The optimal way to marry in 2020: elopements. Elopements aren’t what they used to be — a runaway couple escaping unaccepting parents, or pressure-applying families only to wed before the courts, in a Vegas chapel, or before a Justice-of-the-Peace. Millennials (and some Zoomers) are responsible for their hip, chic rebrand. Elopements now include luxe bridal wear, gorgeous florals, pretty ceremonies, and more. Just because life is harder doesn’t mean style is sacrificed.

Meet Sheika & Nadia

Sheika and Nadia are two dynamic. Black women from Oakland graced with an abundance of love, stylish demeanors, and a vision to marry despite an incredibly challenging year. They chose Joshua Tree because of its seclusion and connection to earthy elements and ancestry. They had actually never been there before, but clearly it was the perfect fit. As droves of couples had to unexpectedly postpone, or cancel, their weddings due to COVID-19, Sheika & Nadia kept it simple and elegant, and focused on just the two of them with one on the way.

Design & Venue

The planning and design team at Wildly Collective served up desert-elegant vibes with an intimate ceremony and reception pour deux at Somewhere Joshua Tree. Don’t get us wrong, we love weddings of ALL sizes, but if you are going to do an elopement take notes from this visually stunning story captured by Shelby Ann Photography.

Pre-Ceremony

Beauty

Nadia and Sheika are naturally gorgeous women, but their radiance and beauty emanated with make-up by Angelica G. Patten and hair coiffed by TC Hair Suite. We love all the pre-ceremony photos of the two getting ready, first looks, and all the details that made this an extraordinarily stylish elopement.

Bridal Wear & Accessories

Both women leaned into modern, chic looks. Nadia in a wide-V jumpsuit and Sheika in an asymmetrical sleek and fashion-forward bridal gown. The ladies also adorned gorgeous footwear. Sheika’s open-toed beige shoes with a block heel evoked a vintage-y vibe, while Nadia’s white sandals were adorned with feminine embellishments. We would be remiss if we failed to mention the stunning gold jewelry and accessories. Sheika rocked a modern take on a veil made of netting, feathers, and sparkle. Another nod to eras past, yet updated for young women. We also love these accessories and native elements to Joshua Tree incorporated into the flat lay for a complete picture.

Florals

Floral design by Offerings may not only be familiar to some fans, but her work is jaw-dropping. If you recently tuned in to the first of its kind HBO Max’s floral competition, Full Bloom, you will see Schentell perform her magic with flowers. Aside from that, her work on Nadia & Sheika’s wedding is what stopped us in our tracks before we even realized who did it.

We love new and creative ways couples are wearing florals. Nadia slayed it with an arm band delicately wrapped with perfectly balanced florals: a more innovative and unique departure of yesteryear’s corsage. We’ve seen florals and plants made into wearable pieces, but we haven’t seen the arm band before. We are all in!

Let’s not forget about Sheika’s insanely beautiful bouq. The balance of colors is the perfect palette for a place like Joshua Tree. The bold, yet romantic colors take our collective breath away. Flowers also appeared on the romantic dinner for two reception table.

Ceremony

With a little one on the way, these wanted to commit to each other in a traditional sense and exchange vows. Vow Soiree officiated the intimate elopement with poise and grace. Our beautiful Gabrielle Gold Carriage Lanterns with votives in different heights thoughtfully arranged by Wildly Collective lit up the room with an inviting warmth. Sheika and Nadia stood atop our Brooklyn Gold & Cream Faux Cowhide Rug hand in hand. The perfect focal point to capture their love and exchange their commitments. The neutral tones are the ideal specialty rentals with the Joshua Tree Bohemian atmosphere.

Reception

Sheika and Nadia’s sweet, intimate reception was decorated with romantic elements throughout such as show-stopping tableware by Telluria and Wildly Collective. They enjoyed a private, candle-lit, catered meal tailored to their liking by No Worries Chefs. The ladies cut a rug, our cute Summer Rug, dancing to music by Reverend Doctor. A perfect way to end a perfect day filled with nothing but love and good vibes.

Thank you for letting us play a role in your important day, Sheika & Nadia. We wish you a lifetime full of love and happiness!

xo, Provenance Rentals

Credits: Specialty Rentals (Gabrielle Gold Carriage Lanterns; Brooklyn Gold & Cream Faux Cowhide Rug): Provenance Rentals | Photography: Shelby Ayn Photography | Planning & Design: Wildly Collective | Venue: Somewhere Joshua Tree | Make-up Artist: Angelica G. PattenHair Stylist: TC Hair Suite | Florals: Offerings | Officiant: Vow Soiree | Tableware : Telluria and Wildly Collective | Catering: No Worries Chefs | Musician: Revered Soiree | Recently Featured/Published on Dancing with Her