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Sunshine and Cinematic Moments Illuminate This Destination Wedding at Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal

March 20, 2025 | justine

Some venues do more than provide a beautiful backdrop—they shape the entire wedding. Michelle and Christopher’s destination wedding at Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal, is the perfect example of how the right setting can turn a celebration into an unforgettable experience. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this historic hotel set the stage for a romantic and breathtaking celebration.

What We Love About This Reid’s Palace Wedding:

  • The unique venue, with its colonial architecture and iconic pink facade, is full of quirky charm and rich history
  • The soft pastel color palette and spring florals tied everything together, from the decor to the mismatched bridesmaid dresses
  • The bride’s bold two-piece wedding dress with layered tulle skirt
  • The stunning clifftop ceremony and fairytale poolside reception with panoramic ocean views
  • The wholesome atmosphere, with kids playing and personal touches that made it feel warm and inviting
  • The way Junebug vendor Miguel Ponte captured the emotions and magic of their big day

Featured Vendor:

Miguel Ponte

Playful Start to the Big Day 

As the bride and her bridesmaids got ready, the room buzzed with laughter and excitement. Dressed in matching robes, they sipped champagne and flipped through the personalized wedding newspaper, playfully posing with it for the camera. Between candid moments and final touches, Michelle took it all in, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her—setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

An Emotional and Heartfelt First Look 

Dressed in a statement-making two-piece wedding gown with a layered tulle skirt, Michelle was a vision of elegance. The sight of her left Christopher visibly emotional, his love and admiration written all over his face. Dressed in a sharp white tuxedo jacket, he stood in awe, taking in every detail of his bride, making their first look a moment they would never forget.

A Clifftop Ceremony with a Breathtaking Ocean View

Michelle and Christopher exchanged vows on a terrace with the Atlantic as their backdrop, the surrounding florals blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the setting. The open ocean behind them brought a sense of calm and grandeur to the moment.

Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, from a handfasting ritual to lighting a unity candle, symbolizing their commitment. As they made their way back down the aisle, guests celebrated by tossing colorful confetti, adding a joyful and vibrant ending to their vows.

Related: 15 Sweet and Sentimental Unity Ceremony Ideas

​​Their Reid’s Palace Reception Comes to Life with Heartfelt Toasts and Dancing

The reception was bursting with playful energy from the start. Guests in heart-shaped sunglasses cheered as children tossed colorful confetti, and the couple made a grand entrance to a wave of white napkins in the air. The excitement was undeniable, setting the stage for a night of laughter and celebration.

As the evening unfolded, candlelight and fairy lights cast a warm glow over the festivities. Loved ones delivered heartfelt toasts, and guests filled the dance floor, enjoying the open-air setting with the cool ocean breeze keeping the night comfortable.

Related: Wedding Entrance Ideas to Kick Off the Celebration

Related: Unexpected First Dance Songs You Haven’t Thought Of Yet

Every detail of this wedding showed how a carefully chosen venue can transform not just the look, but the entire feel of a wedding day. Think beyond just aesthetics—consider how the location will shape the atmosphere and experience of your big day. Reid’s Palace didn’t just host Michelle and Christopher’s wedding—it elevated it, proving that the right setting can turn a beautiful celebration into an unforgettable experience.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Miguel Ponte Photography + Nelson Pestana
Venue – Reid’s Palace
Floral Design – Heartmade Sonhos
Officiant – Madeira Celebrant
Videography – Alexis Alves
Makeup + Hair Styling – Nina Lisa Machado
Wedding Dress – Bridal Boutique Warwickshire
Bridal Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Apparel – Hawes & Curtis
Groom’s Shoes – Duke and Dexter On Feet

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Bachelorette Party Games That Will Keep the Fun Flowing

March 19, 2025 | justine

We’ve gathered the best bachelorette party games, from drinking challenges to fun icebreakers and limo-friendly activities. Image by Nomad by NK

A bachelorette party is all about celebrating, unwinding, and making unforgettable memories with your closest friends. One surefire way to keep the energy high and the laughter flowing? Games! No matter where you’re celebrating—indulging in a spa weekend in Palm Springs, dancing the night away in Miami, or renting a cozy cabin in the mountains—adding playful activities to the mix will take the festivities to the next level.

If your guest list includes friends from different parts of your life, games are a great way to break the ice The right activities will spark laughter, encourage conversation, and create lasting memories before the big day. But let’s be honest—not all bachelorette party games are created equal. That’s why we’ve curated the most fun and engaging options, from hilarious printables to drinking challenges, cheeky icebreakers, and even limo-friendly games. No matter your vibe, these picks will keep the party going all night long!

Printable Bachelorette Party Games

Printable games are a fantastic way to get everyone involved without needing a ton of supplies or setup. Simply download, print, and play! These games are perfect for brunches, wine nights, or even as an icebreaker when everyone first arrives.

 

JB Tip: To make it more fun, give out small prizes to the winners!

Bachelorette Drinking Games

No bachelorette party is complete without a few classic drinking games! Whether you’re at home, in a hotel, or bar-hopping, these games will keep the drinks (and laughs) flowing.

 

Friendly Reminder: Always have non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer not to drink.

Funny Bachelorette Party Games

If your group loves to laugh, these games are a must! They add a playful and slightly risqué twist to the night.

 

Bachelorette Limo or Bus Games

What’s better than rolling around town in a limo with your besties? Playing a few party games while you ride! These transportation-friendly games will make the journey just as fun as the destinations.

 

The key to a successful bachelorette party is choosing games that fit the vibe of the group and keep everyone engaged. Avoid anything that might make guests uncomfortable, and always have a mix of low-key and high-energy activities to balance things out.

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot to juggle—from coordinating schedules to booking accommodations—but the little details are what make the event unforgettable. So, don’t forget the party favors, stylish decorations, and must-have glam essentials to round out the celebration. With these fun bachelorette party games in your lineup, you’re guaranteed to create a night full of laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

Image by Nomad by NK

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Sentimental Destination Wedding in Canada’s Pemberton Valley is Nothing Short of a Nature Lover’s Dream

March 18, 2025 | justine

This destination wedding in Canada was inspired by a love for travel and the beauty of nature.

Jessica and Lewis’ love story reads like a travel romance novel. “Back in 2015, our shared love of adventure, travel, and exploring new places led two solo backpackers to cross paths on the other side of the world.” Their five-week whirlwind romance in New Zealand—filled with stargazing, glow worm caves, and maybe a little too much tequila—set the stage for a lifetime of love and adventure.

Despite years of long-distance between England, Canada, and Australia, nothing—not even a global pandemic—could keep them apart. “We spent 10 full months on different continents during lockdowns, but we made it through,” Jessica said. “Needless to say, those five weeks in New Zealand have turned into forever.”

Jessica had been gathering inspiration from Junebug Weddings long before she and Lewis were even engaged, envisioning a day that felt like an extension of their love for adventure. When the time finally came to plan their wedding, those years of ideas came together beautifully.

“Spending time in nature is something Lewis and I absolutely love, so we wanted our wedding to reflect that. ” Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, their celebration at North Arm Farm felt like a whimsical garden party, with wildflowers everywhere and the beauty of nature taking center stage.

Featured Vendor:

Nomad by NK

A Thoughtfully Planned Destination Wedding in Canada with a Week of Adventure

Opting for a three-year engagement, the couple took their time planning, making thoughtful choices without stress or rushed decisions. “It meant we could spend the first year just gathering ideas, and by the time vendors opened bookings for summer 2024, we already knew exactly who we wanted.” 

Since nearly all their guests traveled from out of town, the couple made the wedding week just as special as the big day itself. “We planned outings so guests could experience the beauty of British Columbia—group hikes, welcome drinks at The Beer Farmers, and poolside hangouts at Pemberton Valley Lodge. By the time the wedding rolled around, everyone had already bonded, which made the day even more fun!”

Planning a destination wedding in Canada from England with an eight-hour time difference wasn’t easy, so they made the smart decision to hire a full-service wedding planner. “Cailey and Alex at Blue Violet Events were an absolute dream. They went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Honestly, we went through a bit of withdrawal from them after the wedding!”

What We Love About This Destination Wedding in Canada:

  • Their three-year engagement, which gave them time to plan their dream wedding without stress or compromises
  • Thoughtful pre-wedding outings that brought guests together and made the celebration even more special
  • Their stunning ceremony location—those willow trees created pure magic!
  • The beautifully captured portraits by Junebug vendor Nomad by NK

JB Tip: Take your time with portraits to ensure you get the shots you’ll treasure forever.

A Dream Dress, a No-Fuss Suit, and a Bridesmaid Challenge Worth the Effort

Jessica had her heart set on the MWL Huxley wedding dress long before she even tried it on. “I obsessed over it for months, and when I finally put it on, I knew it was the one,” she said. Lewis, on the other hand, took a much simpler approach. “He walked into Jack Davison Bespoke, picked a suit color from a book of swatches, and that was it. It was tailor-made and absolutely perfect for him.”

The bridesmaid dresses, however, were a different story. “Trying to coordinate mismatched floral dresses for seven women across four cities and two continents was easily the hardest part of planning. But it was so worth it in the end!”

A Love Story Meant for the Mountains, a Sentimental Tribute, and a Champagne-Soaked Surprise

The couple exchanged vows beneath the sweeping willow trees at North Arm Farm—a venue they had fallen in love with years before they were even engaged. “One of my friend’s sisters attended a wedding there, and when I saw it on her Instagram story, I knew it was perfect for us. The mountains, the open air, the effortless beauty—it just screamed ‘us.’ I sent a screenshot to Lewis, and he instantly replied, ‘We are 100% getting married there!’”

Two years later, when they got engaged, Lewis didn’t hesitate when Jessica asked where they should get married. “He said, ‘What do you mean? We’ve already found the perfect place.’ When we finally visited in person, our jaws dropped. It was even more beautiful than we imagined. It was also the perfect setting to showcase Canada’s staggering beauty—not just for our friends and family traveling from England, but also for my loved ones from Winnipeg who had never been to rural BC. Even now, when we look back at the photos, we have to pinch ourselves. We can’t believe we got married in such a stunning place.”

Instead of a first look, the couple saw each other for the first time at the altar. “The moment I saw Lewis, everything else melted away. We were both overcome with pure joy, love, and excitement,” Jessica recalled.

They also found a heartfelt way to honor Lewis’ late mother. “I surprised Lewis with a white feather in his boutonniere and in my bouquet—something only he and I would understand the significance of. We also melted down one of her rings and split the gold between our wedding bands, adding a diamond from her ring into each. It was our way of keeping her close to us.”

Of course, no wedding is complete without an unforgettable moment of chaos. “Right after the ceremony, before we even took photos with each other or our guests, Lewis and I lined up with our wedding party for a champagne spray photo. Unfortunately, Lewis popped his bottle at the most perfectly imperfect height, and champagne shot me straight in the face, drenching half my hair! The photo was totally worth it, though, and now I have something to tease him about forever!”

A Destination Wedding in Canada with Scottish Traditions, DIY Touches, and a Tequila-Fueled Love Story

The reception was a joyful celebration filled with heartfelt toasts, laughter, and meaningful personal touches. One of the most memorable moments came when their MC—and Lewis’ brother-in-law—surprised them with a traditional Scottish toast. He raised a dram of whiskey mixed with water he had secretly gathered from their pre-wedding hike. “It was such a beautiful, personal moment—one we’ll always remember.”

The couple’s friends and family played a big role in making their day extra special:

  • Jessica’s best friends from nursing school—her only local friends in BC—DIY’d their stunning seating chart. “Brittany picked up, shortened, and even engraved the wooden ladder, while Leanna and Bri saved their wine bottles and added seating chart stickers.”
  • Since they both love nature, their wedding favors were hand-pressed local flowers placed in mini metal frames, allowing guests to take a little piece of the day home with them.
  • As a nod to their love story, they brought over Tequila Rose shots from England for everyone to enjoy during the reception. “Lewis and I met backpacking in New Zealand, and our drink of choice back then was tequila. It felt like the perfect little tribute to that chapter of our story,” Jessica explained.

One of the absolute highlights of the night was their grand entrance. “Our MC did an incredible job getting everyone fired up, and our guests truly gave it their all! People were standing on chairs, waving napkins, singing, and dancing along. It was the biggest adrenaline rush—we could feel the love, excitement, and happiness radiating from every single person. It meant so much to us.”

Embracing the Moment: A Stress-Free Destination Wedding in Canada

Despite the inevitable little hiccups that come with any wedding, they remained completely unbothered. “Honestly, we were on such a high that nothing fazed us whatsoever. We had an amazing team of vendors who handled everything like absolute pros. If anything didn’t go exactly to plan, we didn’t even notice—we were just so happy and excited to be married and celebrating with our loved ones. Nothing else mattered.”

Looking back on their wedding, Jessica and Lewis have one key piece of advice for engaged couples: don’t be afraid to take time for your portraits. “We made sure to carve out plenty of time just for the two of us, and we are SO glad we did. Those moments allowed us to pause, soak in the day, and simply be together—it was truly special.”

As for their three-year engagement? They wouldn’t change a thing. “It was the best decision we made. The first year was all about exploring vendors’ work on social media and refining our vision—completely stress-free. By the time year two rolled around, we knew exactly what we wanted and were able to book our dream team the moment their summer 2024 calendars opened. Because of that, we had an incredible lineup that truly brought our wedding to life. Taking our time made all the difference, and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nomad by NK
Event Planning + Floral Design – Blue Violet Events
Venue + Catering – North Arm Farm
Cake – Mountain Made Cakes
Officiant – Whistler Wedding Pastor
DJ – Nathalie Morel
Live Music – Musos Entertainment
Videography – Calling Mountains
Digital Invitation – Minted
Makeup + Hair Styling – Nina Farrauto
Wedding Dress – Made With LoveBridal
Bridal Accessories – Agapee
Bridesmaids’ Apparel –  Lulus + Pretty Lavish + Baltic Born + ASOS + ASTR the Label
Groom’s Apparel – Jack Davison Bespoke
Groom’s Accessories – Tag Heuer
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Hugo Boss + Moss
Rings – Warrenders
Rentals – The Reverie Co. + Spark Event Rentals
Transportation – Approach Angle
Favors – Blue Violet Design

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings