Desert Romance – A Palm Springs Wedding and Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony
When COVID put a hold on Rachel and Dean’s plans for a 2021 wedding extravaganza in Mexico, they decided to keep their original date. Because of travel and gathering restrictions, the couple opted for a smaller Palm Springs wedding. They still hope to host a larger celebration. However, this micro wedding was the perfect way for Rachel and Dean to start their marriage.
Planning a micro wedding in Palm Springs
The Walk Down the Aisle helped the lovely couple design an intimate Joshua Tree wedding ceremony, as well as an intimate dinner with a private chef in Palm Springs. Therefore Rachel’s parents, Dean’s mother and his sister were the only guests in attendance. Everyone stayed at the gorgeous Palm Springs estate Villa Carmelita, also known as the Sonny and Cher house. Vaso Bello created a beautiful tablescape, as well as bridal flower arrangements. Fusion Flair’s private Chef Heng cooked a delicious, personalized dinner, as well as tray passed hors d’oeuvres.
2021 Palm Springs Estate Wedding and Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony
Getting Ready at a private estate in Palm Springs
2021 Palm Springs wedding at a private estate, Villa Carmelita 
Estate tiles made for a colorful Palm Springs Wedding 
Gorgeous bridal hair and makeup by Chelsea Nicole 
The bride and her mother getting ready at the estate 
A giant window brings sunshine into Villa Carmelita 
A sunny welcome at Villa Carmelita 
The bride relaxes on her wedding day in Palm Springs 
Cactus detail photography by Mirelle Carmichael
Romantic Bridal Accessories
Rachel is a true romantic. Therefore she chose a number of timeless, beautiful pieces for her wedding day. For instance, her hair pin and pearl earrings are handmade in Italy by Elibre. Her wedding shoes are designed by Bella Belle. A ring box by The Mrs. Box displayed her engagement ring. Because Rachel and Dean wrote their own vows, they ordered vow books designed by Olive Paperie.
The Bride’s wedding gown by Pronovias
Rachel wore a custom tailored gown by Atelier Pronovias. Pronovias is without a doubt one of my favorite wedding designers. Fun fact – I had the pleasure of meeting Creative Director Hervé Moreau. A few years ago, we were both visiting the flagship store in New York City. He was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time and ask about my work, while also snapping a photo with me. In addition, it was a pleasure to watch him introduce himself to the real life brides who were picking up their wedding gowns. I’ve also visited the flagship store in Barcelona and had an amazing time photographing their designs. When I saw Rachel in her wedding gown, knowing how beautiful she looked, it brought forth those memories.
Bella Belle Wedding Shoes and Vow Books by Olive Paperie 
The bride looking at her Pronovias gown 
Hair and Makeup by Chelsea Nicole in Palm Springs 
The bride’s mother admiring her daughter in her wedding gown 
The bride wore Atelier Pronovias 
Bridal hair pin by Elibre Handmade
The Groom’s Tuxedo
Dean wore a custom made tuxedo with paisley lining and tailoring by Suit Supply. I love that he also wore his late father’s gold cufflinks. His leather shoes by Paul Smith design were classic. They were also perfect for the couple’s Joshua Tree ceremony by Cap Rock.
2021 Wedding Color Inspiration
Because she loves timeless romance, Rachel’s color palette had dusty rose as the base and pops of brighter colors to tie into the desert setting. In order to pull away from the bohemian-desert wedding trend, Rachel changed things up. Instead, she designed an organic, romantic, French feel to her Palm Springs wedding. A variety of blooms such as ranunculus, poppies, and tulips filled the arrangements. Vaso Bello’s floral designs also popped against the natural elements of the estate’s beauty and landscaping.
Setting the wedding table
Gold, glass and white dinnerware was set. Mauve Parisian goblets as well as a farmhouse table and x-back chairs from Signature Party Rentals created the perfect gathering space. Linens from BBJ Linen softened the look. In order to complete the look, custom acrylic placecards by Wildhouse Ink marked each guest’s seat.
Floral Design by Vaso Bello, Rentals from Signature Party Rentals, Linens from BBJ Linen, Photography by Mirelle Carmichael 
2021 Wedding Color Palette Inspiration 
Beautiful place setting for a micro wedding in Palm Springs 
Mauve and gold wedding inspiration with Parisian goblets 
An intimate dinner table in Palm Springs 
The bride and groom honored the groom’s late father with a special place for him at the table 
Rose petals floating in the estate fountain 
Additional exterior lighting to set the mood in the Villa’s bougainvillea 
Glass votive holders hanging from trees 
A number of cactus species fill the estate grounds 
Cake by Over the Rainbow Desserts in Palm Springs 
Dessert and drinks table in Palm Springs 
A colorful Palm Springs wedding palette 
Signage by Wildhouse Ink
Villa Carmelita Romantic Photos
Because the ceremony would take place in Joshua Tree National Park, the bride and groom had their first look at the villa. This was perfect because we would not return until after the sun had set. Therefore, we were able to do a round of family photos and romantic bride and groom photos before departing for the Joshua Tree. The ceremony location would be at Cap Rock. Meanwhile, Rachel and Dean brought a ton of balloons into the home just for fun. It turned out to be a great photo opportunity!
The bride before her reveal to the groom 
The groom is moved to tears upon seeing his bride in her gown for the first time 
The family looks on as the bride and groom have their first look 
Palm Springs micro wedding 
The bride and groom share a kiss 
Micro wedding family photography at Palm Springs 
Steps of Villa Carmelita 
The blue door at Villa Carmelita in Palm Springs 
The groom twirls the bride at Villa Carmelita 
Palm Springs wedding with bougainvillea
2021 Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony
Because the couple wanted to make transportation to Joshua Tree National Park as easy and convenient as possible, we all rode together. Rachel and Dean chose limousine transportation with Cardiff Limousine to ensure everyone’s comfort. Jokes were told. Memories were shared. In addition, an appreciation for Bridgerton was agreed upon. Champagne was poured!
Romantic Desert Landscape
Although it was quite windy at Joshua Tree, the light and landscape were gorgeous for photography. As a result, I had an amazing time capturing it all. Because the wind was chilly, the family wrapped themselves in cozy blankets provided by Trish and her team. The ceremony took place next to a giant Joshua tree. In order to anchor the ceremony spot, a vintage rug set between little tables, lanterns and decorative vases. In addition, the bride and family’s bouquets accented the set.
Cap Rock at Joshua Tree National Park by Mirelle Carmichael 
Desert ceremony set up 
Rings in a cactus dish at Joshua Tree 
The groom awaits the bride 
The bride before walking down the aisle 
The bride and groom share a moment before their ceremony begins in Joshua Tree
Exchanging Vows in an intimate ceremony at Joshua Tree
Rachel and Dean wrote their own vows, which I also enjoyed hearing. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite parts of the day took place when Dean compared Rachel’s smile to a ray of sunshine, because I could not agree more! Similarly, there was not a dry eye in the house!
The Walk Down the Aisle officiated the ceremony 
Beautiful detail of the bride’s gown by Pronovias 
Natural desert elements for ceremony decor 
Joshua trees in the late afternoon light 
Wide view of the Joshua Tree ceremony 
The mother of the bride reads a special passage 
The Walk Down the Aisle blesses the wedding bands 
The bride and groom exchange rings 
Cap Rock wedding photography 
Joshua Tree wedding photography
Champagne and Snacks
Following the ceremony, the family drank champagne from Mod Selection. Laughter and love filled a cocktail vignette also designed by The Walk Down the Aisle. In order to contrast the landscape, vintage green champagne glasses and colorful throw pillows were placed. In addition to the champagne, madeleines and macaroons were enjoyed.
Mod Selection Champagne 
Family photography in Joshua Tree 
Happy Newlyweds in Joshua Tree 
A cheerful bride and groom in Joshua Tree 
Champagne is poured for the newlyweds 
The guests keep warm with cozy blankets from The Walk Down the Aisle 
A cocktail hour vignette in Joshua Tree National Park 
Desert detail by Mirelle Carmichael 
The bride warms up with her new husband 
The family gathers for a toast in Joshua Tree 
The bride adores the groom 
Hair by Chelsea Nicole and bridal hair pin by Elibre Handmade
Fine Art Romance – Bride and Groom Photos at Joshua Tree National Park
In order to maximize the romance of the day, we took advantage of the late afternoon light. The landscape was filled with a warm glow and it furthermore created a visual softness to the boulders. Above all, Joshua Tree was the perfect setting for Rachel and Dean’s romantic bride and groom photos. Because of the perfect light, vast landscape, and the happiest of newlyweds, I was in photographer’s heaven!
Keeping warm in the desert
Because she needed to keep warm, Rachel wore the ultiimate cool-bride accessory. Her jean jacket, which was also adorned with pearl detailing was perfection! She also changed into white platform sneakers to better handle the desert terrain.
A heart detail in the desert, by Mirelle Carmichael 
Newlyweds walk through the desert landscape 
A sweet moment between the bride and the groom 
A romantic moment in the desert 
The handsome groom in Joshua Tree 
The gorgeous bride and her colorful bouquet 
The back of the bride’s Pronovias wedding gown 
The bride walks through Joshua Tree National Park 
The bride and groom among the boulders of Joshua Tree 
Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park, by Mirelle Carmichael 
Romantic wedding photos in Joshua Tree 
Newlyweds in Joshua Tree 
A 2021 Palm Springs Wedding 
Palm Springs wedding by Mirelle Carmichael 
The bride wore a pearl embellished jean jacket to keep warm 
The newlyweds get casual as the sun sets in Joshua Tree 
A romantic spot among the boulders of Joshua Tree
Fun in the desert after exchanging vows 
Sunset romance in Joshua Tree National Park 
The couple watches the sunset 
Sunset in Joshua Tree National park, by Mirelle Carmichael 
The newlyweds explore the desert in Joshua Tree 
A beautiful desert landscape with the bride and groom 
Sunset and the desert with newlyweds 
Joshua Tree silhouettes by Mirelle Carmichael
An Evening Wedding Reception in Palm Springs
When we arrived back to Villa Carmelita, it was night. In order to set the mood, the entire villa was filled with romantic lighting for the newlyweds. Candlelight was everywhere around the villa. Rose petals were floating in the fountain. In order to create a romantic dinner mood, clear glass teardrops with votives hung from the trees. Dinner preparations took place in the estate’s kitchen by Chef Heng. Although Dean’s father is no longer with us, a place was set for him at the dinner table. It was a beautiful touch in order to honor his memory. In conclusion, Rachel and Dean’s wedding day was the perfect intimate event!
An evening reception in Palm Springs 
Candlelight hanging from the trees in Palm Springs 
Candles at a Palm Springs Villa 
Wedding Reception in Palm Springs 
Acrylic placecards and candlelight 
Floral designs by Vaso Bello in Palm Springs 
Palm Springs wedding photography by Mirelle Carmichael 
Villa detail 
Fusion Flair Catering in Palm Springs 
Private Chef Heng masterpieces 
The bride and groom share a laugh by the fire 
Villa Carmelita by Mirelle Carmichael 
The family enjoys drinks and appetizers by the fire 
Poolside at Villa Carmelita 
A kiss is shared at this Palm Springs Wedding
Because I am a Southern California resident and full time photographer, I would love to photograph your Palm Springs wedding! In addition to viewing my portfolio, use my contact form to check my availability!
Mirelle Carmichael is an award-winning fine art photographer based in San Diego and Santa Barbara County. She specializes in high-quality publication-worthy photography for weddings, special events, and editorials. Mirelle Carmichael Photography also offers year-round family photography and portraits throughout Southern California.
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