Majestic Burning Man Meets India-Inspired Wedding

Majestic Desert Wedding

One of the foundations here at GWS is that we wholeheartedly believe that your wedding should be a reflection of who you + your love are. Ashley +  Justin are longtime “burners” (as in attendees of the Burning Man Festival), and organize a Burning Man-themed camp for their friends. When it came to their wedding, they wanted to create a similar experience for all of their guests that was them.

Ashley shares a bit more: We both have a love for travel and were engaged during a trip to Turkey and India, so we wanted to tie in some inspiration from the places we visited during our engagement. We were fortunate enough to find The Fire Garden in Bonsall, it has a magical desert vibe with fire sculptures and art to explore throughout the property.

The two of them were a bit nervous about what some of their family members might think of their non-traditional wedding, but in the end — they loved how it was uniquely them. Let’s head to the festival in the photos by Brogen Jessup!

Majestic Desert Wedding

The Gown + Details

Mon Cheri Wedding Dress

HOLY SMOKES! Ashley’s Mon Cheri gown is seriously breathtaking… The lace + that tulle overlay?!

Majestic Desert Wedding

Ashley had a couple of DIY projects for her wedding attire: she used various chains and crystals to create a belt for her dress, along with a matching set of earrings.

first look

red sunflower bouquet

It was all about bold orange hues in this textured bouquet from Bespoke!

Majestic Desert Wedding

The Ceremony Space

Majestic Desert Wedding

Bringing in inspiration from India, they lined the aisle with patterned rugs + incorporated strung marigolds into the backdrop.

Majestic Desert Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Sundara by Odesza

Recessional: I Melt With You by Modern English

First Dance: Minor Cause by Emancipator

marigold backdrop

Majestic Desert Wedding

We were very lucky to find Rev Rebecca, from the moment we spoke to her on the phone we knew she was the person to marry us. She helped us design custom a ceremony incorporating parts of Justin’s Persian heritage, as well as many elements specific to our relationship. We were even able to include some water we had brought back from the Ganges River during our engagement in India.

Majestic Desert Wedding

The Newlyweds

Majestic Desert Wedding

The raddest lounge for the raddest newlyweds!

marigold backdrop

Majestic Desert Wedding

Majestic Desert Wedding

The Funky Reception

Majestic Desert Wedding

Moon Vine Bartending created beautiful, custom craft cocktails for guests to enjoy!

signature cocktail

Majestic Desert Wedding

They turned this dome into a cozy tea lounge, inspired by India. How cool is this?!

Their friend, Michael, from Dreamscape Collective provided an array of rugs and floor cushions to use. They also utilized some of the fabric and décor from their Burning Man camp.

cheeseboard

Now THAT’S a charcuterie spread!!

The Tablescape

Majestic Desert Wedding

How gorgeous is this tablescape?! That color scheme of the bold cobalt + orange hues is SO GOOD.

Majestic Desert Wedding

Majestic Desert Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

I think the biggest thing is to be true to yourselves and plan the day you really want. When we first got started planning, we were a little concerned about how our families and other guests might feel about some of the less conventional aspects of our wedding… but in the end, they loved every part of it and appreciated getting to experience something that was uniquely us.

Majestic Desert Wedding

A “magic carpet” ride?! So fun!! Ashley shares: Our friend Andrew has motorized magic carpet (made out of an old scooter) that he brings to Burning Man to ride around on. We thought it would be funny ride out on the carpet when we were first introduced as husband and wife. It was a little tricky driving it but ended up being a lot of fun and pretty hilarious.

From the team here at GWS, congratulations Ashley + Justin!

To immerse yourself more into the festivities, dive into this video by Shutter and Sound.

photography: Brogen Jessup // venue name: The Fire Garden, Bonsall, California, USA // planning: Neon Carrot // florals: Bespoke // wedding dress: Mon Cheri // hairpiece: Rachael Neubauer // bride's ring: Irelia Fine Jewelry // hair stylist: Cristina Kruse // groom attire: Ted Baker // groom's shoes: Ted Baker // groom's ring: Irelia Fine Jewelry // videography: Shutter and Sound // catering: San Diego Paella // cake: Noel Moton // desserts: Chunk N Chip // tabletop rentals: Farm Tables and More // furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals // specialty rentals: Sundrop Vintage // music: Dat Phat // officiant: Rev Rebecca Armstrong // craft cocktails: Moon Vine Bartending

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