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Desert Dream: Southwestern Wedding Inspiration with Cactus & Burro

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Bride with donkey wearing flower crown at desert wedding

What happens when a cactus falls in love? This may sound like a bad Dad joke, but we promise rather then ending in a tortured pun this post ends in one of the most gorgeous Southwestern shoots! Glowing sunlight plus plenty of desert inspired decor and a cute little burro to boot! Trust us you are going to want to see this I dream of Arizona wedding inspiration!

Shot and dreamed up by Ashley Rae Photography the soft meets prickly decor is absolutely stunning. We would hardly blame you if you ended up pinning every last image in the full gallery. We did! 

Bride with bouquet in flowing white gown and lace veil

Happy couple poses with a decorated donkey at their desert wedding

Bride and groom pose with a donkey, flower bouquetDonkey wearing a flower crown in a desert landscape

desert themed wedding bouquet with king protea and succulent

Burro + Bus? But Of Course! 

From Ashley Rae Photography: This session was inspired by a free-spirited bride with a feminine approach that showcased lots of succulents and cacti, and full of natural southwestern details.

Miija the burro was the perfect southwest muse to accompany the bride and groom that set the tone for all things Arizona. She wore a delicate floral crown and was so cute! The VW bus was a photo booth bus that is perfect for all weddings equipped with the best camera looking to capture guests

Retro VW bus converted into a photo booth from The Fotobooth BusThe Fotobooth Bus is perfect for your boho weddingbohemian bride ready for anything with her faithful burrow by her side

We Love A Southwestern Table 

For the tables, we spread cacti around in clear jars and cups to showcase their full beauty. We paired the table setting with feminine floral plates, white candles, and a large unique floral arrangement that was filled with prickly cacti and soft pink roses. 

Rustic outdoor wedding table setting with floral centerpieceDonkey with flower crown at rustic wedding reception table

Rustic wedding table setting with succulents and floral plates

Rustic wedding centerpiece with succulents and proteasBeautiful desert bouquet with succulent and proteaSpiky white cactus with yellow center in brown pot

Vintage floral plates on rustic wedding table settingElegant place setting with lilac plate and Sara card

Raised in Arizona, Bride & Bouquet

The natural beauty bride, wore an elegant form fitted gown accented with a delicate boho headpiece to keep her refined and simple to the elegant southwestern theme. 

The brides wild and unique bouquet was filled with lush greens and Arizona’s best cacti. We wanted to showcase a floral arrangement that was true to her spirit and raw to our elements. Her groom was styled in a tan Nordstrom suite that complimented the Arizona light, paired with a succulent boutonniere.

Bride and groom kissing, holding cascading wedding bouquet

Groom in tan suit smiles outdoors in desert settingGroom with succulent boutonniere on a gray suit jacket

Bohemian bride with protea bouquet and lace headscarf

Cacti, Cacti Everywhere

Other intimate details included, A simple and elegant naked buttercream cake topped with a saguaro cactus, southwestern invitations, tambourines, and feather topped macaroons for a full Cactus Wedding Decor Inspiration. 

Two tier cake decorated with a cactus and green branches

Macarons with feather decorations on embroidery hoopsRustic wedding cake with cactus topper and desert backdrop

Dreamcatcher wedding place settings on a cactus backdrop

Artistic watercolor invitation with lush green succulents

Dress & Apparel: Bella Lily Bridal
Assistant Photographer: Sarah Jane Photography
Beer Burro: Beer Burro
Cakes & Catering: Angel Cakes
Feather Toppers: EMT sweeetie
Jewelry: Shane Co
Lace Tambourines: Boho Wedds
Macroons: lemacaron scottsdale
Makeup and HAIR: Pearls Beauty
Model: We The Classy
Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Paper and Posies
Photobooth: The Fotobooth Bus
Rentals: Fancy Lou Designs
second photographer: Ashley Rae Photography

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