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This Alaska Vow Renewal Proves It’s Never Too Late for the Elopement of Your Dreams

June 5, 2025 | justine

After 17 years of marriage, Anne and Dan decided to renew their vows in a way that reflected their love for adventure, nature, and each other. Their Alaska vow renewal was anything but ordinary. From a private yacht to a stunning beach backdrop, their special day was a celebration of their enduring love and the journey they’ve been on together. It’s proof that no matter where you are in life, you can still have the elopement of your dreams.

What We Love About This Alaska Vow Renewal:

  • The stunning location at Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
  • Anne’s dream wedding dress from Bateau Bridal, with its floral detailing and subtle sparkle
  • The intimate ceremony on a private beach
  • The white and blue color palette that brought elegance and life to the natural landscape
  • A luxury cabin stay at West Wind Cabins for an unforgettable, cozy dinner

Featured Vendors:

The Hitched Hiker

AK Happenings

Anne and Dan’s Love Story Comes Full Circle with a Dream Vow Renewal

Anne and Dan’s story began in college, where they bonded over their shared love for conversation, sometimes to the point of getting in trouble for talking too much! “We quickly started dating and never spent a day apart.” Their whirlwind romance led them to a private engagement before Anne left for a semester abroad in Italy. After months of long-distance, they officially got engaged and married soon after. But as Anne admits, “We were so young and got married very fast, so I never really planned my dream wedding.”

That’s where their vow renewal came in. After 17 years of marriage, they decided to have the wedding of their dreams, this time with the intention of making it adventurous, free-spirited, and elegant—true to their personalities and the life they’ve built together.

A Unique Alaska Vow Renewal Ceremony That Included a Secluded Beach and Private Vows

The ceremony was one of the most special parts of their vow renewal. “We didn’t share at all what our vows would be, and we never even wrote vows for our original wedding.” Standing on a private beach, surrounded by their love and breathtaking views, they shared what their marriage meant to them. “I’m not one to get choked up easily, but of course, I cried. It was so special, so quiet, so beautiful.”

True to their adventurous spirit, the couple didn’t pick a traditional ceremony spot. Instead, they took a private yacht around Kachemak Bay and landed on a secluded beach, perfect for their vow renewal. Anne explains, “My husband is a Geologist, so this was especially fun for us to explore together.”

The scenery was nothing short of magical. The rock formations, combined with gorgeous floral arrangements, turned the natural landscape into a spectacular, dream-like setting. “It was like a dream!”

From Floral Details to Natural Tones: Anne and Dan’s Perfectly Coordinated Wedding Attire

Anne’s wedding dress from Bateau Bridal was the perfect choice for their outdoor vow renewal. “I love florals, so when I saw the wedding dress I chose, I knew it was the one!” She was drawn to the floral detailing and subtle sparkle, which added a touch of elegance to the natural setting. “I loved the way the skirt of the dress flowed so beautifully,” she says. For Dan, comfort was key. “Dan isn’t a very formal guy, so we chose a nicely tailored grey suit for him with a dark green tie to match the greenery of our florals and the natural colors of the Alaskan landscape.” Their coordinated looks perfectly reflected the effortless yet elegant vibe they envisioned for their special day.

How Junebug Vendor AKhappenings Took the Stress Out of Their Special Day

With a desire to keep things easy and stress-free, Anne and Dan turned to Junebug vendor AKhappenings to take the reins on their vow renewal. “AKHappenings took care of everything and put together the dream team!” Anne shares. From finding the perfect vendors to coordinating the day’s schedule, Jordan ensured the couple didn’t have to worry about a thing.

An Intimate Dinner and Cozy End to the Day

After the ceremony, Anne and Dan enjoyed a relaxing and intimate evening at the West Wind Cabins. Their wedding planner had arranged a cozy dinner for two, complete with a beautiful table setting, delicious cake, and fresh Alaskan seafood—one of their favorite meals. “We were surrounded by our amazing florals, and truthfully after some photos, we got into our comfy clothes to devour the meal!” 

It was a perfect end to their special day: just the two of them, enjoying each other’s company, reminiscing, and savoring their meal. “The only company I ever really need is him,” Anne adds.

Takeaway: Less Stress, More Love

One of the biggest takeaways from Anne and Dan’s vow renewal is the importance of hiring the right people to make your wedding day effortless. With AKhappenings taking care of every detail, they were able to fully immerse themselves in the moment, enjoying the adventure and love that marked this milestone in their marriage. Their story is a reminder that your dream wedding can happen at any stage in life, and it’s never too late to make your celebration just as special as your love.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Hitched Hiker
Event Planning – AKhappenings
Ceremony Venue – Katchemak Bay
Reception Venue – WestWind Cabins
Floral Design – Honey Bee Flower Co.
Catering – Alaska Roots Catering
Cake – Alaska Wedding Cake Boutique
Videography – Haley Jay Media
Makeup Artist – Doll House Makeup
Hair Styling – AK Borealis Beauties
Wedding Dress + Bridal Accessories – Bateau Bridal Boutique
Transportation – Lady of the Sea Adventures

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Two Cultures, One Beautiful Summer Celebration With a Traditional Nigerian Wedding Ceremony

June 3, 2025 | justine

Temi and Ellis’ Nigerian wedding ceremony, steeped in cultural richness, showcases how two worlds came together to honor love. The couple’s journey began through the modern convenience of a dating app. But as Ellis shares, the real magic began when they met in person: “From the moment I saw her and heard her voice, I just knew that she would be the one I would end up marrying.”

Their relationship wasn’t without its twists. After meeting online while Temi was at university in the Midlands, UK, the couple initially planned to meet in person but had to delay their first date. Months later, they picked up where they left off. “Our first date consisted of pizza and watching a movie on a beaten-up laptop,” Temi remembers fondly. Despite the delay, both knew early on that they were meant to be together. “I knew from that very first night that Ellis was someone with whom I could have a wonderful future.” Seven years later, they said “I do” in a heartfelt celebration rooted in culture and meaning—one they’ll always remember.

What We Love About This Nigerian Wedding

  • Stunning royal blue and emerald green Aso-Oke (traditional Nigerian fabric) for the ceremony and reception
  • A three-tiered, three-flavored wedding cake made by Temi herself as a tribute to her father
  • A memorable Nigerian traditional ceremony where Ellis learned Yoruba phrases and performed a dance routine with the groomsmen
  • A heartfelt tribute to Temi’s late father, with a reserved seat, heart-shaped wreath, and photo charm added to her bouquet

Featured Vendor:

Nicole Lampraska Photography

Embracing Special Rituals and Honoring Loved Ones

One of the most memorable moments came during the traditional Nigerian ceremony when Ellis performed a dance with the groomsmen. “I had to entertain the guests and show respect for Temi’s culture.” The couple also made sure to honor Temi’s late father, with a beautiful seat reserved for him, complete with a heart-shaped wreath and personalized plaque. “It meant a lot to me to have him close to my heart.”

Another deeply meaningful moment came when Temi walked down the aisle and saw Ellis waiting for her. “The sun came through the clouds, and it felt like a divine moment.” Ellis, too, remembers the emotion of seeing Temi in her wedding dress. “I can honestly say it was the best day of my life, and I was relieved that everything went smoothly,” Ellis says, though Temi teases that there may be a few photos of him with watery eyes.

Bringing Cultures Together Through Wedding Fashion

When it came to planning their wedding, the couple set out to combine the best of both worlds. “The vibe we wanted for our wedding was a little unconventional. We wanted the color scheme to be bright pops of color and a white party vibe for our guests.” Their florals, designed in shades of pink, purple, and orange, perfectly complemented their vision. The couple wanted to embrace their cultural roots while putting their own spin on the celebration.

Temi and Ellis embraced traditional Nigerian clothing on their wedding day. “We had three outfit changes. We wore royal blue Aso-Oke for the traditional ceremony, a wedding dress and suit for the ceremony, and emerald green Aso-Oke for the reception.” Their bridal party matched in olive green, tying everything together beautifully. “I wasn’t sure what the traditional outfits looked like until a few weeks before because my MIL picked them out, but everyone said I looked like a typical Nigerian groom,” Ellis says with a laugh.

Building a Team They Can Trust For Their Nigerian Wedding Day

The couple understood the importance of choosing vendors who aligned with their vision for the day. “We were looking for people who understood our vision, were polite, punctual, and had a good aura about them.” Junebug vendor Nicole Lamparska Photography, one of their key vendors, captured the beauty and joy of their wedding. Their choice to rely on a strong, communicative pro team ensured that their wedding day unfolded without a hitch.

Homemade Cake to Nonstop Dancing: Temi and Ellis’s Recipe for an Unforgettable Reception

As the formal ceremony ended, the reception became a celebration of joy, energy, and dancing. The couple was determined to keep the focus on the dance floor, where guests could fully let loose. . “The energy of the day was amazing. We were so excited, we could barely eat anything!” Guests enjoyed dancing to classic tracks like “Candy” by Cameo, while Temi also revealed her special secret—she had baked the wedding cake herself! “It felt like I was presenting a gift to my husband. And my dad, a passionate baker, had always wanted to make my wedding cake. It turned out beautifully, and I was so proud.”

Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Looking back on their wedding day, Temi and Ellis have a few key pieces of advice for other couples. “Enjoy every moment of the planning process. All your hard work will lead up to this big day, and you might not even remember some of the details because the endorphins are so high! If you can, have someone outside your bridal party checking in on you to make sure you’re eating and drinking. Your bridal party is usually busy with their own duties.”

In the end, Temi and Ellis’ wedding was not only a celebration of their love but also a beautiful blend of family, culture, and tradition. The vibrant energy, meaningful moments, and cultural fusion created a wedding day they’ll cherish forever. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nicole Lamparska
Venue – Braxted Park
Floral Design – Tubes Floral
Decorator – Luxe Decor Events
Catering – Classik Catering
Drinks Service – Taifa Cocktails
DJ – DJ Sean Music
MC – Mr Tandoh
Makeup Artist – Slayed By Miks
Hair Styling – London Hair Creative
Bridal Gift Wrapping – Eru Iyawo By Ashabi

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Wedding Hotel Room Blocks Just Got So Much Easier

May 30, 2025 | marissa

All imagery provided by Engine. Image by Leonardo Miranda

Let’s be honest—“hotel room block” doesn’t exactly carry the same sparkle as “floral installation” or “wedding dress.” Some parts of wedding planning are rich with creativity and emotion. Others? Pure logistics. And figuring out where all your guests should stay for your wedding tends to fall into that second category.

Whether you’re spreadsheet-obsessed or more go-with-the-flow, one thing is most likely true: your time is limited. And managing hotel room blocks takes a surprising amount of it.

That’s why we’re genuinely excited about Engine. It’s the hack so many couples have been wishing for. Engine is a free (yes, free) platform that takes the stress out of hotel room blocks by combining smart technology with real human support. Engine finds the best rates and manages the entire process for you—from research, to booking, and even reconciling charges after checkout. 

In other words, Engine lifts this surprisingly complex task off your shoulders so that you can get back to the parts of planning that actually bring you joy. And in a time when mental wellness and boundaries matter more than ever, that’s the kind of help worth taking advantage of.

Wait, What Is a Hotel Room Block?

If you’re not totally sure what a hotel room block is, don’t worry. It’s not the kind of thing most people know about—until they’re suddenly expected to handle one.

A hotel block is essentially a group of rooms held under your name for guests who are traveling for your wedding. Sounds simple enough, but in reality it takes a lot of time and effort to organize. You are typically the one coordinating all of it—reaching out to hotels, comparing rates and availability, negotiating terms, organizing check-in dates, all while keeping guests in the loop. It quickly turns into a full-time job.

But here’s why couples still do it: it saves money, makes travel easier for guests, and helps everyone feel connected. Hotels often offer discounted rates when you book in bulk, and your guests are guaranteed to secure a room close to your venue. It’s a thoughtful gesture that also helps streamline your wedding weekend.

This is where Engine comes in: removing this time-consuming task from your to-do list completely. From the research to the negotiation to the final booking confirmation, Engine handles every step of the exhausting hotel room block process. Here’s what makes it even better: it’s completely free to use. Just free help with one of the most notoriously tedious parts of wedding planning.

How Does Engine Work?

It all starts with one simple form. You fill out your event details like dates, location, and guest count. Once submitted, you’ll get hotel proposals in as little as four business hours. From there, it’s straightforward and stress-free.

Every couple is paired with their own dedicated trip manager—an actual human—who guides you every step of the way. Once hotel proposals come in, Engine handles the heavy lifting: reviewing availability, negotiating rates, and narrowing down options that truly fit your needs.

wedding hotel room blocks

Image by Julia Solonina

You’ll get an easy-to-read proposal comparing your best hotel choices. You pick the one that works best for you, and Engine takes care of everything else.

Engine makes this magic happen with a thoughtful blend of smart technology and real people. The tech speeds up the process, automating the research. The human experts step in to negotiate better pricing and handle the nuanced logistics. It’s a true best-of-both-worlds situation: efficient where it can be, personal where it matters.

What Engine Does For You

We know that Engine saves you time. But it also fixes other pain points that come with hotel room blocks. Here’s what it tackles head-on:

  • Real Discounts: Engine finds the best possible rates and terms for your block, often up to 22% off the publicly listed prices. That’s money your guests will appreciate saving.
  • Skip the Online Booking Headache: Most hotel websites cap online bookings at nine rooms. After that, you’re expected to pick up the phone and call around. Engine handles those conversations for you—because no one wants to spend their lunch break on hold with hotel reception.
  • Easily Manage Multiple Hotels: With limited room block availability becoming more common, many couples are having to split their guests across more than one hotel. Engine makes it simple by organizing all your blocks in one place.
  • Handle the Guest Juggling Act: Room blocks aren’t just about securing the right number of rooms—they’re also about getting the right rooms for the right people at the right time. Engine smooths out all the details, from availability to amenities. 

Weddings are supposed to be joyful. And while room blocks might not be the most glamorous part of the process, they don’t have to be the most stressful either. With Engine, you get time back, clarity you didn’t know you needed, and a smoother experience for your guests. It’s sure to be a tool you tell other engaged friends about later. Start your room block search on Engine and see just how easy it can be.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
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