Loading...

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

A Deeply Intentional and Unique Vow Renewal Transported Guests into a Portal of Artistry, Spirituality, and Community

March 13, 2025 | justine

When Eve and Chris met on a dating app in 2014, they were skeptical about online dating. But from the moment they connected, something felt different. “Chris sent me a unique, standout message among a sea of insincere and off-putting ones,” Eve shared. “Within minutes of meeting, I knew Chris was my person. Meeting him was a homecoming.” Over the years, their love deepened, growing through shared experiences. When it came time to celebrate their union, they wanted something equally intentional and meaningful—a unique vow renewal that truly reflected their journey.

Set in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Eve and Chris’ unique vow renewal was more than a ceremony—it was an immersive experience where artistry, spirituality, and community intertwined. “We wanted it to be unique and deeply intentional in all ways, including aesthetics. The whole process was a creative one meant to articulate our artistic sensibilities,” Eve shared. Drawing from wisdom-based traditions and rituals, they envisioned a mystical, romantic garden where time felt suspended. Every element carried meaning, from the custom altar to mirrored tables reflecting guests back to themselves—symbolizing connection and presence.

Their community played a vital role in their journey. “We were asking them to cross a threshold with us into the rest of our lives. To build the life we dream of, we need the support of our loved ones.” Choosing San Miguel de Allende reinforced this intention, offering a setting where guests could step outside their daily lives and into a shared experience. Leading up to the celebration, Eve and Chris made multiple visits, carefully selecting vendors and immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant energy.

What We Love About This Unique Vow Renewal:

  • The dedication to finding a planner, Junebug vendor Santo Amor, who truly understood the couple’s nontraditional vision
  • The gift of pre-recorded, personalized messages to each guest, sharing what the couple loves most about them
  • A pre-ceremony experience that included yoga, a sound bath, and a traditional Mexican ceremony guided by a local shaman
  • A Celtic hand-binding ceremony where all guests were connected, symbolizing the vital role their support plays in Eve and Chris’ marriage
  • Musical contributions from their sisters and father, as well as a dance performance by their best friend to open the cardinal directions

Featured Vendors:

Santo Amor

Arte Visual MF

Infusing Tradition and Intention into Every Moment of Their Unique Vow Renewal

“For years, we reflected on why we wanted a wedding and its deeper purpose. We believe in the power of ceremonies and rituals and wanted our celebration to feel uniquely us. It was important that our guests felt like participants, not spectators.

This intention shaped every detail, starting with pre-ceremony activities designed for deep connection—yoga, a sound bath, and a traditional Mexican ceremony led by a local shaman. We cleared our energy with copal, burned tobacco in the fire to set intentions, sang, and shed joyful tears. Many shared that it was one of the most meaningful moments of the entire week.”

A Fashion-Forward Look with Sentimental Meaning

As someone with a background in fashion, Eve had always imagined wearing something nontraditional. But when she tried on a Vivienne Westwood gown, she knew it was the one. “It captured a timelessness and romanticism that felt authentic to both me and Chris’ aesthetic. Vivienne Westwood had just passed away, and her mission and vision as a designer, person, and activist really resonated with me. It all felt kismet.” Chris’ custom suit was intentionally designed to complement both Eve’s dress and the romantic garden venue.

Related: Should I Have A First Look At My Wedding?

A Unique Vow Renewal Infused with Meaningful Traditions

The couple worked closely with their vendors to create a setting that felt transformative. “We custom-created elements like the aisle and dance floor, incorporating symbols that held personal significance—snakes, jaguars, and hummingbirds—each with spiritual meaning. We also integrated traditional Mexican symbols to honor the culture and celebration space.Every element of their unique vow renewal was designed to make guests feel like participants rather than spectators. They were greeted with handwritten and pre-recorded messages from the couple, sharing what they loved most about each person.

During the ceremony itself, loved ones played a vital role. Chris and Eve’s sisters and father sang, while their best friend performed a dance to open the cardinal directions, inviting the elements—air, water, earth, fire, spirit—to bear witness. In a particularly moving moment, instead of a traditional Celtic hand-binding just for the couple, every guest held onto the rope, symbolizing the role their support plays in the couple’s marriage. Their closest friends also shared vignettes about their relationship. “Each of them spoke about a distinct aspect of our partnership—offering everyone a more intimate window into our love and life.”

Related: Sweet and Sentimental Unity Ceremony Ideas

Embracing the Unexpected: A Rainy Twist in San Miguel de Allende

Despite San Miguel de Allende’s typically dry climate, rain made an unexpected appearance, forcing a last-minute venue layout change. “It completely shifted the setup of our decor and dinner. But in the end, these shifts didn’t matter—only we knew what had changed from our original concept. I felt for our planner, with the stress it put on her, but she handled it beautifully. I was lucky to trust her to make the best decisions at the moment.”

A Unique Vow Renewal Celebrating Community, Connection, and Dance

The reception carried this spirit of community and celebration forward, infused with the same mystical energy. A personalized tarot seating chart added a unique touch. “I personally pulled tarot cards for each guest, selecting one that reflected their soul’s purpose based on their birthday. It was a way for them to connect inward through reflection while also sharing the experience with others.”

“We served food family-style to encourage conversation and make it feel like a true dinner among family.” They also worked with their DJ to curate a playlist that felt true to them while avoiding overplayed songs. “The dance floor was packed all night! We danced until the very end—when we left, our guests left with us because they stayed until the last song.”

Eve also shared a mother-daughter dance in addition to a first dance with Chris. “My mom has always loved to dance—she passed that love on to me. So when we were discussing the dances, she spoke up and said that’s how she wanted to celebrate. It was such a fun moment and a huge hit!”

For the reception, Eve changed into a 1920s-inspired flapper dress, embracing the glamour and freedom of the era. “For my dancing look, I wanted to be extremely comfortable first and foremost, and then playful and fun. I have always loved 1920s flapper style and art deco. The freedom and glamour of flappers felt right, so it was a natural fit to pull this in for the party part of the evening.”

The couple’s dedication to finding vendors who truly understood their vision was evident in every detail. Their planner, Junebug vendor Santo Amor, played a key role in bringing their nontraditional ideas to life. “Rox immediately understood and connected to our vision. She resonated with our esoteric ideas, and from there, we trusted her guidance.”

Final words of advice from the couple: “Be true to yourself and use your intuition. Work with people you can trust and communicate openly with—if something doesn’t feel right at first, it likely won’t later. You won’t regret taking the extra time to incorporate deeper meaning into your celebration. Those details will be felt and remembered long after the day is over. Lastly, let go—especially on the day itself. By that time, you’ve done everything you can. Now it’s time to be fully in the moment and enjoy every second.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Peter Lobozzo
Event Planning – Santo Amor
Venue – Casa Parque
Floral Design – PS Flowers Studio
Catering – Casa Sierra Nevada
DJ + Live Music – Rob Castillo
Videography – Arte Visual MF
Makeup + Hair Styling – DaniPal Natural Editorial Makeup and Hair
Wedding Dress – Vivienne Westwood
Bridal Accessories – Jimmy Choo + Etsy
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Rentals – Castalia + Warehouse Rentals + Bright & Light + Canela + Mach & Sand
Favors – Mercado de Artesanías

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Pastel Elegance: An Italian Renaissance Estate Sets the Scene for a Majestic Miami Wedding

March 11, 2025 | justine

From the moment guests arrived at Kacie and Craig’s majestic Miami wedding, it was clear they were about to witness something truly magical. Set against the backdrop of an Italian Renaissance estate, their special day was a perfect blend of romance, elegance, and garden-inspired charm. Every detail, from the soft pastel florals to the intricate architecture, contributed to an unforgettable celebration that felt straight out of a European dream.

The couple’s vision came to life thanks to their talented team of pros, who transformed the venue into a breathtaking oasis. Captured beautifully by Junebug vendor  Madeline Paige Photography, every image showcases the romance and grandeur of their special day.

What we love about this wedding:

  • The breathtaking Italian Renaissance estate venue 
  • The dreamy pastel color palette 
  • The whimsical, nature-meets-luxury atmosphere

Kacie and Craig shared their first look by the property’s serene fountain, with the mansion’s grand architecture providing an elegant backdrop. The quiet, intimate moment allowed them to take in the significance of the day before the celebrations began, resulting in stunning portraits that captured their excitement and connection.

Kacie looked effortlessly regal in a strapless A-line wedding gown, with floral applique detailing, sweetheart neckline, and a flowing train that added to the ethereal feel of the day. Craig rocked a timeless white tuxedo jacket, exuding sophistication. Their wedding party was equally stunning, with bridesmaids in soft pastel blue dresses and groomsmen in classic black suits, adding to the wedding’s elegant aesthetic.

The estate’s lush gardens and old-world charm provided the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. Guests were greeted by an aisle lined with delicate blooms in blush, ivory, and soft lavender, leading to a stunning floral arch that framed the couple as they exchanged vows.

The reception was a continuation of the day’s dreamy aesthetic. Elegant tablescapes featured soft candlelight, and a combination of towering greenery and lush floral centerpieces that echoed the garden-inspired theme. Chandeliers hung from the venue’s grand ceilings, casting a warm glow over the celebration. Every element, from the personalized details to the carefully curated color palette, reflected the couple’s timeless style.

Their first dance was nothing short of magical, complete with indoor fireworks that lit up the moment, adding a cinematic touch to the already breathtaking day. As the night continued, the energy soared with high-energy dancing, as guests celebrated Kacie and Craig’s new chapter.Their majestic Miami wedding was the epitome of sophistication and romance—a true fairytale come to life.

Related: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

This wedding is proof that when you trust your dream vendors, they bring your vision to life—and more. From the stunning venue to the carefully curated details, Kacie and Craig’s celebration shows how the right team can transform your wedding into an unforgettable experience.

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings