La Chacuel, Joshua Tree, CA
KAITLYN & JOEL’S WEDDING
Kaitlyn and Joel’s luxury micro wedding in Joshua Tree is proof that minimalist design makes the biggest statement. A weekend spent in the desert executing the most beautiful and intentional day for the sweetest couple. Incorporating all the textures and meaningful elements – including a ceiling of lights, a fresh sushi bar, a tequila shot escort card wall and a sunset to die for. This was one for the books.
As a professional hair and makeup artist in the wedding industry herself, Kaitlyn had seen a decade of stressful weddings and she and Joel loved the idea of hiring a team they could trust completely to create a luxurious, organic party in the desert. They chose to forego a traditional venue in favor of a beautiful AirBnb – Le Chacuel – to create the ultimate Joshua Tree celebration with their closest friends and family.
After getting ready with their bridal parties and groomsmen in the morning, Kaitlyn and Joel started their morning off with a photoshoot – one of their favorite go-to date night ideas. They took a few minutes to simply be present with each other before hosting the party of a lifetime.
For their ceremony, we wanted to create a design that not only delivered contrast but also connection. We elevated the minimalism of the desert landscape with luxe ghost chairs, and we framed the alter with unique stone pillars that held lush floral arrangements. Every floral, rental and mechanical choice worked to build dimension in harmony with the desert. For this design, we loved the way that the juxtaposition of fresh and dried flowers against the concrete and stone details mirrored the Joshua Tree desert landscape – where ocotillos and blooms spring upward from boulders and harsh earth, creating a sense of organic beauty.
After the ceremony, Kaitlyn and Joel kicked off their cocktail party with a round of tequila shots and a sushi bar. For the dinner to follow, we designed a luxury, neutral tablescape styled with stone tableware, natural linens and white chiffon table runners. Desert details elevated the tablespace design, as we added rocks, dried cholla branches (native to the surrounding Joshua Tree landscape) and raw elements to complement the ivory pillar candles and monochromatic floral arrangements.
This luxury desert party went late into the night, filled with dancing, tequila and polaroids – and it was absolutely perfect. These two made their wedding day completely their own. The did nothing because they had to, everything because they wanted to. And it was an honor to be part of the magic.
Photo: Laurken KendallDesign, styling and planning: Mae&Co CreativeFlorals: Reed & RyeVenue: Le ChacuelRentals: Bright Event Rentals, Folklore, and Catalog AtelierDress: BertaVideo: The GoodmansHair: Hair by Kaitlyn BrownSignage and paper goods: Wild House Ink