Southwest Desert Styling with Disco Balls and Rainbow Details

Set against the wide skies and red earth of Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, Evie Joy Photography captured Louisa (she/her) and Katie (she/her) sharing laughter, holding onto each other, and moving with the kind of ease that comes from years of chosen family. This styled editorial was dreamed up to create a space where queer love could feel fully seen and celebrated. Instead of centering only couples, the vision opened wider to chosen family, self-expression, and the quiet strength of queer connection in all its forms.

Why Cortez, Colorado, and why a guest ranch setting?

The wide-open desert of the Southwest set the tone for everything. Its rugged stillness, red earth, and endless skies created a canvas that felt wild and grounding. Shooting at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch added layers of charm with faded barns, curious animals, and rustic textures that balanced intimacy with expansiveness.

What styling elements made the shoot come alive?

The wide desert setting and rustic guest ranch textures set the tone, with faded barns, curious animals, and the rugged stillness of the Southwest creating a grounding backdrop. From there, the details layered in: turquoise boots, embroidered ponchos, flowing gowns, and fringe shawls set the fashion direction, with gowns from Nomad. Disco balls tucked into wild arrangements by Blue Bird Flower Farm, antlers paired with florals, and a cactus rainbow cake by Flour Disco pulled everything together. Each choice leaned into a Southwestern festival aesthetic while centering queer representation.

Southwest Desert Styling with Disco Balls and Rainbow Details – photo 1

Southwest Desert Styling with Disco Balls and Rainbow Details – photo 2

What role did chosen family play in this shoot?

Chosen family was everything. The shoot wasn’t meant to showcase only romantic love. It was about honoring the bonds that queer people create for themselves, the friendships that become family, and the spaces where identity can be celebrated freely. With ceremony guidance from The Venus Oracle, the energy stayed rooted in authenticity.

What details stood out most on the day?

The mix of textures stood out. From fur-trimmed shawls and denim jackets to delicate turquoise jewelry designed by Frontera, every layer told part of the story. Add in sheep grazing in the background, champagne spraying over a cactus cake, and vows carried in custom stationery by Blue Leaf Design Co, and the vibe became unforgettable.

How did the creative team help bring it all together?

This shoot was truly collaborative. Blue Bird Flower Farm styled florals that felt both wild and intentional. Hair and makeup by The Farmhouse Hair Salon tied together the looks with natural, grounded beauty. The menu by Global Kitchen matched the rustic ranch setting, while video highlights from John Lyons complemented the photography.

What do you hope people take away from this styled shoot?

We hope people see that weddings and celebrations can look however you want them to. They can center best friends, chosen family, or partners. They can include turquoise boots, disco balls, and sheep in the field. They can feature custom rings from Frontera or cakes from Flour Disco. The goal is to feel seen, safe, and celebrated exactly as you are.