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Joshua Tree/Sacred Sands desert wedding by susan sabo photography

When you think of the desert, you think of lots of nothing. No buildings, no people, no cars; just lots of sand, rocks, a lizard here and here, and big sky. When people in Montana want to see big sky, they step outside their door. When people in LA want to see big sky, we go to the desert. But believe me, when you head out to Joshua Tree for a day visit or an overnight trip--or a wedding!--you'll find anything but nothing.
For example, there's the city of 99 murals; the neon sign graveyard; and one of SoCal's best-kept secrets, Sacred Sands Bed & Breakfast. When Erica & Andy asked me to join them at Sacred Sands to shoot their wedding, I was thrilled. An architectural feast, this B&B is a photo op waiting to happen, and with only 2 guest rooms (that's right, only two) it's the perfect place to get married and then stick around for some much valued post-wedding privacy. Surrounded by their closest family & friends, Erica & Andy stood illuminated in the amazing desert sun and promised to build a life with one another as Mr. & Mrs. The entire day--from their Mad Libs wedding story, the Photo Booth scavenger hunt and tromping through the entirely wild desert to find just the right spots for portraits--was breathtaking. But I'll let you see for yourself.

White wedding dress hanging on a personalized hanger

Bald man in vest and glasses looking at reflection

Bride in wedding dress in small bathroom mirror

Man adjusts tie in modern bathroom mirror preparing

Bride gets ready with friends on her wedding day

Bride with flower bouquet and succulent wedding favors

Wedding celebration invites with crayons and mad libs

Bride adjusting her wedding dress before ceremony

Wedding rings on burlap pillow with purple ribbon

Rustic corrugated metal house with desert landscape

Groom in suit, preparing for wedding on a bench

Brides hands resting on wedding dress

Groom escorted by his mother and bride with her father

Wedding ceremony guests witnessing bride and groom

Wedding couple exchanging vows with family present

Family at a wedding, a child sleeps on her mother's lap

Close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings

Bride wiping away tears during emotional wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony: Bride and groom embracing, guests watching

Bride and groom exiting wedding ceremony

Elegant place setting with wander napkin, chopsticks, and knife

Outdoor wedding reception tables set against a mountain backdrop

Wedding guests gather outside a yellow building

Happy couple joyfully walking desert wedding

Couple posing on rocks outdoor wedding

Couple in wedding attire desert setting

Happy couple embraces outdoors

Desert wedding couple kissing under Joshua tree

Couple shadows wedding day path

Couple walking down road,  wedding on the open road

Happy couple posing for wedding photo

Couple in wedding attire desert setting

Wooden sign Erica+Andy Just Married

I'd say these are all good reasons to plan a desert wedding--especially at Sacred Sands! Scott & Steve (the owners & operators of SS) provided all the delicious details for Erica & Andy's big day, and even had recommendations for an officiant and for hair and makeup. The photo booth was by SassyBooths, and the musician was Alex Lavruk (he provided the loveliest acoustic guitar accompaniment).
If you're wishing for an intimate, beautifully lit and big sky wedding, you must check these guys out. And I wouldn't terribly mind if you asked me to join you. :)
All photography by Susan Sabo Photography

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