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Switzerland Destination Wedding: 50 Family and Friends Celebrate an Ultimate Winter Getaway

February 6, 2025 | justine

Nicolette and Ben met in Chicago and instantly connected over their mutual love of skiing, adventure, and good food and wine. Just eight months into dating, they took a life-changing trip to Zermatt, Switzerland—a place that captured their hearts and cemented their decision to spend their lives together. So, when it came time to plan their wedding, the choice was obvious: a Switzerland destination wedding, surrounded by the majestic Matterhorn and their closest loved ones.

“We love spending time outdoors and sharing good meals with friends and family,” the couple shared. To bring their dream to life, they worked with a talented vendor team, including Junebug vendor Helena Brauer Photography, who captured every moment with stunning artistry. Their vision? A weekend getaway that brought 50 of their closest loved ones to the place that meant so much to them. With a focus on good food, meaningful moments, and natural beauty, their big day became the ultimate reflection of their love story.

Rather than a traditional rehearsal dinner, the couple kicked off their Switzerland destination wedding with a welcome ski day. “Skiing is such a big part of our story, so we invited everyone to spend the day on the slopes.” After hours of skiing and snowboarding, guests gathered at Chez Dany, a cozy mountainside restaurant accessible by skiing, hiking, or gondola. The afternoon was filled with hearty Swiss dishes, breathtaking views, and plenty of laughs. That evening, everyone regrouped at the hotel bar for a casual nightcap. With its warm, welcoming vibe, it was the perfect spot to relax, mingle, and set the tone for the celebration ahead.

Featured Junebug Vendor:

Helena Brauer Photography

Before the ceremony, the couple shared an emotional first look in a snowy meadow with the Matterhorn towering in the background. As Nicolette approached Ben, her gown trailing in the snow, the soft winter light added a cinematic glow to the moment.  When Ben turned to see her, his joyful expression said it all. “Seeing each other in that setting was surreal.” 

The ceremony, held outdoors at the Matthiol Hotel, was a breathtaking mix of simplicity and natural beauty. Rows of wooden chairs draped with fur blankets faced the iconic Matterhorn. The aisle, lined with greenery, torches, and baby’s breath, seamlessly blended with the snowy landscape.

“We didn’t focus on color schemes or elaborate decorations,” they shared. “The beauty of the mountains spoke for itself, and we just added a few simple touches to enhance it.”

Nicolette and Ben exchanged vows they had written themselves, and their mothers gave touching readings. “The most special part was walking back down the aisle together. The sun was shining, our guests were cheering, and everyone was ringing the Swiss cowbells we placed on their chairs. It was pure magic.”

The reception dinner and party took place in the hotel’s dining room, where modern Swiss chalet decor set a cozy and elegant tone. Tables were dressed with glowing candles and baby’s breath centerpieces.

To make the reception uniquely theirs, Nicolette and Ben named each table after places they had lived together. “We started with Chicago, where we met, and ended with Boston, where we live now.” Each table card included a short note about what the place meant to them, a personal touch that helped tell their story.

“We wanted to make sure everyone was having the best time.” Their focus on great food, wine, and music kept the energy high all night. 

One of the biggest hits? The ski shot board. Guests lined up side by side, taking shots together from a long wooden ski fitted with shot glasses. “It was such a fun way to keep the party going.”

Planning a destination wedding is no small feat, but Nicolette and Ben were in great hands with their planner, Mart Mari Weddings. “We truly couldn’t have brought this wedding to life without them.” The couple’s vision for the day was clear: a celebration that felt meaningful, fun, and organic. “We didn’t want our wedding to feel like a series of moments choreographed for the camera. We wanted it to be a genuine celebration.” 

Looking back, the couple said they wouldn’t change a thing about their Switzerland destination wedding. “It was everything we hoped for and more. We feel so lucky to have had that experience with our closest friends and family.” When asked for advice, they emphasized focusing on what truly matters. “Details are important, but at the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your love and being present. Enjoy every moment—it only happens once.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Helena Brauer
Event Planning – Mart Mari Weddings
Venue – Matthiol Hotel
Floral Design – Zermatt Flowers
DJ – London Brass Roamers
Makeup + Hair Styling – Isa Gerardo
Wedding Dress – Bremelia Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – Hive and Colony

 

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After Local Venues Fell Short, This Couple Found Destination Wedding Perfection in San Miguel de Allende

Ryan and Andrew’s love story began in March 2017 when they joined the same kickball team in a local social sports league. What started as a friendship grew deeper throughout the year, and by December, their platonic bond transformed into a romance. “By the end of 2017, we became inseparable,” they shared.

When it came time to plan their wedding, they wanted a day that celebrated their love and allowed their guests to share in the joy. Initially, the pair explored venues in Philadelphia but nothing felt quite right. “We just weren’t excited about any of the local options,” they explained. That’s when a friend suggested a destination wedding, and the idea immediately clicked. Having traveled to San Miguel de Allende in 2022 for Andrew’s 40th birthday, the city’s charm, colors, and energy left a lasting impression. “We quickly fell in love with the city during that trip,” they said. It became clear that this was the perfect place to celebrate their wedding.

In spring of 2023, they connected with Junebug vendor Bougainvillea Weddings to bring their vision to life. “The entire team took our design, ceremony, and reception ideas and ran with them,” the couple shared. “They delivered above and beyond to create the most amazing day of our lives.” Planning a destination wedding could have been overwhelming, but Bougainvillea Weddings made the process effortless. “We loved that they provided an excellent list of pros and gave thoughtful feedback on which ones would best fit the mood and aesthetics of our wedding,” they explained. One of them was Junebug vendor and photographer Fer De Jesus, whom the couple connected with virtually.

Zoom meetings with vendors also proved invaluable. “Because this was a destination wedding, having these calls was important to us,” they said. “We wanted to get to know our vendors as people and discuss what we wanted for our wedding day.”

Featured Junebug Vendors:

Bougainvillea Weddings

Fer De Jesus

The couple kicked off their wedding weekend with a callejoneada, or wedding parade, through Parque Benito Juárez. The parade, complete with a mariachi band, mojigangas (papier-mâché figures of Ryan, Andrew, and their dog Penny), and a burro, led guests through the charming streets of San Miguel de Allendel. “Our friends and family loved it—it was the perfect way to start the weekend and introduce everyone to the culture.” 

The festivities continued with a rehearsal dinner at Casa San Jose, a venue with a stunning outdoor space. Guests enjoyed tacos al pastor under the stars while sharing heartfelt speeches. “It set the tone for the rest of the celebration.” 

yan and Andrew started their wedding day with a laid-back, fun moment getting ready together. They helped each other with their suits, adjusted boutonnières, and straightened ties, all while sharing smiles and a few laughs. It was a relaxed, happy start to the day that set the tone for everything ahead.

Ryan and Andrew’s rooftop ceremony at Terraza Trinitate was nothing short of breathtaking. The venue showcased stunning views of the city and featured a vibrant floral arch in rich jewel tones of fuchsia, orange, and deep blue. The arch framed the rustic wooden doors, creating a romantic focal point. “Walking into the ceremony and seeing all the planning come to life was surreal,” they said. “It was overwhelming in the best way.”

The ceremony itself was deeply personal. “Our incredible officiant met with us individually to craft the perfect summary of our relationship,” they shared. They also included meaningful song lyrics as readings, and both nearly lost their composure during Wolf Alice’s Don’t Delete The Kisses:

Me and you were meant to be in love
I see the signs of a lifetime, you ‘til I die

To add a lighthearted moment, Ryan and Andrew included a unity ceremony featuring Casa Dragones tequila. “Taking that shot was such a fun way to catch our breath, smile, and set the mood for the rest of the night,” they said.

The jewel-tone color palette carried seamlessly into the reception decor, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Tables were dressed with floral arrangements in bold shades of fuchsia, red, orange, and purple, perfectly complemented by vintage glassware, gold flatware, and textured napkins that added a refined touch.

“We wanted the reception to feel like a lively fiesta while still being elegant,” the couple explained. The result was a stunning celebration that not only reflected their personalities but also encapsulated the vibrant spirit of their San Miguel de Allende wedding.

Another unexpected moment was a wedding cake gifted by the Bougainvillea team. “It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the cake was delicious!” they added. Photos of the couple cutting the cake are among their favorites from the evening.

Planning a destination wedding requires trust, and Ryan and Andrew were grateful for their planning team. “Bougainvillea reassured us every step of the way,” they shared. “They kept telling us not to worry, and they were right. Everything was perfect, from the flowers to the food to the overall vibe.”

Looking back on their San Miguel de Allende wedding, the couple’s advice to other couples is simple: “Do what feels authentic to you, and don’t rush the process. At the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Fer De Jesus
Event Planning + Floral Design – Bougainvillea Weddings
Venue – Terraza Trinitate
Videography – Amour Films
Invitation Design – Papier
Makeup + Hair Styling – Itza Marquez
Grooms’ Apparel – Suit Supply
Grooms’ Accessories – Taft + The Tie Bar 
Welcome Party Accommodations – Casa San Jose

 

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Sage Green Bridesmaid Dresses Your Girls Will Love

February 3, 2025 | marissa

Years ago, the mention of bridesmaid dresses might have conjured visions of giant, fluffy frocks. But times have changed. We’ve entered an era of beautifully sophisticated and wearable options for the best friends joining in on a wedding day.

While neutral tones like champagne, soft pinks, as well as light hues like dusty blue, have long been favorites, there’s one color we simply can’t get enough of for bridesmaid dresses: sage green.

If you’re considering this effortlessly chic hue, look no further than AW Bridal. One of our favorite online stores for bridesmaid dresses, they offer a plethora of sage green options to complement any wedding style or theme. From floral prints to elegant silhouettes like one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder necklines, you’re sure to find the perfect sage green bridesmaid dress in their collection.

Our Favorite Sage Green Bridesmaid Dresses 

Mocha Mousse may be the Pantone Color of the Year, but sage green is truly having its moment. This versatile shade suits a variety of skin tones and hair colors with its soft, cool, and timeless qualities. It’s earthy yet elegant, subtle yet unique. Sage green transitions seamlessly across seasons too—fresh and airy in spring and summer, crisp and cozy in fall and winter. 

Sage green also works beautifully in other aspects of wedding design. From light to dark shades, it can act as an accent color, blending effortlessly through eucalyptus and other greenery in arrangements. Or it can easily take center stage, looking beautiful in invitation suites, drapery, and table settings. If sage green bridesmaid dresses are on your radar, here are some of our favorite, modern styles for your wedding.

Off-the-Shoulder 

Off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses are the perfect mix of elegance and modern. These necklines flatter a variety of body types and add a touch of romance to any bridesmaid dress.

long off-the-shoulder sage green bridesmaid dress

Floral Prints

Solid colors aren’t your only option for sage bridesmaid dresses! Mismatched and printed styles are easy to incorporate and add a memorable detail to your wedding. Whether your entire crew embraces floral prints or just a few, AW Bridal offers a beautiful selection of floral sage green dresses.



short printed sage green bridesmaid dress

Corset Dresses

Corset dresses are a fresh, trendy style that brings fashion to the forefront of your wedding with their figure-flattering designs.

Simple Styles

If you’re envisioning simple bridesmaid dresses that complement your day with minimal details and understated necklines, AW Bridal has plenty of options to choose from.

Other Unique Necklines

Unique necklines like mock neck, asymmetrical, halter, and square designs can bring a fresh twist and a pop of individuality to your sage green bridesmaid dresses. You can opt for a uniform neckline for all or assign different styles to each individual bridesmaid.

Sage green bridesmaid dresses are the perfect blend of modern and timeless, offering a chic look your girls will love. With stunning options from AW Bridal, your wedding party will feel confident and effortlessly elegant on your special day.


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