A Spiritual Celebration Overlooking a California Desert

Desert Beauty

The earthy, natural aesthetic the couple sought for their big day was beautifully reflected in the rocky hillside property of Le Haute Desert Aerie. "The main house was designed and hand-built by the owner with lots of imported materials," says Christen. "Reminiscent of Morocco, the colors seemed to blend mysteriously into the dusty pink of the evening and the desert landscape."

• How to Plan a Micro Wedding in Light of the Coronavirus

Casual Cool

Aaron's slim-fit, camel-toned suit was ordered via ASOS and worked well against the desert backdrop.

Preowned Perfection

Realizing that the edgy wedding dress she originally planned to purchase didn't fit their new desert vibe, Christen began an online search to find an alternative. She fell in love with a second-hand BHLDN gown; its purple-and-sage-green beading emphasized its graceful embroidery and tulle. "When I first saw it, I knew it was perfect," she says. "It was flowing, delicate, and looked extremely breathable and comfortable." The pre-owned ensemble was rush-shipped just a week before the wedding and arrived just in time—and in flawless shape.

• How to Store Your Wedding Dress for a Postponed Wedding

Floral Finishing Touches

Protea, desert pink roses, dried ferns, and other dried flowers composed Christen's airy bouquet, which paired well with her ethereal gown. "I also wore a gorgeous crown made entirely of dried flowers," she says. Ribbon of raw-edged silk trailed both compositions, adding an extra touch of romance.

• The New Flower Crown: Greenery Crowns

All Dressed in White

Their photographer's daughter Juniper—who is also Christen's goddaughter—served as flower girl. She wore a white dress with an embroidered overlay and a crown of dried white flowers, which coordinated beautifully with the bride's. "Seeing her so excited to wear matching flower crowns was really sweet and memorable," Christen says.

Bearing Rings

More dried white blooms cradled the couple's wedding bands, which were tied with ribbon.

The Look of Love

Christen and Aaron's first look was intensely emotional. "My heart exploded to see him take me in, like he'd been thirsty for years and was finally given a cold glass of water," says the bride. "We took all our couple's photos right then and there, and it was perfect."

• Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic

A Sacred Experience

"We wanted to really honor the place that we were in by keeping things very simple and minimal," says the bride of the spiritual ceremony. A close friend sang and played songs on a guitar as the couple entered a circle of stones. "We stood on a rug that I had purchased in Morocco that normally hangs on the wall of our bedroom, and our small community surrounded us," Christen describes. A close friend and former housemate officiated while accompanied by her dog, and grounded the proceedings by leading a meditation. The couple then exchanged vows they had written themselves.

At Last

As the pair kissed in conclusion, "Love" by Kevin Yazzie began to play—and their friends tossed a blend of dried flowers and herbs over their heads.

Serene Seating

Weathered cushions topped low, fabric-covered stools in a lounge area during the cocktail hour.

Cozy Under the Pergola

A fire pit was arranged underneath a pergola; this station came in handy after the desert sun went down.

Reception Set-Up

Two wooden tables were pulled together to create one long structure that seated everyone in attendance. "Stephanie [of This Modern Romance] really made it so gorgeous," says Christen.

• A Guide to Wedding Reception Tables

Dreamy Details

The center of the tables featured various vessels filled with feather-grass, dried ferns, grasses, and flowers. Natural elements were incorporated into the table settings, including ceramic plates placed atop wooden chargers with linen napkins gathered in matching rings.

Earthy Design

Amid the dried foliage on the tables were small, Ecuadorian Palo Santo bundles for each guest to take home to smudge their spaces (a nod to Christen's grandmother, who is from Ecuador). "I want to acknowledge that Palo Santo in many cases is a very over-harvested sacred wood," says the bride. "It's good to try and buy it from small retailers who are aware of its origins, as we did."

Icing on the Cake

The couple's simple gluten-free wedding cake from The Sugar Shack was iced in vanilla buttercream with a light stone texture.

• Small Wedding Cakes with a Big Presence

Feeling the Music

Big Fleetwood Mac fans, the pair swayed to "As Long as You Follow" for their first dance as husband and wife. "This song has just always made both of us feel our love so deeply," says the bride. "The chorus speaks to us so much because we know that we can overcome anything together."

Sources

Photography, Wedding Planning, and Event Design, Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance
Venue, Le Haute Desert Aerie
Day-of Coordination, Darrien Seqqoya of Le Haute Desert Aerie
Videography, Ryan Seqqoya of Le Haute Desert Aerie
Flowers, Janelle Thomson of Lavenders
Officiant, Jennifer Price
Bridal gown, BHLDN
Hair and Makeup, Alicia Greenleaf
Groom's Attire, ASOS
Engagement Ring, Jen Leddy
Wedding Bands, Bario Neal (groom); Lauren Wolf (bride)
Ceremony Music, Suny Gao
Catering, Miho Catering Co.
Cake, The Sugar Shack