A Spiritual Joshua Tree Wedding That Took Place in a Stone Labyrinth

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

“New Beginnings”. That’s what Ciera’s Tarot Card read when she pulled it from the deck on the morning of her wedding to Ryan. There really isn’t a more beautiful sentiment than that. C + R are each other’s spiritual rock, and they love to escape to the desert to soak up some energy and serenity. They chose to honor this tradition by marrying at Tumbleweed Sanctuary in Joshua Tree. With the help of event designers, Sixteen Fourteen Events, they planned a stunning wedding that was full of meaning and beautiful details like C’s full lace gown, a rad stone labyrinth ceremony setting, pampas grassed filled floral designs and candlelight all around.

Here’s what C had to say about their inspiration for the day:

Our inspiration for our big day was showcasing the serenity, and beauty that Joshua Tree has to offer. We chose to get married in the high desert, because it’s the first place we go when we want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and reconnect with one another. To emphasize our connection on the big day, we had an unplugged ceremony. This was extremely important to us, as we wanted to make sure that we, as well as our guests, remained present.

Tayler Ashley Photography was there to capture the magic. Scroll along with us and enjoy!

Bridal Beauty

Starlett Bridal Gowns

C was an absolute vision on wedding day in a head-to-toe lace gown by Starlett Bridal Gowns, Badgley Mischka shoes and subtle BHLDN hairpiece. She also rocked a glam neutral makeup look by Candice Renae and long, flowing waves- perfect for the desert setting! Here’s what she shared about finding her perfect dress:

I went to several stores searching for a dress that would compliment my wedding venue but realized I was searching for a dress that just wasn’t me. It wasn’t until I took a quick trip to Northern California to visit my mom that I found it! I found a boutique online and invited my mom and sister to accompany me. We walked into the store, and it was the third dress that I tried on. Instantly, I imagined myself standing in front of Ryan in the dress and got pretty emotional.. It was such an organic moment, and it meant so much to me that I found my dress while I was with my mom and sister.

white boho grass

Pinyon Pine Floral Design created the most gorgeous boho florals for C + R’s wedding including designs like pampas grass ceremony arrangements and a foliage-focused hanging installation above the sweetheart table . C wanted to honor her mother by including her favorite blooms in the bridal bouquet. Such a sweet, personal touch!

The Boys

black tux groomsmen

R and his boys were looking like gentlemen in classic black attire from The Black Tux.

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Music is very important to both C + R. Their photographer, Tayler, shared this special memory of the day:

Ryan and his groomsmen used to play in a band together, so they decided to have a little jam session at the venue to relax before the ceremony. Mid-session, we hid Ryan and brought Ciera out to jam with the boys. This was definitely the most memorable part of the day!

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Sade - By Your Side

Recessional: Etta James - At Last

First Dance: Ray Charles - Come Live With Me

Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

C + R chose to exchange vows in the center of this rad stone labyrinth at the venue. They entered from opposite sides, walking through the labyrinth until they met in the middle. After the ceremony, they exited together as a symbol of their new union. LOVE!

white pampas grass backdrop

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Wedding in the Desert had the honor of officiating the ceremony in this scared and special place.

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The most memorable moment of our wedding day was definitely the ceremony! Our ceremony was extremely unique, symbolic, and full of loving energy. Our wedding venue has a labyrinth, so we chose to take advantage of it, as opposed to walking down an aisle. Since there were two entrances to the labyrinth, we were able to walk simultaneously from opposite ends while exchanging sweet smiles until arriving at the center to say our vows. At the end of the ceremony, we walked out of the labyrinth together hand in hand, which symbolized our new journey as one. This set the tone for the remainder of the evening, and it was such a compelling moment that will remain embedded in our hearts forever.

The Newlyweds

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

How about this Joshua Tree sunset?! Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Do your research. Expect the unexpected. Invest in self-care. Remember to make time for one another throughout the process.

Boho Reception Decor

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

C + R had such a rad collection of eclectic decor at their reception. They kept with the muted, earth tone color palette to give a nod to the desert landscape of Joshua Tree. They brought in loads of pampas grass for lots of texture as well as candles for added romance.

hanging pampas grass installation

Talk about a FAB hanging installation! We love hanging florals because they’re not only beautiful, but really help to draw focus to an important space such as the sweet heart table. Check out this feature for more hanging floral installation ideas for your wedding!

sweetheart table candles

Greystone Table provided the fun mix of glassware and flatware, La Pinata Party brought in the stone dinnerware and napkins, La Tavola Fine Linen provided the soft, neutral linens and Tumbleweed Sanctuary offered a ton of boho decor and furniture, like these black peacock chairs.

Tumbleweed Sanctuary Wedding

Nods to Joshua Tree

geode plate setting

Love to see couples using their unique venue as decor inspiration. Joshua Tree is known for its rich, geological wonder, so C + R featured the landscape on the custom menus by SixteenFourteen Events and placed little geodes at each setting.

white fresh flower wedding cake

Exquisite Desserts created this simple and elegant cake for the dessert table. The smooth tiers with pops of florals is the perfect accent to the rest of their decor.

Absolutely in love with your Joshua Tree wedding, Ciera + Ryan! Thank you for sharing so many special and personal details. Congratulations and lots of love from the GWS team!

photography: Tayler Ashley Photography // venue name: Tumbleweed Sanctuary, Joshua Tree, California, USA // event design: SixteenFourteen Events // planning: SixteenFourteen Events // florals: Pinyon Pine Floral Design // wedding dress: Starlett Bridal Gowns // hairpiece: BHLDN // bride's shoes: Badgley Mischka // bride's ring: Princess Bride Diamonds // bridesmaid dresses: Lulus // hair stylist: Jacqueline // makeup artist: Candice Renae // groom attire: The Black Tux // videography: Regan Elizabeth Films // catering: Soho Taco // cake: Exquisite Desserts // desserts: Ben and Jerry's // tabletop rentals: Greystone Table // furniture rentals: La Pinata Party // linen rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen // music: Music By Roderick // officiant: Wedding in the Desert // photo booth: Desert Rose Photo // save the dates + invitations: Minted // day-of signage + menus: SixteenFourteen Events

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