WEDDING BLOG

Yellow and Blue Were The Natural Color Choices for this Summer Pousada Palacio de Estoi Wedding

July 10, 2026 | justine

Blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, lemons picked from the bride’s family garden, a surprise song for devoted Liverpool FC fans, and a cocktail hour that had everyone singing before dinner was even served—Eloise and Josh’s Pousada Palacio de Estoi wedding was filled with details that could only have happened here.

Portugal wasn’t just a scenic destination on a map. Eloise’s parents live in the nearby village of Estoi, and she’d imagined getting married at the palace long before she met Josh. After the two fell in love during London’s first COVID lockdown, planning a wedding that introduced their favorite corner of Portugal to family and friends felt like the natural next step.

What We Love About This Pousada Palacio de Estoi Wedding

Yellow and blue details inspired by Portuguese azulejos and lemons growing at the bride’s family home
A welcome party hosted at the bride’s parents’ house the night before the wedding
A surprise string quartet performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for the groom’s Liverpool-loving family
A cocktail hour that turned into a singalong with a live acoustic performer
A beachside recovery party with cocktails and sushi to wrap up the weekend

Featured Vendor:
Love and Lace Weddings and Events

Giving Everyone a Reason to Spend the Weekend in Portugal

Since everyone would be traveling to Portugal, Eloise and Josh built an itinerary that extended well beyond the wedding itself.

The weekend opened with a welcome party at Eloise’s parents’ home, just ten minutes from the venue. Much of the styling carried over from the wedding day, giving everyone a preview of the yellow-and-blue palette that would appear again the following afternoon. Instead of ordering fresh flowers twice, they arranged faux florals themselves in a similar style to the wedding arrangements.

Before everyone headed home, the celebrations continued with cocktails and sushi at a nearby beach bar, giving family and friends one more chance to spend time together.

A Venue That Had Been Part of the Story Long Before the Proposal

Long before Josh entered the picture, Eloise already knew where she hoped to get married. Growing up with her parents living nearby meant she had spent years visiting Pousada Palacio de Estoi, making it much more than a venue she discovered while wedding planning.

Its grand architecture, romantic atmosphere, and mix of indoor and outdoor spaces suited the black-tie celebration they envisioned, while its location made it easy to gather everyone for an entire weekend.

Planning everything from London could have been a challenge, which made finding the right planner especially important. They chose a team familiar with the venue, allowing them to manage the logistics from abroad without relying on Eloise’s parents to coordinate every detail.

“My advice is that if you’re planning a wedding abroad, a local wedding planner is a must. It wouldn’t have been possible without Junebug vendor Love and Lace Weddings.”

The Ceremony Started With a Song Everyone Recognized

The couple skipped a first look, saving Josh’s first glimpse of Eloise for the walk down the aisle. Guests, however, were treated to their own surprise beforehand. Knowing how much Liverpool FC means to Josh and his family, Eloise secretly arranged for the string quartet to play “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (the club’s beloved anthem) while everyone was taking their seats. “Everyone absolutely loved it.”

Music continued to shape the rest of the day. During cocktail hour, an acoustic performer moved through singalong favorites as drinks and canapés circulated. Before dinner had even started, groups were already singing together and making their way onto the dance floor.

A Spreadsheet Led to the Right Dress

Eloise laughs that she approached dress shopping exactly as you’d expect from someone who describes herself as “a bit type A.” She visited more than ten bridal boutiques, keeping a spreadsheet of designers, gowns, and notes from every appointment. The dress she thought she’d choose turned out to be very different from the one she ultimately fell in love with.

“The saying that you don’t know what kind of dress you’ll go for until you start to try them on is so true.” The Salomé gown by Saint offered the balance she was looking for: classic at first glance with enough fashion-forward details to suit the formality of the day. Her bridesmaids wore pale blue Bec + Bridge dresses that looked more like occasion wear than traditional bridesmaid dresses, while Josh wore a bespoke suit tailored on London’s Savile Row.

Looking to Portugal for the Wedding’s Color Palette

The wedding’s color palette wasn’t chosen from a trend forecast or mood board.

Blue-and-white azulejo tiles found throughout Portugal inspired the blue accents, while the lemons growing naturally in Eloise’s parents’ garden introduced the yellow. Together, the colors tied the wedding to its surroundings without competing with the elegance of the black-tie dress code.

Pinterest helped Eloise collect ideas early on, but working alongside their planner refined those ideas into a design that suited Pousada Palacio de Estoi and its surroundings.

Focusing on Hospitality, Memories, and Great Music

After attending plenty of weddings themselves, Eloise and Josh noticed one thing: the atmosphere starts long before the reception.

That thinking influenced several early budget decisions. Welcome drinks greeted everyone on arrival, photography and videography were booked together to capture as much of the weekend as possible, and a content creator made it easy to relive the day almost immediately.

Live music also carried from one chapter of the celebration to the next. A string quartet welcomed everyone to the ceremony, an acoustic musician entertained during cocktail hour, a live band took over after dinner, and a DJ kept the dance floor full late into the night.

The Biggest Surprise Wasn’t the Weather They Expected

Rain had been Eloise’s biggest concern while planning a summer wedding. Instead, temperatures climbed to 35 degrees. Portraits became more challenging than expected with the combination of summer heat and a dramatic gown, but slowing down for breaks made it possible to capture the outdoor photos she had hoped for.

Looking back, there isn’t much she’d change. If anything, her biggest recommendation is simple: hire someone local if you’re planning from abroad. Having a planner made the entire process far more manageable, allowing Eloise and Josh to focus on sharing a place that already meant so much to them with the people they love.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Dorin Ciobanu
Event Planning – Love and Lace
Venue – Pousada Palacio de Estoi
DJ – DJ Solutions
Live Music – Dynamite Band
Ceremony Singer – Gary Vesey Music
Makeup Artist – Nicole Soares
Hair Styling – Anabela Torres
Wedding Dress – Saint Bridal
Content Creator – Mathilda

A Monument in Golden Gate Park Was Reinterpreted Into This Romantic, Neoclassical Wedding Design

July 9, 2026 | justine

brown dark pink ivory light pink sage green

Some wedding designers begin with a color palette or floral vision. For Junebug vendor Van der Vows, the creative process often starts with the venue itself.

When principal designer and owner Chelsea discovered the Portals of the Past tucked inside Golden Gate Park, she saw more than a historic landmark. As the last remaining fragment of a mansion lost to fire and earthquakes, the monument shaped every creative decision that followed. Flowing silk softened its neoclassical lines, while sculptural florals, layered textures, and heirloom-inspired details echoed its timeless character, resulting in a Neoclassical wedding design that feels seamlessly woven into its surroundings.

This styled shoot offers plenty of inspiration for couples planning a luxury wedding while also highlighting Van der Vows’ creative approach. The team begins by uncovering what makes a location distinctive, then builds on those qualities through thoughtful styling—from the ceremony installation and fashion to the florals and tablescape.

What We Love About This Neoclassical Wedding Design

The way flowing silk gives the historic Portals of the Past an entirely new look
A mirrored ceremony aisle that plays on the idea of stepping through a portal in time
Florals inspired by the surrounding trees
Engraved pocket watches and lockets that add an heirloom touch
Quartz crystals tucked into the tablescape
An impromptu dance party to Jay-Z that reminded everyone to have fun between shots

Featured Vendor:
Van der Vows

Junebug Vendor Van der Vows Let The Venue Lead The Design

“The vision for Portals of the Past: Draped in Time began with the structure itself. Hidden within Golden Gate Park, the Portals of the Past stands as the remaining fragment of a once-grand mansion lost to fire and earthquakes, a monument suspended between memory and survival.”

From there, the design took its cues from the monument.

Silk was draped across the ruins to soften the neoclassical lines while keeping the structure front and center. That same idea carried through the rest of the shoot, with the florals, fashion, and tablescape all taking cues from the monument and its surroundings.

“I wanted to reinterpret the monument as an art installation, draping the neoclassical structure in silk to soften its stone and breathe life back into its history.”

Texture Carries the Design as Much as Color

The color palette pulls directly from the monument and its surroundings, combining ivory, champagne, clay rose, muted blush, warm apricot, antique gold, and stone gray.

Silk draped across the stone is paired with satin, velvet, candlelight, reflective gold accents, and quartz crystals, creating contrast without taking attention away from the monument. The florals follow suit, incorporating sculptural branches inspired by the surrounding trees that appear throughout the bouquet, ceremony installation, and reception table.

The mirrored ceremony aisle is another standout detail. Designed to represent the “portal” itself, it reflects both the monument and the surrounding landscape.

Engraved pocket watches and lockets bearing the names “Colette” and “Gabriel” complete the styling. They’re subtle additions, but they reinforce the timeless feel of the Neoclassical wedding design without competing with everything else.

Collaboration Was Key From the Start

As both planner and creative director, Van der Vows intentionally brings together creatives who share the same vision from the beginning. “The strongest editorials happen when each artist is trusted to bring their expertise while remaining aligned with the overall narrative.”

That collaborative approach is reflected throughout the shoot. Photography, videography, florals, fashion, and styling all work together, with each element supporting the monument rather than competing with it.

The outdoor setting also meant staying flexible. Wind and changing light constantly shifted the large silk installation, so the team adapted throughout the day instead of trying to control every detail. “We embraced the unpredictability of wind and natural light as part of the artistic process.”

The Best Moment Was Completely Unplanned

Not every memorable moment came from the shot list. “My favorite part of the day was actually one of the most unplanned moments. At one point, we put Jay-Z on the speaker and the entire team started freestyle dancing together between shots.” It gave everyone a chance to loosen up before getting back to work.

“For a brief moment, it genuinely felt like time froze. The entire concept centered around memory, time, and emotional atmosphere, and in that moment, everyone stopped focusing on perfection and simply existed within the experience together.”

It’s an easy reminder that whether it’s a styled shoot or a wedding day, some of the best moments happen when people stop worrying about getting everything right.

What Couples Can Take Away From Van der Vows

While most couples won’t be planning a wedding beneath a historic monument, Van der Vows hopes this wedding inspiration encourages them to look at their own venue a little differently.

“My biggest advice is to focus less on trends and more on emotional atmosphere. Start by asking how you want your wedding to feel, not just how you want it to look.”

Whether your venue is a historic landmark, a garden, or a modern event space, the same idea applies. Let the setting guide your choices, then build from there with thoughtful details that reflect both the space and your personal style.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lisa Whalen Photography
Event Planning + Designer – Van der Vows
Venue – Portals of the Past
Floral Design – Blossoms and Botanicals
Engraving + Calligraphy – Letterati
Stationery – It’s Paper Cliche
Videography – Le Moment Capturer
Makeup Artist – DesignHerImage Makeup
Groom’s Apparel – Eli Thomas Menswear
Rentals – Am Party Rentals
Diamonds – Miss Diamond Ring
Models – Olivia Hill + Anthony Newbill

A Dolomites Elopement That Started at Lago di Braies and Ended With a Helicopter Mountaintop Picnic

July 7, 2026 | justine

ivory white

There aren’t many weddings that begin on an empty dock at Lago di Braies and end with champagne and cake on a mountaintop accessible only by helicopter.

That’s exactly how Alexa and Logan structured their day. They rented out part of the lake before sunrise, exchanged private vows with nobody else around, then spent the evening having a picnic above the clouds in Northern Italy.

The couple traveled from Canada to create a day that was intentionally small in scale but full of details they genuinely cared about. Every choice, from handwritten vows to packing picnic items in their luggage, supported one goal: protecting uninterrupted time together at their Dolomites elopement.

What We Love About This Dolomites Elopement

Renting Lago di Braies before it opened to the public
Private vows and ring exchanges on a quiet dock
A helicopter ride to a mountaintop picnic before sunset
A groom wearing socks with their dog’s face on them
Picnic details packed all the way from Canada

Featured Vendor:

Jennifer Grünauer

Planning A Dolomites Elopement That Was Entirely About The Two Of Them

Alexa almost didn’t go on her first date with Logan. The pair initially connected on a dating app, and Logan suggested meeting for coffee. She wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of getting ready that early in the morning, but there was one thing working in his favor. “He had worked with my best friend years before and she vouched for him!”

They later discovered they’d both worked at the same bank years earlier, though their paths never crossed at the time. Coffee quickly turned into evening wine instead, then dinner that same night. A year later, they were engaged.

Their wedding plans became surprisingly straightforward. Instead of adding more to the schedule, they narrowed it down to the moments they were most excited about: private vows at the lake, a helicopter ride, and an evening picnic in the mountains.

Having Lago di Braies Almost Entirely To Themselves

Lago di Braies doesn’t require much additional decor. The lake, surrounded by mountains and famous wooden boathouses, already does most of the work. The couple elevated the setting simply by securing private access before it opened to visitors. For a couple of hours, the dock and boats belonged entirely to them.

It was just Alexa, Logan, and Jenny documenting the morning. “We said private vows and exchanged rings on the dock while Jenny photographed. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.” There was one extra guest included too, in a way. “Logan rocked socks with our dog’s face on them so she was there with us in spirit!”

Their vow books also became one of the most personal pieces of the day. Writing everything down beforehand allowed them to say exactly what they wanted without performing for an audience.

Finding Vendors Who Could Help Solve Logistics

Planning a Dolomites elopement from Canada wasn’t necessarily straightforward, but they handled most of it themselves. “It was many emails back and forth to vendors, but it was really smooth.” Planning internationally meant every vendor choice had to be practical as well as personal. Alexa relied heavily on Pinterest, Google, Instagram, reviews, and video calls while narrowing down options.

Junebug vendor Jennifer Grünauer ultimately stood out because she already knew the area well. “Jenny just seemed like such a good fit. She had been to the Dolomites before, and had a few shoots there planned before our date, so that experience was helpful.” Just as importantly, they clicked personality-wise. “She had a relaxed attitude and we could tell she’d be a pleasure to spend the day with, and she was!”

Other logistical decisions ended up making a huge difference too. Their florist delivered arrangements to the hotel the night before their early morning lake ceremony, and their accommodation, Fontis Eco Farm & Suites, allowed helicopter pickup directly from the property.

Packing Picnic Items From Canada Was Worth The Extra Luggage Space

Before sunset, the second half of their Dolomites elopement began. A helicopter carried them to a mountain summit where an elaborate picnic awaited. There was champagne, cake, candles, flowers, and enough open space to dance, laugh, and soak in the scenery together. Alexa and Logan had carefully selected and packed many of those details themselves before leaving Canada.

Their photographer even helped transport some of the larger pieces they couldn’t fit in their luggage. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks to how hands-on they were throughout the process.

Combining Lago di Braies And A Mountaintop Picnic Into One Day

The idea started with a friend’s mountaintop wedding photos. Alexa and Logan began researching mountain destinations and eventually landed on Northern Italy. Then they discovered Lago di Braies and decided they didn’t have to choose between the two settings. Instead, they built a timeline around both.

Their vision was simple: begin the day at the lake for private vows and end it on top of a mountain with champagne and a picnic. The design utilized whimsical florals, pastel tones, and plenty of greenery; an aesthetic that carried through their day consistently, including their cake and their picnic setup.

Giving Themselves Permission To Do Things Differently

Unlike many couples, Alexa and Logan don’t have a list of things they’d change. “We were fortunate that everything went perfectly to plan and completely smoothly. I wouldn’t change a thing!”

Their biggest takeaway has less to do with logistics and more to do with permission. “My advice would be to only do exactly what you want to do, so if that means it’s just you 2 and no friends or family, so be it! There’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding or to get married, just do what feels right to you.”

For couples considering a Dolomites elopement, Alexa and Logan’s day shows how much can fit into a celebration for two: private vows at Lago di Braies, a helicopter ride into the mountains, and an evening picnic above the clouds.