You guys aren’t sick of dreamy California desert weddings + styled shoots, are you? Silly question, right?! We aren’t either! There are so many ways to make a desert backdrop work, and today’s feature is a prime example of what we mean. Staged at The Ruin Venue in Yucca Valley, California, Carillo & Co. designed a few inspiring vignettes that remind us of all the reasons why we LOVE the desert. In addition to simply showcasing something pretty, we really think this shoot shows us firsthand the variety of styles of events that can feel right at home in the magnificent desert, including a more refined, elegant scene.
When it came to the location the photographer behind the beauty, Kristina Adams, explains, The venue itself is what is left of an old stone home, complete with a working fireplace and open “windows”. The current owners imported old olive trees and built a gorgeous courtyard enclosed in stone – the perfect place for a wedding reception or dinner party. The moment we found the site, we knew we had to shoot here!
Now that’s a bouquet! We’re loving it, Honeycomb Affair!
Influenced by the tuscan vibe of the venue, Carillo & Co. designed an elegant and intimate wedding inspiration with unexpected elements like the farm-to-table centerpiece, bold blue sateen draping, and a handmade black tulle skirt. From creating the invitations to styling the fireplace hearth, this team had their hand in everything. In fact, when Joanna of Carillo & Co. couldn’t find the right skirt, she decided to make it herself! This shoot would have been nothing without their eye for design, organization, and creative direction.
The venue’s olive tree accented courtyard is one of my favorites things about this venue, and is the perfect place to host guests. Sweet Salvage Rentals provided the perfect farm table and head chairs for the courtyard, and the scene was completed by the sophisticated china and glassware provided by Cherished Rentals. And, the marbled cake and mini cakes by Elise Cakes were the perfect complement to the table’s design.
A big thanks to the talented team below for sharing this lovely editorial today!


photography: Kristina Adams Photography // venue name: The Ruin Venue // event design: Carillo & Co. // planning: Carillo & Co. // florals: Honeycomb Affair // wedding dress: Carillo & Co. // hair stylist: Hikari Murakami // makeup artist: Hikari Murakami // tabletop rentals: Cherished Rentals // rentals: Sweet Salvage Rentals // tux rentals: Friar Tux // ribbon: Tono & Co. // invitations: Carillo & Co. // cakes: Elise Cakes
GWS, I want to be a fly on the wall in every single one of your weddings. They looks unbelievably beautiful and dreamy..
I would love to find out where those shoes are from!
What a location! Fantastic images!