Agua Caliente Indian Wedding in Palm Springs, CA | Heidi & Anthony

Weddings

Aug 20

Couple surrounded by palms on their wedding day

Spring in the desert is the best time of year— the proof is in the influx of tourists for things like Coachella, vacations, and weddings (like this one).

But there’s something unique about hosting a wedding in the desert as a local. The groom, Anthony, grew up in Palm Springs and is deeply connected to the community here. His connection to the city, and more specifically, to the land, runs deep. He is native, a member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The bride, Heidi, is Navajo and works in advocacy and politics in Washington DC. They are a power couple, to say the least.

Heidi and Anthony hosted 175 guests for their wedding weekend in Palm Springs. On Friday, we welcomed guests to the desert with wood-fired pizza and karaoke at the tribal building. On Saturday, we brought all of the guests into Indian Canyons for ceremony: the land where some of the Agua Caliente people first lived— connected and sustained by the water and palm groves. Reception, as well as a Goodbye Brunch the following day, was hosted at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

Some of our favorite things from their wedding weekend: Heidi’s gown, which was designed by Patricia Micheals, an indigenous designer; a Navajo blessing during the ceremony led by Heidi’s father; the couple riding away in a vintage car (owned by Anthony’s mom); and dancing the night away to a DJ and horn trio!

It was an absolute honor to be chosen as their wedding planner. This desert, which we have come to know and love over the last several years, swelled further in our hearts while working with Anthony, Heidi, their families, and their friends. We can’t thank them enough for welcoming us into their treasured spaces and sharing their personal history with us.