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This Historical Maine Wedding Was a Love Letter to Vintage Style, Family Heritage, and Thoughtful Curation

January 13, 2025 | marissa

couple has european-style ceremony exit

Arissa and Bobby’s love story is full of serendipity, beginning in the same hospital in Portland, Maine, where they were both born. “It only made sense to have our wedding in the state where we were both born and raised.” Their journey started in high school through choir, though they weren’t high school sweethearts. After years of friendship, they began dating when Arissa graduated. “I was college-bound and academically driven above all else,” she recalls, while Bobby admired her dedication, adding, “I was too in love with her to break things off just because we would be long-distance.”

The couple endured years of long-distance during college, living together through Covid, and eventually settling in Boston. “Getting married wasn’t a given for us, but a happy mutual decision that further solidified our choice to spend the rest of our lives together.” A year before their wedding, they eloped to simplify things, allowing them to relax and save for their dream celebration with family and friends.

As a self-proclaimed type-A planner, Arissa had a clear vision for the wedding, with Bobby fully supporting her. “He knows that I am in my element when it comes to planning, details, and aesthetics…and allowed me the space to create that I craved.” Take a look at Arissa’s actual wedding Pinterest board—we’re blown away by her vision, to be honest. The couple also hired Toni of 631 Events, their day-of coordinator, to handle the logistics. “If anyone could be my trusted body double on my wedding day, it’s her.” 

With a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses, the couple carefully curated a celebration that honored their love, their roots, and their values. Keep reading to see how Arissa and Bobby brought their dream day to life, with insights you can apply to your own big day. Their wedding journey unfolds through the lens of Junebug vendor Antoinette Photography.

A Personalized Chinese Tea Ceremony 

Arissa and Bobby’s wedding was not just about the big celebration—it was also about blending cultures and honoring traditions. They held a Chinese tea ceremony, a meaningful ritual in Chinese weddings that unites families. “We had a Chinese tea ceremony (not super traditional and adjusted for our needs).”

the bride's accessories

traditional chinese tea ceremony attire

Featured Junebug Vendor:

Antoinette Photography

groom putting on his traditional chinese garments

beautifully intricate hairpiece for a chinese tea ceremony

Their custom-made wedding outfits, which Bobby’s family brought from China, featured a phoenix and dragon, symbols of balance, love, and prosperity. Red, a lucky color in Chinese culture, was prominently featured in the outfits, décor, and even the guests’ attire.

the groom's grandmother at the chinese tea ceremony

groom's mom at chinese tea ceremony
During the tea ceremony, the groom’s family was served first, followed by the bride’s family. “The family members gave us well wishes as they drank the tea and wished for a happy marriage, long life, and lots of babies (because a growing family is a positive thing),” Arissa shares.

bride offering the groom's mom and grandma tea

While Bobby’s grandfather and father had passed, it was a heartwarming moment when his grandmother and mother received their tea. “I’m also so happy that even before we were married, I’ve been referred to by his family as his ‘wife’ and have been considered a part of the family for many years,” she adds.

Foss Mansion in Maine on a wedding day

groom in traditional chinese garb with his friends

bride in traditional chinese clothing with her best friends

One of the most unique aspects of Arissa and Bobby’s story was their decision to merge their last names into a new one: Shaw + Chang = Shang. The combined surname not only held deep personal meaning but also honored Bobby’s Chinese heritage by creating a name that could seamlessly fit within Chinese culture.

Rather than leaving the name change process to just one partner, they tackled it together—visiting the social security office, DMV, and bank side-by-side. What could have been a tedious task for one became a shared adventure, perfectly reflecting the partnership and equity that define their relationship.

happy wedding day photo with traditional chinese clothing

artistic wedding day photo with motion blur

bride and groom in traditional chinese clothing in front of flowers

A Dream Vintage Bride

As a vintage lover with a closet that’s about 85% vintage, Arissa knew a vintage wedding dress and accessories would be the perfect choice for her. However, finding a midsize vintage gown proved to be a challenge. After struggling to find a boutique that offered vintage options in her size, she discovered Coastal Bridal Boutique on Cape Cod, where the owner, Jessica, assured her that her dream dress was possible.

bride's vintage wedding dress

bride's mom helping her into her vintage wedding dress

The ‘80s gown, featuring bold ruffles and a dramatic train, was carefully altered with ribbing, side panels, and removable puff sleeves, staying true to its vintage style while fitting Arissa beautifully.

bride in a vintage wedding dress and 80s vintage veil

black and white portrait of bride

Arissa wearing the veil from their elopement–a layered, satin-trimmed 80s veil with a pearl-covered comb–added an extra layer of meaning to the ceremony. “It felt like a lucky charm of confidence for our wedding celebration.”

bride walking downstairs in her vintage wedding dress

bride's vintage-inspired shoes

“The shoes! I love John Fluevog shoes and how funky and unique they are,” Arissa shared. “Owning several pairs, I knew I wanted my wedding shoes to be made by them. I bought the last pair available in my size! Then I topped them off with vintage shoe clips that matched the organza and pearl details in my veil and dress.”

A Western Ceremony With Unforgettable Vows

The ceremony was a heartfelt and intimate affair, with a few unexpected moments that made it even more special. One of the most heartfelt moments of the day came during the couple’s vows, which turned out to be beautifully unexpected. Arissa shared how her husband, who’s typically more introverted, had told her before the wedding that he’d written his own personal vows, surprising her since they originally planned to use a pre-written draft.  “It was another moment that made me wish I could marry him all over again.”

ceremony set up in historical mansion

bride in vintage wedding dress during ceremony

bride in vintage wedding dress from the 80s

When it was time to read his surprise vows, Bobby admitted he’d forgotten to print them in the chaos of the wedding week. “He then proceeded to recite the most beautiful and sweet vows I have ever heard from memory and from instinct, all the while holding my hand as I smiled at him, never breaking eye contact.”

Inspired, Arissa decided to abandon her hastily written vows and spoke from the heart as well, creating an intimate and spontaneous exchange that had their guests laughing and tearing up. It was a perfectly imperfect moment that reflected their deep connection and love.

bride and groom kiss during ceremony

bride and groom exiting the venue

bride in vintage wedding dress joyful after wedding ceremony

The couple opted for a “European-style” exit, with rose petals thrown by guests. “This was our photographer’s idea and one of the best choices for the wedding. Guests could get involved, we got amazing photos of the action, and it allowed strategic time for chairs to be put away and for the backstage prep for the reception to start since everyone was outside.”

The Reception and Couple Portraits

reception set up at Foss Mansion

To save money, Arissa thrifted 90% of the decor, including trays, candlesticks, and plates. “I saved untold amounts of money by thrifting 90% of the decor—trays, candlesticks, ribbon, plates, and more,” she shares. With the venue’s character already in place, Arissa opted for a simpler approach. “I simply did not see the need to spend thousands of dollars on greenery or installations.” The vintage-inspired details fit perfectly with the venue, creating a seamless aesthetic.

bride and groom listening to speeches

table numbers and dried flowers at reception

A special and sustainable detail at Arissa and Bobby’s wedding was the use of dried flower petals as table decorations. Inspired by a TikTok she had seen, Arissa decided to save and dry all the petals from the flowers Bobby had brought home for her. “After about 14 months, I had over 4 gallons of dried petals,” she recalls. Despite telling Bobby that she didn’t need any more dried roses, he continued to surprise her with more, even going so far as to pull wilting stems to hang up and dry. “He was so committed to the idea of using the dried petals for the wedding. It was a small but sweet gesture that made me appreciate him even more.”

live jazz band at wedding

bride dancing in vintage wedding dress

bride in vintage wedding dress jumping on bed

bride in vintage wedding dress sitting in bathtub

bride in vintage wedding dress poses for retro photo

bride wears vintage wedding dress at wedding in Foss Mansion

The couple decided to allocate much of their budget toward a delayed honeymoon to Japan. “Rather than spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a wedding that only lasts a day, we would rather spend that money on a delayed honeymoon trip to Japan, somewhere we have both wanted to visit since before we started dating. Money was rather spent wisely for our special day. Our biggest area of the budget was photography. And words cannot explain how incredibly worth it it was.”

vintage-inspired wedding cake

Reflecting on their approach to the wedding, “We wouldn’t change a thing about it. Do what feels right for you. For us, having an elopement just for us, a mini honeymoon, a family holiday celebration in 2023, and a ‘proper’ wedding ceremony a year later was the perfect way to stretch our budget and enjoy the time and celebrations we needed.”

“Already being husband and wife, I didn’t feel for a second that our ‘wedding’ with our friends and family was any less special.” Celebrating their anniversary with loved ones only deepened the experience. Ultimately, their wedding was a celebration of their shared journey, reminding them that the most important thing is cherishing each other’s company, no matter the occasion.


The Wedding Team:

Photography – Antoinette Photography
Day-of Coordination – Toni Marulli of 631 Events
Venue – Foss Mansion, Women’s Literary Union
Floral Design – Petali Flowers
Bouquet – Our Blessed Woods
Catering – Davinci’s Eatery
Cake – Grant’s Bakery
Live Music – Free Parking
Vintage Dress Boutique – Coastal Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Accessories – Vico Style
Bride’s Shoes – John Fluevog
Groom’s Attire – Suit Supply
Rings – Market Square Jewellers
Hotel Accommodations – Munroe Inn

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This Pop Diva-Inspired Wedding Included Choreography, Disco Glamor, and Pure Queer Joy

January 9, 2025 | justine

Alessandro and Giulio’s love story began on a magical carnival night in 2012, under the shimmering glow of a mirror ball in a famous Roman nightclub. Dancing to pop diva anthems, they felt an instant connection. “It was a crush. It was love,” they shared. After 12 years of building a life  and creating a home together, they decided it was time to celebrate their journey by saying “the fateful yes” in front of their loved ones. And a pop diva-inspired wedding was the perfect expression of their personalities and the enchantment that has defined their love story.

True to how their story began, their wedding was a dazzling celebration inspired by the world of queer disco—a nod to their love for pop divas who champion free love and self-expression. The event blended the sparkle of mirror balls with pastel hues of pink, yellow, and orange, creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and electric. “We worked hard for an entire year to make the most important day of our lives happen,” they said, describing how they designed the concept, style, and even the setlist for their big day.

Alessandro and Giulio’s vision required a team of bold and creative collaborators. “We knew it wouldn’t be a conventional wedding,” they said. “We needed courageous vendors who embraced our aesthetic idea.” From floral designs to accessories that captured the disco vibe, every detail was meticulously planned—even if it meant their initial budget doubled. “We are very meticulous and capricious,” Alessandro laughed. “We want everything to be as we say, at any cost!”

Read on to discover how the couple brought their pop diva-inspired wedding to life, captured beautifully through the lens of Junebug vendor Cristiana Fiorini.

Featured Junebug Vendor:

Cristiana Fiorini

The couple’s attire set the tone for the celebration. Alessandro donned a striking Dolce & Gabbana white silk suit paired with silver Western boots and a silky tank top. “It made me feel like a superhero,” he said. Giulio opted for a bespoke ivory suit from Cerruti, accented with a vintage opal necklace from his mother. “I felt like a contemporary Tony Manero,” he shared.

The ceremony, held in a deconsecrated convent, was both touching and joyful. A dear friend—and drag queen—officiated, delivering a heartfelt speech about universal love. “Half the guests were crying even before we entered.”

After the ceremony, Alessandro and Giulio skipped the traditional photo session to greet guests and soak in the love and energy of the moment. Exiting to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” they danced their way into the reception.

The reception was the epitome of a disco dream. Alessandro and Giulio made a grand entrance with a choreographed mashup of “Rumore” by Raffaella Carrà and Madonna’s “Music-Disco Inferno” remix. “When we arrived, people went crazy,” they recalled. “Everyone was screaming, dancing—it was incredible energy. We felt like real pop stars!”

This pop diva-inspired wedding transformed their venue into a dazzling celebration of love and joy. Guests enjoyed drinks in a serene cloister while a band played joyful tunes. Dinner took place under a cascade of string lights and stars, with white tablescapes accented by colorful single-stem arrangements and glitter ball centerpieces.

The couple took on many projects themselves, from invitations to handmade wedding favors. “Our house was invaded by candles!” They joked about the hours spent creating custom favors featuring their favorite pop divas, which also served as table names. The effort paid off—the candles were a hit, with guests eagerly taking them home.

The night was full of surprises, including a hilarious interruption during Alessandro’s love dedication to Giulio by their drag queen friend, leaving guests both laughing and speechless. “What made our wedding unique was the immense energy of our guests,” they said. “They were all beautiful, and we were overwhelmed by their love.”

The old carpentry shop turned into the ultimate party zone. Under sparkling disco balls and glowing lights, guests filled the dance floor, letting loose to the beat of pop hits. Alessandro and Giulio brought the energy, leading the crowd alongside their fabulous drag queen friend, who kept everyone hyped up. The space buzzed with laughter, cheers, and non-stop dancing—pure joy from start to finish.

Planning such a unique event wasn’t without challenges. “Giulio is calmer and lets things go,” Alessandro explained. “I’m a control freak who plans every detail because success is in the timing.” Despite fiery moments during the planning process, their focus on enjoying the day paid off.

Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a testament to the power of self-expression and community. This pop diva-inspired wedding was a perfect blend of disco glamor, heartfelt moments, and pure queer joy. “We danced, sang, and involved everyone in our party,” they shared. “It was everything we dreamed of and more.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Cristiana Fiorini
Coordinator – Silvia Amoruso
Venue – Conventino di Mentana
Floral Design – Copihue Floral Studio
Catering – Le Voilà Banqueting
DJ – Lucasep DJ and Events
Live Music – Live Enjoy Music

 

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Modern Meets Nature in This Fresh Wedding Inspiration that Redefines Luxury

January 7, 2025 | justine

When Junebug vendor The Art and Romance created this modern wedding inspiration styled shoot, the goal was clear: to merge contemporary style with timeless elegance and redefine luxury through thoughtful details. The breathtaking Camelot, a private beachfront property with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, served as the perfect setting to bring this vision to life. Through seamless collaboration with a talented team of creatives, the shoot became a celebration of beauty and innovation.

“Our theme, A Timeless Affair, was inspired by the desire to blend modernity with timeless elegance,” Gabi, The Art and Romance Creative Director shared. “I firmly believe that no matter how talented an individual may be, achieving the best results is only possible with the support of an exceptional team.”

If you’re a couple who loves bold, modern fashion and elegant, personalized details, this styled shoot captured by Wonder and Magic is for you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek vibe or something that blends nature with luxury, there’s no shortage of ideas to help make your wedding day unforgettable.

Featured Junebug Vendor:

The Art and Romance

Although this styled shoot didn’t feature a formal ceremony setup, Camelot’s diverse spaces offered endless possibilities for couples. “The beachfront setting is magical, with its direct access to the sandy Whiting Bay beach and sensational ocean views,”

For a romantic yet contemporary look, the strapless dress with a short bubble skirt was the epitome of elegance with a fresh twist. “Each dress of this modern wedding inspiration shoot reflected a balance of classic design with modern refinement,” Gabi shares.

Junebug Tip: The dress featured above is the perfect dress to take from ceremony to reception! Add a sleek skirt for the ceremony and then remove for a fun and chic reception look. 

“For couples seeking a serene and elegant atmosphere, the lush lawn area framed by greenery provides an equally stunning option. The venue’s contemporary design and serene surroundings make it perfect for creating an intimate and unforgettable celebration.” 

Adding a touch of playful sophistication, the one-shoulder gown featured a dramatic tiered bubble skirt, making it an unforgettable choice for the modern, fashion-admiring bride. 

The wedding signage featured a modern design metal frame, leather, and embossed details. “We incorporated leather accents intertwined with embossed elements to evoke a sense of tactile refinement,” Gabi explains. 

The intimate reception was a perfect blend of understated luxury and natural beauty, combining bold, modern elements with organic textures. A dark leather-covered table and sleek plates created a sophisticated foundation, while silver flatware added a touch of elegance. An earthy centerpiece brought a natural touch, and wildflowers and foliage introduced pops of color, effortlessly tying together the surroundings with the refined design.

One of the standout aspects of this shoot was its innovative approach to sustainability. “What made this shoot truly exceptional was its seamless fusion of innovation, tradition, and sustainability. Our vision was to embrace everything the breathtaking location of Camelot had to offer while incorporating thoughtful, locally inspired details. This approach celebrated the natural beauty of the venue while emphasizing sustainability, ensuring every element felt intentional and meaningful.” 

Of course, the day wasn’t without its challenges. “The strong wind on the day of the shoot was definitely a hurdle. It complicated outdoor setups and delicate details like table decor and veil shots. But it also added unexpected magic to the images, giving them movement and an organic quality we couldn’t have planned for.” 

The bride’s third outfit change featured a sleek, structured strapless dress that made a striking minimalist statement, perfectly capturing the essence of modern bridal style.

The wedding cake was a stunning modern sculptural design, displayed on a sleek black cake stand. The table it sat on was elegantly adorned with white skirting and a bold black bow, offering a unique and stylish twist on traditional cake displays.

Another bridal look featured a stunning sculptural 80s-inspired wedding dress with a striking neckline and bubble peplum skirt. The dramatic volume and delicate texture created a truly show-stopping, romantic vibe.

A beautiful bridal portrait idea with the bride standing in the pool, holding a pearl veil. The veil gently floats on the water, creating a clean, elegant shot with a touch of sophistication.

For couples inspired by this stunning design, Gabi encourages them to make their day personal and purposeful. “Don’t be afraid to mix textures and embrace unique details that speak to who you are as a couple. The most memorable celebrations are the ones that feel personal and intentional.” This modern wedding inspiration styled shoot beautifully showcases how elegance can be redefined through thoughtful design, meaningful details, and a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Wonder and Magic
Event Planning – The Art and Romance
Venue – Camelot
Wedding Gown Design – Darla Haute Couture
Wedding Boutique – The One by Sinéad Corcoran
Jewelry – Soma’s Studio
Floral Design – Yesca’s Flowers
Catering – Joc Cooks
Cake – Ms Cupcake Cork
Invitation Design – Bemo Line
Makeup Artist – Noeleen Cunningham
Model – Li-ann Smal

 

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