Sharon and Kelly’s elopement was the most magical day spent at the luxury hotel, Korakia Pensione, in Palm Springs. The stunning Moroccan styled villas and 1920’s architecture created the dreamiest bohemian sanctuary and wedding venue perfection. The grounds were bordered with the brightest bougainvilleas, the air smelled like jasmine, and the San Jacinto mountains surrounding the villas made it the perfect desert oasis.
Sharon + Kelly chose to do an intimate elopement wedding at one of the private suites at Korakia Pensione. Nestled beneath the palm trees was their villa’s courtyard, which turned into a wedding sanctuary. For the first-look photos Kelly burst out of the bedroom so fast that there wasn’t enough time for the “first-look”, but I captured the moment that she surprised everyone, and we ended up loving the candid photos of the first moments in her wedding dress. They had a Buddhist inspired ceremony with a small altar, incense, mala beads, and ceremonial hand tying. The mala beads were wrapped around each of their wrists, symbolizing their union. It was the definition of a true elopement with their close friend officiating, and a FaceTime call to family across the country who could watch from afar. The lighting was surreal as the glowing desert sun faded into the evening. Sharon and Kelly exchanged rings and we took portraits around the grounds. Afterwards, they celebrated their union with a gorgeous white cake covered in orange peonies and champagne.
I loved how I could focus on shooting just the two of them being so present with each other. That’s the beauty of elopements. No one else matters in that moment except the one you are spending the rest of your life with. We ended the night with a private dinner and wine by the fire, just the way we like it!
Venue: Korakia Pensione
Dress: Bec + Bridge
Florist: Desert Rose
Cake: Over the Rainbow
