Oh my GOSH, why have I not blogged this wedding sooner? Tori and Joe had the most amazing earthy, bohemian (boho) desert wedding over at Tercero by Aldea. This day was one I had looked forward to for a very, very long time because I absolutely adore Tori and Joe.
Wedding Inspiration
I have to write more about Tori’s inspiration for her bohemian desert wedding because the way she described it deserves to be put in the spotlight. As a fellow Harry Potter fanatic, her response behind her inspiration puts me in my feelings!!
“Inspirations for the wedding are: boho, desert, southwest, and what I call “grandma’s house.” Think Mrs. Weasley’s Burrow in Harry Potter. I wanted moody, warm earth tones and desert wedding trends mixed with homey, eclectic, mis-matched clutter and chaos.”
You’ll see in the photos below, that her vision came to life almost perfectly. I never would have thought the miss-matched patterns and colors would go together like they did but they absolutely do. I especially love the pops of purple throughout all the oranges in the floral/table decor. Yes, yes, YES.
The Wedding Day
The wedding day was very laid back and I loved every second of it. The two got ready in separate areas as the venue; Joey and his friends were playing videogames together in the groomsmen suite, and Tori was jamming out to her wedding day playlist in the bridal suite. My favorite was when Lizzo came on (cause I am a huge raging Lizzo fan). When I saw Tori recently in March, she said she still had her playlist. I don’t doubt it’s a great one to come back to!
Tori opted to do a first look with her grandparents and it was so heart-warming. When they saw her in her gorgeous two-piece gown from Dreamers and Lovers she looked absolutely stunning. Her hairstyle fit the boho desert theme perfectly; down with a small braid in the back. Talk about serving LOOKS.
Tori and Joe’s first look was so intimate and emotional. The two exchanged private letters to each other and gifts. The look on Joe’s face when he saw his bride for the first time brought him to tears, and I stepped back to let the two enjoy that intimate time together. After everything was exchanged, we moved into family photos and wedding party photos. Not to get off-topic, but this another reason why first looks are awesome; we got everything out of the way before the ceremony.
Tori and Joe’s wedding party was a combination of their closest friends, all wearing colors similar to Tori’s description above; mismatched and yet perfect for each other. The floral prints mixed in was bohemian perfection.
The Ceremony
Before the ceremony, everybody hung out inside where the reception was to happen later. The wedding party was playing games at a table and Tori and Joe were mingling with family. When it got closer to wedding time, the two hid away in the bridal suite upstairs to wait.
Tori surprised her mom by playing a song the two cherish together as she walked down the aisle. The surprise brought her to tears and it was so precious to watch.
Joe works for Blizzard, which is the company behind many popular video games like World of Warcraft. One unique touch to their wedding that was perfect for them, was how the two walked down the aisle together to a song from the game. The smiles on their faces showed that it was the perfect song for them.
Reception Time!
After the wedding was over, I snuck away with Tori & Joe to do some photos of the two of them, and then it was time to party. Tori changed into some bell-bottom pants for the reception and she was rocking the look. Just when I thought the boho desert wedding couldn’t get any better, there she was just slaying it in those pants.
Classic dance songs played throughout the evening and the party began. When all was done, we finished with a sparkler exit just outside the venue where they shared a final kiss surrounded by their friends and family.
Afterward
I will never forget this wedding; it has been such a special journey getting to know Tori and Joey. I have seen them again since then to do a bride and groom shoot at Joshua Tree, and plan to meet up with them in California this fall/winter to catch up some more. They are such genuine people, being friends with them is so easy. My heart is swelling the more that I type this post with gratitude.
Thank you Tori & Joe for a spectacular day!
Vendor Credits
Venue: Tercero by Aldea
Videography: Simple & Bold Weddings
Dress: Dreamers and Lovers
Desserts: Sweet N Divine Baking
Catering: Four Peaks Brewing
Florals: AZ Flower Fix
DJ: Tony the Entertainer
Second Shooter: Kali M Photos
Are you looking for a photographer for your bohemian wedding day? Contact me HERE and let’s chat!!
WAY TO MAKE ME CRY ON A WEDNESDAY KHALI
But seriously, having you there with us on our wedding day was so special and only gets even more meaningful as the months pass and our friendship continues.
Any couples going through Khali’s blog and portfolio wondering if she’s you’re gal — she is. Every word is true and every smile is easy and genuine. Her photos are memories I will cherish forever and the bond she has built with us was completely unexpected but so appreciated.