Kimberly is from Baltimore, Maryland, Northern Baltimore County. Matthew is from Haskins, Ohio — a village in the Northwestern countryside outside Toledo. We were both born in 1977.

In Los Angeles, on January 19, 2022, a mutual friend, Ariel Wisch-Schute, introduced us. Our first date was on January 29, 2022. We went on a hike in Altadena's Eaton Canyon and visited Mount Wilson Observatory.

Exactly two years later, we got engaged in Joshua Tree National Park on the North View Trail.

We moved to Joshua Tree, CA from Nashville, TN on May 11, 2025.

This is our first marriage.

"Blue Flower Moon" refers to two distinct lunar events in May 2026: a Flower Moon on May 1st and a Blue Moon on May 31st.

The term "Flower Moon" is the traditional Algonquin name for the full moon in May, signifying the spring season.

A "Blue Moon" is the second full moon to occur within a single calendar month, a rare event that will take place on May 31, 2026.

Wagon Wheel Ranch is our home in Joshua Tree, California — we purchased the five acre property April 17, 2025. When we moved in, we discovered a painted rock at the entrance to our drive that reads: Wagon Wheel Ranch.

The land sits directly outside Joshua Tree National Park located on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Serrano, Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Mojave peoples. We acknowledge these tribal communities as the original stewards of this land and honor their deep, long-standing connection to this place.

In 2017, Joshua Tree National Park was certified an International Dark Sky Park. The certification from the International Dark-Sky Association recognizes the park's commitment to preserving its exceptional night skies and minimizing light pollution in the surrounding areas.

Our neighborhood, Monument Manor, actively protects the area's dark skies, which are subject to the San Bernardino County Light Trespass Ordinance.

Joshua Tree National Park was initially established as Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, following the passionate efforts of desert conservationist Minerva Hoyt. The Monument's status was elevated to a National Park in 1994 protecting approximately 800,000 acres of which 75% is designated wilderness.

JTNP is home to creosote bushes, ocotillo, jumping cholla cactus and Joshua trees. Despite their name and tree-like appearance, Joshua trees are succulents in the Agave family, noted for their ability to store water. Bighorn sheep, lizards, rattlesnakes, coyotes, jackrabbits, and roadrunners are all common animals found in Joshua Tree National Park. Rock formations and granite monoliths attract climbers and hikers from around the world.

Roughly 3 million people visit Joshua Tree National Park each year.

The spiritual tradition surrounding Joshua Tree centers on its natural energy vortexes, believed to be spots of amplified energy that magnify emotions and spiritual states, fostering personal transformation, healing, and creative inspiration. While the concept of spiritual vortexes is not exclusive to Indigenous traditions, the land is revered by Native tribes for its sacred power, with groups like the Cahuilla and Chemehuevi having a deep spiritual connection to the area and its energy.

Joshua Tree is in Pacific Standard time, or PST. We are 3 hours behind Eastern and 2 hours behind Central; please plan accordingly for jet lag.

The Mojave Desert is the smallest and driest desert in North America, located primarily in southeastern California and southern Nevada, and named after the Mojave Native American tribe.

Be prepared for wind, sun, and heat. The desert fluctuates in temperature, so light layers are recommended for the outdoor reception.

The "High Desert" is a term used to describe the higher-elevation regions of the Mojave Desert. Elevations in the High Desert typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Joshua Tree, California, is located within the High Desert region of the Mojave Desert.

Please stay hydrated!

To comfortably and safely navigate the local dirt roads, we recommend renting a high-clearance vehicle with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).

Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for the people of and visitors to the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities. STL is a place where the honest pursuit of knowledge enriches the lives of all willing to participate, whether to view the smallest objects on the Earth, or observe the colossal displays in the sky.

Gary Blackwood, PhD, Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineer, recently retired from a 36-year career at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. He most recently served as Leader of the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program using advanced science and technology to search for life in the universe. Gary earned his degrees in aerospace engineering at MIT. He is currently co-founder of EarthRise LLC which applies science observations and analysis to scale nature-based solutions for regenerative farming. His passion is presenting night sky tours to connect audiences to the wonders of the universe.

Following Dr. Blackwood’s family friendly presentation and laser-guided constellation tour, "Desert Nights under the Blue Flower Moon", guests will have the opportunity to look through the 14″ Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope inside the Dome. Additional telescopes of various sizes and types will be arrayed outside the Dome as well. Guests can talk with Gary and the astronomer-docents as they observe the celestial objects in the sky.

Bleacher seating. You are welcome to bring your own chair if you wish.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, founded in 1940, is a classic mission-style church that sits directly across the street from the Oasis of Mara and Joshua Tree National Park. Blessed Sacrament Church is a member parish of the Diocese of San Bernardino.

The Oasis was first settled by the Serrano who called it Mara, meaning "the place of little springs and much grass".

The Oasis has been a vital water source in the Joshua Tree National Park area for over 9,000 years, attracting various Indigenous peoples throughout its history who considered it their ancestral homeland.

The Oasis of Mara Trail is an easy half mile loop on a paved trail with minimal elevation gain. This trail begins at the Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters in Twentynine Palms. There are interpretive panels along the way.

Rev. Michael Fish, OSB Cam., is a native of South Africa, born in Johannesburg. At the age of twenty three he entered the Redemptorists, a missionary community in the Catholic Church, and spent twenty six years with the community. In 1997, responding to a persistent desire for a more contemplative way of life. Michael left the Redemptorists and South Africa and became a Camaldolese Benedictine at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California.

In Michael’s fifty three years of Religious/Monastic life one of the most formative periods for him was the ten years he spent in a Zulu village in South Africa which shaped his call to contemplative life as it exposed him to the wisdom, beauty and simplicity of rural people and their life, an experience that still fuels his approach to life and contemplation today.

Michael is among our country’s most sought-after retreat-masters. His stories — often coming from his many travels on the famed Camino de Santiago + Via Francigena among others, speak of his deep devotion to gospel spirituality and the journey toward the “inner monk.” Michael is also a spiritual director.

To learn more, please visit: hermitfish.com
In 2019, Kimberly heard Michael speak at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena, CA. She attended his day retreat at the Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Palos Verdes that same year. Matthew met Michael in 2024 and they have all been journeying together since.

The Via Francigena is an ancient road and pilgrimage route dating from the 10th century leading travelers from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome. While Rome is the final destination for many pilgrims it is not the absolute end of the historical route. The Via Francigena continues south and ends in Puglia, Italy. Santa Maria di Leuca marks the southern end of the Via Francigena, where it meets the sea.

The Via Francigena is the oldest and most important medieval pilgrimage route connecting Northwestern Europe with the Italian peninsula and in particular with Rome. It is known in Italy as the Via Francigena, Latin for "the road that comes from France" or the Via Romea Francigena "the road to Rome that comes from France".

The full route stretches approximately 2,000 miles. We hope to complete it over our lifetime.

At Sky's the Limit Observatory there is a large dirt parking lot for visitors.

Ample parking at Blessed Sacrament.

For the reception, we will provide parking at Coyote Corner in downtown Joshua Tree. Shuttles will leave from Coyote Corner. There will be *no* parking at Wagon Wheel Ranch.

The Ryan Mountain Trailhead has a large parking lot on the south side of Park Boulevard.

Please be prepared for desert dirt and sand — we strongly suggest *flat* shoes for the outdoor reception at Wagon Wheel Ranch. Heels will sink in the sand.

Semi-formal attire. Suits. Dresses. Please be inspired to wear shades of blue and green.

Childcare will be provided.

Astrology + Tarot with Evelyn Zuel of The Mystic Parlor. Evelyn can see approximately 25 guests. First come, first served. What time were you born? Where? Please bring this information if you'd like an astrological reading.

Astronomy with Dr. Gary Blackwood NASA/JPL ret.

Face Painting.

Mojave Mini Donkeys.

Sound Bath.

Let us know about your allergies and restrictions. We are planning allergy-friendly menu options.

Ryan Mountain is a 5,456-foot-high mountain in Joshua Tree National Park. The trail is a 3-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The summit rewards hikers with one of the best 360-degree views of any trail in the park. From the summit, you can see Mount San Jacinto towering 10,000 feet above Palm Springs, and Mount San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California.

This trail also features the oldest rock type in the park – Pinto Gneiss. It is estimated to be 1.8 billion years old. It is distinguished by its light and dark stripes and is noticeably different than the lighter-colored monzogranite cliffs and boulders below.

In addition to the views and geology, Ryan Mountain is habitat for some of the park’s elusive wildlife – the Desert bighorn sheep.

Pack layers, and bring adequate food and water supplies and sun protection. Please be courteous to other hikers.

Ryan Mountain is named after J.D. Ryan, a wealthy rancher from Montana and early mining operator in the park.

Compound YV
Desert General Store
Desertrade
Earth Yoga and Spa
Giant Rock
Hawk's Landing Golf Club
Integratron
JT National Park + Visitor Centers
Joshua Tree Rock Shop
MDLT’s Discovery Garden
Mojave Flea Trading Post - YV
Pappy & Harriet's
Pioneertown
Shops in the Corner 62 Building
Smith's Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater
The Pointed Pearl Spa
Two Sages Acupuncture
Yucca Bowl
Yucca Valley Material Lab

Please read the Pioneertown Gazette, originally published in 1947, your trusted resource for live music, arts, culture and community events.

Copper Room
Crossroads Cafe
Frontier Cafe
Giant Rock Meeting Room
JT Farmers Market, Sat 8am-1pm
Joshua Tree Health Foods
Joshua Tree Saloon
Kitchen in the Desert
La Copine, reserve one month ahead
Luna Bakery
Mas o Menos
Mojave Gold
Red Dog Saloon
Snake Bite Roadhouse
The DEZ
Tiny Pony Tavern

ARTWORK | Jasmine Garcia/Jazy Art, Swirly Haze Studio
ASTROLOGY, TAROT | The Mystic Parlor, Evelyn Zuel
ASTRONOMER | Dr. Gary Blackwood NASA/JPL ret.
BEAUTY | coming soon
CAMINO HONEYMOON | sloWays
CATERING | coming soon
CHILD CARE | coming soon
CHURCH | Blessed Sacrament, Fr. Khan D. Ngo, Leslie Collard
DESIGN | Lara Wilson
DJ | Supermoon
DONKEYS | Mojave Mini Donkeys
DRESS | Bloom Bridal Nashville
FACE PAINTING | coming soon
FLORAL | coming soon
INVITATIONS, DAY-OF PAPER | coming soon
MUSIC | coming soon
OFFICIANT | Michael Fish, OSB Cam.
PARKING | Ace, Coyote Corner
PHOTOS | Michael Segal Photography
PLANNER | Palm + Pine Events, Shauna Wise
RENTALS | coming soon
SHUTTLES | Cardiff Limo
SOUND BATH | coming soon
SHOES | Alessandro Stella, Birkenstock, Repetto Paris
TUXEDO | Art Lewin Bespoke
VIDEO | Isabel Gonzalez Films
WEBSITE, DIGITAL SAVE THE DATE | Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times, Bliss & Bone, Juli Kosolapova, KS + MP personal archive, Lara Wilson, Robb Hannawacker/NPS

And of course, you, our treasured family and friends! Thank you!

Fun fact: After settling into Wagon Wheel Ranch and after eight months of planning our wedding with Beatrice Anichini in Pienza, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; we moved our celebration to our home in Joshua Tree, California. We couldn’t imagine waking up anywhere else in the world on our special day.

Special thanks to Beatrice, her team at Alfresco Wedding, her husband, Allesandro, and to Pienza Cathedral, Borgo Sant'Ambrogio, Pink Ink Studio, Carlo Carletti, Giulio Cantarella and Michael Fish.

Lastly, a very special thanks to Doug + Sharon Strouse for helping to make this an experience to remember.