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This Kvernufoss Elopement Featured Beautiful Nods to Australia and the UK

March 10, 2024 | justine

Janita and Alex had always imagined quietly tying the knot. They didn’t fancy a big wedding bash, but the thought of escaping to Iceland for a week with their nearest and dearest, soaking in the beauty of the country, felt like the perfect plan. Iceland was extra special to them because it was where they had their most cherished holiday together and where Janita popped the question to Alex precisely a year before their big day. Their Kvernufoss elopement was just as they had hoped, complete with sweet nods to their Australian and UK roots

Their wedding style took inspiration from their stunning natural black diamond and gold engagement rings, which harmonized with the ethereal beauty of the Icelandic scenery. Their extraordinary day was made even more magical with a ceremony overlooking majestic waterfalls, followed by capturing moody portraits amidst the misty coastline and the breathtaking landscape.

If you’re thinking about skipping the big wedding and eloping in your dream city or country instead, you need to check out these captivating photos captured by Junebug member Jane Iskra. Get those passports ready because after seeing these stunning images, you’ll be itching to book those flights and embark on your magical elopement adventure.

The Couple:

Janita and Alex

The Wedding:

Kvernufoss, Iceland

How Their Wedding Jewelry Inspired Their Kvernufoss Elopement Design

Our wedding inspiration and creative direction came from London jeweler and TATE Modern artist Frances Wadsworth Jones. She designed and made our natural black diamond and gold engagement rings that perfectly complemented the otherworldly Icelandic landscape in which we chose to get married.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Wedding Fashion

Janita’s family history spans four continents, which explains her mix of cultural influences and why her design decisions tend to be non-traditional. To honor this, she needed to find a dress designer who could push the perception of what an Indian bridal wedding lehenga could be. The result was a custom-made striped structured lehenga in a metallic polymer paired with a hand-embroidered tape blouse and a black and gold corded cape by a sustainability-focused LGBTQ+ fashion designer. We planned every aspect of the wedding ourselves. Both working in creative fields, we designed and curated every detail and aesthetic to ensure the day was perfect and harmonious against the epic Icelandic landscape. It was really important to Janita to, wherever possible, commission designers who were not just the best in their craft but also from underrepresented minorities in their respective fields for every aspect of the wedding—from the rings to the lehenga to her brows and lashes.

Tradition and Symbolism: The Meaning Behind the Hindu Wedding Garland Exchange

The exchange of garlands is one of the oldest traditions in a Hindu wedding ceremony. It’s the first thing that happens when the bride and groom see each other and signifies their acceptance, affection, and respect for each other. It was really important to us that we could include native flowers such as eucalyptus and proteas to represent our home in Australia and thistles to represent our home in the UK, and our incredible florist found them all. We still can’t believe these were the first neck garlands she’s ever made. The weather was perfect when Janita arrived, but as the ceremony progressed and we emotionally said our vows, the sky cried happy tears with us, too—as we were pronounced husband and wife. I’m so glad we packed gorgeous clear umbrellas, just in case.

How Their Kvernufoss Elopement Came To Be

Janita had always dreamed of eloping, and in the height of COVID, this was the perfect way to keep our family safe and fulfill a lifelong dream. A big, one-day event didn’t feel suitable for us; however, the possibility of having a close group of friends with us for a week and experiencing the best of Iceland with a ceremony towards the end felt perfect. Iceland is unique to us because it was our favorite holiday when Janita proposed to me almost a year before our wedding day. The moment we found pictures of this spot at Kvernufoss, we felt like it was going to be the one, but we knew for sure on a site reconnaissance just 24 hours before! Since the wedding, a vast man-made pathway has been built there. So, we feel fortunate to have been one of the last to experience Kvernufoss in its natural state.

Tips for Creating a Destination Wedding Contingency Plan

If you are having a destination wedding, we recommend having a contingency plan for everything—budgets, timings, suppliers, food, and venue; a lot can change when you get there. Flexibility is also crucial for an outdoor wedding, as the weather and daylight hours must dictate much of the day. The day moves so quickly that it can become a blur, so investing a large proportion of the budget towards experienced and high-quality photographers will be a decision you will be glad you made for the rest of your lives.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jane Iskra
Event Planning – Janita Patel + Alexander Byrne
Venue – Kvernufoss
Floral Design – Þórdís Anna Zophia
Officiant – Anna Brynja Baldursdóttir
Vows Stationary – Red Fries
Eyebrows – Shavata
Eyelashes – Edy
Hair Dresser – Tiff Harley
Wedding Dress – Amit Aggarwal
Bridal Accessories – Nike
Wedding Party Apparel – PS Pret + Son Of A Noble SNOB
Groom’s Apparel – Variety Silk House
Groom’s Shoes – Hunter Boots
Rings – Frances Wadsworth Jones
Transportation – ISAK Rental

 

Congratulations to Janita and Alex on their stunning and intimate Kvernufoss elopement. We’re grateful that Junebug member Jane Iskra was there to capture all the memorable moments of their big day. Explore more of her stunning work in our thoughtfully selected list of the best wedding photographers from around the globe.

If you’re getting ready to run off and get married all by yourselves, don’t forget to take a peek at this handy checklist! It has everything you need to ensure your special “I do” moment goes just right.

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This Villa Magia Elopement Was Full Of Chic Style and Bright Colors

March 9, 2024 | justine

Paul and Chrissy thought a destination wedding would cost a fortune. But when they did the math, they discovered they could have their dream wedding in their dream location for way less than they imagined. So, they went for it! Positano was the place to make it happen. With an enchanting venue, bright florals, and chic fashion, their Villa Magia elopement was truly unforgettable and one for the storybooks.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, they shared heartfelt vows on a gorgeous terrace. Lush blooms adorned the pathway, framing a perfect view of the picturesque waterfront and the quaint town beyond. Following the ceremony, they enjoyed an intimate reception, with a table adorned with vibrant arrangements, creating a scene as beautiful as their love.

If your dream elopement involves your nearest and dearest, stunning coastal views and a touch of unique charm, then let this be your inspiration. Keep scrolling to uncover all the swoon-worthy details expertly captured by Junebug member Maria Bryzhko.

The Couple:

Chrissy and Paul

The Wedding:

Villa Magia, Positano, Italy

Mixing Textures, Colors, and Accessories in the Bridal Attire

I had no inspiration whatsoever. I was very confused about what I wanted to wear. I first fell in love with my shoes and then found a short dress I loved! Mum and I stumbled across this brightly colored necklace while casually shopping one day, but we both thought it was so different and funky that we believed it could work brilliantly. Then, while shopping with my mum for her dress, I found a long dress I loved. I tried it on while I was waiting, and whoops, I fell in love with that, too! I ended up buying that one, too, and decided to keep my short one for the reception. My style is just a compilation of interesting shapes, textures, and colors that speak to me: pink velvet and feather shoes, one sequin dress, and one plain satin. A necklace of vibrant colors and shapes perfectly complemented my rose gold and sunstone ring. I wanted a glamorous yet classic hairstyle, and I wanted tones very similar to what I would usually wear for makeup.

How They Landed on a Villa Magia Elopement

We had been looking at typical Australian wedding venues, photos, and styles, but it just didn’t feel like us. We wanted something with more character, but it seemed out of budget. I came across a photo of Positano and showed my husband-to-be Paul, and he said, “I wish!” We thought about it some more and realized, why not? Having a destination wedding seemed like the “wealthy family” option, but after crunching some numbers, we realized we could actually elope in the location of our dreams for a lot less than we expected to pay at home. 

Wedding Advice: Craft Your Wedding Day With Purpose

I believe it’s really important to ignore trends and not worry about what other people think. Plan your wedding solely based on what you and your partner are dreaming of. Choose each and every element that you fall in love with, and don’t look back. Try not to overwhelm yourself with inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines. Select things that truly represent you and that make you happy. Once everything is planned, refrain from looking at more weddings or dresses, as it might lead you to second-guess your choices. If you felt drawn to a particular style or accessory, it was meant to be, so don’t hesitate. Maintaining a positive and excited mindset is crucial because it will be the most incredible day, no matter what little things may go wrong.

How Color Transformed Their Villa Magia Elopement

Color played a significant role in our wedding. Opting for a traditional black and white attire meant that we wanted to incorporate as much color and texture around us as possible. We had a wide array of vibrant, delicate florals surrounded by historical and ornate buildings. Our wedding rings featured non-traditional colored gemstones, complemented by colored shoes and a bright necklace. I truly believe that having those colors around us is what made everything pop.

Choosing a Minimalist Approach for Maximum Impact

We planned our wedding while building our first home, acknowledging our low budget and staying grounded. Prioritizing our financial responsibilities, we opted for a minimalist approach, inviting only our parents to join us. Our splurges were the venue and photographers, both proving invaluable. Villa Magia exceeded expectations, while Maria and Stefano captured our day with unmatched talent and personality. Despite budget constraints, we managed to find affordable attire and DIY elements. Though flights to Italy were a significant expense, our European honeymoon justified the cost.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Maria Bryzhko
Ceremony + Reception Venue + Catering + Cake – Villa Magia
Floral Design – Posaflora
Officiant – Giovanna D’Amato
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Valeria Yeminak
Wedding Dress – Brides Of Sydney + Rebecca Vallance
Groom’s Apparel – Ferrari Formal
Rings – Capucinne + White November

 

Congratulations to Paul and Chrissy on their Villa Magia elopement full of chic style and bright colors. And a big thank you to Maria Bryzhko for beautifully capturing all the unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. For more intimate celebrations like this one, be sure to explore her profile in our carefully curated directory of wedding photographers from around the world.

By putting what really mattered to them first instead of following traditional norms, they crafted a wedding day that was relaxed, genuine, and shared with their closest loved ones. If you’re eager to begin planning your own special celebration, make sure to check out our elopement planning checklist for guidance.

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Tips for Buying a Used Wedding Dress

March 8, 2024 | riley

Buying a used wedding dress can be a savvy way to save money without compromising on style for your big day. Not to mention it’s one of the easiest ways to incorporate sustainability into your celebration. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with some caution, armed with the right knowledge to ensure you’re making a wise and informed decision. The last thing you want to do is spend money

 on what you think is your dream wedding dress only to find that there are issues you weren’t aware of. That’s why we’re breaking down seven tips for buying a used wedding dress so you can walk away feeling confident in your choice.

Tips for Buying a Used Wedding Dress

Do Your Research

Before you start your used wedding dress shopping, take some time to research different styles, designers, and prices. This will give you a better idea of what you’re looking for and how much you should expect to pay. Of course, the prices are going to vary depending on what condition the dress is in and the designer. For example, if the dress has never been worn or altered before, you can expect to pay more. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with reputable websites and bridal shops that specialize in selling pre-owned dresses.

Some great ones to start looking at include:

Know Your Measurements

Unlike buying a new dress off the rack, chances are you won’t have the luxury of making brand-new alterations when purchasing a used wedding dress. Be sure to know your exact measurements and compare them to the seller’s sizing chart before purchasing. Keep in mind that wedding dress sizes can vary widely between designers, so don’t be surprised if you end up ordering a size larger or smaller than your usual size. Wedding dress sizing is drastically different than street clothes, so focus less on the number and more on the measurements and how it’s going to make you feel.

Inspect the Dress

When considering a used wedding dress, careful inspection is crucial.  An in-depth examination should check for any signs of wear and tear, such as stains, loose threads, or missing beads. These details might be overlooked in the excitement of finding a dress you love, but could potentially lead to costly repairs and disappointments.

If you’re buying online–which is becoming increasingly common–ask the seller for detailed pictures from different angles. It’s also worth asking for close-up photos of any imperfections. Remember, minor issues can often be fixed relatively easily, but significant damage might not be worth the cost of repair. Strike a balance between your love for the dress and its condition.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller with any questions or concerns you may have about the dress. Inquire about its history, including how many times it has been worn and whether any alterations have been made. You may also want to ask if the dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved.

Image by Daniela Ortiz

Check the Fit

Fit is another critical factor to consider when buying a used wedding dress. As we mentioned earlier, most wedding dresses have been custom-altered to fit the original bride. That’s why precise measurements from you and the seller are vital.

Remember, it’s usually easier and less costly to alter a dress that’s too big than one that’s too small. You can only let out a dress so much (and we don’t recommend shredding for the wedding just to fit into a dress). Also, think about the potential cost of alterations in your budget. It’s not uncommon to overlook this aspect, but it can significantly impact your overall wedding dress budget.

Recommended Reading: Your Guide to Body Positivity in Wedding Dress Shopping and Prep

Authenticity and Price

Ensuring the dress’s authenticity is especially important if you’re considering a designer piece. Don’t be shy about asking for proof of purchase or an authenticity certificate if available. Research is your friend here–knowing the original price of the dress will help you ensure that the used dress is priced significantly lower, considering its condition and age. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true, because they often are. 

Budget for Alterations

Even if you find a used wedding dress in excellent condition, chances are you’ll still need some alterations to achieve the perfect fit. Be sure to budget for these additional costs when calculating the total price of the dress. Depending on the extent of alterations needed, you may also want to factor in the cost of hiring a professional seamstress.

Recommended Reading: Free Wedding Budget Tool

Buying a used wedding dress can be a smart, budget-friendly choice. Although it requires a fair bit of research, time, and patience, the result can be a stunning dress that makes you feel beautiful without breaking the bank. If you’re searching for even more ways to save more money while planning your big day, check out these 25 simple ways to save more. Want a new wedding dress that won’t hurt the wallet instead? Here are some affordable options under $1,000.

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