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This Couple Flew Their Hometown Pastor to Florence for a Heartfelt Italian Destination Wedding

November 30, 2024 | justine

Davis and Michael’s heartfelt Italian destination wedding was a celebration of love, family, and tradition set in the breathtaking Villa Corsini. “We wanted a colorful yet sophisticated garden wedding, and the villa’s views of olive groves and vineyards made it the perfect choice,” the couple shared. Its close proximity to Florence made it even better, giving their guests plenty of nearby accommodation options and a short, scenic ride to the venue on the big day.

The ceremony was the heart of the celebration. “It was incredibly special,” they said. “Having our pastor from home marry us at our destination wedding, surrounded by our closest friends and family who traveled so far to be there, was something we’ll never forget.” With an altar framed by wildflowers and the rolling hills of Chianti in the distance, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate, personal ceremony that felt truly magical.

Working with Junebug vendor Giulia Alessandri, Davis and Michael brought their dream Italian wedding to life. Don’t stop now—see how they made their vision a reality and enjoy every gorgeous detail captured by Lenny Pellico.

The perfect way to kick off the day— the bride sharing a toast with her bridesmaids, champagne in hand, as they get ready together. 

Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen are celebrating with a fun champagne spray in the picturesque garden, soaking in the joy of the moment.

A truly special moment—the bride’s first look with her father. As she stepped into his sight, their emotional exchange captured the love and pride between them.

The ceremony setup was truly enchanting, with sweeping views providing a breathtaking backdrop. Surrounded by the venue’s natural beauty, the stunning scenery spoke for itself, requiring minimal décor. The altar, framed by ground wildflowers and complemented by ghost chairs, blended flawlessly with the manicured gardens, allowing the landscape to truly take center stage.

Davis designed many of the stationery pieces herself, including the save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and menus, which seamlessly tied into the overall decor

“Our pastor from Kentucky flew all the way to Florence to marry us, which made the moment even more meaningful,” the couple recalled. To make their heartfelt Italian destination wedding even more special, they invited their immediate families to the altar to share a prayer over their marriage.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom wandered the grounds, taking some time to snap portraits in the gorgeous setting. 

The reception continued the garden theme inside the ornate banquet hall, where two long tables were adorned with lush florals and soft candlelight. 

“During the dinner, we included a small Limoncello shot at each place setting to embrace Italian culture,” they said. “We also added Louis Sherry chocolates from New York to bring a bit of American charm to our guests since we live in NYC!”

Obsessed with this stunning table setting? Bring it to life with BRIOUT Gold Tableware, Godinger Gold Rimmed Wine Glasses, and Goldinger Gold Banded Glasses!

In keeping with Italian tradition, Davis and Michael served a millefoglie wedding cake—and even decorated it themselves! This personal, hands-on touch brought a playful vibe to their reception and made it feel even more special.

Fireworks lit up the sky, setting the stage for an unforgettable Italian destination wedding as guests gathered to dance, celebrate, and enjoy the night.

Looking back, Davis and Michael’s advice for couples planning their own destination weddings? “Planning from abroad can be a challenge, but with the right planner, it’s absolutely worth it,” they shared. “Our day was a dream come true, and we couldn’t have done it without Giulia Alessandri and our amazing vendors.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Lenny Pellico
Event Planning – Giulia Alessandri
Venue – Villa Corsini
Floral Design – Flowers Living
Catering – Roland’s
Audio + Lights – JDEvents
Ceremony + Aperitif Music – Musica Evento
Party Music – fixthemusic
Stationary – Chiara Mada Studio
Wedding Dress + Veil – Eisen Stein
Bridal Accessories – Nicole Rose FIne Jewelry
Favors – Louis Sherry

 

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This Couple Embraced the Unexpected During their Vibrant, Chinese Zodiac-Inspired Wedding

November 26, 2024 | justine

Andrew and Tim’s wedding was all about celebrating their cultural heritage and the unique bond that brought them together. Drawing inspiration from their Chinese zodiac signs—Andrew’s Wood Ox and Tim’s Fire Tiger—their design blended meaningful symbolism with modern elegance. “Our wedding was inspired by a desire to celebrate cultural diversity and heritage,” the couple shares. “The aisle symbolized the union of wood and fire, and we extended this theme into the reception with fiery overhead designs contrasted by earth tones.” 

For the venue, they chose the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the ideal mix of mountains and beach. “It felt like the perfect place for us,” the pair says. “The resort had a secluded vibe, but it was still easy for our guests to get to. It was exactly the kind of relaxed yet elegant atmosphere we wanted.”

Looking back, the couple feels their wedding was a beautiful mix of their personalities and cultures. “Everything had a personal touch,” they say. They’re also proud of how they brought friends and family from all over the world to celebrate with them. “It was such an accomplishment to pull off a wedding with so many loved ones.”

Andrew and Tim’s vision for a deeply personal celebration that honored their backgrounds came to life in every detail, from the traditional tea ceremony and zodiac-inspired décor. Keep reading to see how Kailash Wedding beautifully captured their truly one-of-a-kind big day.

Instead of a formal wedding party, the couple kept it low-key by spending their morning with close friends and family. “We didn’t want to give anyone extra responsibilities, especially with a destination wedding,” they explain. So, they invited loved ones to join them during their getting-ready sessions. Tim kicked things off with champagne and a game of mahjong, while Andrew’s sister surprised him with soju shots. “It kept everything relaxed and fun, but still meaningful,” they share.

For their wedding attire, the grooms wore matching white tuxedo jackets. The coordinated jackets made them look unified, adding a sophisticated, refined touch to their special day.

The ceremony beautifully blended symbolism and style, with every detail thoughtfully chosen to honor their Chinese zodiac-inspired wedding theme. The aisle, symbolizing the union of wood and fire, led to a stunning altar that looked like flames rising from the ground, surrounded by bold, lush florals. 

Recommended Reading: Get Inspired By These 30 Touching Wedding Vows Examples

The reception was brought to life with a sweeping, curvy overhead installation cascading across the ceiling, drawing guests’ eyes toward the couple’s table and tying the entire room together. Combined with the fiery color palette of the florals and decor,  it was the perfect way to bring their Chinese Zodiac-inspired wedding vision to life, creating a vibe that was both intimate and grand.

A highlight of the evening was the couple’s reentrance, kicked off by a lion dance. It was a fun, energetic moment that really got everyone pumped up and added to the night’s excitement.

The couple gave guests handmade con thổi tò he, traditional Vietnamese clay blow toys shaped like each guest’s Chinese zodiac animal. “We wanted to give something special that celebrated Vietnamese craftsmanship and honored our culture,” the couple explains. The tò he figures represented playfulness and artistic tradition, tying perfectly into the wedding’s theme of meaningful symbolism. “It was a way for us to give our guests a special piece of the day to take home.”

For their first dance, the couple recreated a playful rainstorm from their pre-wedding photoshoot, complete with umbrellas and a confetti shower. It was a fun, meaningful moment that added a creative twist to their dance, symbolizing how they face life’s challenges together.

When reflecting on their big day, the couple finds it hard to pick just one favorite moment. “So many things were meaningful.” They agree that each part of the day “captured the heart of our celebration.”

As for advice to other couples, they recommend staying true to who you are as a couple. “Incorporating personal and cultural elements made our wedding feel really meaningful,” they share. They also encourage couples to have fun and get creative: “Don’t be afraid to mix traditions with something unexpected—like we did with the lion dance and umbrellas!”

Finally, they emphasize the importance of trusting your planner and vendors. “Their experience can really bring your vision to life.” And above all, stay flexible: “Some of the best memories come from those unexpected moments, so embrace them—they’ll make your day even more unforgettable.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kailash Wedding
Event Planning – The Planners
Venue – InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Officiant – MC Xuan Binh
Videography – Cheese Media
Rings – Bvlgari

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Winter Wedding Centerpieces to Complete Your Reception

November 25, 2024 | marissa

Image by Jane Iskra. Design by Amulet Events

When putting together winter wedding centerpieces, you have more options than you might think. Winter brings its own magical charm, but it’s not exactly known for its abundant flora. You might think poinsettias and red roses are your only choices, but there’s a world of rich, jewel-toned flowers out there that are both beautiful and unique. The Junebug team especially loves the addition of anthurium, amaranth, or kiku into a centerpiece (quite the mouthful, but look them up—you’ll recognize them!).

And remember, winter centerpieces don’t have to be your standard floral arrangements in vases. Whether you’re drawn to timeless monochrome whites, rustic greenery, sparkling glass, or a mix of all three, winter centerpieces can bring that finishing touch to your reception decor. When styled thoughtfully, your tablescapes can add warmth, elegance, and that perfect wintery touch, transporting you and your guests to a wedding wonderland.

Our Favorite Winter Wedding Centerpieces

Statement Monochrome

Nothing says “winter magic” quite like a monochrome table decked in white. Imagine clouds of baby’s breath, delicate white blooms, and candles of varying heights and shapes, all in shades of off-white and soft cream. This look is simple but sophisticated. It’s a timeless choice that feels as romantic as the season itself.

Image by Pyara Photo. Design by The White Journal

Image by Laning Photography

Image by Camilla J. Hards Wedding Photography

Greenery

You can’t go wrong with greenery-centered centerpieces for a winter wedding. This look shines on farm tables, with garlands or foliage runners made of Norfolk pine, cedar, and spruce, bringing a nostalgic winter feel. Go with eucalyptus for a touch of modern farmhouse, or even moss to bring a mystical forest vibe right to your table. This style keeps things natural, simple, and completes the essence of winter.

Image by Alyssa Rados Photography

Image by Erika Diaz

Image by Maggie Grace

 

Image by Me and Georgia

Medley of Glass and Candles

Next, add a little sparkle and glow to your reception tables with a mix of crystal, glass, and candlelight. Use glass candle holders, vintage crystal pieces, and votives with softly flickering flames, all casting a magical glow. The play of light on glass gives that same romantic effect of delicate twinkle lights (a known crowd favorite.)

 

Image by Lora Photography

Image by Celeste Burns Photography

Image by Lite Weddings

Bold Blooms with Winter Greens

Winter weddings bring to mind evergreens, and we love the look of hardy, needle-leaf greenery paired with soft, romantic blooms. Burgundy, crimson, and classic white florals—such as ranunculus, anemone, and lilies —add softness and warmth to the crisp winter greenery, creating a striking contrast that feels lush and fresh. Mixing these textures is a beautiful way to bring winter colors to life.

Looking for a florist to help you execute your vision? Check out our local lists of talented florists.

Image by Aguiam Wedding Photography

Image by Brianna Lane Photography

Image by Matt Schramm

Dried Flowers and Branches

If you’re picturing a winter wedding with a boho touch, dried flowers and/or branches can bring it all together. Go with soft beige florals like strawflowers and preserved roses, paired with pampas grass, bunny tails, and amaranthus for earthy texture and subtle color. This muted palette feels just right for winter and pairs beautifully with any other colors you might want to add as accents.

Image by Photography by Chloe

Image by Lara Onac

Image by The Family Film

A Little Bit of Everything

Can’t settle on just one style? Or are you looking for a really showstopping, one-of-a-kind centerpiece? Take a little inspiration from all of the above! We’ve seen breathtaking centerpieces that combine elements from all these winter themes— garlands with pops of colorful flowers or berries, a few white roses for softness, and pops of glass and candlelight to add sparkle. This layered approach creates a rich, dynamic look that’s full of texture.

Image provided by Ella Hartig Events

Image by Laura Zorman

Image provided by 4 Weddings & Events

Image by Jane Iskra. Design by Amulet Events

Need styling help from a professional? Check out our vetted list of Planners & Designers working all over the world.

All in all, each of these centerpiece ideas offers a distinct take on winter, giving you endless ways to make your tables feel personal and inviting. Whether you opt for sleek, all-white sophistication or rustic, greenery-filled charm, there are endless options for winter wedding centerpieces just right for your celebration. Next, check out a roundup of beautiful winter wedding dresses

Image by Olguin Photography

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