With its grand architecture, manicured gardens, and incredible views along the Douro River, Pestana Palácio do Freixo in Porto, Portugal, was the perfect setting for Karen and Dejo’s destination wedding. Their outdoor ceremony took place on the lawn overlooking the water, with gold chairs arranged in a semicircle around the altar. Instead of a traditional floral arch, low arrangements of pink, peach, and yellow blooms framed the couple while keeping the sweeping waterfront views unobstructed.
The reception had a more playful, tropical feel. Inside a clear marquee, black-and-white checkered flooring was paired with wooden tables, rattan chairs, and colorful floral arrangements. Overhead, lush installations of cascading flowers and tropical greenery surrounded sparkling crystal chandeliers. Guests spent the evening dining and dancing, with fireworks lighting up the sky later that night.
Kristine and Tracy exchanged private vows at Emerald Bay, with Lake Tahoe’s vast blue waters, mountains, and Fannette Island stretching out behind them. The two, who first met through mutual friends at a house party, had the overlook to themselves for their intimate ceremony. After exchanging vows and taking portraits around Emerald Bay, they headed to Sand Harbor to catch the sunset.
Their wedding outfits were just as striking as the views. One bride wore a fitted gown with intricate lace detailing and a dramatic train, while the other chose a white jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and flowing cape sleeves. Both accessorized with sparkling hairpieces and jewelry. At Sand Harbor, they took portraits among the granite boulders and along the shoreline, with the lake and mountains in the background as the sun began to set. Sometimes, all it takes is two people, a quiet place to exchange vows, and a view as serene as Lake Tahoe’s.
A welcome lobster bake, bonfire with s’mores, and a weekend of lakeside activities gave Caroline and Kevin’s wedding at Migis Lodge in Maine the atmosphere of a summer camp reunion. With their guests staying in cabins around the property, everyone could spend the weekend together, enjoying the lake and the lodge’s boats and activities before gathering for the wedding itself.
The couple first met while interning at the same company. After discovering they attended the same university, they stayed in touch and began dating a few months later. Years later, they brought their friends and families to Maine for a celebration filled with colorful wildflowers, a camper photo booth, and plenty of time on the dance floor.
What We Love About This Summer Camp Wedding Weekend:
A welcome lobster bake followed by a bonfire and s’mores
Lakeside cabins for guests to stay onsite
Farm-grown wildflowers cultivated especially for the wedding day
A camper converted into an outdoor photo booth
Thrifted silver platters repurposed as bar menus
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A Weekend at Migis Lodge With Lakeside Cabins and Plenty to Do
Having everyone together for more than just the wedding day was a big part of Caroline and Kevin’s plans. Migis Lodge offered exclusive use of the property for the weekend, with guests staying in cabins along the lake and access to boats and other activities.
Caroline took on most of the planning and enjoyed working through the details. The lodge also made coordinating everything easier, and the couple found their vendors online by browsing portfolios. “Our vision was a summer camp weekend, where all of our friends and family could hang out by the lake for the full weekend and really make the most of our time together,” they shared.
Almost everyone arrived the night before the wedding, just in time for a Maine-style welcome lobster bake. After dinner, the group gathered around a bonfire for s’mores. By the following day, the cabins were full of familiar faces, and guests had already spent an evening together.
Private Vows Before a Ceremony Officiated by a Close Friend
Before the ceremony, Caroline and Kevin met for a first look and exchanged their vows privately. Having that time together beforehand was one of their favorite decisions of the day. “We had a first look with private vows before the ceremony. It was so special and we’re really glad we were able to have that moment together,” they shared.
Their close friend Alex officiated the ceremony, while Kevin’s mother and aunt participated by giving readings. With familiar faces taking on these roles, the ceremony included several of the people closest to them.
Colorful Wildflowers and a Camper Photo Booth by the Lake
For the wedding decor, Caroline and Kevin embraced the lakeside setting and chose colorful florals with a loose, wildflower-inspired look. Their florist, Jen of Eastern River Farm, grew the flowers on her farm and sent the couple updates as they developed.
“Our florist absolutely nailed it with the colorful wildflower vibe,” the couple shared. “It was so fun to get updates as the flowers were growing on her farm as well!”
An outdoor photo booth housed inside a camper was another favorite detail. It fit right in with the laid-back summer camp wedding weekend, giving guests a place to take photos between the festivities.
Thrifted Bar Menus, Dog-Themed Napkins, and Dance Floor Essentials
Caroline put her own spin on the bar menus by creating them from thrifted silver platters. The couple also ordered custom matchbooks and cocktail napkins featuring their dogs. Guests received welcome tote bags filled with essentials for the weekend. The bags proved useful well beyond the wedding, too. “It’s been fun to see people using the bags around now after the wedding,” the couple shared.
For the reception, Kevin’s mom helped assemble a shelf stocked with flip-flops, custom sunglasses, and foam glow sticks. Guests could swap their shoes for something more comfortable and grab a few accessories before heading to the dance floor. The setup was a huge hit.
Caroline’s Wedding Day Advice: Make Sure You Try the Food
With a full weekend of activities and time with guests, Caroline and Kevin’s summer camp wedding weekend gave them plenty of opportunities to enjoy the celebration. Caroline also has one very practical recommendation for couples who are planning their own wedding: don’t miss out on the food you’ve chosen.
“Definitely try all of the food! We had a sampler with all of the appetizers, and we also asked for a little of all the entrees at dinner and I’m so glad we did, they were all delicious,” Caroline shared.
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