2 Brits & a Palm Springs Joshua Tree Elopement

Aimee + Ryan

Aimee and Ryan are 100% dream clients, if I may say. This was an absolute perfect day and I cannot describe how stoked I am to be blogging this and telling you all about our 7 hours together. When they inquired, they wanted to book me for just a few hours to capture their Palm Springs courthouse elopement and some photos out in Joshua tree and the retro desert city of Palm Springs.

Love Story:

These two met in British “college” (aka late high school) and live in Southampton, England. When they first met, neither one of them had the nerve to talk to each other. Obviously one of them finally worked up the courage; otherwise we wouldn’t be here today! Just a few months ago, also they bought a house together. They’ve been together for a total of 9 years! So crazy!!!

One thing characteristic about their relationship is their love of travel. For their next trip, they want to do a big drive across the entire USA!

For Aimee’s birthday one year, Ryan took her on a trip to Paris! Ahem, excuse me while I swoon. Ryan was like “it’s not that big a deal as people think. Paris is only a couple hour train ride from us” and I was like “DO NOT DOWNPLAY THIS, RYAN. THAT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING I’VE EVER HEARD.” Then I gave my boyfriend, Gavin, puppy dog eyes (Gavin joined us for the day). He was like “uh yeah that’s not happening.” Cue burst of laughter. But it was a sad moment for Bree.

The Trip Across the Pond:

They’ve always been in love with Southern California, so Ryan proposed to Aimee here on a trip out here, and it only made sense for them to tie the knot while here on vacation as well. After their trip, which consisted of Disneyland, a driving along the California coast, & obviously marriage, they got together with their family and friends for a reception back home.

Marriage:

They said they Googled a bunch of places in the area to take pictures at, and they wanted photos everywhere!!! See what I mean; they’re a photographer’s dream.

  • First stop: First look at their Airbnb

  • Second stop: Courthouse for the ceremony (and back to the airbnb cuz Ryan forgot his super stylish emerald green wool suit jacket)

  • Third stop: All the best places around Palm Springs to capture their love for the retro desert vibe city

  • Next: Cabazon Dinosaurs off the highway for some random and silly photos cuz why not

  • Food: In N Out (because California, duh!) Pro tip: tell them it’s your wedding day to get free stickers!

  • Next: Sunset in Joshua Tree National Park at the secret spots I picked out for them.

Their elopement was a dream. Aside from their incredible and deep love for each other, all the logistical things went pretty well! Aside from getting kicked out of one of the hotels (but we were already leaving…). Here’s what else happened:

Ryan has a love for film photography, so of course he took a bunch of photos on his disposable camera throughout the day.

We got the Californian delicacy for lunch and dinner: In N Out. Scroll to the bottom for the hilarious and messy sunset photos we took of them eating their burgers and shakes.

Also, Ryan taught me some new words. I had my mind blown because a:

  • British “crumpet” = pancake, not a biscuit.

  • British “pancake” = granola bar

  • British “biscuit” = shortbread cookie.

  • A “scone” = biscuit, but pronouced “scon.”

  • American scone = means nothing to a Brit.

I will never understand this… haha! Anyways, scroll all the way down for an epic story of our day.

I just got an email back from Aimee saying their reception went well (aside from the weather). However, they are so grateful they decided to get eloped without anyone else around. She said it truly made their day all about them.