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Whimsical desert wedding inspiration

November 3, 2015
Whimsical desert wedding portrait

Let’s just warn you right now: The florals in both of today’s posts are unreal. Starting with an oversized, wild, organic bouquet against the Sonoran Desert in the fall. Dreamy, yes? All of the elements April Maura Photography + Hytched Weddings & Events included in their whimsical fairytale themed editorial worked toward one goal: to ditch the conventional and go with the creation of your own fairytale, whatever that may be. 

Photobooth bus Wedding invitation

The purpose of this shoot is to inspire couples to plan a fairytale wedding that doesn’t follow the traditional and societal norms. Fairytale does not have to mean perfect golden blonde hair and crystal chandeliers… Couples can break all the rules and still plan a wedding that will delight and surprise their guests. Not to mention one that will photograph beautifully and remain classic for years to come. These photos will still be aesthetically pleasing to our grandchildren. That is so important when coming up with a design concept. It is too easy to do the trendy thing. Sometimes we need to stand back and ask ourselves what will actually stand the inevitable test of time. Originality, creativity, and a love of art and all things beautiful are values that this couple holds true to their hearts.

Wedding portrait Fall wedding florals Wedding calligraphy Wedding portrait Hand-dyed maroon chiffon gown

For this bride, her fairytale wedding dress was a stunning sheer hand-dyed maroon chiffon gown by Leonor Aispuro. Pretty!

Whimsical desert wedding portrait Photobooth bus Bridal bouquet

This bouquet again. Sigh. The specs: The bride’s bouquet and smaller arrangements by Juliet Le Fleur featured blush and white garden roses, burgundy hypericum berries, coral and blush spray roses, blue thistle, Lady Alice and Red Delicious apples, and camellia foliage and eucalyptus willow greenery. The groom’s boutonniere was made with a coral and blush spray rose.

Photobooth bus Fall wedding florals

Don’t forget to flip through the gallery for more flowers, desserts, and details!

  • Wedding invitation
  • Sprinkles cake
  • Escort cards
  • Cake table
  • Whimsical desert wedding decor
  • View More

Wise words from the team… A couple’s imagination is really their only obstacle when planning a whimsical/fairytale gothic inspired wedding. Anything playful, vintage, gothic, or fairytale could be incorporated into the shoot if done the right way. Some awesome centerpiece ideas include crystal balls or hourglasses, or glass slippers as centerpieces, or a pumpkin carriage for the grand entrance. Be careful not to mash up too many concepts/styles that do not fit well together. Figure out exactly what direction the theme is headed in, and keep your design consistent and in line with that vision. Make a brand board for the wedding, and follow it religiously to keep your ideas from getting incoherent or out of hand.

Thanks to April, Natasha, and the creatives below who brought everything together!

Photographer: April Maura Photography / Venue: The Boulders Resort & Spa / Wedding Planner & Designer: Natasha of Hytched Weddings & Events / Flowers: Juliet Le Fleur / Hair: Veronica Robin at La Lou Salon / Makeup Artist: Emily Huizar / Stationery: Paper and Posies / White Cake: Ruze Cake House / Sprinkle Cake: La Grande Orange / Vintage Drawer Chest & Upholstered Chair: Hytched Weddings & Events / Vintage Trunks: Urban Southwest / Photobooth: The Foto Booth Bus / Bride’s Gown: Leonor Aispuro / Groom’s Wardrobe: Celebrity Tux and Tails / Models: Christina Reynard & Sean Sommer