Olivia & Roy's Tiny Wedding in Joshua Tree

Two families from opposite sides of the world, whose cultures and language are vastly different, came together on this day to celebrate the beautiful and sweet union of Olivia and Roy in Joshua Tree, California.

The day started off slow. As Olivia got into her makeup chair, the two families gathered around the house getting to know each other — this was the first time they were all meeting. Despite their language differences (Roy’s family spoke mostly Mandarin), they formed connections that, quite frankly, was an incredible thing to witness.

After an emotional first look, the group made its way to the park. With Olivia’s family from Canada and Roy’s family from China, none of them had ever visited Joshua Tree before, and it was the first time a few of them even learned about the park. I witnessed the small party wonder at the desert landscape, the giant boulder stacks and the strangely shaped trees that stretched across the land as far as the eye could see. “Isn’t this the most beautiful place?!” Olivia kept exclaiming repeatedly.

Olivia and Roy exchanged heartfelt poems and personal vows under the branches of two Joshua trees that formed their arch, as their families gathered round to witness their union.

The sun started to set and cast a beautiful orange glow across the landscape — this never fails to be a magical time in Joshua Tree. As the sun set, the moon rose… a bright full moon on this day — the mid-autumn festival. In Chinese culture, this day is believed to be the day where the moon is at its biggest and brightest, which symbolized harmony and union. Families would gather together on this day to give thanks for a harmonious union, and to pray for a good future.

We marveled as the moon rose over the landscape of Joshua Tree, spilling its light over the landscape. The sky turned a soft bluish pink… my favorite. As light dwindled, we headed back to their airbnb, where their family was waiting for them… as well as another surprise.

While we were in the park, their amazing caterers had set up a stunning table for their dinner reception and decorated it with beautiful rocks and stones found around the property. It was clearly not expected as Olivia and Roy stood there in shock & awe taking the whole scene in. As I photographed the beautiful work of their caterers, Olivia & Roy added their own little touches to it — hand sewn napkins with guests’ names + a card with personal notes of thanks addressed to each person. 

As the family settled down to dinner, it was a beautiful scene I hope to never forget. Olivia’s stepdad kicked it off with a heartfelt toast to the couple, and Roy’s mom followed with an assisted translation of her speech that she had written in Mandarin. As they listened to what she had written, Olivia’s mom held her hand tightly, as if they had known each other forever. Even though they didn’t share a common verbal language, they did share a common language of love. Witnessing this struck a chord in me — it was such a rare and beautiful thing and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been in the presence of these people on this beautiful night.

—

Vendor Team:

Photography: Pam Jeanne Photo
Catering: Desert Dine
Cake: Joshua Tree Cakery 
Florals: Wheelhouse Design and Florals
Dress: Anna Kara 
Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Bueno 
Rentals: Signature Rentals Palm Springs