JJ and Cristina were friends ever since they were kids growing up in New Jersey. Although life took them both in different directions they stayed in contact throughout high school and even later when they both went off to college. It was around this time that Cristina and JJ connected on a more personal and romantic level. They would eventually move out to the west coast to pursue their careers, settling downing San Francisco as the relationship continued to grow in the pacific time zone. An amazing relationship turned into an engagement when JJ proposed to Cristina during a hike at Zion National Park in Utah. The couple talked at length about their wedding day, considering a big wedding in New Jersey or maybe something smaller in the San Francisco area. But after some thought and factoring in the demanding schedule of their jobs the bride and groom decided on destination wedding in Palm Springs!
The bride and groom flew from San Francisco to the Southern California desert, booking a suite at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. The groom wore a perfectly fitted blue suit and the bride rocked a elegant wedding dress that was sleeveless, making it perfect for those high temperatures in the desert. After getting ready at Ace Hotel the bride and groom took some portraits around the trendy hipster hotel before heading out to the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center. Cristina and JJ were accompanied by JJ’s father along with Cristina’s parents and two sisters who were the only wedding guests. The families parked at the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center and walked out into the desert toward the San Jacinto mountains. Once JJ and Cristina found a spot they wanted to say their, “I Dos” at the Palm Springs wedding officiant (Cristina’s sister) proceeded with the wedding ceremony. There were laughs, tears, an exchange of wedding rings and finally a union between these two incredible people. After the wedding ceremony concluded the bride and groom had more portraits done in the desert and at the ‘Welcome to Palm Springs” sign before finally heading back to the Ace Hotel for dinner and drinks. Below are some of the photographs from Cristina and JJ’s elopement in Palm Springs, California!
Congrats to Cristina and JJ!
Thank you to Palm Spring Wedding Photographer Ryan Horban for sharing Cristina and JJ’s romantic elopement in Palm Springs! Those interested in viewing more photography from this Southern California wedding artist can visit his website and wedding blog for more photography!