California Micro Wedding at The Zenda Estate
Lisa and Brett’s California Micro Wedding at The Zenda Estate was exactly what happens when you throw tradition out the window and build a day that actually feels like you. Just outside of Palm Springs, tucked in the middle of the desert heat and golden California light, these two created something low-key, aesthetic, and so full of heart. They kept it intimate with about 35 guests, invited only their closest people, and focused every part of their day on being fully present. No fluff. No distractions. Just a beautiful house, beautiful humans, and a lot of real, joyful love. Honestly, if I could photograph this kind of wedding every weekend, I’d be living my best life!
An Intentional Weekend in the Desert
This wasn’t just a one-day thing. Lisa and Brett turned their wedding into a full-on weekend retreat with their people, and I couldn’t love that concept more! They rented out The Zenda Estate, a stunning private mansion with room for everyone, and made the whole weekend feel like a slow, meaningful celebration. Friends were cooking breakfast in the morning, people were lounging by the pool in between events, and there was a calmness in the air that you just don’t get with traditional timelines. That’s the magic of destination micro weddings, no rushing, no stress, no one-hour venue flip. Just you, your partner, and the people who’ve actually been a part of your story from the start! The Zenda Estate had the perfect balance of laid-back charm and high-end beauty, and it set the tone for the whole weekend.
Micro Guest List, Major Vibes
What I loved most about this day is how clearly it reflected what matters most to Lisa and Brett. Sure, there were gorgeous florals, a curated tablescape, and the kind of design work that makes your Pinterest board jealous…but none of that outshined the feeling of the day. Every decision was made with intention. The guest list was small on purpose, which meant they actually got to spend time with everyone who showed up! The ceremony felt intimate, and the energy afterward was just unmatched: chill, joyful, and full of connection. It’s proof that a wedding doesn’t have to be big to feel big. When the love is real and the design reflects it, you don’t need anything else.
Love You Can Feel in the Room
Lisa and Brett were such a joy to be around. There’s something about couples who are deeply in tune with each other, it just makes the whole day flow better! They were so present with their guests, but also really grounded in each other. The way they looked at one another, the way they moved through the day, the way they made space for little in-between moments, it all felt effortless. That’s the kind of love that’s easy to photograph. I always say I’m not just documenting how it looked; I want to capture how it felt. And this day felt warm, relaxed, connected, and entirely true to them. From the pre-ceremony quiet moments to the sunlit portraits out back, every part of this wedding was infused with intention and ease.
Let’s Normalize It
This California Micro Wedding at The Zenda Estate is exactly the kind of experience I want to help more couples create. It wasn’t about checking boxes or keeping up with expectations, it was about building a weekend full of meaning, beauty, and real connection. And the fact that they pulled it off in such an effortlessly stylish way? Bonus. More and more, couples are realizing they don’t have to follow a traditional blueprint to have a wedding that’s impactful and unforgettable. If this sounds like the vibe you’re dreaming up, a destination celebration, intentional guest list, and a focus on real moments over forced ones, I’m already packing my bags! Let’s bring that vision to life and tell your story in a way that feels true to you!
VENDORS
| Photographer | Simply Best Photography | https://www.instagram.com/simplybestphotography/ |
| Venue | Zenda Estate | https://www.instagram.com/zendaestate/ |
| Planner | Silver and Sage | https://www.instagram.com/silverandsageweddings/ |
| Florals | Florango Flowers | https://www.instagram.com/florango.flowers/ |
| Catering/Dessert | Whoa Nelly Caters | https://www.instagram.com/whoanellycaters/ |
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Kind Words
“Our pictures were beautiful and she captures emotions and moments very well…
…Chelsea did our engagement and wedding photos and we absolutely loved her!! She is a sweetheart and makes you feel so comfortable. Our pictures were beautiful and she captures emotions and moments very well. We can look back at the pictures and literally remember that exact moment which is so special. Love you Chelsea! ❤️”
