Elevated, Intuitive Wedding in Joshua Tree at The Morada | Nicole + Kelsey

Weddings

Aug 17

Nicole and Kelsey drove all the way from Canada to host their wedding in the desert of southern California.

They have a thing for rocks - Kelsey is a geologist and the couple’s hobbies consist of mountain biking, hiking, skiing and anything else that will get them further into the earth’s pigment. Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert highlighted that passion in the perfect way.

Eighteen of their family and friends joined them for the celebration. Their ceremony was hosted in the national park, between two looming and wild Joshua Trees. Afterwards, the party went to The Morada to celebrate with custom cocktails, a 5-course dinner at an elevated, intuitively designed table, live music from a 3-piece band, stargazing with the help of a local astronomer, lovingly named Starman Steve, shots from their shotski, and bonfires to lounge around.

The next day they went to Kelso Dunes with their pup, Pip, for portraits against the cascading backdrop.

We crafted a design that highlighted the natural elements of Joshua Tree. The depth of the deep fig-toned linens and stationery paired with the minimal sand-toned textures showcased what the desert displays so potently: you have to look close to see the thriving life in an often brutal environment.

The texture of the sand.
The animals that come out at dark to hunt their food.
The sunsets that turn pastel.
The crevices of the rock.
The plants that store their sustenance.

This feeling was apparent in some of our favorite design elements.

For centerpieces our team partnered with Wild Muse Floral to incorporate dried cholla branches with tiny blooms sprouting from the natural holes in the branches. Cholla are native to the region and can be found shriveled on the desert floor— an often overlooked natural sculpture.

For Nicole’s attire, she wore a sheer overlay by Nordeen Bridal that caught and moved with the wind, dancing to it’s own rhythm.

For the styled stationery flat-lay we used rocks from the venue’s land, burning palo santo from the living room, and clay pieces from the kitchen shelf.

All tell the story of the wedding day and are beautiful in their minimalism.