Joshua Tree | Destination Wedding Recap

The funky, weird and beautiful vibes of Joshua Tree...

A destination wedding...

Connecting with other creatives...

It was a whimsical and special time spent in Joshua Tree a couple weeks ago as Jen of Huntress designed florals for a destination wedding.

(Which, by the way, did you know that we offer destination wedding services?!)

We know that weddings and events as a whole are small right now, not happening as they were originally planned for. Given the current COVID-19 landscape, large-scale events have been adjusted to more intimate gatherings.

But here at Huntress, we choose to see the positive side of things. These intimate ceremonies are often the most memorable. We love them! And, we can’t wait to get back to even more destination weddings soon.

Destination events as a whole, are a favorite for Huntress Florals, as travel — whether near or far — is a part of our DNA. So, road-tripping to this local spot was such an incredible experience for us. There is so much magic in Joshua Tree… it’s artsy, grounding, and overall one of our favorite places to re-energize locally.

The wedding was beautiful and filled with personal touches — our favorite kind.

Here’s what Jen had to say about it:

Bride Bella is part of my friend’s family and we were fortunate to meet and spend some time during her visit to San Diego a few years ago. We’ve stayed connected since then, so I was thrilled when she decided to have her ceremony on the west coast and asked me to be part of her day!

The days leading up to the wedding were filled with close family and friends, Instagram-worthy AirBNBs, morning yoga, local vegan food, a stunning gown, a pair of cool boots, and of course the most kind and fitting fiancé.

Bella and Chris are a couple that radiates warmth and are so welcoming — their love and admiration for each other could be felt instantly. They put a lot of trust in my vision and let me do my thing with bringing their wedding florals to light…which I always appreciate, as my best work flows this way!

Bella & Chris:

the lovely bride & groom

So much goes into preparing for a destination wedding, from ordering the flowers, to remembering all of the tools and essentials, the travel, booking the right space to design and stay at, and more. Jen will elaborate on those details another time! It’s all part of the exciting adventure for us!

There’s something about expansive space that we’re all craving right about now, and Joshua Tree delivered! The warm glow of the sunshine, the nature sounds, the magical vortex energy of the location… Joshua Tree showed up and SHOWED OFF! It is an incredible place, and we got to rub shoulders with amazing people while we were there this time, too.

Meet Jessica

Jessica Castro Photography

The wedding photographer, Jessica (pictured above), was an individual that Huntress happened upon last year, during a day of doing the “Strangers With Flowers” project. Jessica’s energy resonated with Jen, so she asked her to pose with a Huntress bouquet.  After snapping her picture for Strangers With Flowers, they easily struck up a conversation. Turns out Jessica is an incredible photographer that moved from LA, and is currently living in Joshua Tree.

So, when the bride, Bella asked for local photographer recommendations, Jessica immediately came to mind and Jen HAD to connect the two. Bella offers Yoga online so she knew their soulful energies would mesh! And get this, turns out the bride and photographer went to the same college — wild! Talk about small world connections!

We live for these kind of heartwarming universal nods — when people and details come together and sync up almost effortlessly. When inspiring, creative people gather together, things come together so seamlessly! You never know when a random run-in could be the start of something amazing — a connection, a friendship, a collaboration, and experiences and memories to share.

So…

Here’s to traveling, even locally. 
Here’s to getting back into florals specifically for destination events.
Here’s to Joshua Tree and its unique, expansive space.
Here’s to creative people making magic together. 
Here’s to the universe connecting us humans in unexpected, beautiful ways.

Wedding Photos | @jessicacastrophotography

Bella’s Yoga | YouTube

A few of our Favorite Gratitude Quotes 🍂

Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite quotes on thankfulness to keep the momentum of a grateful spirit forging ahead, into the weekend.

Which quote resonates most for you? Comment below!

1. “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” (Amy Collette)

We love this quote, because we’ve experienced firsthand how powerful gratitude is. It really does spark happiness in your heart. And that joy? It’s quite contagious when you start within and then expand it out toward others and into the world ✨

2. “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” (Cicero)

So much of life, and so many virtues in this world, stem from gratitude. A thankful heart truly is a great starting point to live a rich, beautiful, full life 🖤

3. “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” (Brene Brown)

This quote by Brene Brown is so simple and profound. Paying attention and practicing gratitude — these two, things can cause loads of contentment. Even the mundane moments of life can be beautiful. Seek the beauty in the every day 💐

4. “Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” (Alphonse Karr)

We saved the best for last! This quote is one of our all-time favorites. Thankfulness and perspective go together. Sometimes all we need is to choose to see the glass as half full, or, in this case, the thorns with the roses. What a glorious way to view life 🌹

Flower Therapy Offering | November 12 & 13

Our biweekly Flower Therapy is coming to you again, on November 12 and 13!

We can all agree that times are tough. Life is messy and imperfect and wonderful and beautiful — all at the same time. Why don’t you lift your spirits and celebrate the small gifts life offers us with some flower therapy?

A simple way to brighten your day, or add a smile to a loved one’s face. Our beautiful blooms will lighten your home, bring some nature inside, and make you feel a bit more alive.

Wrapped bouquets or vased arrangements available, pricing begins at $40+. Free curbside pickup in North Park. *Service only available locally in San Diego at this time.

Send us a DM us on Instagram or text us at 619.777.6188 and we’ll get you on your way to some #flowertherapy soon! Sending you SO MUCH LOVE ♥

Día de los Muertos | 2020

Day of the Dead is my most favorite and meaningful celebration.

The theme may be death, but the purpose is remembrance and celebration. Today, during the Day of the Dead — may you, alongside me —  honor those who have passed.

Remember their stories. Remember their love. Remember their dreams. Remember their lives.

Let’s express love and gratitude for the times that we were able to share with our loved ones!

There is no loss without love. I’ll gratefully surrender to both.

All Hallows Eve | 2020

The leaves have turned from their vibrant oranges and yellows and reds, and are falling back to the earth. The warm apple cider smells divine. The air is chilled, the fireplace is roaring, the pumpkins are carved and creative costumes are abundant. Childhood nostalgia settles in.

Even if you don’t live in a part of the world that experiences all of these autumn happenings — the seasons are still changing, it’s a time to embrace the darkness, go inward, and reflect. We want to wish you a safe and memorable Halloween!

It may be different this year in some respects, but we still hope you get indulge in the traditions that make you feel at home in the spirit of the holiday.

Remember to also bask in the full moon light tonight!