“It might sound like a cliché, but we really do aim to photograph how it felt.”

“There were so many honest, visible emotions. Teary eyes. People genuinely in the moment. That’s where the magic lives for us.”

Yasmin and Daniel’s Palm Springs wedding unfolded over two unforgettable days. The whole event struck that rare balance: part high-energy party, part deeply rooted tradition. Even with a guest list of over 500, the emotional weight of the ceremony was unmistakable. That kind of presence isn’t always guaranteed at weddings this big, but here, it was everywhere. The styling mirrored that contrast. Sculptural lighting, mirrored chandeliers, and a sun-soaked palette gave the setting a cinematic quality without feeling overdesigned. Everything looked and felt alive.

The ceremony itself? Held almost entirely in the dark. And yet, Joel & Justyna boldy shot it on film. A creative risk, you’ll want to check out.

Photographer: Joel & Justyna

Gear and Details

• Main Cameras: Fujifilm XT2 & XT3, Contax 645 with P25+ Phase One back

• Film Cameras: Olympus OM1, Plaubel Makina 67

• Drone: DJI Mini Pro 3

• Third Shooter: Bryan Dale

• Additional Gear: Canon 5D MKIII & Canon R System (Bryan)

• Coverage: 18 hours over 2 days

• Location: Palm Springs (Private residence)

The Vision (Setting the Scene)

We try to photograph weddings with a sense of quiet observation, never staging too much, just staying close enough to feel the energy and respond to it. Our favourite images come from that space in between where things aren’t perfectly arranged, but totally felt.

This wedding gave us space to lean into that. The styling was sculptural and cinematic, but never overdone. Everything had a sense of restraint, which made the real moments stand out even more. When the light moved, or emotions rose, we were ready to move with them—not interrupting, just responding. That rhythm is what shapes the work.

Getting Ready

Getting ready with Yas and Daniel was fantastic, and the complete opposite of the end of the day...

Yas chose to get ready alone, in a very calm and quiet atmosphere. It was just us, the small beauty team, and her mom popped in every now and then. It really allowed us to get to know her a little before the beauty of the chaos set in. During the getting-ready portion of the day, we use the time to read the vibe, gauge the nerves & energy levels so that we can calibrate ourselves to match. In essence, this allows us to build quick rapport, which builds trust, which allows us to create more intimate photos.

We always try to match detail photos with the overall mood/design of the day. We love approaching details like still-life paintings, for example. We make sure that each detail shot will be frame-worthy, ideally.

Portraits (First Look)

For portraits, we try to stay close to where everything is happening. We’ll find the best light within walking distance, usually five minutes or less away, and build compositions around what we find there. It keeps the couple connected and in the moment, rather than pulling them out of their wedding day completely.

With Yasmin and Daniel, we had about fifteen minutes. (We did a first look). Just enough time to capture something meaningful before they rejoined their guests. For a few formal frames, we might gently guide them into a classic pose, but most of the time, our focus is on creating an atmosphere where they can simply be themselves. By observing how they naturally interact, we’re able to shape the session into something that feels true to their relationship. It’s often one of the only quiet moments a couple gets all day, and giving them space to enjoy it always brings out something honest.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place entirely after dark, which can be challenging. But, The Stellar Events team lit the space beautifully. Their attention to lighting made all the difference and gave us just enough to work with artistically.

Guest photos were a bit more difficult than usual since the crowd was mostly backlit, but we still managed to capture a handful of standout moments that held both mood and emotion.

For ceremonies like this, we divide roles intentionally. Justyna is always up front with the couple, under the chuppah, focusing on the emotional core of the ceremony. Joel handles the wider frames, the recessional, and any key front-facing shots. Our third photographer, Bryan, is fully dedicated to guest reactions. That rhythm allows us to cover every angle without disrupting the moment.

Reception

The lighting for this wedding was carefully crafted by the planning team, and it completely transformed the space. Floating chandeliers hung above the outdoor dance floor, casting reflections across the desert night. It felt like stepping into an open-air DJ set. The crowd was all in from the very beginning.

This wedding came with its share of logistical challenges. Over 500 guests, a ceremony that began after sunset, and a long list of family portraits could have made the day feel heavy. But what stood out most was the spirit of the people. Every guest was warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to be photographed.

That kind of openness makes all the difference during a reception. It turns even the most complex day into something joyful to document. On the dance floor, a mix of flash and ambient light allowed for freedom and spontaneity—capturing the motion and heat of the party without ever needing to slow it down.

Favourite Photo and Moment

This, in the moment, dance photo was one of the last photos of the night and one of our favourites... Justyna always tries to get right into the eye of the hurricane during the party. Though she’s a self-described 'terrible dancer,' she dances alongside all the guests and whips the camera out spontaneously."

What we remember most from this wedding isn’t one single image, it’s the feeling that ran through the entire day. The way people looked at each other. The chaos of the dance floor, and the quiet just before it all began.

We don’t go into a wedding with a shot list or a formula. We just try to stay close, stay open, and make work that feels honest. Because in the end, it’s not about perfect frames… it’s about making something that lasts.

Credits:
Photography: Joel & Justyna
Planning & Design: The Stellar Events
Florals: Butterfly Floral
Ceremony Gown: Loewe
After Party Dress: One Of
Additional Dress: Gabriela Hearst
Lighting, Truss & Rigging: The Lighter Side LA
Rentals: Palace Party Rentals
Catering: Simon Caterers
Sound Design: Wova Events
Entertainment: Asad Naqvi
Videography: Jorge Braud
Third Shooter: Bryan Dale – For The Love Of It