Mojave Desert Wedding

When couples make the effort to turn a wedding into something so very personal, and that’s our favorite kind of wedding. Amanda and Jon were married in Death Valley National Park, where they live and work. We can tell the day so perfectly encapsulates everything about the couple! Be sure to check out the gallery for more images, and scroll down for a peek at their amazing highlights video, also from Made U Look Photography.

From the bride, Amanda: We definitely wanted a vintage feel of some type. I’ve always been fascinated with the Victorian era and style, so I decided to incorporate some Victorian elements into the wedding. The desert theme was just natural since the wedding was taking place in the Mojave desert inside Death Valley National Park. Combining these two “themes” turned out to be kismet because settlers and miners began populating this area in the Victorian times and mining boomtowns were springing up all over the desert! We also wanted things to look rustic, to reflect the desert’s rugged history.

Jon made all of the table card holders from desert wood that I collected while hiking. We made our silhouette portraits, which we used to decorate the cake table. My aunt made all of the napkins. My mom made the flowergirl dresses and headbands, and the ring pillows. Jon’s mom made the ringbearer’s vests & the pennant flags. I collected all of the bottles from antique stores and friends in the area. We collected old skeleton keys from antique vendors to tie to the escort cards. The rock design behind the ceremony arbor (done by Jon) represented our family…Jon, me, our 2 cats and bird all represented. Jon also made the wooden and paper signs, under my direction. The fireworks were done by Jon’s brother Aaron and his dad Tim.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? Try to get a head start to complete the many tasks that need to be done. Don’t wait until the last minute, as this will just add more stress. Be organized. Accept that things will go wrong and just appreciate the things that went smoothly! Most of all, enjoy yourself. The day will go so fast, so make sure you appreciate every moment and make lovely memories.

A Tuscan Inspired Wedding with Pastel Hues at California’s Filoli Gardens

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Be sure to watch the video, also by Made U Look Photography:
< Wedding music:
Processional: “President King’s Theme,” Brendan Small
Bride’s Processional: “Bron-Y-Aur,” Led Zeppelin
Recessional: “Indian War Whoop,” John Hartford
Entrance Song: “Clown Dream,” Danny Elfman
First Dance: “Arrested by You,” Rupert Hine

Wedding vendors (Death Valley, CA):

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Panamint Sprints Resort, Death Valley National Park / Wedding Photographers and Videographers: Made U Look Photography / Wedding Flowers: The Flower Shop (Ridgecrest, CA) / Wedding dress: Angela Brown Vaden / Succulent hair clip: NaturallyInspired / Arm cuffs: MaryandAngelika / Boots: Victorian Trading Co. / Parasol: Ladies’ Emporium / Bride’s hair and makeup: Emily Salon (Ridgecrest, CA) / Groom’s outfit: Gentleman’s Emporium / Musician: Mark Shaw / Catering: Ben Cassell / Wedding Invitations: KindlySpoken