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!!
[…] think of anything cuter than a flower girl in a baby’s breath floral crown … check out Vladen + Michelle‘s flower girl featured on Bridal […]
[…] absolutely loved Vladen + Michelle’s boho-inspired wedding at Jackalope Ranch earlier this year, and we are so thrilled + honored to see it featured on […]
Beautifully captured. In love with your photography. Hope to work with you some day 🙂
Regards
Ashish Nagpal from http://www.vivahmoments.com
These images took my breath away. In Love with your Photography <3
Regards
Ashish Nagpal from http://www.vivahmoments.com
I didn’t see any of Michelle walking down the aisle, or any of vlad’s face the first time he saw her… Are these to come??
Such a fun wedding. Welcome to the family bro.
My favorite and the one that made me cry is vlad opening the note from his bride!! ????
gorgeous as always you guys!!
Amazing like always!!!!
This is such a beautiful venue! Love the spot you chose for the bridal party photos! And the details are perfection.
I loved everything about this. The grooms attire and hair were so awesome.
The pictures are absolutely beautiful! The whole day is laid out so artistically, it can be enjoyed over and over again in years to come. A job well done for one of the most special day of their lives!
There is only one thing I can say about Ashley and Randy, PERFECTION! What an amazing team that two are, the love they share for each other and their work shines! They work so well together! Can’t find one photograph I don’t like! They have an incredible energy that you feel right off the bat when you meet them! So happy to call them friends after just meeting them in May. Xoxoxox
Oh my gosh you guys!! These images are absolutely stunning!! The ring shots are AMAZING….I absolutely LOVED this wedding! One of my faves from you guys!! 😀