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This Couple Followed in Their Parents’ Footsteps—Literally—For Their Relaxed and Whimsical Wedding

February 26, 2025 | justine

Finding love on the internet is always a bit of a gamble, but for Kate and Mark, it was the best discovery they ever made. What started as a digital connection quickly turned into something undeniable—a shared love for adventure, laughter, and a deep appreciation for life’s little moments. When it came time to celebrate their love, they wanted a wedding that felt just as organic and meaningful as their journey together. They planned a relaxed and whimsical wedding on Kate’s family property, the very same place her parents tied the knot decades before.

Set against a backdrop of vibrant summer colors and the natural beauty of the land, their big day was about more than just the two of them—it was a reflection of their families, their values, and their shared vision for the future. Every detail was intentional—from the tea towel invitations that gave guests a keepsake from the day to the handcrafted beer wall featuring Mark’s own brews.

“Our wedding was held in the same place as my parents’,” Kate shared. “It was deeply special to join hands and say ‘I do’ in a space that already carried so much love.”

Planning a wedding of this scale was no small feat, and the couple knew they needed expert guidance. “It did not take long to realize we needed significant help,” Kate said. “Choosing to work with a truly exceptional team was the best decision we made.” With the help of Junebug vendor Briggs & Co., they crafted an event that felt personal, elegant, and effortlessly fun.

Their planner not only helped bring their special day to life but also introduced them to vendors who felt like family. “Our wedding planner brought vendors that were beyond expectation. I cannot say enough how deeply thankful and appreciative we are.”

What Made This Whimsical Wedding Special:

  • Kate and Mark got married on her family’s property, in the same spot her parents did years ago
  • Instead of paper invites, guests received printed tea towels as a fun keepsake
  • A handmade beer wall with handcrafted brews kept the drinks flowing
  • Before the party started, the couple shared a quiet dance together with live guitar music

Featured Vendor:
Briggs & Co.

Kate and Mark’s whimsical wedding day was all about soaking in the moment. Their first look, watched from afar by loved ones, set the tone for the day. Rather than waiting until after the ceremony, they stole little moments together. “We knew we wanted to spend the day together, not just after the ceremony. So we took little escapes—a walk in the orchard, a drive in a golf cart, running through a field. Those moments made the day feel so much more personal and special.”

Related: Wedding Chairs For Your Big Day

After their heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds snuck away for a private first dance, serenaded by a live guitarist. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed handcrafted drinks, including beer from the custom-built beer wall, and an array of hors d’oeuvres on the patio overlooking the pond. The couple rejoined the party in style, walking across the dam hand-in-hand as their guests cheered them on. “I was spinning in my dress the whole way,” Kate said.

When it came to styling, Kate’s wedding dress embodied the day’s soft, effortless, and romantic feel. She wore a flowing gown with sheer sleeves and delicate floral details, perfectly complementing the atmosphere. Wanting their wedding party to feel just as comfortable, Kate and Mark let everyone choose their own outfits, hair, makeup, and accessories. “We wanted everyone to feel good and look like themselves while still coming together in a way that felt natural,” the couple shared. The result? A beautifully cohesive look that felt easy and authentic.

The tented reception was the perfect blend of comfort and celebration, with cozy lounge areas by the dance floor, a canoe filled with beer, and live music featuring songs straight from the couple’s old CD collection. “From the speeches that had us crying and laughing more than we thought was possible to the sunset buggy ride and cigar lounge, it was the best party we have ever been to,” Kate said.

Adding to the sentimental details, Kate surprised her mom by dedicating her bouquet to her. “I made her a promise to continue to bloom as I start my very own garden with all the knowledge and love she has given me.”

Related: Elevate Your Reception Decor With These Wedding Table Settings

Despite all the moving pieces, their whimsical wedding day went off without a hitch. “If there were any challenges, it truly speaks to the level of expertise of our wedding planner because we had a perfect day.”

Related: Wedding Catering Options Explained

Their only regret? “I guess we could say we both forgot to sit and eat,” Kate joked. “But the next day, it was just as delicious!”

When asked if they would change anything, Kate didn’t hesitate: “No, there is nothing I would change. Our wedding was everything we had dreamed it would be, shared with those closest to our hearts.”

Her advice for future couples? “Follow your feelings, be yourselves, and enjoy the journey.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kirsten Hartzell Photography
Event Planning – Briggs & Co Events
Venue – Krempasky Private Family Homestead
Floral Design – Monzie’s Floral Design
Catering – The Epicurean Delight
Officiant – Storied Celebrations
Live Music – Light Weight
Makeup Artist – The Bridal Above
Hair Styling – Mane Creations
Wedding Dress – Barbara Kavchok
Groom’s Apparel – ARTS For Him & Her Too
Rings – Raymond’s Jewelers
Rentals – Rustic Charm Vintage Rental + Big Top Rentals + Borrowed Something + MCR Design Group

 

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Second Wedding Tips and Ideas

February 26, 2025 | justine

While you probably didn’t expect to find yourself planning a wedding for the second time, getting another chance at love is incredibly special. It’s a new chapter and a fresh start to happiness. And not only that, second weddings are unique in the sense that you’re older, wiser, and more empowered to plan a special day that’s focused on what’s right for you. 

Because not everyone gets to have a wedding do-over, a second wedding can be a wonderful opportunity to create an event that’s unique to you and your partner. So if you’re planning to say “I do” (take two), here are second wedding ideas and tips on making your celebration just as beautiful–or even better–than the first.

Second Wedding Tips And Ideas

Focus On Beautifully Blending Your Family

Marrying your new partner often means forming a beautiful new blended family. You’re not just getting married and perhaps gaining bonus children or bringing a new spouse into your life. Your children are gaining a whole new family through your marriage. Making them feel like they’re part of the decision-making process is a great way to start things off on the right foot. And it’s a great way to make your wedding extra special and personal.

Incorporate Family Members In Meaningful Ways

Your second big day is a chance to include your current and new family members. And your children are some of the most important family members to consider. There are many ways to have them participate in the ceremony—from including them in the wedding party or sharing readings to even walking you down the aisle. Another great way to welcome all of the children into your new family unit is to include them in your vows or with a symbolic unity ritual.

Encourage Guest Participation with Personalized Rituals

To make your second wedding more inclusive and memorable, involve your guests in a unique and meaningful way by asking them to participate in the ceremony. For example, you could invite guests to share a meaningful memory, offer advice for the couple, contribute a small token, or participate in a handfasting ceremony. This allows everyone to feel more connected to your day, making it less about formalities and more about the shared love and support of the people you care about.

Honoring Late Loved Ones

If you or your partner want to celebrate the memory of a late spouse, there are many beautiful ways to honor them. From simple words of remembrance, reading a favorite poem or passage, displaying photos, or asking someone close to you to say a few words in your late loved one’s honor—don’t be afraid to include their memory.

Image by Yana B.

Break From Tradition And Include What Feels Right

Set this wedding apart from the last one by injecting more personality and flair into the festivities. Go for the unique venue, host a daytime wedding, have a food truck reception, or book over-the-top entertainment. But of course, if you’d prefer everything to be more traditional, that’s okay too. Include the traditions that feel meaningful to you, skip the rest, or create new ones. That choice is totally yours and your partner’s. Feel free to mix things up.

Consider A Romantic Getaway

If your last wedding was at a local venue, you might feel more comfortable having a destination wedding. This can be a great way to distance yourself literally to avoid comparing the previous wedding with your current one. The best thing about a destination wedding is the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere because everyone is on vacation. Now that you’re blending families, what better way to form bonding moments than in a setting where your loved ones have the freedom to enjoy themselves?

Image by Cinema Weddings

Get Married At Home

If a low-key and intimate affair is more your style, having a backyard wedding is a sentimental way to celebrate your and your partner’s love out of the comfort of your own home. There’s just something so special about exchanging heartfelt vows in the same setting where you’ve experienced some of life’s most significant moments.

Throw An Epic Surprise Wedding

Inviting your friends and family to a surprise wedding is certainly a fun and exciting alternative for couples who want to avoid all the unnecessary fuss and get right ahead to the main affair. You can pull off a surprise wedding by inviting your guests to another large event they wouldn’t want to miss, like an engagement party or a milestone birthday. 

Wear What Feels Right For You And Your Partner

Now is the time to wear whatever you like, whether that’s a dramatic black ball gown or a dashing pink suit paired with a bolo tie. The fashion possibilities are endless! Have fun with your shoes and accessories, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You’re starting a new chapter of your life, and both of you should do it authentically, so wear what feels right for you.  

Prepare For Hard Or Overwhelming Times

A second wedding means that you have a beautiful second chance at love. But to get to where you are now, something deeply painful had to happen. And even though you’re very happy and in love, the planning process may bring up some painful memories. And on top of that, there may also be delicate family dynamics that come into play. So it’s best to prepare yourself for challenging times and overwhelming emotions and surround yourself with people who love and support you. And if needed, seek out counseling from professionals. All these feelings are normal, so be kind to yourself and your partner as you navigate through them.

For more second wedding inspiration, see this beautiful celebration here. Image by Maggie Grace Photography.

Like any wedding, a second wedding is special and unique. There’s no need to tone down your shine just because you tied the knot before. You don’t have to take a discrete or subtle approach to the festivities or consider any traditions off-limits. Having a second wedding doesn’t mean it needs to be any less celebrated, and it deserves to be just as beautiful and magical as the second chance that led you to each other.

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Who Needs a Dance Floor? Ice Skating Steals the Show in This Winter Elopement Inspiration

February 25, 2025 | justine

When you think of winter weddings, the idea of a cozy indoor reception might come to mind—but what if you could add a touch of adventure? This winter elopement inspiration proves that it’s possible to have both glamour and excitement, with an unexpected twist: ice skating.

“We were inspired by old money glam and wanted to create a scene that captured that classic, upscale vibe of a downtown hotel wedding—while adding the thrill of a sweet ice skating date to celebrate,” says Junebug vendor Chelsa Jay. And with that vision in mind, the team set out to showcase an intimate yet glamorous elopement that breaks away from the traditional.

The shoot took place at The Hotel Captain Cook, a historic luxury venue in downtown Anchorage. “The Hotel Captain Cook was perfect for this shoot. Its elegance set the tone for the old money glam vibe we envisioned,” Chelsea shares. The juxtaposition of its vintage charm and modern amenities provided a stylish base for the shoot, combining both timeless beauty and warmth for the indoor moments.

Featured Vendor:

Chelsa Jay

Related: Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Dress Shopping

The bride’s dress combines vintage and modern styles, with dramatic pearl adorned puffed sleeves and a sleek, short silhouette that’s both bold and elegant. Paired with classic heels, it’s a timeless yet fresh look. The groom’s tailored gray suit paired with a lapel boutonniere, complements the romantic, glamorous vibe of the winter elopement.

However, it was the outdoor ice skating that really stole the show. “I’ve never photographed a couple ice skating on their wedding day before, so this was a first for me! I’m photographing a skiing couple this month and am excited to capture more of these adventurous wedding moments,” says Chelsea, clearly excited about future opportunities to capture couples trying something new and unexpected.  

Related: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

The florals by The Teal Door brought a touch of softness to the chilly surroundings. “The florals were gorgeous—those muted shades of blush and deep burgundy looked stunning against the snow. They were the perfect way to tie in the romance of the shoot.”

Of course, Alaska’s weather added an extra layer of challenge. “Alaska is known for its unpredictable weather, so we had no idea what to expect on the shoot day,” Chelsea explains. “It was nearly 40° in the days leading up to the shoot—completely uncharacteristic for this time of year. But on the shoot day, the temps dropped to the single digits. We took a few warm-up breaks in our vehicles, but our models were absolute troopers and made it through with smiles.”

The cold didn’t stop the couple from enjoying every moment. The ice skating was a playful and romantic experience, ending with a champagne pop to celebrate. “They had so much fun skating together. It was such a unique moment that added something special to the day.”

This styled shoot proves that winter weddings can be both stylish and fun, even when the temperatures drop. “I left this shoot feeling hopeful that it would inspire couples who are on the fence about having a winter wedding,” Chelsea shares. “Winter glam is totally achievable—you just have to embrace the chill and let the magic of the season unfold!”

The Talented Team:

Photography – Chelsa Jay
Event Planning – Wild Rose Weddings
Venue – The Hotel Captain Cook
Floral Design – The Teal Door
Cake – Love and Butter Alaska
Makeup Artist – Gabby Manni

 

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