Jackalope Ranch Wedding

This day was twelve years in the making.

Vladen and Michelle met as juniors in high school, through Michelle’s best friend, Christina. For Vladen, it was love at first sight; for Michelle, it was friendship first. They’d hang out from time to time, but eventually lost contact as they each went off after graduation for college and life. After they both moved back home to the desert after college, they ran into each other and through twists of fate, ended up becoming roommates (along with Christina) for a year. Even after spending a few years apart for college, Vladen always knew that Michelle was The One.

He’d tell her every day, “I’m going to marry you one day” and Michelle – well, Michelle made him work for it.

After a year of living together as roommates, Michelle briefly moved to LA and each of them got into new relationships. But when those relationships fizzled (coincidentally at the same time), Vladen started visiting Michelle. Like … Every. Single Weekend. He’d always come to hang out, and eventually Michelle realized that whenever he called, she’d get butterflies. And one day, she realized how in love she was with her best friend.

About a year later, Vladen proposed on one knee, and after he got up, he said,

“I’ve waited twelve years for this moment.”

Our friends Vladen + Michelle got married this past weekend at Jackalope Ranch in Indio, and it was nothing short of magical. We’ve worked so closely with the two of them over the last year, as well as Michelle’s mom Nancy, that we felt so at home with their family and friends. Pastor Dave Hotelling led a thoughtful and lovely ceremony, and when Vladen saw Michelle coming toward him for the first time as she was escorted by her father, Tom … oh, the tears. From him, from us, from everyone. It was the most absolute perfect moment.

After their ceremony, everyone headed to the outdoor patio at Jackalope Ranch for a delicious bar-b-que buffet of chicken, salmon, jalapeño mac n cheese and more tasty treats. California DJ Michael Capitanelli did a marvelous job at getting everyone on the dance floor – including doing a traditional Greek dance for Michelle’s great-grandmother YiaYia (who also happened to be celebrating her 89th birthday that day).

We are so grateful to have been part of their big day, and we’re so excited for all the plans they have for the future!! Congratulations, dear friends! xoxo

Vendor Love

venue + catering | Jackalope Ranch, Indio, CA

coordinator | Aurissa Parsons, Jackalope Ranch

officiant | Pastor Dave Hotelling

florals | My Little Flower Shop

dj | Michael Capitanelli, California DJ

cake | Exquisite Desserts

hair | Lori Espinoza

makeup | Anita Rubalcava

invitations | Minted

bridal gown | Blush Bridal Couture

tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse

jewelry | Tustin Jewelry Exchange

hotel | Indian Wells Resort

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Indio?

Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a western Arizona wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.

I am happy to serve couples from Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Prescott, Kingman, Skull Valley all the way to Palm Springs, Southern California and anywhere I can drive or fly. Are you ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? DM me!!