A Golf Course Wedding in Palm Desert: Katherine + Ethan

A Relaxed and Intentional Desert Willow Wedding Day

Some wedding days stay with you long after they’re over. Not because of how they looked, but because of how they felt – full of laughter, movement, and love that shows up in quiet, unexpected moments. Katherine and Ethan’s wedding day was exactly that.

From the start, they wanted their day to feel relaxed, personal, and genuinely them. Not about perfection but about presence. The kind of celebration where you can breathe, laugh, and actually enjoy the people you love. It was a beautiful fit for a mix of film and digital wedding photography, where timeless imagery meets honest, in-between moments.

Being Present: A Wedding Day Focused on What Matters

Katherine and Ethan chose to do a first look, setting the tone for the entire day. When Ethan saw Katherine, his immediate reaction was, “You look hot!” a moment that was funny, grounding, and so them. Any nerves disappeared, and the day unfolded with ease from there.

Family was at the heart of the day. Katherine’s brother officiated the ceremony, Ethan’s parents walked him down the aisle together, and having their grandparents there meant everything. Their niece served as flower girl, and later, Katherine shared a first dance with her mom, something she’s dreamed of for years. These were the moments that mattered most.

One of the most special moments of the day unfolded during sunset on the golf course, when the light turned soft and golden and the world seemed to slow down just for them. It was the kind of magical light photographers dream of, but more than that, it was the way Katherine and Ethan melted into each other. They were fully present, completely focused on one another, as if the camera wasn’t even there. Those few quiet minutes together felt intimate and grounding, a pause to breathe it all in before the celebration continued.

They joined cocktail hour, spent real time with their guests, and soaked in the celebration they had so thoughtfully planned. And of course Zara, their dog and the undeniable star of the family, was woven throughout the day.

As the night unfolded, the reception felt warm and effortless. Katherine and Ethan had their first dance to “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton, and Katherine and her mom shared a special dance to the Gilmore Girls song “Where You Lead I Will Follow”.

The dance floor quickly filled with laughter, great dance moves, and constant motion. Guests poured their energy into the celebration, and Katherine and Ethan were right there in the middle of it all, staying present and fully immersed.

A Classic California Wedding Rooted in Connection

What stood out most wasn’t just how beautiful the day was, but how fully Katherine and Ethan felt it. They laughed, cried, and trusted the day to unfold naturally, and it did.

When couples say they want their wedding to feel like home, this is what that looks like. A joyful, family-centered celebration captured with intention which is the kind of day I love documenting as a luxury California wedding photographer shooting both film and digital.

Until Next Time,

xx

Allie

Wedding Vendors:

Florist: @jflowershop

Venue: @desertwillowweddings

DJ: @secondsong_official