Bride in lace gown and groom in dark suit walk among towering cacti and palm trees in a lush garden setting.
Black and white photo of a couple in formal attire holding hands while descending outdoor stone steps.

A Day Before Their Wedding at Moorten's Botanical Garden


Beneath soft, cloudy skies, there was an unmistakable sense of calm as we stepped into Moorten Botanical Garden. From the moment we arrived, Alicia and CJ’s laughter filled the pathways, surrounded by their closest family as they soaked in every moment together. With its iconic cacti, winding paths, and unmistakable Palm Springs charm, the garden created the perfect backdrop for the beginning of their wedding story.


Between the overcast light, timeless architecture, and endless desert textures, every corner felt effortlessly photogenic. Alicia and CJ embraced every second, making this intimate afternoon one they’ll never forget.


These are the kinds of days wedding photographers dream about, and I can’t wait for you to experience the rest of their story. 🥂

A Handmade Crocheted Dress Among the Cacti


One of my favorite details from their wedding was Alicia’s ability to hand-make her crocheted dress. It felt effortlessly at home among the cacti at Moorten Botanical Garden, bringing together natural textures and timeless style in a way that was completely unique to them. Photographing these portraits the day before the wedding gave us the freedom to slow down and truly highlight every thoughtful detail.

Woman in cream crochet dress smiling among tall cacti and succulents in a desert garden setting.
Woman in white crochet backless maxi dress posing among tall cacti and succulents in a desert garden.
Black and white photo of a large family group laughing together outdoors at a celebration near a white building.

         The People Who Mean the Most

 

Wedding party poses outside a Spanish-style white stucco villa with cacti and palm trees in a desert setting.
Wedding party group photo outdoors at a Spanish-style venue with string lights, cacti, and lush greenery.

The back drop here is truly stunning and speaks for itself. Moorten's has it all with the friendliest staff to make this pre-wedding family and couple photos a breeze. Framed by Palm Springs architecture and desert foliage, how could these not come out this stunning?

Classic Tailoring with Earthy Tones


CJ’s charcoal suit paired with a deep forest green tie was the perfect complement to the desert landscape. The rich, earthy tones blended naturally with the desert greenery throughout Moorten Botanical Garden, creating a look that felt classic, refined, and effortlessly Palm Springs.

Groom in gray suit smiling outdoors before wedding ceremony.
A man in a charcoal suit and black tie stands outdoors near a large tree, looking thoughtfully to the side.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom ascending tiled stairs at a wedding venue.

Alicia & CJ throughout the garden

 

 

Couple sharing a romantic kiss in wedding attire outside an arched wooden door of a white stucco building.
Bride and groom share a first look moment surrounded by towering cacti in a desert garden setting.

Of course, we had to take advantage and do some portraits in the garden.


Her dress really was the highlight and was complemented so much by the tones in every corner of the garden.

Couple sharing a romantic moment outdoors, woman in white crochet dress smiling at man in gray suit near stone wall.
Close-up of a couple's hands resting together, showcasing a diamond engagement ring on the bride's finger.

Wedding Morning @ Eight4nine Restaurant

 

After a little drizzling the day before, wedding morning welcomed Palm Springs with clear skies and warm sunshine. The mountains made their return as the perfect backdrop while Alicia and CJ settled into a relaxed morning, surrounded by their closest family and friends before exchanging vows at 849 Restaurant.

Surrounded by towering palms and views of the San Jacinto Mountains, the setting captured everything people love about a Palm Springs wedding. It was elegant without feeling formal and intimate without sacrificing the beauty of the location. Truly, it was the perfect spot for their vision.

White modernist building with palm trees and mountain backdrop in Palm Springs, California.
Smiling blonde woman in cream crochet dress standing on elegant outdoor terrace with white decor.
Groom in dark suit with boutonniere and gold watch poses outdoors at elegant wedding venue with palm trees.

C

Smiling groom in a tailored suit with boutonniere adjusts his jacket button outdoors in a black and white photo.
Two tall palm trees rise against a clear blue sky beside a modern building with clean geometric lines.
Wedding card box display with gold geometric terrarium, succulent centerpiece, and decorative Cards sign on white table.
Black and white photo of a smiling blonde woman in a crochet top, touching her face, wearing a ring and earrings.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception with white chandelier, wicker chairs, and palm trees against mountain backdrop.
Groom and two groomsmen in suits smiling together in front of floral arch at outdoor wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of an elegant outdoor dining table set for a formal dinner under a decorative chandelier.
Two women posing under a gold arch with succulent floral arrangements at an outdoor wedding.
Black and white photo of elegantly dressed guests mingling at an outdoor event with decorative mirrors and wicker chairs.
White wrought iron chandelier with lit candles outdoors, framed by palm trees and mountain backdrop at dusk.
Guests mingling at an outdoor wedding reception in black and white photography.
Elegant wedding reception table five with succulent centerpiece in vintage wagon, white linens, crystal glasses, and folded napkins.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chair covers, floral arch, bare tree, and mountain views.
Black and white photo of outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of white chairs in a courtyard.
White sculptural bird-shaped planter holding a succulent plant on a patio near a bar area.
Elegant white wedding reception table setting with floral centerpiece, crystal glasses, and silverware on a white tablecloth.
Outdoor wedding reception with guests mingling near patio heaters, white chairs, and tables under a palm tree.
Lush floral bouquet featuring green hydrangeas, purple succulents, and mixed greenery for an elegant arrangement.
Two women hugging and smiling at an outdoor event, one in a white crochet dress with a hair accessory.
Elegant outdoor dining setup with white wicker chairs, pink tablecloths, and ornate white mirrors on a gray wall.

The Details

The Ceremony Begins


The ceremony unfolded beneath clear desert skies with the mountains creating a stunning backdrop behind every embrace, smile, and vow. It was a setting that felt effortlessly Palm Springs and the perfect place for the beginning of their next chapter.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated in white chairs under trees with mountain views.
Smiling groom in suit with boutonniere looks up joyfully outdoors at wedding ceremony.
Black and white wedding ceremony photo showing groom smiling at bride as officiant presides outdoors.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in Palm Springs with couple exchanging vows, mountain backdrop, lush greenery, and seated guests.
Bride in lace dress walks down outdoor aisle with escort, holding bouquet, guests watching at garden wedding ceremony.
Black and white wedding photo of bride and groom holding hands, reflected in an ornate vintage mirror outdoors.
Moments after "i do"

Walking Into Their Next Chapter

Bride and groom walk down outdoor wedding aisle surrounded by cheering guests with mountain backdrop.

Officially husband and wife, Alicia and CJ were welcomed with applause, happy tears, and endless smiles from everyone gathered to celebrate. Their joyful walk back down the aisle felt like the perfect reflection of the day they had dreamt of.

Bride and groom smile together at outdoor wedding reception with guests and patio heaters in background.
Bride and groom kissing while holding a succulent and berry wedding bouquet, bride wearing a white crochet dress.



A quick stop before the formalities for a few family formals

 

Wedding party celebrating outdoors in Palm Springs, bride in lace dress holding bouquet aloft with guests in formal attire.

Taking over 849's beautiful decor inside their restaurant for a few fun minutes to put their love and looks on display and a moment for themselves.

A bride and groom share a romantic kiss while seated on an elegant white throne chair at their wedding reception.
Bride in lace gown and groom in dark suit stand among white chairs at elegant black-walled wedding reception venue.
Wedding couple sharing a romantic kiss reflected in a mirror surrounded by elegant white china displays.

Can't go wrong with any corner or room here.

Couple shares a kiss outside a white modern building with mountains in background, black and white.
Elegant outdoor wedding cocktail hour with guests mingling along a courtyard pathway, mountain views and patio heaters at dusk.

Cocktail Hour



As cocktail hour got underway, guests gathered beneath the palms while enjoying drinks, conversation, and the relaxed Palm Springs atmosphere. The open-air courtyard at 849 Restaurant created the perfect setting for everyone to reconnect before the evening’s celebration continued, with the warm desert light transitioning into an inviting evening ambiance.

      An Intimate Reception

                     in Palm Springs

 

Elegant wedding table setting with succulent centerpieces, crystal glassware, white chairs, and candles on a lace tablecloth.
Elegant gourmet appetizer platter with assorted bite-sized hors d'oeuvres garnished with microgreens on a glass plate.

As the celebration continued, guests gathered for an intimate dinner at 849 Restaurant. Elegant tablescapes, seasonal bites, and a relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to slow down, connect, and celebrate Alicia and CJ in a way that felt warm, personal, and true to them.

White ornate bar cabinet topped with assorted liquor bottles including whiskey, tequila, and vodka.
Framed signature drink menu on white bar with cocktail napkins and bottles at an elegant event.
Elegant couple in formal attire descending marble stairs at a sophisticated venue during evening event.

A walk into their evening

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A light hearted and emotional gran entrance to start the formalities ahead

Black and white photo of a smiling couple in formal attire holding hands while walking down outdoor steps at night.
Black and white photo of a joyful bride and groom descending stairs hand in hand at their wedding reception.
A woman speaks at a wedding reception podium while a man in a suit stands beside her in a dimly lit venue.
Woman speaking at microphone during elegant indoor event with decorative mirrors and floral centerpieces on sequined tablecloth.
Guests seated at elegant round tables during a formal dinner event in a warmly lit venue.
A man in a suit speaks into a microphone beside a woman in a white dress at an elegant evening event.
A smiling bride and groom sit together at an elegantly decorated wedding reception table with white lace and floral centerpieces.
Woman in gray dress speaking into microphone at elegant evening event with candles in background.
Smiling bride and groom sit together at wedding reception table, woman in white dress, man in white shirt with black tie.
Woman giving a speech at an elegant wedding reception with decorative mirrors and floral arrangements.
Smiling groom in gray suit with boutonniere holds a drink while giving a speech at an elegant wedding reception.
Smiling couple seated at a wedding reception table, woman in crochet top and man in white shirt with bow tie.

Reception

Under the Palm Springs Night Sky

Black and white photo of a couple sharing their first dance at a wedding reception under warm evening lights.
Bride and groom share their first dance at an elegant indoor wedding reception with warm pendant lighting.
Guests mingling at an elegant indoor-outdoor evening event with warm ambient lighting and white furniture.



The evening slowed for just a moment as Alicia and CJ shared their first dance. It was effortless, joyful, and filled smiles a beautiful reflection of the relaxed, intimate celebration they had created from beginning to end.

Thank You for Following Along


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Bride and groom dancing joyfully at wedding reception surrounded by celebrating guests raising hands.
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