Joshua Tree Modern Desert Elopement at Seven Arches Airbnb
Joshua Tree is a unique place. The freakin’ rocks look like they’re from a cartoon movie, the jack-rabbits have the largest ears I’ve ever seen in my life, the sun takes over the sky, and the chilly October evenings are just magical.
However, eloping in this Radiator Springs look-a-like wasn’t always the plan. Isabella & Erik’s October desert elopement was completely different than their original 150-guest May wedding. But, like most things in 2021 (and just like the French Prince of Bel-Air) their “life got flipped up, turned upside down” due to COVID. As a public health nurse, Isabella was deployed to a COVID center and with their May date needing to be canceled, she knew that life would be pretty hectic for the remainder of 2020…so they rescheduled to May 2021. A few months later and after countless days of mask-wearing, social-distancing, and quarantines, they decided to throw out their original plans and mix things up a bit. With the uncertainty of COVID, they realized it was the perfect time to follow their dreams and have a more intimate (and safer) elopement option. Thus, here we are.
Matt and I arrived a few days prior to the elopement to get the lay of the land and to shop (of course). And let me tell you, we dropped some freakin’ dough in this city. Matt and I both love handmade goods, the small business finds, thrifts & antiques, and all those unique desert feels. Our favorites were Acme 5, where we got new handmade bronze wedding bands, some crystals (I always think of Winston from New Girl when I hold my crystals LOL), some incense, and house decor. We wanted to get so much more, but we literally didn’t have space to carry it back on the plane (blessing and a curse?). The next best was the good ol’ Hoof & Horn for some rad modern western wear and gorgeous hats.
Sadly, and very on-trend with the entire year…Isabella & Erik’s arrival to Joshua Tree wasn’t so happy. They arrived in Joshua Tree only to realize they needed to drive back to Palm Springs to pick up their marriage license the next day (the day of the elopement). On their drive, their rental car got a flat tire. After a long day of travel and flat tires, they barely settled into their Airbnb and had to start getting ready for their elopement. HECTIC, but they were in such good spirits, laughing and drinking and twerking and getting ready for the best day of their lives.
Also, holy crap, their Airbnb was truly magical. It was the perfect mix of western desert vibes and modern entertaining. It was large and luxe enough for Isabella & Erik to hire a private chef to serve them dinner after their ceremony (highly recommend, she was amazing: @privatechefv ). I kinda don’t want to link it because I want to keep it all to myself, but yet again, I will choose kindness. Highly Recommend! Seven Arches Joshua Tree
With only their best friends by their side, they read their vows and made their commitment to each other near the Hidden Valley trail with the sun and the trees as their backdrop. During their ceremony, they did one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Before their vows, their friends each said a few words (kinda like a mini-toast) and it was such a fun way to bring personality and friendship into their elopement. The men read a skit and left everyone laughing, and the women shared heartfelt words of admiration…it was pretty perfect.
VENDORS:
Photographer: Cassie Trottier // Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven // Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Lidia // Wedding Coordinator & Florals: Desert Rose Wedding Co. // Videographer: The Shalom Imaginative // Food & Dessert: @privatechefv
