Airbnb Elopement at Split Rock in Joshua Tree National Park | Katie + Ronnie
Katie and Ronnie reached out to us mid-pandemic looking for a planner to come on board and help them transition from their huge wedding plans to an elopement (just the two of them) in their dream location — Joshua Tree National Park. Though this story starts off a lot like other COVID-19 wedding stories, theirs is far from basic.
Katie and Ronnie held a gentleness about them that seamlessly blended with their edge of rebellion. This elopement day is what they wanted all along— to break tradition and do things their way.
Ronnie had visited Joshua Tree National Park years prior for vacation and fell in love with the vast landscape, but Katie had only heard the stories he shared. He hoped to one day take her back. Their elopement was the perfect opportunity!
We helped Katie and Ronnie choose their perfect ceremony location in the national park, Split Rock, and assisted them in getting all the permits they would need to make it legal. We sourced all of their tablescape rentals; found a private chef to cater the most delicious dinner; booked the perfect florist to create their bouquet; boutonniere, hat piece, ceremony backdrop and table arrangement; and secured a sweet officiant for their private ceremony.
Katie and Ronnie booked a stylish (and pink!) Airbnb in Joshua Tree for the weekend. It was only a 15 minute drive from the park entrance, had beautiful mountain views and was decorated with the perfect combination of modern and bohemian goods.
Stevie, lead planner, helped Katie into her intricate gown! This was an absolute treat for us— we love becoming friends with our couples and being their stand-in family for the day.
They had their first look under the wild and enveloping Palo Verde tree in the yard of the Airbnb. It offered the perfect amount of seclusion for the special, tender moment.
After their first look, we set out all the ingredients they would need to mix their favorite cocktails! They took a half hour to soak in their final moments of being engaged. Ronnie mixed an Old Fashioned, Katie a Sazerac!
Katie and Ronnie headed to Split Rock in Joshua Tree National Park for their ceremony. We had their ceremony backdrop set and ready for them as soon as they arrived. They exchanged personal vows during the ceremony. One of our favorite moments was when Ronnie read his vows and began to cry— sharing of all the love and friendship he has in Katie.
Their officiant had them close their eyes for a minute during the ceremony to soak in those moments together. She also gave them a small glass vial to gather a bit of sand from their ceremony spot, a physical memory of their day to keep forever.
After their ceremony, they explored the park and took some epic portraits at Arch Rock and Skull Rock. When they were ready for a break from the heat, they headed back to their Airbnb to find a private table set up for their catered dinner! They dined on perfectly grilled steaks, cut cake, danced to one of their favorite songs and enjoyed the cool breeze that came with the desert sunset.
Katie and Ronnie ended the evening cuddled up together in bed— a day of peace filled with all their favorite things, most importantly, each other.
Ready to make planning your elopement easier? Check out our All-inclusive Elopement Packages HERE.
Planner, Designer + Stylist: @wildlycollective_
Venue: Palo Verde Ranch and Joshua Tree National Park
Photographer: @_tammicamp
Videographer: @northofauthentic
Florals: @cultivatedbyfaith
Rentals: @archiverentals and @wildlycollective_
Linen: @latavolalinen
Stationery: @wildlycollective_
Catering: @graystonecatering
Officiant: @thevowkeeper
HMU: @tanyamarie.hair
Dress: @ruedeseinebridal @thedresstheorynashville
Her hat: @lackofcoloraus
Her earrings: @thevamoose
Her shoes: @stevemadden
Her rings: @heidigibsondesigns
Suit: @asos_man
His shoes: @nisoloshoes
His ring: @ruusk
