It was a chilly, blustery day in Joshua Tree with rain in the forecast, but that didn’t dampen Shannon & Susie’s plans for their elopement at the Sacred Sands Bed & Breakfast. Hailing from Arizona, the couple met while rock climbing years ago. Since then, they’ve visited Joshua Tree together every year to rock climb and celebrate their anniversary, and couldn’t think of a more perfect place to get married.
I was so honored to be one of just a few witnesses to this event; one of the owners of Sacred Sands performed the ceremony while his partner and my assistant looked on as I snapped away. (And there was one surprise guest — the owners’ curious little black cat who watched the ceremony intently and circled around us all from afar.) Susie & Shannon read the beautiful, funny, touching vows they wrote to each other, and marked the moment with pinky-promises and a ring exchange. They happened to have identical rings in identical sizes, so they were able to just trade rings which I thought was so sweet. Despite the chilly temps and ominous clouds, the wind managed to die down and Mother Nature seemed to hold her breath for just a moment while they exchanged vows and rings.
We followed the ceremony with cheers and toasts, then set out to Joshua Tree National Park for some post-wedding photos. Susie & Shannon happily braved the cold in their gorgeous, boho dresses, laughing together as they quickly pulled coats and hats on and off between shots. Totally worth it. Congrats and much love, S&S!!
{Credits}
Photography // J Wiley Photography
Ceremony Venue // Sacred Sands
Post-Ceremony Photos // Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Susie’s bouquet // DIY!
Susie’s Dress // Anthropologie
Shannon’s Dress // Free People
