Today’s intimate destination wedding took place at a rather unique location – a California fault line in the desert! You read right guys and gals, this darling couple said “I do” to trekking out to the San Andreas fault line in Indio Hills, CA. Even more special was that Amanda and Greg’s nuptials were planned by the groom’s sister, wedding planner Mary Sushinski of Occasions.
We asked Mary to share this happy couple’s happily ever after day with us. “It’s not every day a planner gets a VIP wedding. Especially when that VIP happens to be my brother, Greg. I was honored that I was part of my big brother’s wedding day to the sweetest gal ever, Amanda. When they told me they were going to get married I was elated! Then when they told me they wanted to tie the knot “ON” the San Andreas Fault Line I was like this is going to be so cool! Coolness was an understatement! Never in my 12 years of planning weddings have I ever been a part of a wedding that actually took place on the fault line. I already knew that this wedding was going to be unlike any other and I was not disappointed.
Greg and Amanda began the day with a fun and casual photo shoot at Miramonte Resort with the A-mazing photography artistry of Jen & Nate Berggren of B&G Photography. Everyone was so relaxed and having fun taking photos. No rush and no pressure.
Then we took a drive to a remote area in Indio (just outside of Palm Springs) where we then took a 30 minute “Jeep Tour” into the heart of the fault line. Hair blowing in the wind, shades on this was no ordinary drive.
I surprised Amanda with her bridal bouquet made by Jackie Combs Floral Design. At one point Greg found a tumbleweed along the hike. He picked it up like his pitchfork and someone shouted out that it was his “Bro-quet” again the laughter ensued.
Along the way we discovered that what we thought were rock walls were actually the ground pushed up from the fault! It crumbled in your hands! We hiked/shimmied into a small canyon that was like an amphitheater. Words can’t describe it so I’m glad Jen & Nate’s photos can!
The surroundings were so peaceful and lovely and there was no one else for miles. It took all my effort not to cry as I watched my brother and his bride exchanged vows. By the way did I tell you I officiated the ceremony? Of course knowing my brother and Amanda they are with a big sense of humor and in the moment type of couple, decided to use their blue ring sizers because their bands weren’t ready yet and we all had a good laugh as they pulled them out to show us!
After the ceremony we took a short 200ft climb to a small mesa and the magnificent sight of the Palm Springs valley below. After another short drive with Desert Adventures, our driver brought us to an overlook for sunset that was as far as the eye could see. The sunset was a firework of colors from amber, fuchsia, and settling in to violet. We sipped champagne and had a cocktail hour of cheese, fruit and nuts from the picnic basket around the campfire.
The evening concluded with an intimate dinner at The Grove Artisan Kitchen at Miramonte Resort. It was effortless and fun! This day couldn’t be any more perfect if I tried.”
Congratulations Amanda and Greg!
Destination Wedding Photographer: B&G Photography
Wedding Vendors: Location: Fault Line, Wedding Planner + Officiant: Occasions, Reception Venue: Miramonte Resort & Spa / Dinner at The Grove Artisan Kitchen, Floral Design: Lotus & Lily, Transportation: Desert Adventures
