Today's couple, Madi + David, have known each other since they were eleven years old!! They grew up together in the area of Coachella Valley, Palm Desert and Palm Springs, to be exact. They frequented The Living Desert - a desert botanical garden and zoo - during class field trips + outings, so it was a natural choice for them to use it as their wedding venue! Incorporating their love of animals, wildlife, and their desert home with this meaningful nostalgia - M+D's day was perfectly them.

Planned by Laurel & Rose, the magic of the outdoor setting was captured by Chris J Evans. Adding to the atmosphere, the 'maids wore incredible matching embroidered dresses (that are seriously SWOON worthy). Ready to be transported to the desert? Let's look!

How gorgeous is Madi's lacy dress by YolanCris? It's almost like an updated take on the two-piece wedding dress; however, this one features a semi-sheer front instead!

Say HELLO to all the embroidered goodness of these For Love and Lemons dresses!

Unfortunately this dress is no longer available, but if you're searching for a similar dress, check out some of our faves of the moment!

We love how the florals by Vaso Bello pick up the bold magenta hues.

Processional: Our House by Crosby, Stills, and Nash​ (played + sung by Andrew Corradini)

Recessional: I'm into Something Good by Herman's Hermits (played + sung by Andrew Corradini)​

First Dance: ​Best Friend by Queen (played + sung by Andrew Corradini)

We both agree it was the best day of our lives. We were surrounded by our family and friends, and the love we felt with everyone and each other was almost tangible. Right before our officiant blessed the rings, he asked that all 210 of our guests join hands all the way to our ring bearer, creating a spiritual and physical chain of connection of all of our loved ones to our rings as they were blessed. It was incredible.

Another favorite moment of mine was my sister's Maid of Honor speech. My father passed away twelve years ago, so he was not there physically. My sister found a recording of a speech he made to me my senior year of high school. She played it during the speeches and it was unbelievable. I felt my dad with us the entire day and especially in that moment.

How cool is this?!

A painted potted cactus pad for a table number? Genius!

So elegant! We love the way the copper/rose gold foil of the menu was picked up by the flatware.

1. If you are a procrastinator like me, follow some sort of timeline and stick to it. It comes so fast.
2. During the day, take a moment with your partner to "take it all in." Stop whatever you are doing, look around you, and take it all in. A few people told us to do this and we did a few times throughout the day. It was surreal. ​
3. Trust your gut with whatever decision you are making. Remember this day is about you and your partner.

WHAT. A. DAY. Congrats Madi + David!!

photography: CHRIS J EVANS // venue name: The Living Desert, Palm Springs, California, USA // planning: Laurel & Rose // florals: Vaso Bello // wedding dress: YolanCris // videography: Noteworthy Weddings // music: Andrew Corradini