If there’s anything the last couple of years has taught us, it’s that love conquers all. Despite the ever-changing guidelines and restrictions, tying the knot in 2020 still remained at the forefront of many couples’ minds. Whether they opted for courthouse nuptials, a backyard socially-distanced ceremony, or a private elopement amongst the snowy mountains… nothing would hold them back from marrying the love of their life. The love story of Maria and Ricky goes a little like that. 2 years later, I had the honor of capturing their Retro-Inspired Joshua Tree Elopement vow renewal! 

Maria and Ricky (a photo/video duo!) traveled from New York to Joshua Tree, California for their long-awaited “elopement”. In 2020, this sweet couple tied the knot in a New York City courthouse … far from either of their families; Ricky’s family is from Puerto Rico and Maria’s family is from Spain. They were honestly so content with their intimate courthouse wedding – until they started dreaming of an epic way to renew their vows! As husband and wife, Maria and Ricky arrived in Joshua Tree ready to say “I do” all over again.

Joshua Tree Elopement

Their wedding day (round 2) day began with them both getting ready separately and writing their vows. Ricky had written his vows on a piece of cardboard; as he transcribed his vows into the vow book, he wiped tears from his eyes. (If you’re wondering, I did the same.) While writing his vows, Ricky was able to FaceTime his family to include them in on the fun. The theme of the day was absolutely “How Many Times Will Sydney Cry?”… 😅

Maria and Ricky had an emotional first look outside the Airbnb. The emotion that poured from Ricky as he saw his bride in an actually wedding dress once again left me with tear-filled eyes. Hearing them express how truly special the moment was for them, years after such an unprecedented time, was honestly humbling and heartwarming. Once we wrapped up with their first look, we traveled to the most picturesque desert landscape surrounded by Joshua trees. They had rented a Convertible, which you know we had to take some epic photos in! Maria and Ricky seriously had the best time loving on one another, laughing, and frolicking around the desert. 

I think around this time, the number of times that I had cried was about 4; and we weren’t even close to done yet! Back at the Airbnb, Maria and Ricky were ready for their vow renewal ceremony. The floral display complimented the dramatic desert perfectly as the sunset gleamed in the background. Through many tears, Maria and Ricky renewed their vows and performed a Celtic ritual (handfasting) in which they bound their hands together to symbolize their two lives binding. The evening was such an emotional experience. 

After their ceremony, we parted ways for dinner. They returned back to the Airbnb after a bit for some vibey flash photos. Picture a vintage 70s-esque photoshoot and that’s exactly what it was! We had so much fun popping champagne and celebrating the perfect day.

Vendor Dream Team:

Photography: Sydney Breann Photography
Makeup: @janayvansylkbeauty
Hair: @hairbyt1ff3nny
Florals: @bloomandboomflorals
Dress: @reviveyosoul 

It was such an honor capturing Maria and Ricky’s Retro-Inspired Joshua Tree Elopement vow renewal. Dreaming of even more Joshua Tree?! Click HERE✨ for a Joshua Tree Engagement Session. Stay tuned for more INCREDIBLE content coming to the blog! Be the first to know when posts go live, where I’m traveling to next, and MORE over on Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto). Are you ready to wander?