Sol to Soul, Joshua Tree, CA
Penny & Randy’s Wedding
Luxurious intimacy in the heart of the Mojave: Penny and Randy’s Joshua Tree elopement was a perfect day spent celebrating their wedding with the desert as their witness.
Pre-COVID these two made plans to get married at an Italian villa, and we wanted to do everything we could to bring all of the pieces about Italy they loved most – elevated cuisine, natural elegance and upscale fashion – to the desert close to home.
Our couple chose a design-forward AirBnb for their private, two-person elopement in Joshua Tree. Sol to Soul, their intimate Pioneertown retreat, has been recognized by Conde Naste as the “coolest AirBnb in California” filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of art, textiles and interior design finishes. The minimalist, high-desert hidden site was the perfect spot for their intimate elopement ceremony and private reception. Surrounded by ancient juniper, desert oak trees and enchanting wilderness, the rugged terrain gave our couple the sense of being far from home, in a world completely their own.
Every detail about this day felt so intimate and intentional. Penny spent the morning doing her own makeup and facetiming her daughter; she and Randy shared a bottle of bubbly to toast to a day that felt freed of convention to be exactly what they wanted it to be.
For their ceremony, we knew we wanted to create an established, unique space for Penny and Randy to say their vows to one another in the middle of the desert. Inspired by a lush, bohemian aesthetic, we used a jute rug and a rattan arch backdrop adorned by florals and foraged earth elements from the surrounding space. As they walked forward to share their personal vows at this unique set up, local musicians played in the distance, creating an unplugged ceremony to remember.
As the sun fell, Penny and Randy enjoyed a luxurious dinner for two cooked by a private chef in the comfort of their AirBnb. We designed a lush, bohemian tablescape for our couple that elevated the surrounding nature. The tablescape featured unique rattan chargers, adding to the chic boho vibes. And we filled the table with pink glassware, blush taper candles and peachy-pink macaroons (a long-time favorite sweet for these two) to add pops of color and dimension. Branches and rocks along the tablescape added warm depth, and the earthy stoneware gave this reception dinner a classy yet boho vibe. The florals elevated the design too, as the tall and organic installations framing the table added a dramatic flair.
This personal, private elopement with 360-degree views of Joshua Tree was one for the books. Every detail, from pink salt in terracotta ceramics to naturally foraged stones mixed with lush florals made this day a perfect example that intimate elopements can be every bit as intentional and detailed as a big show-stopping weddings – but you’ll get to enjoy every moment with the person you love most.
Photo: Lilly RedDesign, styling and planning: Mae&Co CreativeFlorals: Blue Pansy FloralVenue: Sol to SoulDress: Milla NovaHair: Page Beauty