A Romantic Joshua Tree Elopement at Hidden Valley
Joshua Tree has a way of stripping everything back to what matters most.
This editorial shoot took place in Hidden Valley inside Joshua Tree National Park — a landscape defined by sculptural rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, and warm desert light. The setting felt raw and expansive, creating the perfect contrast to soft, romantic florals designed to feel organic and effortless within the desert environment.
I was brought on specifically to design the florals for this shoot, allowing the natural surroundings to guide the color palette, textures, and overall movement of the arrangements.
Floral Design Inspired by the Desert
For this editorial, the florals were designed to feel grounded yet romantic — airy enough to belong in the open desert, but refined enough to elevate the ceremony space. Soft neutral blooms, delicate textures, and gentle movement were key, allowing the florals to complement the landscape rather than compete with it.
The circular ceremony installation framed the couple beneath the Joshua trees, creating a sense of intimacy within the vast desert setting. The goal was to enhance the natural beauty already present — not overpower it — letting the light, shadows, and surroundings do much of the storytelling.
A Timeless Desert Setting
Hidden Valley is one of those locations that feels both dramatic and quiet at the same time. As the sun dipped lower, the desert light softened, casting long shadows and adding warmth to the scene. It’s the kind of place that makes even a simple moment feel meaningful.
This shoot was a beautiful reminder of why Joshua Tree continues to be such a powerful elopement destination — it’s wild, romantic, and deeply grounding all at once.
Vendor Credits
Floral Design: Desert Rose Creative
Photography: Cassie Beth Photo
Makeup: Callie Allen Makeup
Workshop Host: Stephanie Marie Education
Location: Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park