Dan and Dana's Desert Dream

Silly name, I know. Yet, I like to play with words. I like words like I like textures. I find that words are the texture of the mind—they can paint such a picture and cause one to actually feel and smell the things that are being described. If only I could write that well….

Dan and Dan’s wedding in Twentynine Palms, CA confirmed WHY I want to specialize in destination weddings. The vibe was so carefree, funky, eclectic, fun, and easy going. Dan and Dana have been going to the 29 Palms Inn for 4 years for an annual desert getaway by Joshua Tree State Park. When they got engaged, they knew that they wanted an intimate destination wedding, and so the oasis of 29 Palms Inn fit them perfectly. They love the Inn so much that Dan, a videographer, even created a video about the Inn.

Dana was the ULTIMATE laid back bride and pretty much left it to me and her husband to plan. She only specified that she wanted lots of candles. Lots of candles. They gave me total free reign of the decor at the 75 year Irene’s Adobe that they got married in so I filled the courtyard with 50 or more luminaries, twinkle lights, candles, and wild flower arrangements in mason jars.

With only 25 guests in attendance, the weekend was so stress free and such great bonding and team effort with family & friends. Everyone arrived on Friday and all of the setup for the wedding was completed that day. Saturday morning, wedding day, the 25 guests went out into Joshua Tree State Park and hiked on the boulders. After the hike, the guys played horseshoes and Bocci Ball througout the afternoon. Usually only the men get to relax or play on their wedding day. Not so at destination wedding! Since everything was fairly simple and already set up, Dana had time to do an hour long outdoor Yoga session by the lagoon. After Yoga, Dana had a relaxing massage before hair and makeup. Hiking, Yoga, Massage, and a Wedding! Now that's what I call a good day!

At 6:00pm, Dana was escorted into the courtyard to a guitarist playing and singing “Pretty Woman”. The guests could hear the music start from across the property and come closer and closer.

The ceremony was beautiful and touching and there were no dry eyes in the group as they spoke the vows that they had written for each other.

The reception was wonderful and laid back with a wonderful vegetarian dinner prepared by the 29 Palms Inn restaurant. The organic vegetables are grown right there on the property!

Congratulations, Dan and Dana! May all of your Desert Dreams Come True!

Photos by Lori Evelyn of Evelyn Studios in Los Angeles

Slideshow of their wedding