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After Their Intimate Lake Hayes Wedding, This Couple Exchanged Private Vows on a New Zealand Mountaintop

November 7, 2026 | justine

Vanessa and Ryan’s Lake Hayes wedding brought 10 of their closest family members and friends to a private villa in New Zealand for a week of celebrations. Their plans included an outdoor ceremony, food truck catering, and a helicopter ride into the mountains, where they exchanged personal vows away from their guests.

The couple’s connection to New Zealand began years earlier. Having grown up in the same community in Southern Ontario, Canada, they reconnected at a local festival in 2017. Vanessa soon moved to Australia on a working holiday visa, and Ryan joined her a few months later. During their time abroad, they visited New Zealand and fell in love with the country. It was a trip they never forgot and one that eventually brought them back for their wedding.

What We Love About This Lake Hayes Wedding

  • A private lakeside villa accommodating all 12 attendees
  • A day exploring Central Otago wineries, followed by dinner at Ayrburn
  • A helicopter ride, personal vows, and Vanessa’s green Converse
  • Food truck catering and a fun quiz about the newlyweds
  • A sausage buried the night before the wedding to ward off rain

Featured Vendor:
Shaken and Stirred Weddings

A Weeklong Stay at a Private Villa Overlooking Lake Hayes

Vanessa and Ryan’s venue search began with a fairly specific requirement: they needed somewhere their entire group could stay for a week. They pictured cooking meals together, relaxing in the evenings, and having plenty of time to catch up before and after the wedding.

With help from Junebug planner Shaken and Stirred Weddings, they found a villa overlooking Lake Hayes and the surrounding mountains. The property had enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably, along with a hot tub, outdoor gathering areas, and a large kitchen. Both Vanessa and Ryan love to cook, so the kitchen was a particular selling point.

The ceremony took place on the lawn overlooking the lake, with white flowers and greenery decorating the aisle. For the reception, a long outdoor table was dressed with white linens, floral arrangements, and simple place settings.

An Outdoor Ceremony With Their Closest Family and Friends

Vanessa and Ryan decided to save their first look for the ceremony. Before walking down the aisle, however, Vanessa shared a separate first look with her parents.

Vanessa wore a strapless white gown with a flowing skirt and a long veil. She chose a dress she could comfortably wear throughout the day, including during their helicopter trip into the mountains. Ryan wore a custom dark navy suit with black accents, inspired by classic tuxedo styling. They gave their guests the freedom to choose their own outfits without a strict dress code.

Their officiant was a fellow Canadian whom they immediately connected with. Vanessa remembers crying through much of the ceremony, while Emily’s calm manner and sense of humor helped put everyone at ease.

Private Vows on a Mountaintop and a Surprise Pair of Green Converse

After the ceremony, Vanessa and Ryan boarded a helicopter for a trip into the mountains. Neither had flown in one before, and they were particularly relieved to have clear weather after several days of rain in Queenstown.

On the mountain, Vanessa and Ryan posed for portraits on rocky ledges overlooking the lake and surrounding peaks. Vanessa occasionally ventured closer to the edge than Ryan was comfortable with. She’s the more adventurous of the two, while he’s not particularly fond of heights. He spent part of their portrait session asking her to move back.

Vanessa had also packed a surprise for him. When they reconnected in 2017, Ryan had struck up a conversation about her green Converse sneakers. She brought the same shoes along and changed into them on the mountain.

They then took some time away from everyone else to exchange their personal vows. Having already celebrated with their families at the villa, they appreciated being able to share those words privately.

A Central Otago Wine Tour Instead of a Traditional Rehearsal Dinner

Several of Vanessa and Ryan’s guests had never visited New Zealand, so the couple organized a private wine tour the day before the wedding. Their planner arranged a bus and an itinerary based on the group’s preferences for wine and food.

They spent the day visiting wineries around Central Otago, including the Gibbston wine region, before heading to Ayrburn for dinner in a private room. With only a handful of guests attending, they appreciated having an entire day to explore the area and spend time together before the ceremony.

A Suitcase Full of DIY Decorations and Family Keepsakes

Organizing a destination wedding from Canada was unfamiliar territory for Vanessa and Ryan. They contacted several planning companies before choosing Shaken and Stirred Weddings, with Kellie guiding them through vendor bookings and decisions about a venue they hadn’t yet seen in person.

Meanwhile, Vanessa spent hours on Pinterest collecting ideas for the decorations. She eventually arrived in New Zealand with an entire suitcase of supplies and handmade pieces, including a welcome sign, menus, and personalized handkerchiefs for their family members.

She also made the ceremony floral arrangements herself, assembling everything the day before the wedding using materials she’d brought from Canada. A lace sign featured their wedding date and details about their relationship.

The couple wrote cards to their parents, and Ryan carried a small charm inside his suit in memory of his father, who passed away when Ryan was 15.

Food Truck Catering, a Wedding Quiz, and Dinner Overlooking the Lake

Back at the villa, the reception was arranged around a long outdoor dining table overlooking Lake Hayes. Vanessa and Ryan had chosen Smoke and Pickle to cater the meal, preferring the casual food truck format to a traditional plated dinner. They’d also managed to enjoy some of the caterer’s appetizers during their mountain excursion, which became another favorite memory from the day.

At dinner, guests took part in a quiz to see who knew the newlyweds best. Along with the handmade menus and other decorations, it gave everyone something to laugh about over their meal.

Why They Recommend a Local Planner and Swear by an Unusual Wedding Tradition

Their strongest recommendation for couples getting married overseas is to hire a local planner they trust, particularly when they can’t visit the venue or meet vendors beforehand. The Shaken and Stirred team managed the logistics and vendor coordination, leaving the couple free to enjoy their time with family and friends.

They also have one less conventional suggestion for anyone planning an outdoor wedding.

The night before the ceremony, Vanessa buried a sausage on the property, following an old superstition that supposedly brings good weather. After a rainy week in Queenstown, their wedding day turned out clear and sunny.

As far as Vanessa and Ryan are concerned, the sausage did its job.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kellie Francis
Event Planning – Shaken & Stirred Weddings
Venue – Sicilian Luxury Retreat Queenstown
Catering – Smoke and Pickle
Cake – The Remarkable Cookie
Officiant – Emily Flemming
Videography – Jaffe Santos
Wedding Dress – The Modern Bride
Groom’s Apparel – The Suit Shop

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

A Charming DIY Bohemian Harvest Wedding Set Against the Swiss Alps in Interlaken

November 6, 2026 | justine

Glass apple-shaped lamps inspired Polina and Simon’s Bohemian Harvest theme, which brought rich colors, oversized paper flowers, and playful DIY details to their Interlaken wedding Held at Trinkhalle am Kleinen Rugen, a traditional Swiss venue surrounded by the Alps, the celebration featured handmade decorations, custom-printed tablecloths, and personal touches created with help from their families and friends.

The couple met in Basel while pursuing doctoral degrees. Their first date at a local autumn fair continued with a long evening walk and hours of conversation. They soon discovered a shared love of hiking and traveling, and the Swiss mountains became the perfect location for their wedding. Nearly a year of planning followed, with the couple handling most of the preparations themselves.

What We Love About This Interlaken Wedding

  • A Bohemian Harvest theme inspired by glass apple-shaped lamps, with rich blue, pink, and red accents
  • Custom-printed blue tablecloths featuring the same pattern as the couple’s wedding invitations
  • An outdoor ceremony beneath a fabric-draped floral arch overlooking the Swiss Alps
  • A family photo wall featuring relatives from Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland
  • LEGO flowers assembled by guests and combined into a bouquet for the couple’s home

Nearly a Year of DIY Planning With Help From Family and Friends

Polina and Simon began planning almost a year before their wedding, even before publicly announcing their engagement. They agreed on a budget early and were determined to host a celebration they could be proud of without dipping into their savings or taking on debt. Live music for the ceremony and reception was one expense they decided to forgo.

They researched vendors through recommendations, social media, and online articles, contacting them directly and arranging in-person meetings whenever possible. A meeting with John from Artisst Catering helped them review the venue’s facilities and work out the schedule. They also found their photographer, Junebug vendor Tatiana Brizhagina, through a recommendation in a Telegram chat.

The day before their Interlaken wedding, close friends who had traveled from different parts of the world joined them to help decorate the venue. The preparations were fun, although occasionally stressful, with everyone pitching in to get everything ready. That evening, the group gathered for a large family-style dinner at the venue. 

Featured Vendor:
Tatiana Brizhagina Fotografie

Wedding Vows in the Swiss Alps and a Slavic Kissing Tradition

Polina and Simon exchanged vows outdoors, with the Swiss Alps providing a beautiful backdrop. A curved arch draped in white fabric and decorated with colorful flowers serves as the altar for the ceremony, attended by family and friends who had traveled from around the world. The couple also incorporated a Slavic wedding tradition that encouraged guests to join in.

During the ceremony, guests repeatedly shouted “Gorka,” meaning “bitter,” prompting the newlyweds to kiss. According to tradition, each second spent kissing brings additional years of happiness. The repeated calls for kisses added a playful moment to their Interlaken wedding, with guests joining in on a tradition familiar to the couple.

An Asymmetric Wedding Dress and a Classic Black Tuxedo

Polina chose a modern, asymmetric wedding gown with a structured strapless bodice, a large floral detail, and a voluminous gathered overskirt. A sheer skirt with floral appliqués was visible beneath the draped fabric. She wanted something comfortable that would allow her to move freely throughout the celebration. She completed the look with a long veil, floral earrings, and a sleek low bun. Polina did her own makeup, while one of her closest friends helped with her hat.

Simon, who works in finance and is accustomed to dressing formally, handled his own styling. He wore a black tuxedo with a bow tie and white floral boutonniere. Although the couple initially questioned whether black-tie attire would suit their rustic mountain venue, they were happy with how their outfits worked with the setting. 

A Traditional Swiss Venue Filled With Colorful Flowers and Handmade Details

Polina and Simon were looking for a venue with plenty of open space, fresh air, and mountain scenery. Trinkhalle am kleinen Rugen, near Interlaken, had all three, along with practical facilities such as a kitchen, preparation rooms, and basement storage.

The building’s wooden beams, stone walls, and tall windows suited their theme, which combined rustic details with rich shades of blue, pink, and red. Glass apple-shaped lamps inspired the initial concept, followed by floral arrangements, fruit, and handmade decorations.

Polina had one firm preference: no traditional white tablecloths. Instead, the couple used custom-printed blue tablecloths featuring the same pattern as their invitations, sewing the fabric themselves. The floral print covered the long reception tables, which were arranged with woven placemats, white dinnerware, and small flower arrangements.

Their parents also contributed their experience with floral arrangements and DIY projects. Polina’s father designed and 3D-printed the name tags used for seating assignments, while the couple made around 20 paper flowers to decorate one of the walls. They also incorporated artificial flowers dating back to the previous century, alongside fresh blooms that guests were invited to take home afterward.

Family Photographs Spanning Three Generations and a LEGO Flower Keepsake

Among the decorations was a photo wall featuring portraits and family photographs dating back as many as three generations. The collection included relatives from Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, giving guests a chance to learn more about the couple’s family histories.

Polina and Simon also came up with an unusual alternative to a traditional guest book. They asked each guest to assemble an individual LEGO flower, which they later collected into a single bouquet. The finished arrangement now sits in their home, with flowers assembled by the friends and family who attended their Interlaken wedding.

 

Their Advice for Couples Planning a DIY Wedding

Taking on most of the planning themselves was ambitious, but Polina and Simon appreciated the experience. They saw it as an introduction to married life, giving them time to make decisions together and learn more about each other.

Their one lighthearted regret? They wished their guests had arrived with bigger appetites. With so much food and drink prepared, they joked that perhaps they should have encouraged everyone to indulge a little more.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Tatiana Brizhagina Fotografie
Venue – Trinkhalle am Kleinen Rugen
Catering – Artisst Catering
Cake – Basel Bake
Wedding Dress – Lara Dress
Groom’s Apparel – Moss

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

A Relaxed and Organic Garden Party Wedding at Jardin del Sol in Snohomish, Washington

November 5, 2026 | justine

Crosby and Graham had a garden wedding in mind from the beginning. During their relationship, they’d spent countless hours in a small garden where Graham once worked. It was where he first asked Crosby to be his girlfriend and, years later, where he proposed. When they discovered that Jardin del Sol was available on their seventh dating anniversary, they booked it.

The celebration was relaxed and informal, with guests gathering for cocktails in the garden before dinner and dancing. Crosby and Graham kept the decor simple and spent more on the things they loved most: music, food, and drinks. They even put together their own cocktail hour playlist to get the party started.

What We Love About This Jardin del Sol Wedding

  • A garden venue booked for the couple’s seventh dating anniversary
  • An ivory corseted wedding dress with a matching neck scarf
  • The couple’s dog serving as ring bearer and running after them down the aisle
  • A handwritten seating chart displayed inside a framed art print
  • Two camcorders used by guests to capture candid wedding footage

From a Teenage Crush to a Wedding on Their Seventh Anniversary

Crosby first met Graham in 2016 during a family ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She was 16, he was 19, and although they barely spoke, she developed a huge crush on him. She even imagined taking his last name, Keys, because she thought it had a nice ring to it.

Three years later, they unexpectedly crossed paths again. Crosby was attending university in Tacoma, Washington, when a family friend invited her to spend a weekend away from campus. She didn’t realize Graham, who lived in Seattle, would also be there. “I was really glad I wore a cute outfit!” she recalls.

They immediately connected and began dating. During their relationship, a small garden where Graham worked became a favorite place to spend time together. He eventually proposed there, so finding an outdoor wedding venue was especially important to them.

Jardin del Sol was the first venue they visited. When they learned that their anniversary was one of the few remaining available dates, they didn’t need to look any further.

Personal Vows and an Unexpected Moment With Their Ring Bearer

The couple arranged a first look and finished their portraits before the ceremony, leaving more time to spend with guests afterward.

Crosby’s older sibling accompanied her down the aisle, and she and Graham exchanged vows they’d written themselves. Several guests were moved to tears, with some later telling the couple that they were among the most beautifully written vows they’d heard.

Their dog also had a role in the ceremony, serving as ring bearer with Graham’s sister holding the leash. After the newlyweds shared a dip at the end of the aisle, Graham’s sister released the leash, and their dog ran after them as they walked away.

Before joining cocktail hour, Crosby and Graham spent a few quiet minutes together. Their coordinator brought them their signature cocktails and appetizers while guests mingled outside. Crosby had prepared the playlist, choosing music to suit the garden setting.

Featured Vendor:
Eryndae

Earthy Garden Details and a Coordinated Wedding Party

With the venue’s lush gardens, string lights, and reception tent already in place, Crosby and Graham didn’t need much additional decor. They chose a few of their favorite flowers and classic table settings, with muted shades of green, orange, and blue appearing throughout. Crosby made the seating chart herself, framing one of the couple’s favorite art prints and handwriting each table assignment. Her love of calligraphy made it one of her favorite DIY projects.

Their wedding attire followed a similar palette. Crosby wore an off-the-shoulder ivory gown with a corseted bodice, textured fabric, and a matching neck scarf. Graham chose a dark brown suit, while his three groomsmen wore lighter brown suits.

Each of Crosby’s three bridesmaids wore a different color from the wedding palette and chose her own dress style. The groomsmen’s ties matched the bridesmaids’ respective colors, tying the wedding party’s outfits together without making everyone look identical.

Crosby wore her natural curls in an updo, just as she often does in everyday life. She and her bridesmaids also opted for natural makeup, with everyone choosing hairstyles they were comfortable wearing. 

Good Food, Great Music, and a Packed Dance Floor

Music, food, and drinks were Crosby and Graham’s biggest priorities when deciding where to spend their wedding budget. Once they’d secured the venue, they began looking for their DJ and caterer.

They found their vendors following recommendations from the venue owners. Crosby handled most of the planning herself but hired the venue owner, who was also their day-of coordinator, for additional planning support closer to the wedding.

The celebrations began with a small rehearsal dinner on Thursday at one of their favorite date-night restaurants. They reserved the outdoor space for their closest family and friends, leaving Friday free for last-minute preparations and some downtime.

At the wedding reception, the music was a particular highlight. The dance floor stayed packed throughout the night, and guests continued complimenting the couple on the music, food, and drinks long after the celebration.

Two Camcorders Instead of a Traditional Wedding Video

Crosby and Graham decided against hiring a videographer and instead used two camcorders to document the wedding. They asked a few guests to record their vows and capture footage throughout the evening.

One camera was kept in the bridal suite and the other in the groom’s suite during preparations, giving them recordings from both sides of the wedding morning.

They were also fortunate with the weather. An entirely outdoor wedding had made them a little nervous about the forecast, but their wedding day was sunny, and everything went according to plan.

  

Their Advice on Wedding Priorities and Last-Minute Planning

Crosby and Graham wish they’d had more time to talk with guests during cocktail hour. Even with their portraits finished before the ceremony, the afternoon passed surprisingly quickly.

For couples planning their own wedding, Crosby recommends hiring a partial planner toward the end of the process. Having someone take over vendor communication during those final weeks relieved much of their stress and was more affordable than hiring a full-service planner from the beginning.

She also suggests deciding which parts of the wedding matter most before getting caught up in smaller details. For Crosby and Graham, that meant booking their DJ and caterer soon after securing Jardin del Sol, then working through everything else.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Eryndae
Venue – Jardin del Sol
Floral Design – Mandy Hereth
Catering – Act 3 Catering
DJ – Jeremy Williams
Makeup Artist – Makeup by Lina
Hair Styling – Janey Wahl
Wedding Dress – Anthropologie Weddings
Bridal Accessories – Azazie
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Green Lake Jewelry Works

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
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