What happens when a South African meets a Canadian in French class?
A 12 year relationship that leads to the ultimate international destination wedding in Palm Springs!

Berrit and Joe wanted to have a destination wedding so that all of their friends and family could experience not only the wonderful desert oasis, but Southern California. Family and friends came from literally all over the world. Places like Hong Kong, England, Germany, South Africa, Canada, and the USA. It was truly the family reunion of a lifetime!

Leading up to the wedding day there were lots of activities to keep all of their friends and family busy. From golf tournaments to hiking to a huge fiesta dinner night. Everyone had the chance to catch up on everything they had missed from when they last spoke. For Berrit and Joe, family and friends are such a huge component of their lives as a couple together. From sharing intimate moments like when Joe’s grandmother made Berrit’s engagement ring. To when Joe proposed on a family lake house overlooking the Kananaskis Valley.

The wedding took place at the beautiful Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert, California.

With a luscious green golf course and tons of palm trees, not to mention a beautiful lake, it was the perfect desert oasis look for Berrit and Joe’s wedding. From getting high heels stuck in the grass while walking down the isle to celebrating their love with a traditional South African drink, this wedding was one for the hall of fame!
Throughout the day there was always a Sloth stuffed animal following the bride and groom around. Why would there be a sloth you might ask? The sloth became the animal that Berrit picked out for Joe. An exotic animal that intrigued Joe’s mind. From storybook animals as their wedding cake topper to getting photo-bombs of the sloth, can you tell that Berrit and Joe love nature?

For me the wedding of Berrit and Joe was not only a chance to capture their love story and the next chapter of their lives together. It was the short journey of becoming great friends. Berrit and Joe are literally the most honest and kindest people I have ever met. They are so selfless and dependent on making everyone around them feel loved and appreciated. I am so glad I had the camera to block my face, because I was balling like a baby! The overwhelming support and love from friends and family all over the world was just an incredible experience. I will never forget how this family loves one another. Their love is truly unconditional and they made me feel like part of the family.

GET THE LOOK:

Wedding Coordinator: The WE Studio
Day-of Coordinator: The Walk Down the Aisle
Florals: Madison Workshop West
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Officiant: Joyful Weddings
Hair and Make-Up: J. Russell Salon
DJ: Digital Party Sound
Cake: Over the Rainbow
Rehearsal Dinner: Tommy Bahamas