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Stay Warm With These Winter Engagement Photo Outfits

November 2, 2024 | marissa

Image by Agatha Rowland. Keep scrolling for winter engagement photo outfits

Congrats on your engagement! Choosing outfits for what is likely your first professional photo session as a couple is challenging enough. Add in winter’s low temperatures and unpredictable conditions, and it gets even trickier. We’ve put together a variety of outfit ideas based on the location of your winter engagement shoot.  So whether taking classic photos in your local park or going retro in a funky setting, these cold-weather looks will make the perfect winter engagement photo outfits.

Before diving in, we’ve got a few general tips to get you started:

  • Wear colors and pieces you personally love yourself in; stay true to your style
  • Pile on the layers to allow for versatility photo to photo
  • Wear rich textures like wool, corduroy, velvet, and knit for visual interest
  • Choose shoes that make a statement yet still offer functionality 
  • Don’t focus too much on “matching”; just watch out for loud fabrics that clash
  • Top off your outfit with hats and other winter accessories 

From plaid scarves with winter coats to suede boots and chunky sweaters, we have outfit ideas for just about every style and engagement location. So, what are you waiting for? Happy browsing!

Winter Engagement Photo Outfits

Go Glam Downtown or in a Museum

For photos with cityscapes and downtown vibes, pull out your best coats and boots and don’t be afraid to take fashion risks. Go for stylish, sophisticated pieces with a hint of boldness. Start with an eye-catching dress and pair it with a patterned coat, sheer black tights, and sleek leather boots for the perfect mix of sparkle and warmth. Classic layers like a wool topcoat over a fitted turtleneck or a cozy knit sweater with tailored pants keep the look chic. Add a scarf and leather gloves for that polished finishing touch.

Shop this look: dress, coat, boots, beret, earrings

Shop this look: turtleneck, slacks, overcoat, scarf, shoes

Be Effortlessly Cool in Your Local Park

You can’t go wrong with engagement photos set against the natural beauty of a local park. Choose colors that keep you harmonious with the natural surroundings, like blues, greens, and neutral tones. On top, go more timeless and effortlessly cool with denim jackets or chunky cable knit sweaters. On the bottom, wear pieces that allow you to move freely and look great in dynamic photos, like flowy skirts or dresses over slouchy boots. These combinations work especially well for couples who want to look put together without going too formal—plus, it’s cozy enough for the chilly, colder weather.

Shop this look: dress, sweater, belt, boots

Channel Date Night at Your Favorite Bar or Restaurant

If you opt for engagement photos in your favorite bar or restaurant, go for a mix of dressy and casual attire. Since you won’t be battling the winter chill indoors, you have more flexibility with your pieces. Put together an elevated date night look using a statement top paired with your best jeans and heels. This is where layering becomes an advantage, allowing you to create multiple outfit variations for photo variety. This setting also gives you room to play with color, so don’t be afraid to mix it up for a fresh, vibrant look.

Shop this look: top, jeans, jacket, necklace, heels

Tackle Functional Fashion in a National Park

Are the two of you the outdoorsy-adventurous type? A tour through a national park with a photographer by your side could be the ideal engagement photo experience! When choosing your apparel, think functional fashion. Choose pieces that keep you comfortable on the hike while adding personality—like textured jackets, layered shirts, and cute winter accessories. Nothing says winter quite like plaid, and it’s a classic pattern that looks great on everyone. Neutral colors like browns, tans, and forest greens work well with the natural backdrops.

Bring the Fun in a Funky Motel or Diner

We love when couples take their engagement shoots to a new, unexpected place. For a retro-themed engagement shoot in a motel or diner, take a trip back to the ‘70s with bold, vintage-inspired pieces. Think velvet, corduroy, western boots, and lots of warm hues like red, yellow, and orange. Layer a cropped, faux fur jacket or an oversized bomber over vintage denim for that old-school charm. Complete the look with funky accessories like aviators, scarves, and bandanas.

Shop this look: jumpsuit, coat, sunglasses, scarf, boots

Shop this look: shirt, pants, jacket, sunglasses, boots

Stay Cozy At Home 

Lastly, have you spent time  nurturing a house that perfectly embodies both of your personalities? Show it off in photos you can cherish for years to come. At-home engagement photo shoots are as comfy and cozy as they get. Throw on a matching sweat set and whip up some pancakes for the cutest photos, or wear your favorite thrifted jeans and sweater to make your photos feel natural and unforced.

Now that you’ve got your engagement outfit picked out, be sure to check out these 8 tips for nailing the engagement photos that will have you feeling photo-ready in no time!

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Minimalistic Black and White Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding

November 2, 2024 | justine

Leah and Jordan wanted to create a memorable experience for their loved ones on their big day, so they chose a timeless style that would always be in fashion. With a classic color palette, enchanting florals, elegant decor, and sophisticated attire, their Château de Champlâtreux destination wedding became an unforgettable celebration, leaving their guests with cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

The expansive estate’s stunning mansion and manicured gardens offered the perfect backdrop for their special day. For their ceremony, a charming path lined with white flowers led them to a lush floral canopy, setting a beautiful stage for their heartfelt vows. The timeless elegance continued into the reception, where guests dined at tables adorned with monochromatic arrangements and candles, all set under sparkling crystal chandeliers, creating a truly refined atmosphere.

Their talented team of vendors thoughtfully crafted every detail, perfectly complementing the stunning setting to create a gorgeous wedding. Fortunately, Junebug vendor Asteria Photography was there to capture all the incredible moments and exquisite elements. You’ll certainly want to add these images to your  chic and polished wedding mood board!

The Couple:

Leah and Jordan

The Wedding:

Château de Champlâtreux, Épinay-Champlâtreux, France

The Perfect Blend of Classic Elegance and Romance at Their Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding

We aimed for a classic, timeless, and elegant vibe for our wedding. Our design choices were intentionally made to ensure they would always stay in style, allowing the beauty of the venue to shine. Our minimalistic and simplistic aesthetic perfectly complemented the atmosphere we envisioned. We invited our guests to dress in all black to enhance the overall vibe, creating a chic and sophisticated look. The night itself was pure magic: with clear skies, a gentle breeze, and a perfect temperature of 75 degrees, it was breathtakingly calming and genuinely everything we dreamed of. The warm glow of romantic candlelight added an enchanting touch, illuminating the evening and creating a fairytale ambiance we will never forget.

A Day Filled with Unforgettable Moments

Every moment of the day was unforgettable, from the heartfelt speeches to the emotional moment of seeing each other at the end of the aisle. Watching our guests arrive and witnessing their joyful reactions was truly special, and dancing the night away with everyone made it all the more magical. It truly was the best and most memorable day of our lives.

The Importance of Finding the Right Planner

My top wedding planning advice is to hire an amazing planner with whom you have a genuine emotional connection. Things may go awry, but sharing that bond creates a mutual understanding that you’re both on the same team, ready to tackle any challenges together. I had a clear vision for our wedding and was searching for a planner who would not only understand it, but would also be inspired by it. When I saw our planner’s eyes light up as I shared my ideas, I knew she was the perfect fit. Additionally, being organized is essential—juggling multiple tasks can be overwhelming, so having a way to stay connected with your team, like a radio in your ear, is helpful. I take immense pride in every detail of our wedding. Jordan and I dedicated over a year to planning, and seeing our vision come to life was truly special. We paid close attention to every detail, putting our heart and soul into each decision. It’s gratifying to know we brought our dream to fruition.

Maximizing Their Budget for a Dream Wedding

My main focus in planning was anticipating potential issues and having a backup plan in place. As a Virgo and a perfectionist, it was crucial for me that everything went smoothly without significant hiccups. We aimed to maximize our budget while creating our dream wedding, ensuring that our guests felt cherished. We needed to host a wedding and create an unforgettable experience for everyone. With guests traveling worldwide, we wanted to make the entire experience as easy and seamless as possible for them.

Embracing the Venue’s Natural Beauty

Our wedding planner immediately identified Château de Champlâtreux as our perfect venue. When we traveled to Paris seven months before the wedding, we braved the winter rain and ice to see it in person, and despite the weather, we instantly knew it was the one. The venue’s inherent beauty spoke for itself, which was essential since we envisioned a minimalistic design. We wanted a space that would captivate on its own. The timeless elegance of the château made it an obvious choice. Additionally, we were determined to have most of the wedding outdoors, and August typically offers ideal weather. Its convenient location near the heart of Paris, where many of our guests would be staying, made it the perfect fit. It truly checked off every box for us.

Personal Touches That Made Their Château de Champlâtreux Destination Wedding Unique

There were little personalized touches of Jordan and me everywhere. Our unique seating chart featured an envelope containing the table numbers and a customized note from Jordan and me. We wanted each guest to feel cherished and unique, and this unexpected touch brought tears, laughter, and joy. It truly added a heartfelt element to the day. In addition to the personalized seating chart with notes for our guests, we named three signature cocktails that were special to us. One was called “Wade’s World” to show love for our three-year-old golden retriever, whom we missed so much. We also had our custom logo on all the bars and the dance floor, along with custom napkins, kippahs, and matches. We wanted everything to feel very intimate and personal.

Recommended Reading: Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Asteria Photography
Event Planning – Mel Up Events
Venue – Château de Champlâtreux
Floral Design – Irina Palacios
Catering – Samy Azar
Videography – Audric Odrian
Content Creator – My Social Wedding Paris
Makeup Artist – India Excell
Hair Styling – Iryna Schreiber
Wedding Dress – Viktor & Rolf
Bridal Accessories – Chernaya Bridal House

 

Congratulations to Leah and Jordan on their minimalistic black and white Château de Champlâtreux destination wedding. A big thank you to Junebug vendor Asteria Photography for beautifully capturing all the unique details and unforgettable moments that made this celebration so memorable. If you want to see more weddings like this one, check out their profile in our directory of talented photographers from around the world.

When couples like this one trust their carefully selected wedding vendors, magic happens! Their wedding day became an enchanting fairy tale, filled with unforgettable moments and timeless beauty that will be cherished forever.

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How to Fire a Bridesmaid

November 1, 2024 | kailey

Image by Jessie Casey.

Many wedding planning details need to be taken care of months in advance. This includes securing your venue, hiring vendors, and popping the question to bridesmaids. Finalizing your wedding party early on leaves plenty of time to find bridesmaid dresses, make alterations, and plan a bachelorette party. While checking these items off your wedding checklist is great, planning so far in advance can leave room for unexpected life changes.

It’s not uncommon for friendships to change, or maybe bridesmaids are falling short of their responsibilities. If your bridesmaids are showing a lack of commitment or you’ve just grown apart, you can ask them to step down from their roles. But because firing a bridesmaid is an extremely taboo topic, not many talk about how to go about following through with it. That’s where we come in. 

From understanding when it’s time to let a bridesmaid go to how to handle the conversation, we’re here to help you navigate this impossibly tough situation.

Reasons Why You Should Fire a Bridesmaid 

If you’re struggling with one of your bridesmaids, you might be considering asking them to step down from their role. But before making that tough decision, you might wonder: are you being too harsh, or does their behavior warrant this decision? Remember, it’s your wedding day, so trust your gut. But, if you’re still unsure, here are a few common reasons that justify firing a bridesmaid. 

1. Showing a Lack of Commitment 

By accepting the role of a bridesmaid, they agree to specific responsibilities. If one of your bridesmaids isn’t showing up for important events or offering support during the planning process, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask them to step down.

2. Having Financial Issues

It’s no secret that weddings can be incredibly expensive, not just for the couple but for the wedding party too. While having your favorite people by your side is the number one priority, finances can play a role. If a bridesmaid struggles to cover costs like the dress or bachelorette party expenses, it might be time for an honest conversation. Asking them to step down can relieve them of the financial pressure while you unapologetically stick to your wedding plans. 

3. Causing Drama or Tension 

After investing so much time, money, and effort into planning your dream wedding, the last thing you need is drama. Any tension between bridesmaids could damper the celebration. If this is the case, ask the bridesmaid to step down if there’s unresolved conflict, ensuring you can enjoy your day peacefully.

4. Having a Negative Attitude

You deserve to be surrounded by people who are genuinely excited to be there. This goes for your planning process, the bachelorette party, and especially your wedding day. If a bridesmaid consistently complains or is not supportive, it’s a valid reason to remove their title. You’ll need positive and supportive people around you to look and feel your best.

When is it Too Late to Fire a Bridesmaid? 

While there are no concrete rules for firing a bridesmaid, there are a few things to consider. Ideally, if you want to fire a bridesmaid, it’s best to do it as early as possible. Though it may be a difficult conversation, confronting the issue early on can prevent the situation from escalating further. 

How to Fire a Bridesmaid

1. Have a Discussion with Your Partner 

Your partner knows you better than anyone, so it’s important to discuss it with them before making rash decisions. This will allow you to calm down, clear your mind, and get closer to a resolution. Together, you can figure out the best way to handle the situation to minimize hurt feelings while still protecting your peace.

2. Be 100% Sure of Your Decision

Before having a conversation with your bridesmaids, be sure you are 100% confident with your decision. Can this conflict be resolved with just a conversation, or are you sure that removing this person is the best option? Knowing your goal will help you healthily communicate your feelings and boundaries. Make sure you know whether you’re asking them to skip the wedding entirely or just step down from the bridesmaid position. 

3. Schedule a Private One-On-One Chat 

This won’t be an easy conversation, so taking steps to eliminate any unnecessary stress is important. If possible, have a private conversation in person. While it might be tempting to recruit the help of your other bridesmaids, this could make the person feel attacked—not how you want to start this talk. 

Being one-on-one allows you both to openly express your feelings while still maintaining respect for one another. Make sure you explain the reasons behind your decision calmly and kindly. Again, this won’t be easy, but focusing on how the situation affects you personally is a smart way to go about it. 

4. Take Responsibility for Your Shortcomings 

If you played a part in the situation, taking responsibility during this conversation is important. Acknowledging your own shortcomings can soften the delivery and show them that you’re not putting all the blame on them. Whether it be because of miscommunication or heated disagreements, this is your opportunity to get everything out in the open.

6. Give Them Time and Space to React 

Asking a close friend or family member to step down from being a bridesmaid can be hurtful and embarrassing. During your conversation and afterward, allow them the space to respond and react. They might feel angry, frustrated, or sad—just be prepared to accept their reaction without judgment. Being patient and giving them the time and space needed to process this is important.

7. Follow Up Before the Wedding 

If you value the friendship and want to mend any rifts, send a thoughtful follow-up message thanking them for understanding. If they’re still planning to attend your wedding but no longer as a bridesmaid, checking in with them again before the big day is a good idea. This will prevent any awkward moments. 

Navigating the wedding planning process is tough, and letting go of a bridesmaid only adds to the challenge. But, it should serve as a reminder that unexpected hurdles can pop up anytime. That’s why having a team of trusted professionals by your side is key to making your journey smoother.

Are you looking for vendors who can bring your vision to life while limiting your wedding planning stress? Check out our vendor directory, featuring the top wedding professionals from around the world. Each list is capped at 20 vendors, ensuring only the best make it into your wedding plans.

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