Just over two years ago, Randy + I met up with this couple at Starbucks for coffee. They didn’t have a wedding date, but they had to meet us on one of their trips from home in northern California down to the Palm Springs area, when we used to live there. We sat there for so long, and laughed so much – we booked with them damn near on the spot, even though their wedding was so far in the future and they didn’t even have a date. Since then, we’ve become such good friends; especially since their engagement session, all the texts and phone calls, up until the very last minute before the wedding – we’ve been so excited for their wedding. We knew it was going to be one hell of a party, and boy was it. There’s quite a few photos that we can’t even share, but trust me – they’re in their big gallery! 😉

Chase and Shelbi grew up in the same town, but never met until one winter when Chase came home from college for a break. They met at a party, and the rest is history … although, neither of them thought that they’d end up at the altar. There was no specific moment, but, after years of being best friends, they just couldn’t imagine their lives without each other.

Their wedding was absolutely amazing, with a “less is more” kind of vibe. So much of it was DIY – including the florals by Chase’s mom and the signage by one of Shelbi’s bridesmaids. My favorite detail was the ode to Shelbi’s cheerleading day, the gold pompoms that everyone waved at the end of the ceremony!

But my favorite moment? There were actually two. First? When Shelbi walked down the aisle to the theme song from Jurassic Park and Chase started cracking up. And the second? Toward the end of the reception, Jack the DJ played Shelbi’s dad’s favorite song “I Was Made For Loving You” by KISS, and her dad’s favorite dessert – blackberry cobbler with vanilla bean gelato. It was the perfect way to honor her dad, who passed away several years ago.

Randy + I are so excited to be celebrating Chase + Shelbi’s wedding at La Quinta Country Club on our blog today, and so grateful for the best wedding ever to kick off our 2018 season!

We’d love to send a special thanks to Chase + Shelbi’s incredible wedding vendor team!

venue + catering La Quinta Country Club

planning Natasha Woods, A Touch of Whimsy Events

dj Jack Farmer

officiant Jason Fross

florist Lauren McPhaul

beauty Nancy Zinzun

invitations Minted

bridal gown Allure Bridals at Wine Country Bride

bridesmaids’ gowns David’s Bridal

suits The Black Tux

jewelry Jewelry Exchange Co.

videography Yours Truly Media

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in La Quinta?

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!!