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This Ethereal Iceland Elopement Included a Hike Through a Cave

November 5, 2024 | justine

Gabriella and Michelle’s ethereal Iceland elopement was the perfect blend of adventure and romance. With the help of Junebug vendor and planner Pink Iceland, they created an unforgettable experience, not just for themselves but for their family and friends too. Surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, their guests traveled far and wide to be part of this meaningful celebration. It was a chance to create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond the ordinary.

The couple started their special day with a hike through the Katla ice cave in their wedding dresses, making their ethereal Iceland elopement even more magical. With a triangle arch decorated with disco balls and guests seated on wooden benches, the pair exchanged heartfelt vows in this breathtaking setting. The stunning brides fully embraced Iceland’s incredible landscape, allowing it to be a focal point of their wedding decor and photography as a whole.

Captured beautifully by Junebug vendor Lia Photo Stories, these photos will whisk you away to a magical, far-away place—everything you could dream of for an elopement. If you’re looking for destination wedding inspiration, start pinning now because this celebration will surely spark ideas for your own unforgettable “I do’s.”

The Couple:

Gabriella and Michelle

The Wedding:

Hjörleifshöfði, Iceland

Starting Their Ethereal Iceland Elopement with an Epic Ice Cave Adventure

The most memorable part of our wedding day was hiking through the Katla ice cave in our wedding dresses. It was an incredible experience to be walking on ice in such an epic setting, and the contrast of our dresses with the surroundings made it even more special. The adventure and unique location made the day unforgettable and the perfect way to start our marriage.

Achieving Understated Elegance with Black Accents and Natural Beauty

For our wedding day, incorporating black accents was vital to us, adding a touch of sophistication to our overall aesthetic. Gabriella wore a beautiful black veil, and the end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day. We also wanted our looks to reflect our natural selves, so we opted for minimal makeup and braided hairstyles. We believe simplicity can be elegant and want to feel comfortable and authentic. Our stylist captured our vision perfectly. We shared inspirational pictures with her, focusing on soft, natural looks that complemented the stunning surroundings of Yoda Cave. The end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day.

 

Embracing Iceland’s Natural Beauty for a Raw and Ethereal Ethereal Iceland Elopement Ceremony

Our wedding took place in a cave in Iceland, so the location’s natural beauty heavily influenced the vibe, style, and design. We wanted a raw, organic, and intimate feel, blending the dramatic surroundings with minimal decor. The cave’s textures and lighting created an ethereal atmosphere, and we added subtle touches—like candlelight and greenery—to enhance the space without overshadowing its natural charm. It felt like a magical, hidden world, perfectly reflecting the adventurous spirit of our relationship.

The Special Touch That Made Their Ceremony Unforgettable

One of the best surprises on our wedding day was when Michele arranged for a live musician to perform during the ceremony. Such an unexpected and personal touch made the moment even more special. 

Trusting Your Wedding Planner is Vital

Our best wedding planning advice is to trust your wedding planners, especially if you’re working with someone as incredible as Pink Iceland. They truly made our vision come to life and took so much of the stress out of the process. Communicate what you want, then trust the experts to handle the details. Pink Iceland did a fantastic job with our unique wedding, and we couldn’t have asked for a better planner.

Transforming Their Wedding into an Unforgettable Adventure

We’re incredibly proud that we could give our families and friends a true adventure. Our wedding wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a journey. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the unique experience of a cave wedding, it was unlike anything most of our guests had ever done before. Many traveled from far away, and we wanted to make sure the trip was unforgettable for them, too. It was incredible to share such an extraordinary location and create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond a typical wedding day.

Prioritizing Family and Connection

The most important aspects of planning our wedding were ensuring our family could all stay together, choosing the perfect location, and creating an adventure of a lifetime. We wanted the experience to feel connected and intimate, so having everyone together in one place was a priority. Skálakot Manor provided all of this; it was a beautiful and cozy place for everyone to stay and perfectly complemented the Icelandic landscape with its charm and elegance. The location was key—we wanted somewhere breathtaking and unique, and Iceland was perfect for that. Ultimately, we wanted our wedding to be more than just a day; we wanted it to be a memorable journey we could share with our loved ones.

Why They Chose Yoda Cave as Backdrop of Their Special Day

We chose Yoda Cave in Iceland as our wedding venue because of our shared love for caves and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. The cave’s unique formations and serene atmosphere create an enchanting backdrop that perfectly reflects our personalities and relationships. We wanted our special day to accurately represent who we are, and Yoda Cave offered us an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature’s splendor.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lia Photo Stories
Event Planning – Pink Iceland
Ceremony Venue – Yoda Cave
Reception Venue – Skálakot Manor
Officiant – Kelly Fraidenburg
Live Music – Elin Eyporsdottir
Videography – Christina Raytsiz
Invitation Design – Paperedia
Makeup + Hair Styling – Margret Magnus
Wedding Dresses – Elda’s Bridal

 

Congratulations to Gabriella and Michelle on their ethereal Iceland elopement, including a hike through the cave. Many thanks to Junebug vendors Pink Iceland and Lia Photo Stories for bringing their dream big day to life. For more unique celebrations like this one, check out their profiles in our directory of the best wedding vendors from around the globe.

If you’re planning an elopement, check out our guide to help you prepare for your special day. It covers all the essentials you’ll need to stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important details, making your elopement a smooth and memorable experience. With everything in place, you can focus on enjoying your big moment together!

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The Ultimate Destination Wedding Venue for Craft Beer Lovers

November 3, 2024 | marissa

destination wedding for beer lovers

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times (and frankly, we’ll continue to shout it for those in the back)–your wedding should be about you. Forget unexplained traditions and repeated practices that don’t match your style. Your special day should center around the things you love and the moments that matter most. That’s exactly what came to mind as we explored the new Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya resort: how absolutely perfect it is for couples who love a beach, a brew, and a good time.  

This all-inclusive gem is the first of the Margaritaville resorts to go adults-only, and that exclusive ambiance is woven throughoutfrom the four unique bars to live music events and, best of all, the Landshark Brewery—one of the few all-inclusive resort breweries out there. Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya brings together everything you’d want in a beach getaway and wraps it up with top-notch service, great food, and romantic views.

Margaritaville Riviera Maya for beer lovers

We’ll just say, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya has all the ingredients for a laid-back yet sophisticated celebration, just right for couples who want the best of both worlds.

Beer-Loving Couples, We’ve Found Your Venue

The Landshark Brewery sets this property apart from typical beach wedding venues. It’s far from just a novelty–it’s a wedding-ready, oceanfront oasis where bespoke ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours are not only possible but encouraged. One of our favorite details? You can collaborate with the onsite brewmaster to find your own signature wedding brew. Served up in personalized growlers, it’s a fun and memorable twist on the usual wedding guest favor.

It’s hard to top the view from the Landshark’s Sky Terrace–our  favorite spot for toasting and sipping the night away. Your entire crew can enjoy a variety rotating seasonal brews, IPAs, malty ales, and the ever-popular Landshark Lager, all set against the serene ocean backdrop.

Sky Terrace at Margaritaville

A beautiful ceremony on Margaritaville Riviera Maya’s Sky Terrace.

wedding reception at Margaritaville

Transform the ceremony space into an intimate reception dinner during cocktail hour.

The Wedding Experience: Exclusivity Meets Fun

Sure, Margaritaville knows how to have a good time, but what makes it an ideal beach wedding venue is its dedication to exclusivity and top-tier service. The team only books one wedding per day to ensure that each couple receives undivided attention and resources. And for those who like a trial run, there’s the “Wedding Dress Rehearsal,” where couples can preview all the details before the main event—a rare treat in the world of destination weddings.

Flexibility is also a major bonus in the Margaritaville wedding experience. Planning your wedding becomes easier than ever thanks to a range of packages tailored to suit your taste and, just as importantly, your budget. Our ideal setup? A ceremony on the Sky Terrace—the largest in the region—with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Afterward, we’d head to the cozy brewery room for a modern cocktail hour while the terrace is transformed into an intimate reception dinner space just for you and your guests.

destination wedding in Mexico for beer lovers

A Resort of Amenities and Entertainment 

Beyond the brewery, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya offers plenty of options to keep your guests entertained. Flex your competitive side on the pickleball courts, unwind with a frozen margarita by the pool, or explore the high-end dining options. There’s even a scheduled roster of events that keeps things fresh for guests staying multiple days.

The resort is also a great spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties. More couples are now opting for extended wedding weekends, where the destination not only hosts the ceremony but also doubles as the venue for pre-wedding festivities, making it a convenient, all-in-one celebration spot. We’ll tease you with this: Taco Boat! And of course, no Margaritaville would be complete without the spirit of music. The entertainment options range from live Mariachi bands and DJs to instrumental ensembles, there’s no reason for any night to end without a party.

swim up bars at Margaritaville pool

Add a floating Taco Boat and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon in the pool.

While Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort, the team has options for those who plan to invite kids to their wedding, including Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun that’s just a short drive away. It’s the same great beachy atmosphere, with accommodations for the whole family.

A wedding at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the ideal choice for couples who want a wedding experience that’s fun-filled, unique, and memorable for their nearest and dearest. In Margaritaville, love’s just another reason to celebrate life on island time.

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Minimalistic Black and White Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding

November 2, 2024 | justine

Leah and Jordan wanted to create a memorable experience for their loved ones on their big day, so they chose a timeless style that would always be in fashion. With a classic color palette, enchanting florals, elegant decor, and sophisticated attire, their Château de Champlâtreux destination wedding became an unforgettable celebration, leaving their guests with cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

The expansive estate’s stunning mansion and manicured gardens offered the perfect backdrop for their special day. For their ceremony, a charming path lined with white flowers led them to a lush floral canopy, setting a beautiful stage for their heartfelt vows. The timeless elegance continued into the reception, where guests dined at tables adorned with monochromatic arrangements and candles, all set under sparkling crystal chandeliers, creating a truly refined atmosphere.

Their talented team of vendors thoughtfully crafted every detail, perfectly complementing the stunning setting to create a gorgeous wedding. Fortunately, Junebug vendor Asteria Photography was there to capture all the incredible moments and exquisite elements. You’ll certainly want to add these images to your  chic and polished wedding mood board!

The Couple:

Leah and Jordan

The Wedding:

Château de Champlâtreux, Épinay-Champlâtreux, France

The Perfect Blend of Classic Elegance and Romance at Their Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding

We aimed for a classic, timeless, and elegant vibe for our wedding. Our design choices were intentionally made to ensure they would always stay in style, allowing the beauty of the venue to shine. Our minimalistic and simplistic aesthetic perfectly complemented the atmosphere we envisioned. We invited our guests to dress in all black to enhance the overall vibe, creating a chic and sophisticated look. The night itself was pure magic: with clear skies, a gentle breeze, and a perfect temperature of 75 degrees, it was breathtakingly calming and genuinely everything we dreamed of. The warm glow of romantic candlelight added an enchanting touch, illuminating the evening and creating a fairytale ambiance we will never forget.

A Day Filled with Unforgettable Moments

Every moment of the day was unforgettable, from the heartfelt speeches to the emotional moment of seeing each other at the end of the aisle. Watching our guests arrive and witnessing their joyful reactions was truly special, and dancing the night away with everyone made it all the more magical. It truly was the best and most memorable day of our lives.

The Importance of Finding the Right Planner

My top wedding planning advice is to hire an amazing planner with whom you have a genuine emotional connection. Things may go awry, but sharing that bond creates a mutual understanding that you’re both on the same team, ready to tackle any challenges together. I had a clear vision for our wedding and was searching for a planner who would not only understand it, but would also be inspired by it. When I saw our planner’s eyes light up as I shared my ideas, I knew she was the perfect fit. Additionally, being organized is essential—juggling multiple tasks can be overwhelming, so having a way to stay connected with your team, like a radio in your ear, is helpful. I take immense pride in every detail of our wedding. Jordan and I dedicated over a year to planning, and seeing our vision come to life was truly special. We paid close attention to every detail, putting our heart and soul into each decision. It’s gratifying to know we brought our dream to fruition.

Maximizing Their Budget for a Dream Wedding

My main focus in planning was anticipating potential issues and having a backup plan in place. As a Virgo and a perfectionist, it was crucial for me that everything went smoothly without significant hiccups. We aimed to maximize our budget while creating our dream wedding, ensuring that our guests felt cherished. We needed to host a wedding and create an unforgettable experience for everyone. With guests traveling worldwide, we wanted to make the entire experience as easy and seamless as possible for them.

Embracing the Venue’s Natural Beauty

Our wedding planner immediately identified Château de Champlâtreux as our perfect venue. When we traveled to Paris seven months before the wedding, we braved the winter rain and ice to see it in person, and despite the weather, we instantly knew it was the one. The venue’s inherent beauty spoke for itself, which was essential since we envisioned a minimalistic design. We wanted a space that would captivate on its own. The timeless elegance of the château made it an obvious choice. Additionally, we were determined to have most of the wedding outdoors, and August typically offers ideal weather. Its convenient location near the heart of Paris, where many of our guests would be staying, made it the perfect fit. It truly checked off every box for us.

Personal Touches That Made Their Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding Unique

There were little personalized touches of Jordan and me everywhere. Our unique seating chart featured an envelope containing the table numbers and a customized note from Jordan and me. We wanted each guest to feel cherished and unique, and this unexpected touch brought tears, laughter, and joy. It truly added a heartfelt element to the day. In addition to the personalized seating chart with notes for our guests, we named three signature cocktails that were special to us. One was called “Wade’s World” to show love for our three-year-old golden retriever, whom we missed so much. We also had our custom logo on all the bars and the dance floor, along with custom napkins, kippahs, and matches. We wanted everything to feel very intimate and personal.

Recommended Reading: Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Asteria Photography
Event Planning – Mel Up Events
Venue – Château de Champlâtreux
Floral Design – Irina Palacios
Catering – Samy Azar
Videography – Audric Odrian
Content Creator – My Social Wedding Paris
Makeup Artist – India Excell
Hair Styling – Iryna Schreiber
Wedding Dress – Viktor & Rolf
Bridal Accessories – Chernaya Bridal House

 

Congratulations to Leah and Jordan on their minimalistic black and white Château de Champlâtreux destination wedding. A big thank you to Junebug vendor Asteria Photography for beautifully capturing all the unique details and unforgettable moments that made this celebration so memorable. If you want to see more weddings like this one, check out their profile in our directory of talented photographers from around the world.

When couples like this one trust their carefully selected wedding vendors, magic happens! Their wedding day became an enchanting fairy tale, filled with unforgettable moments and timeless beauty that will be cherished forever.

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