California Sand Dunes Wedding

Natural decor elements inspired by the sea are always right at home in beach weddings, but today’s team (including Ashley Williams Photography, Urban Shindigs, and Luxe Botanique) went in the opposite direction and placed them amidst the sand dunes of Southern California. Using sea glass and non-floral bouquet elements, this styled shoot blends the best of both beach-y and desert wedding inspiration for a look that’s keeping us deeply inspired.

From the event designer, Urban Shindigs: It all came to me in a “Blue” haze. Luxe Botanique was wanting to create something with simple natural elements like sand, grape wood, cotton, and air plants. Most minds would immediately go to the beach… but mine went to the blue skies over the majestic California Sand Dunes. I wanted to embrace the raw elements the dunes had to offer. I pulled some natural items from Witty Rentals. We used cowhide for the table linen, equipale leather chairs, and of course a collection of bone skulls.

For the fashion styling I wanted a slate blue look. It first started with the the slate blue Adrianna Papell gown from Bella Bridesmaids. The cap sleeves, beaded sharp lines, and glittering sequins combined to create the stunning look. To top off the brides look we pulled the natural metal/stone jewelery from Kim Egel Jewelry. The groom’s slate blue Allure Suit by Allure Men came from Friar Tux. Hair & Makeup was done by the amazing Erin Dunaway. To keep this shoot raw and natural we wanted a real honest couple. Ashley and Bryan were a perfect match! No flowers were used at all in the bouquet. Instead, Luxe Botanique used rustic textiles like cotton, dried mushroom, seed pods, blue thistle, foliage and an air plant to complete the look. Twinkle & Toast designed a blue water color handwritten invitation to go along, as well as custom sea glass escort cards. It paired perfectly with our stunning cake designed by Hey There, Cupcake. This shoot was all captured by the very talented Ashley Williams Photography & Audrey Alba Films.