arizona wedding and elopement photographer

Ashley Durham

Riviera Hotel Wedding, Palm Springs Wedding, Colorado Same Sex Wedding Photographer, Denver Same Sex Wedding Photographer, Palm Springs wedding, lesbian wedding, lesbian wedding,

Same Sex Riviera Hotel Wedding

October 20, 2016

Same Sex Riviera Hotel Wedding

The sounds of laughter filled the rooms. Surrounded by some of the best friends in their lives, Valerie and Nicole got ready in separate rooms, anxiously awaiting for their ceremony to begin. After nine incredible years together, they finally made it official over the weekend at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs – and we are so, so grateful to have been part of it!!

We met Valerie + Nicole a few months ago over what we thought would just be a simple cup of coffee – which turned into a 3 hour lunch date filled with so much laughter and fun that we knew that we were totally in for an amazing adventure with these two!! And once we did their rock n’ roll engagement session at the Palm Springs Hard Rock Hotel over the summer – we got even more excited for their wedding!!

Their wedding had some beautifully unique details that were very special. Following the traditional American ceremony, the elders of both sides of their family came together for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Valerie’s parents presented both brides with beautiful pure gold jewelry, wishing them lots of luck and love together, which were absolutely beautiful!! Following the tea ceremony at their reception, both of the brides lit a memorial candle in honor of those who are no longer with us; most notably, Nicole’s father, who passed away only a few weeks ago. It was incredibly touching to see Nicole’s mom walk her down the aisle – there wasn’t a dry eye ANYWHERE, including our own!!

Valerie + Nicole’s wedding was one of the most emotional weddings we’ve ever witnessed, and we’re so blessed to not only have been able to witness it – but to call both of these wonderful women our friends!!