WEDDING BLOG

This Ethereal Iceland Elopement Included a Hike Through a Cave

November 5, 2024 | justine

Gabriella and Michele’s ethereal Iceland elopement was the perfect blend of adventure and romance. With the help of Junebug vendor and planner Pink Iceland, they created an unforgettable experience, not just for themselves but for their family and friends too. Surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, their guests traveled far and wide to be part of this meaningful celebration. It was a chance to create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond the ordinary.

The couple started their special day with a hike through the Katla ice cave in their wedding dresses, making their ethereal Iceland elopement even more magical. With a triangle arch decorated with understated flowers and guests seated on wooden benches, the pair exchanged heartfelt vows in this breathtaking setting. The stunning brides fully embraced Iceland’s incredible landscape, allowing it to be a focal point of their wedding decor and photography as a whole.

Captured beautifully by Junebug vendor Lia Photo Stories, these photos will whisk you away to a magical, far-away place—everything you could dream of for an elopement. If you’re looking for destination wedding inspiration, start pinning now because this celebration will surely spark ideas for your own unforgettable “I do’s.”

The Couple:

Gabriella and Michele

The Wedding:

Hjörleifshöfði, Iceland

Starting Their Ethereal Iceland Elopement with an Epic Ice Cave Adventure

The most memorable part of our wedding day was hiking through the Katla ice cave in our wedding dresses. It was an incredible experience to be walking on ice in such an epic setting, and the contrast of our dresses with the surroundings made it even more special. The adventure and unique location made the day unforgettable and the perfect way to start our marriage.

Achieving Understated Elegance with Black Accents and Natural Beauty

For our wedding day, incorporating black accents was vital to us, adding a touch of sophistication to our overall aesthetic. Gabriella wore a beautiful black veil, and the end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day. We also wanted our looks to reflect our natural selves, so we opted for minimal makeup and braided hairstyles. We believe simplicity can be elegant and want to feel comfortable and authentic. Our stylist captured our vision perfectly. We shared inspirational pictures with her, focusing on soft, natural looks that complemented the stunning surroundings of Yoda Cave. The end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day.

Embracing Iceland’s Natural Beauty for a Raw and Ethereal Ethereal Iceland Elopement Ceremony

Our wedding took place in a cave in Iceland, so the location’s natural beauty heavily influenced the vibe, style, and design. We wanted a raw, organic, and intimate feel, blending the dramatic surroundings with minimal decor. The cave’s textures and lighting created an ethereal atmosphere, and we added subtle touches—like candlelight and greenery—to enhance the space without overshadowing its natural charm. It felt like a magical, hidden world, perfectly reflecting the adventurous spirit of our relationship.

The Special Touch That Made Their Ceremony Unforgettable

One of the best surprises on our wedding day was when Michele arranged for a live musician to perform during the ceremony. Such an unexpected and personal touch made the moment even more special.

Trusting Your Wedding Planner is Vital

Our best wedding planning advice is to trust your wedding planners, especially if you’re working with someone as incredible as Pink Iceland. They truly made our vision come to life and took so much of the stress out of the process. Communicate what you want, then trust the experts to handle the details. Pink Iceland did a fantastic job with our unique wedding, and we couldn’t have asked for a better planner.

Transforming Their Wedding into an Unforgettable Adventure

We’re incredibly proud that we could give our families and friends a true adventure. Our wedding wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a journey. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the unique experience of a cave wedding, it was unlike anything most of our guests had ever done before. Many traveled from far away, and we wanted to make sure the trip was unforgettable for them, too. It was incredible to share such an extraordinary location and create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond a typical wedding day.

Prioritizing Family and Connection

The most important aspects of planning our wedding were ensuring our family could all stay together, choosing the perfect location, and creating an adventure of a lifetime. We wanted the experience to feel connected and intimate, so having everyone together in one place was a priority. Skálakot Manor provided all of this; it was a beautiful and cozy place for everyone to stay and perfectly complemented the Icelandic landscape with its charm and elegance. The location was key—we wanted somewhere breathtaking and unique, and Iceland was perfect for that. Ultimately, we wanted our wedding to be more than just a day; we wanted it to be a memorable journey we could share with our loved ones.

Why They Chose Yoda Cave as Backdrop of Their Special Day

We chose Yoda Cave in Iceland as our wedding venue because of our shared love for caves and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. The cave’s unique formations and serene atmosphere create an enchanting backdrop that perfectly reflects our personalities and relationships. We wanted our special day to accurately represent who we are, and Yoda Cave offered us an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature’s splendor.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lia Photo Stories
Event Planning – Pink Iceland
Ceremony Venue – Yoda Cave
Reception Venue – Skálakot Manor
Officiant – Kelly Fraidenburg
Live Music – Elin Eyporsdottir
Videography – Christina Raytsiz
Invitation Design – Paperedia
Makeup + Hair Styling – Margret Magnus
Wedding Dresses – Elda’s Bridal

Congratulations to Gabriella and Michele on their ethereal Iceland elopement, including a hike through the cave. Many thanks to Junebug vendors Pink Iceland and Lia Photo Stories for bringing their dream big day to life. For more unique celebrations like this one, check out their profiles in our directory of the best wedding vendors from around the globe.

If you’re planning an elopement, check out our guide to help you prepare for your special day. It covers all the essentials you’ll need to stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important details, making your elopement a smooth and memorable experience. With everything in place, you can focus on enjoying your big moment together!

Winter Wedding Guest Dresses For Every Dress Code

November 3, 2024 | marissa

Image by Helena Brauer Photography. Keep scrolling to find the perfect winter wedding guest dresses

Winter weddings are magical, but dressing for them can be a challenge. Sure, the first things that come to mind might be velvet fabrics, mock necklines, and long sleeves—but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether attending a black-tie affair, a cozy mountain lodge celebration, or a chic urban soirée, there are countless unexpected ways to blend style and comfort. In this guide, we’re breaking free from the predictable to bring you fresh outfit ideas for every winter dress code, location, and aesthetic.

To help you kick off the search for your perfect winter wedding guest dress, here are some of our top tips:

Opt for winter-friendly fabrics like velvet, tweed, lace, or jacquard
Embrace rich winter shades such as navy, baby blue, burgundy, emerald, gold, or silver
Combat the chill by layering with thick tights when possible
Closed-toe pumps are always a safe choice, but sleek boots can look great with more casual dresses
Try pairing a coat with a bold print like leopard or plaid with a simple, solid-colored dress
Don’t forget winter accessories like hats, scarves, or gloves for outdoor moments
Steer clear of dresses in winter whites, creams, or beiges—too close to white to take the risk!

Winter Wedding Guest Dresses Based on Dress Code or Aesthetic

Black Tie or Formal Wedding

For a black-tie or formal dress code, a floor-length dress or gown is a must. From there, the options are endless. Velvet remains a timeless choice, as it’s universally flattering and perfect for winter weddings. A simple yet elegant velvet wrap dress is always a standout option. If you’re looking to make a statement, tiered dresses are trending and add a playful touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with prints—a subtle rose pattern on a flowy, floor-length gown can be both sophisticated and unexpected.

Cocktail or Semi-Formal Wedding

Wearing a mini or midi-length cocktail dress for a winter wedding offers plenty of versatility and opportunities for creative styling. We’ve spotted 80s-inspired dresses making a comeback, featuring details such as ruching, bubble hems, frills, and off-the-shoulder necklines. Bows, whether bold or subtle, are another trend taking the spotlight. Think a big, satin bow on your lower back for a 60s vibe or a playful bow print for something a little out of the ordinary.

Downtown or Urban Wedding

Why let the men have all the tuxedo fun? A tuxedo dress is a bold and ultra-sophisticated option for a city wedding. For those who love modern elegance, corset tops paired with skirts in lengths from mini to maxi offer a chic twist. Not feeling something form-fitting? Looser shift or trapeze-style dresses are effortlessly cool. And for the daring fashionista, sheer panels, bold colors, and asymmetrical necklines capture the edgy, statement-making energy of an urban setting.

Mountain Lodge or Resort Wedding

Winter weddings at a ski or mountain lodge often mean snow. Choose a dress that’s beautiful yet functional—skip the dragging trains or restrictive sheath skirts that make movement tricky. For warmth, stick to fabrics like wool, fleece, cashmere, or a heavier crepe or velvet, and steer clear of lightweight options like cotton or polyester. Dresses with linings or layered textures are perfect for keeping you cozy while still looking effortlessly chic against a stunning snowy backdrop.

Christmas Wedding

A Christmas wedding isn’t a costume party, but leaning into the theme is surely welcome. Is red too obvious? We don’t think so. It’s flattering on multiple skin tones and adds that perfect festive pop to your look. More options are green minidresses with tights, a velvet babydoll dress with puffy sleeves, or a piece with intricate buttons or trimming for vintage charm. For inspiration, consider your Christmas outfits from childhood—then give those nostalgic styles a grown-up twist like figure-hugging silhouettes or shoulder-baring designs. Festive and fashionable.

New Year’s Eve Wedding

Sequins, sparkle, and fringe—oh my! If you’re lucky enough to attend a New Year’s Eve wedding, it’s the perfect excuse to bring out your glitziest attire. Think beyond traditional dresses and embrace metallics and shimmering fabrics that catch the light as you dance the night away. Whether you opt for a form-fitting sequined gown or a playful fringe dress, don’t shy away from bold accessories that add to the festive vibe. This is the time to shine, so let your outfit reflect the excitement of ringing in the new year while celebrating love!

Love these winter wedding guest dresses but need a jacket to help keep you warm? Check out our favorites here!

winter wedding guest dresses pinterest graphic

Image by Helena Brauer Photography

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Venue for Craft Beer Lovers

November 3, 2024 | marissa

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times (and frankly, we’ll continue to shout it for those in the back)–your wedding should be about you. Forget unexplained traditions and repeated practices that don’t match your style. Your special day should center around the things you love and the moments that matter most. That’s exactly what came to mind as we explored the new Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya resort: how absolutely perfect it is for couples who love a beach, a brew, and a good time.

This all-inclusive gem is the first of the Margaritaville resorts to go adults-only, and that exclusive ambiance is woven throughout–from the four unique bars to live music events and, best of all, the Landshark Brewery—one of the few all-inclusive resort breweries out there. Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya brings together everything you’d want in a beach getaway and wraps it up with top-notch service, great food, and romantic views.

We’ll just say, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya has all the ingredients for a laid-back yet sophisticated celebration, just right for couples who want the best of both worlds.

Beer-Loving Couples, We’ve Found Your Venue

The Landshark Brewery sets this property apart from typical beach wedding venues. It’s far from just a novelty–it’s a wedding-ready, oceanfront oasis where bespoke ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours are not only possible but encouraged. One of our favorite details? You can collaborate with the onsite brewmaster to find your own signature wedding brew. Served up in personalized growlers, it’s a fun and memorable twist on the usual wedding guest favor.

It’s hard to top the view from the Landshark’s Sky Terrace–our favorite spot for toasting and sipping the night away. Your entire crew can enjoy a variety rotating seasonal brews, IPAs, malty ales, and the ever-popular Landshark Lager, all set against the serene ocean backdrop.

A beautiful ceremony on Margaritaville Riviera Maya’s Sky Terrace.

Transform the ceremony space into an intimate reception dinner during cocktail hour.

The Wedding Experience: Exclusivity Meets Fun

Sure, Margaritaville knows how to have a good time, but what makes it an ideal beach wedding venue is its dedication to exclusivity and top-tier service. The team only books one wedding per day to ensure that each couple receives undivided attention and resources. And for those who like a trial run, there’s the “Wedding Dress Rehearsal,” where couples can preview all the details before the main event—a rare treat in the world of destination weddings.

Flexibility is also a major bonus in the Margaritaville wedding experience. Planning your wedding becomes easier than ever thanks to a range of packages tailored to suit your taste and, just as importantly, your budget. Our ideal setup? A ceremony on the Sky Terrace—the largest in the region—with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Afterward, we’d head to the cozy brewery room for a modern cocktail hour while the terrace is transformed into an intimate reception dinner space just for you and your guests.

A Resort of Amenities and Entertainment

Beyond the brewery, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya offers plenty of options to keep your guests entertained. Flex your competitive side on the pickleball courts, unwind with a frozen margarita by the pool, or explore the high-end dining options. There’s even a scheduled roster of events that keeps things fresh for guests staying multiple days.

The resort is also a great spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties. More couples are now opting for extended wedding weekends, where the destination not only hosts the ceremony but also doubles as the venue for pre-wedding festivities, making it a convenient, all-in-one celebration spot. We’ll tease you with this: Taco Boat! And of course, no Margaritaville would be complete without the spirit of music. The entertainment options range from live Mariachi bands and DJs to instrumental ensembles, there’s no reason for any night to end without a party.

Add a floating Taco Boat and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon in the pool.

While Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort, the team has options for those who plan to invite kids to their wedding, including Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun that’s just a short drive away. It’s the same great beachy atmosphere, with accommodations for the whole family.

A wedding at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the ideal choice for couples who want a wedding experience that’s fun-filled, unique, and memorable for their nearest and dearest. In Margaritaville, love’s just another reason to celebrate life on island time.

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