A small desert wedding near Joshua Tree
Janice & Austin’s Rimrock Ranch wedding in the high desert of Pioneertown felt more like an intimate dinner party than a wedding. With only 25 of their closest family and friends, the love showered on these two all day was palpable.
Janice was my first bride who asked for a true, documentary style approach to their wedding. Her and Austin both wanted a low-key day to fully enjoy with their loved ones.
That meant getting rid of a few formalities, like most formal wedding party and family pictures, in favor of more candid moments. We took couple portraits in 10-minute spurts throughout the day, but even that time was pretty hands off. For the most part, I quietly observed as events unfolded in front of me.
I love the result of that little extra inch of freedom. None of us felt that pressure to get through the “wedding photo checklist.” These images are authentically and organically, them. And I think it’s pretty magical.
Thank you, Janice and Austin for inviting me to document this beautiful milestone for you. Thinking of this Rimrock Ranch wedding makes me smile so hard.
Janice and Austin’s wedding day is also featured here on Intimateweddings.com!
Getting Ready Together at Los Vientos Hideaway
These two got ready together at Los Vientos Hideaway, a few miles away from Rimrock Ranch. This cute little secluded house has incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Pipes Canyon desert.
Janice’s three sisters and the couple’s adorable “flower” dog, Mishka, kept them company during preparation. The Bloomin Gypsy created Mishka’s dog wreath and Janice’s incredible trailing bouquet, inspired by the one her grandmother carried on her own wedding day.
Janice also helped design her handmade, custom dress with Mary Evelyn at Stitch in Savannah.
Emotional First look with Parents
After everyone was finished getting ready, we headed over to the venue. Janice shared an emotional first look with both of her parents. Then all of the sisters and I took advantage of the miles of desert acreage around the property for some low-key bridesmaid photos.
Intimate Ceremony at Rimrock Ranch
Guests enjoyed a “pre-ceremony” cocktail hour while we were taking photos. Janice and Austin chose to let the desert backdrop be the main focus of their ceremony decor.
Austin walked in with Mishka, then Janice was escorted in by her dad. Mishka had his own little blanket to lay on while they exchanged vows. He also photobombed their ring exchange and first kiss. 🙂
An Intimate Dinner Under the Stars
Emily and Amber at Karson Butler Events did an incredible job styling Janice & Austin’s intimate dinner set up. The tabletop florals from The Bloomin Gypsy added the perfect pop of color on their long table.
This kind of set up always sparks the most intimate and special dinner conversations. Mojave Monaco also catered some of the most DELICIOUS family-style food I’ve ever had.
Golden Hour First Dance & Toasts
My favorite wedding events, toasts and their first dance, also happened to coincide with golden hour. Everyone had the most beautiful things to say. (Do yourself a favor and listen to the toasts The Quail and the Dove captured here!)
Toward the end of the night, quiet Austin made an impromptu speech to thank everyone that surprised us all. It was an emotional ending to a beautiful and intimate day.
Their Vendor Team
Catering & Dessert // Mojave Monaco // Dress: Stitch, by Mary Evelyn (Savannah, custom) // Entertainment: The Dart Collective // Hairstylist: Tanya Marie Hair // Florals: The Bloomin Gypsy // Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen // Styling & Planning: Karson Butler Events // Photo: Paige Nelson Photography // Preparation Venue: Los Vientos Hideaway // Wedding Venue: Rimrock Ranch, Pioneertown // Photo: Paige Nelson Photography // Videography: The Quail and the Dove, Jim & Melissa
If you enjoyed this wedding, I recommend checking out Laura & Jeff’s intimate elopement in Joshua Tree.
