxed and so true to their free spirited personalities. Dave, their officiant and good friend, welcomed them into the church of “Fuck Yeah” with a shot, and soft acoustic guitar played as their ceremony began that was filled with laughs and tears. Michael even kissed Brandi before the ceremony began. They shared vows from the heart to each other and to their guests. Everyone was present. These two are so full of life and surround themselves with the kindest and most loving people. Their wedding day was not only a celebration of their love, but also for the love they have for their friends and families.

I filled their gallery full of candids that radiated joy. We took all of their portraits at sunset amongst the blooming desert landscape. I had a very hard time narrowing down a select few to share, so here is a million. Dave included this quote into their ceremony and I feel it encapsulates all of the magic I was fortunate enough to capture. So much love for these two beautiful souls, their friends and families.

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a common place thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” — Jack Kerouac

Vendors

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Venue: High Desert Paradise

Florals: Picked in the desert by her beautiful bridesmaids