Karen and Paul’s wedding was an intimate, design-forward celebration set against the otherworldly landscape of The Invisible House in Joshua Tree. With only 35 guests, the couple embraced the minimalist architecture of the glass-walled venue, allowing the vast desert and its golden light to become a central part of their day.
Their “desert meets modern” theme unfolded in every detail—pampas grass arrangements with soft pink accents, a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and an effortlessly chic reception beside the house’s 100-foot indoor pool. As the sun set behind the rocky terrain, the glowing reflections of the venue and the warm energy of their loved ones created an atmosphere that felt both futuristic and deeply personal.
Location: Joshua Tree, California, USA
Style: Modern, Minimalist, Nature-Inspired
Number of guests: 35
Setting: Desert
Season: Fall
Karen and Paul’s story began in California, where they met while working at a tech startup that brought Paul in from South Africa. Their connection was immediate, and after a year and a half of adventures together, Paul proposed on the pristine beaches of St. Martin. Now based in Denver, the couple shares a passion for technology and travel, documenting their cross-country journeys in their Airstream as Airbnb Superhosts and content creators. Their love for exploration and innovation shaped not only their lifestyle but also their wedding—an intimate, design-driven celebration that perfectly reflected their adventurous spirit.
Pre-wedding Day
Arriving at The Invisible House the day before their wedding, Karen and Paul took time to soak in the surreal beauty of their venue. With the golden desert stretching endlessly around them, they kicked off their celebration with a private photoshoot featuring their beloved Airstream.
As avid travelers, their Airstream represents years of adventure together, making it the perfect personal touch to their wedding memories. Wandering through the venue’s sleek interiors and rugged surroundings, they captured quiet, intimate moments before ending the day with a private poolside celebration—just the two of them, under the vast desert sky.
"The night before, they captured their love and adventurous spirit with a charming photoshoot featuring their beloved Airstream, which they travel around the country in."
Their photographer, Laura Memory, was the perfect choice to document their wedding. Her ability to blend modern aesthetics with natural landscapes made every frame feel effortless and cinematic. The way she played with the reflections of the house, the soft desert light, and the couple’s easy chemistry resulted in beautiful images. Her work not only highlighted the futuristic architecture of the venue but also captured Karen and Paul’s adventurous essence, turning their pre-wedding moments into a visual story.
Morning Together
Karen and Paul started their wedding day with a quiet morning, taking in the desert views from floor-to-ceiling windows. In matching pajamas, they sipped coffee and wrote their vows, letting the stillness of the landscape set the tone for the day. With no rush and no distractions, they had time to reflect, laugh, and be fully present before the official part began.
"The following morning, the couple embraced a cozy and personal moment as they wrote their vows in their pajamas, sipping coffee together while gazing out at the expansive desert views."
Ceremony
Karen and Paul wanted a wedding that felt like an extension of their adventurous lifestyle—modern, intimate, and deeply connected to nature. The Invisible House in Joshua Tree was the perfect setting, with its mirrored glass walls reflecting the vast desert and creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Nestled on 90 acres of private land, the venue blended seamlessly into the landscape, offering panoramic views of the rugged terrain. Its sleek, minimalist design aligned perfectly with the couple’s vision: a space where modern architecture and untouched nature could coexist.
Planning a wedding at such a distinctive venue required careful attention to detail, and Karen took the lead in curating every element herself. From the color palette of warm neutrals with soft pink accents to the floral arrangements of pampas grass and delicate blooms, every choice reflected the couple’s love for understated elegance. With the vast desert as their backdrop, the wedding design remained intentionally simple, allowing the landscape to shine.
Karen and Paul, surrounded by their closest family and friends, exchanged heartfelt vows that reflected their journey and shared dreams. Their nine nieces and nephews played an essential role, standing beside them as flower bearers and ring carriers, adding a meaningful family connection to the moment. With every word spoken, every glance exchanged, and every laugh shared, their love felt unmistakable. As they sealed their vows and walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, their expressions of pure happiness said everything—this was the start of their greatest adventure yet.
"Surrounded by their nine nieces and nephews, Karen and Paul exchanged deeply personalized vows that reflected their unique journey together."
Cocktail Hour
As the sun dipped lower, guests gathered outside of the house for a relaxed cocktail hour, sipping drinks from a bar set up next to Karen and Paul’s Airstream. The newlyweds mingled with friends and family, sharing laughter and stories while flipping through personalized wedding menus.
The desert breeze carried light conversation as the children ran through the sand in their beautiful flower crowns. Against the golden glow of the mirrored house reflecting the landscape, the moment felt effortless—just the way Karen and Paul had envisioned it.
"Karen and Paul's decision to center the wedding around their beloved nieces and nephews made the day uniquely unforgettable, blending family love with an extraordinary celebration."
Private Moment
As the last light began to fade, Karen and Paul slipped away for a quiet moment together, walking hand in hand. The reflection of the desert, the soft glow of candlelight, and the rising moon created an almost dreamlike scene. Paul spun Karen in a playful dance, and her dress caught the movement as their laughter echoed in the stillness. Laura Memory Photography captured these intimate moments, using the house’s reflective surfaces and fading daylight to frame the couple in a way that felt both modern and timeless. Every shot felt effortless, preserving the quiet joy of their first moments as husband and wife.
"For instance, our photographer and videographer went above and beyond."
Fiesta
The reception took place inside The Invisible House, where the sleek, floor-to-ceiling windows created a dramatic contrast against the warm, organic decor. A long, elegantly set table stretched along the indoor pool, draped with soft blush linens and lined with crystal glassware. Towering floral arrangements of pampas grass, dried blooms, and delicate pink flowers added texture and movement, blending seamlessly with the venue’s modern aesthetic. As the desert landscape faded into twilight, the flickering candlelight and the reflections in the glass walls made the entire space feel ethereal—like something out of a dream.
"As the night unfolded, the beauty of the desert landscape and the innovative design of the venue created an enchanting glowing backdrop, making it an unforgettable celebration for all."
Guests gathered around the table for a relaxed and intimate dinner, enjoying thoughtfully prepared dishes while sharing heartfelt toasts. Karen and Paul’s first dance took place by the pool, with the mirrored walls reflecting every movement, making the moment feel cinematic. Later in the evening, they cut into their minimalist yet elegant wedding cakes, one adorned with soft pink brushstrokes and the other with delicate white detailing.
As the night unfolded, the energy shifted, with a Golden Bell Music DJ and live musicians bringing guests to the dance floor. With neon lights casting a cool glow over the glassy space and champagne flowing freely, the celebration carried on late into the night.
Advice from the couple:
• Prioritize spending quality time with your spouse on your big day, as it’s easy to get caught up in the details.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff—focus instead on soaking up every precious moment, because the day passes quickly.
• Surround yourself with a supportive team of wedding vendors who will not only help with logistics, but also provide encouragement and assistance when things don’t go as planned.
PHOTOGRAPHER Laura Memory Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Sea to Summit Films | VENUE The Invisible House | HAIR Hair by Tiffany | MUSIC Golden Bell Music | CATERING Krafted Culture Catering | DRESS Jenny Yoo | COUPLE Karen & Paul
