Lichelle and Rojhat dreamed of a wedding that blended the beach’s beauty with nature’s tranquility, all complete with a little touch of personality. At their Samabe Resort wedding, this vision came to life in an intimate and luxurious celebration. With the help of their planner and Junebug vendor, Amora Bali Weddings, every detail was carefully curated to create the perfect atmosphere. Seamlessly weaved together, the laid-back feel of the beach paired with the elegance of traditional Balinese design created an overall luxurious space.
The couple exchanged vows in a truly beautiful setting amidst the sand and sea. They stood beneath a gorgeous arch decked out with lush flowers and foliage, setting a stunning scene for their ceremony. Later, as night fell, their cave reception turned into something truly enchanting. Twinkling candles added to the magic, making it a night to remember for everyone.
If you’ve always dreamed of a getaway celebration by the beach filled with dreamy florals, you’re in for a treat. Keep scrolling and make sure not to miss a single detail captured by Sriwijaya Story.
Their Samabe Resort Wedding Was a Combination of Beach Bliss, Coastal Chic, and Balinese Vibes
We loved the option of a beach wedding in Nusa Dua, with a more intimate and luxurious vibe while focusing not only on the bigger picture but also the details to make the perfect connection between the casual beach, traditional Balinese design, and our small luxurious twist. We managed to complete and fit these words in our ceremony through a combination of locally arranged flowers, Balinese flower girls and page boys, a Cellist and Violinist, and small details arranged by our wedding planner, for example, a small Balinese surfboard for every guest during dinner with there own name on it as a gesture of gratitude for attending our wedding. We wanted a combination of beach and nature. Samabe Resorthad the option to have dinner in a cave for something natural besides the beach. Also, the cave dinner looked absolutely beautiful with the decorations and candles.
Bespoke Beach Elegance and Tailor-Made Moments
The most memorable part of our wedding was the start of the ceremony, mainly when I walked down the stairs next to a cliff until the kiss took place at the end of the ceremony. The ambiance was magical, perfectly organized, and planned by our wedding planner. The beach theme exceeded our own ideas with every detail tailor-made and designed. While I walked down the stairs, through the trees, flowers and heard the waves hitting the cliff, there were the Balinese page boys and flower girls who, in the end, guided the bride to the altar where the path to the altar was decorated with local flowers designed to the theme and the wedding dress of the bride and groom.
Why a Wedding Planner is Essential for Foreign Couples
If you’re foreign, we advise you to hire a wedding planner with a known track record. For us, we worked with Amora Bali Weddings. She arranged our wedding day from the beginning to the end. Particularly if you’re from abroad, this would be very helpful in every aspect of organizing your wedding. We were filled with joy that the most important ones in our lives were willing to fly across the globe, from Amsterdam to Bali, to be a part of our unforgettable day. And the possibility that the guest list could be adjusted and fitted in the last few days before attending. I think it would not have been possible to make the previous adjustments quickly without the help of our wedding planner, Amora Bali Weddings.
Adjusting Expectations: From Elopement to Small Group Celebration
At first, we wanted an elopement wedding package. Unfortunately, we had to adjust our package after a while because friends and family liked to attend our wedding. Therefore, the package changed from elopement to a small group/intimate wedding package. This also adjusted our budget planning, especially after hiring a Violinist and Cellist for the wedding ceremony, which gave us the last and most important personal touch with our own music played during the ceremony. The total cost of organizing a wedding in Bali, with everything in it, for example, from your dress, suit, honeymoon, and the wedding itself, came out cheaper than we could have wished for compared to the prices and service performance in the Netherlands or Europe.
Bali’s Signature Touch: Wooden Surfboards as Unique Wedding Souvenirs
A local artist made small wooden surfboards with the names of our guests and the location on them. This small surfboard is a well-known souvenir in Bali, and by adding the names and location of the wedding, it has become a personal keepsake.
Flowers make weddings truly magical, adding beauty to every moment, just like they did at this destination celebration. If you dream of a wedding where flowers are a highlight, explore our wedding flower checklist to make sure every detail is just right as you plan your special day.
Planning a wedding is tough, but imagine doing it from thousands of miles away. Bringing a destination wedding to life comes with its own unique set of challenges. With all that added distance, narrowing down venue options or assembling your dream team of vendors can be difficult. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring a destination wedding planner can easily prevent these inevitable hurdles you’ll face.
Having a local wedding professional on your team is key to a stress-free celebration anywhere in the world. Not only can they make game-changing recommendations, but they’ll also fill in any gaps you’re unable to address from far away. From expected costs to where to start your vendor search, we’re covering everything you need to know about hiring a destination wedding planner.
Why Should You Hire a Destination Wedding Planner?
Hiring local wedding vendors comes with many benefits. With valuable experience planning weddings in a specific area, they’ll likely be able to provide a list of trusted vendors and venue recommendations based on your wedding style and budget. They’ll also be able to provide guidance on logistical details like necessary permits, marriage license requirements, etc.
From the early planning stages to the day of coordination, investing in a local wedding planner will put your mind at ease every step of the way.
Before meeting with potential wedding planners, you’ll want to decide on a budget you’re comfortable with. Start by researching vendor prices specifically in your wedding location. This will give you an idea of what this number will look like and will help you avoid underestimating your wedding expenses.
The cost will inevitably vary depending on location, event size, chosen package, experience, and so much more. On average, couples should expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000. It’s a good rule of thumb to reserve around 20% of your overall budget to cover wedding planner costs.
Finding a destination wedding planner requires a lot of research. While you can rely solely on recommendations or referrals, we suggest taking matters into your own hands. If you’ve already done a Google search and find yourself burnt out jumping from website to website, turn to social media.
Instagram and Pinterest are both visual search engines that can help you narrow down your wedding planner options. On Instagram, use hashtags to find wedding planners in your desired area. Planning a wedding in Scotland? Search #scotlandweddingplanner. Of course, this will be specific to your wedding location. For those who already have a venue in mind, the location tags will be a valuable tool in helping find vendors with experience in their dream space.
While these are all great options, they do require a lot of time—something not all wedding-planning couples have. If this sounds familiar, we have great news: all the work has already been done for you. To help save time scrolling endlessly, check out our vendor directory, which is filled with highly vetted, Junebug-approved vendors from all over the world.
2. Create a List
Depending on your wedding location, there are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of planners available. So, after researching all of your options, create a list of those who caught your eye most. On top of experience, here are a few more things to keep in mind when creating your list of destination wedding planners:
Do they have a large portfolio where you’re able to view their previous work?
Do they have experience planning events that are similar to what you envision?
Are reviews from previous clients predominantly positive?
Do they offer flexible package options that’ll provide you with exactly what you’re looking for?
Do they work with vendors I would be interested in working with?
3. Check Availability, Pricing, and Package Options
Request more information after compiling a list of those you’re interested in working with. Often, planners will have a ‘contact me’ page on their website asking specifics about your wedding, like the date, budget, guest count, and theme. This will give them a general idea of what information to send your way.
If they are available on your wedding day, they will often send you a new inquiry form with a planning guide that includes their services and pricing. Sit down with your partner and review these together, choosing up to two planners to schedule consultations with.
Scheduling an initial consultation with the planners you’re interested in hiring will give you a chance to discuss your wedding vision, ask any questions you may have, and get an overall feeling of what it’s like to work with them. The goal is to leave feeling comfortable and confident—that’s when you’ll know a planner is the right fit for your special day.
5. Sign Contracts and Pay Deposits
After you’ve put in the time, done the research, and completed your initial consultation, you’ll need to narrow your options to one. For some, this process is incredibly difficult. Just remember to trust your gut.
Then it’s to sign your contract and pay any required deposits. Keep in mind that your contract is a legal form that states everything from payments to deliverables. It’s important to read through your contract carefully to protect yourself in the long run. So, before you sign on that dotted line, look for these five things.
Hiring a wedding planner is necessary for a smooth and stress-free planning process, whether a local or destination celebration. If you’re convinced, kick off your search by checking out the best wedding planners from all over the world in our vendor directory. With a Junebug planner and our ultimate destination wedding planning guide handy, you’ll have everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.
These talented wedding photographers in Italy know just how to beautifully capture every moment of your celebration, making sure your memories are preserved in amazing detail for years to come. Image by Hakuna Matata.
When it comes to planning your wedding, few choices are as crucial as selecting the right photographer. They’re responsible for capturing the essence of your big day, so finding a skilled and reliable pro is a must. That’s why we’ve done the legwork to bring you a handpicked collection of Italy’s top wedding photographers. From idyllic countryside scenes to stunning cityscapes, these talented professionals have the know-how to beautifully document every moment of your celebration, ensuring your memories are preserved in breathtaking detail for years to come.
Good for: Couples who appreciate authenticity and spontaneous moments.
Reviews: “Maria has made my wedding day perfect. As a photographer myself, my expectations were absolutely beyond high, and she has completely gone over and above them. She is punctual, friendly, professional, reliable, and her attention to detail is impeccable. I would not have wanted anyone else shooting photographs for my big day. She made me feel absolutely comfortable and I knew that my lifetime memories were in the safest hands. I would recommend her services to everyone looking for a wedding photographer, without the slightest doubt.”
Good for: Intentional couples who value capturing meaningful images that reflect their unique connection.
Reviews: “The most beautiful wedding photos we could have ever imagined. It was a dream working with both of them. We had our dream elopement in Tuscany, and we couldn’t have asked for a better pair to photograph us. I found In Bianco e Nero on Google and received a response right away. We communicated through WhatsApp across the world for five months leading up to our elopement. They are a lovely artistic pair with an eye for photography. Would recommend them a million times over.”
Photography style: Documentary and portrait photography
Good for: Couples who appreciate natural, candid moments.
Reviews: “Riccardo was fantastic! He took wonderful photos, capturing unforgettable moments and emotions. He made us feel natural and relaxed, he made us laugh, and he managed to fully enter into the magic of the wedding day with passion and professionalism. It would definitely be our choice again.”
Good for: Couples who are drawn to dramatic, stunning images that tell a story like a movie
Reviews: “Andrea is without doubt the most incredible photographer. I absolutely love EVERY SINGLE PHOTO he took! Not only are the photos he takes beautiful, but he is also such an approachable, warm person, and I immediately felt comfortable with him. He’s so good at gently directing you in order to get the best images without making you feel awkward or the photos looking posed. I recommend over and over!”
Good for: Couples who value authentic storytelling
Reviews: “Fabio was my calm in the storm, and he acted perfectly behind the scenes. He captured the life and energy of the day like I can’t even begin to describe. Highly recommend and worth every penny!”
Good for: Couples who want those stolen moments (like a quick kiss at dinner) captured as well as the big moments
Reviews: “Matteo has always been very kind and helpful since we first contacted him and on all subsequent occasions. He always put us at ease, and on the wedding day, he was an unobtrusive yet valuable presence with his sensitivity throughout the entire day. The pre-wedding service to get to know each other is an opportunity not to be missed, and then the quality of his photos speaks for itself. He was prompt in every communication and in delivering all the photos about a month after the wedding. Super recommended!”
Photography style: Candid, photojournalistic, and artistic
Good for: Couples who are looking for a pro that’s been around for years (and has the features to show for it).
Reviews: “Finding Dan felt like a miracle. His style and attention to detail really shine through his photographs, but the experience with him was better than we could have ever hoped for. Dan went the extra mile for us, both in the rescheduling of our big day, as well as scouting out the best locations for when the light would be absolutely perfect. Dan is meticulous in getting the shot he wants while still allowing you time to feel like it’s just the two of you and no one else is around. That’s a very tough line to walk, but he does it expertly. We were beyond impressed with our photos and are excited to share them with our families and the world!”
Good for: Couples who like photos reminiscent of fashion magazine spreads
Reviews: “If anyone is struggling to choose their photographer, choose Fotoclip! Their photographs looked like something from a timeless movie. Traveling from Spain, nothing was too much to ask from Dimitri and the team. They made us feel comfortable and instantly understood how we wanted a balance between candid, raw shots and beautiful portraits.
Photography style: Cinematic and fine art photography
Good for: Couples who appreciate dramatic storytelling reminiscent of movies and visually captivating images with artistic flair.
Reviews: “The most incredible photographer! Studio Fotografico Bacci was able to capture the best day of our lives and enhance it by providing us with such special memories to look back upon for years to come. His style is truly beautiful and exactly what we were looking for. He was extremely accommodating right from our first contact, and all throughout the morning, he made things easy and natural. We had a pretty perfect setting in Florence for our day, and the most beautiful bride in the world was involved, but the finished photos speak for themselves—they’re incredible.”
Good for: Couples who want to capture the beauty of their surroundings as much as the details of their big day
Reviews: “Rellini Art Studio is a dream team! We found them on Instagram for our destination wedding in Umbria, impressed by their more artistic shots and natural posing. They really didn’t disappoint us on our big day. They were so easy to work with and never overly demanding, never detracted from our day. One of our wedding highlights was actually the time we spent “alone” together while we did our photos. They were also extremely prompt in delivering the final photos, with a huge library of black-and-white options. They were simply wonderful from start to finish.”
Good for: Couples who love all things high-fashion
Reviews: “Federico Pannacci Photography was great. He engaged with us and our vendors during the whole event, planned out different areas, and communicated well while processing the photos. He gave us 1000 photos in under a month through an easy download link.”
Reviews: “We felt extremely lucky that we found Miks and he was taking pictures of our wedding day. From the first interaction, he paid a lot of attention to details and accommodated our asks. The day could not have gone better, and the photos turned out amazing. All our guests loved them, too. We would highly recommend Miks to anyone who is looking for a professional photographer to make memories of their special day.”
Good for: Couples who want to feel like celebrities on their big day
Reviews: “Guardasole was exceptional from start to finish; they were super friendly and professional. They made us feel comfortable from the very beginning and also managed to make us laugh a lot throughout the day! It was truly a pleasure being with them. We can’t wait to see and have all the fantastic photos in our hands.”
Good for: Couples who aren’t afraid of an adventure
Reviews: “Diana is a talented and passionate photographer. She brought so much positive energy and guidance on our wedding day. She knows how to capture stunning, artistic photos while making it a very fun and comfortable experience throughout the day. The photos she produced for us are beautiful, magical, and timeless—everything we dreamed of, and we couldn’t be happier! We will treasure these photos and memories for a lifetime. If you are looking for a wedding photographer, we highly recommend Diana without hesitation.”
Photography style: Spontaneous storytelling with a cinematic touch
Good for: Couples who value genuine, unscripted moments
Reviews: “Luigi and his team were a dream to work with. Photos were extremely important to me for our wedding day, and I was worried I wouldn’t find someone I trusted or loved, being that we were having a destination wedding in Italy. As soon as I reached out to Luigi, I knew everything was going to be perfect. My first impression of Luigi was that he is very prompt and thorough in his communication with clients. In addition to his professionalism, he has unmatched artistic vision. It was important to me that our wedding photos were not just a bunch of contrived posed moments but that they captured the true essence of our day. Our wedding photos turned out better than I could have imagined. He captured every moment beautifully and authentically. I look back on my photos, and I am able to relive our special day.”
Good for: Couples looking for wedding photography and stunning videography
Reviews: “We were totally thrilled, and so, so happy to have Kreativ Wedding there. The pictures are just awesome. They reflect exactly our big day, which was filled with love, joy, and fun. We can’t put into words how happy we are about the pictures and how much they touched us. I have said it before. They are the BEST, and no one else could have done this great work.”
Reviews: “Giuliano Lo Re was one of the best choices of our day. From the first contact, they have shown incredible professionalism but are always accompanied by total availability and kindness that we are no longer used to receiving. On the wedding day, they were always present yet at the same time absolutely discreet; they conquered all the guests with their cheerfulness and sympathy. We have received so many compliments that we turn to them because they deserve it. Now that we have received the photos (moreover, in a short time), we can only confirm how much professionalism and skill are behind their way of being totally calm. Even in post-production and the months following the wedding, they have always been more than friendly and super helpful, even beyond what was due. It was like having two more friends on our day, and it was great for us to meet you. We advise everyone to choose them, not only for the beautiful photos they took of us but because everyone immediately realizes how much heart they put into it, an added value that is disappearing while they constantly emanate it.”
Good for: Couples who want to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest without feeling constrained by posed photography.
Reviews: “We traveled from Colombia, South America to Italy. If you really want to have an outstanding experience, I highly recommend Hakuna Matata. They were not only super professional, but they are also great human beings. The shooting session was great, and we are really happy to see how each shot was taken with professionalism and love.”
Good for: Couples who want bright, colorful wedding photos
Reviews: “You only get one shot at doing everything right on your wedding day, and I can’t believe they captured every single moment that was so important to us. I get to relive my entire wedding day as often as I want for the rest of my life. They were absolutely spectacular and very professional, but you would like to call them your best friends by the end of the day. Your wedding day should feel like you’re the main character, and with 8mm, you will have your first feature film to show the world. Just incredible the way they see the wedding happen and capture and edit it just perfectly; we are so so happy!”
Good for: Couples who want to prioritize emotional portraits in their wedding album
Reviews: “We loved working with Storie Wedding Photography for our wedding celebration. They were very friendly and easy to communicate with. The wedding photos turned out to be superb, and we were very happy with their creative approach. We highly recommend them for any wedding event! We are very thankful to Monica and Nicola for their hard work.”
Good for: Couples who love elegant and artistic photos with a focus on beauty and detail.
Reviews: “On my wedding day, I had the pleasure of being accompanied by a very young and talented photographer, Spazio46. She was silent, professional, and never indiscreet or intrusive, not even for a second. Viviane was able to grasp the most intimate and natural moments of an unforgettable day, without any plastic pose, without the need to ask us to stay still, managing very well to give us wonderful shots. The thing we appreciated most about Spazio46’s photos was the attention to detail–the ones that normally pass into the background but that only their professionalism has been able to capture, enhance, and photograph. Beyond the discretion and professionalism with which they worked, what impressed me the most about Viviane is the sense of freshness, purity, and truthfulness that transpires from her shots.”
Photography style: Vibrant, ethereal, and timeless destination photography
Good for: Couples who don’t want over-edited photos.
Reviews: “Emiliano Russo Photographer was incredible! They were personable, funny, and knew exactly where to take us for stunning photos! They think through the composition of each photo, and we still cannot believe these photos are ours.”
Good for: Couples looking to embrace all things nostalgic
Reviews: “We didn’t know what to expect when we booked our session with February 30th Stories, but let me tell you, we were not disappointed! We now have pictures of our special day that we will cherish forever and that our families can look back on years from now and feel like they were there with us.”
These wedding photographers in Italy are just a glimpse of the exceptional talent we support. But that’s not all! We have a carefully curated list with more professionals–from planners to videographers to florists. So, whether you’re dreaming of a rustic Tuscan affair or a glamorous Amalfi Coast celebration, our vendor directory has everything you need to make your wedding dreams a reality.
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