Loading...

Bridgerton Elegance Meets Coastal New England Charm at This White Elephant Nantucket Wedding

March 25, 2025 | justine

Gabriella and Eric’s love story began in 2018 when they met at a bar and talked all night. Life took them in different directions, and they lost touch, but fate had other plans. A year later, they reconnected at a graduation party for a mutual friend. “We didn’t remember how we’d met before, but the connection was immediate,” Gabriella shared. As they got to know each other, they realized they had unknowingly crossed paths many times before. “It was like the universe had been quietly nudging us together all along.”

Their White Elephant Nantucket wedding was a vibrant, floral-filled affair that perfectly blended the elegant aesthetic of Bridgerton with the laid-back charm of coastal New England. Gabriella, who planned the wedding herself while studying for the bar exam, infused every detail with personal touches. From the invitations to a weekend-long celebration, every moment reflected the couple’s love story and style.

What We Love About This White Elephant Nantucket Wedding: 

  • Gabriella planned every detail of the wedding herself while studying for the bar exam
  • Choosing a private first look and personal vows gave the couple more time to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests
  • The festivities spanned four unforgettable days, featuring gourmet meals, lively parties, and coastal charm
  • A live artist captured guests in beautiful sketches and watercolor paintings, creating unique, one-of-a-kind mementos

A Bridesmaids Brunch, Tapas-Style Rehearsal, and Nautical Welcome Party Kicked Off Their White Elephant Nantucket Wedding Weekend

The wedding festivities began long before the ceremony. Gabriella hosted a brunch for her bridesmaids as a heartfelt thank-you for their support. “It was a really fun way to enjoy each other’s company before the wedding,” she said.

On Thursday, the couple held an intimate rehearsal dinner at The Proprietors, a tapas-style restaurant in Nantucket. The evening featured vibrant farmers’ market florals, delicious food, and cocktails with their closest friends and family. The next night, they welcomed all their guests at the famous Cru Oyster Bar, setting the tone for the celebration ahead. “It was fantastic to be surrounded by everyone we love.” The night ended with spontaneous bar hopping in downtown Nantucket, adding to the weekend’s fun atmosphere.

Featured Vendors:

SAE Photo Film

Boston Common Band + DJ Combos

A Wardrobe Fit for a Wedding Weekend: Custom Suits, Dream Dresses, and Statement Shoes

With a four-day wedding weekend came multiple outfit changes. Gabriella had so many ensembles that she and her mother had to bring a second car onto the island just for her wardrobe!

“I knew I wanted my dress to be unique. I didn’t want a plain white dress, but I also didn’t want anything too colorful,” she explained. She found her dream gown at Lelite Bridal in Boston, a stunning piece adorned with handmade florals. To complement it, she wore custom-made shoes from Bella Bridal Shoes, intricately designed with beaded fabric butterflies.

Eric, who is 6’5”, struggles with off-the-rack suits, so he opted for custom attire. “Because of the garden party aesthetic and bright colors, he wore a navy suit to the rehearsal, a tan suit to the welcome party, and a blue and black tuxedo to the wedding,” Gabriella said. All his looks were tailor-made in Boston.

The bridesmaids embraced a mismatched lilac theme, selecting dresses they felt beautiful in, while the groomsmen sported classic black tuxedos, allowing Eric’s bold blue tux to stand out.

A First Look, Private Vows, and More Time for Cocktails

Gabriella and Eric decided on a first look to maximize their time with guests. “We’re big foodies, so when we heard that doing a first look meant we’d have more time to enjoy our cocktail hour, we were sold!” she laughed. The moment was emotional, and private vows made it even more intimate. “I was worried it would take away from the aisle moment, but it absolutely didn’t. If anything, it added to the anticipation and excitement.”

Gabriella also shared a first look with her father, a moment she cherished deeply. “He made the entire wedding happen and never asked me to contribute anything. Having a quiet moment with him away from the chaos was incredibly special.”

A Private Church Ceremony and a Childhood Dream Wedding Come True

Before their wedding, Gabriella and Eric had a small church ceremony near their hometown with just immediate family. They followed it with a big Italian dinner at her parents’ house.

The White Elephant Nantucket had always held a special place in Gabriella’s heart. “I had been visiting for years and distinctly remember eating there with my father. He once told me he hoped I’d get married there one day.”

With their love for the beach and many guests flying in regardless, a destination wedding on the island was the perfect choice. The stunning natural beauty of Nantucket, especially the White Elephant, made for an unforgettable setting.

 

Handcrafted Invitations, Live Art, and a Feast to Remember at Their White Elephant Nantucket Wedding

Every detail of the wedding was thoughtfully designed, including their invitations and save-the-dates. “We worked with a fantastic artist who collaborated with us every step of the way,” Gabriella said. The final designs included custom illustrations of their favorite island spots.

To incorporate her love of art into the wedding day, Gabriella hired an artist to create live sketches of guests, giving them a one-of-a-kind watercolor keepsake. Another artist painted on oyster shells, which doubled as table decor.

The couple put equal effort into curating the menu. “We love to eat, so making sure we had an amazing dinner was really important to us.” They opted for a large head table instead of a sweetheart table. “Some of my favorite moments were sitting there, surrounded by our best friends,” Gabriella shared.

Their celebration drew loved ones from around the world, with guests traveling from 12 states, as well as Australia and Italy. The party lasted well past midnight, thanks to the incredible Boston Common Band. “We were supposed to leave by 12, but we kept dancing until 1:30 a.m.!”

The festivities wrapped up with a Sunday brunch, a final opportunity to spend time with guests before they headed home. “It was such a beautiful way to end the weekend.”

Finding the Perfect Vendors,  Balancing Budget, and Embracing Wedding Day Surprises with Grace

Planning their White Elephant Nantucket wedding came with its challenges, including hidden import fees and island costs. “I knew I wanted to focus the budget on the venue and florals. Once that was set, everything else fell into place,” Gabriella explained.

She found most of her vendors through Instagram and Zola, choosing those whose work resonated with her. “I spent so much time looking through portfolios to find people who could make our dream day come to life.”

The morning of the wedding, unexpected guests meant there weren’t enough of the gold chairs Gabriella had rented to match the tablescape. “My vendor swapped them out on the spot, and now I can’t imagine the wedding without them. Everything worked out as it was supposed to.”

Her biggest piece of advice? “I had so much anxiety the morning of my wedding. I wish I had trusted that everything would be perfect and just enjoyed the moment. Eventually, the stress faded, and we had the most incredible day.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – SAE Photography
Venue – The White Elephant
Floral Design + Catering – American Stems
Cake – PPX Events
Officiant – Father Patrick
Live Music + DJ – Boston Common Band + DJ Combos
Invitation Design – Ink+Nibs Studio
Wedding Dress – Lelite Bridal
Bridal Shoes – Bella Bridal Shoes
Groom’s Apparel – Sordillo Custom Made Clothing
Rentals – Event Rental Co + Placesetters Nantucket

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

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