This mountain elopement inspiration has us wanting to strap on our hiking boots and go on an adventure! Kathi & Chris Vanlight Photography captured this ethereal shoot among the natural rock formations and epic views of Eselsburger Tal, a gorgeous nature reserve in Germany. From the bride’s low-back crochet Victoria Rüsche gown to her heeled hiking boots, we can’t get enough of this elegant outdoorsy bridal look!
Samantha and Kevin’s wedding on the west coast combined California elegance with totally personal whimsy! The couple had been visiting the sleepy beach town of Cayucos for years, and had always admired the iconic hundred-year-old historic home in the middle of the town. The moment they set foot in the house-turned-venue, they knew it would be the perfect space for their blush and sage wedding day! Samantha and Kevin’s wedding at Cass House Cayucos featured spectacular handmade details like a neon-lit donut wall, a luggage tag escort card display, and stunning hand-lettered signs. These photos by Shelly Anderson Photography capture every moment of the couple’s day beautifully, including their post-ceremony rendezvous on the beach!
We wanted to be very untraditional and have fun. Family means the most to us, so we wanted to make sure that everyone closest to us was there and got to enjoy themselves.
From the groom: For me, the most memorable moment was the first instance I saw Sam in her wedding dress. It was at that moment that it hit me: this woman would be my wife. How lucky I was to be able to journey through time with the woman of my dreams.
I went in wanting a white, form-fitting gown. My brother, however, pulled out a ball gown style dress to try it on. I tried it on, and fell in love! I loved that I ended up with a non-traditional blush ball gown that so encapsulated the light-hearted, fun style I wanted our wedding to have. My favorite accessory was my “something blue,” an anklet made by my now 11 year old sister in law, Rylie. The rest of the wedding party wore whatever they wanted in whatever shade of white they wanted. I wanted them to feel comfortable and confident in an outfit that they liked.
Kevin grew up visiting Cayucos, the last true sleepy beach town in California. It was a place that Kevin would take me often as we dated, and it grew to be a special place of ours. Square in the middle of the town was a hundred year old building belonging to the founder of Cayucos, James Cass, that was hidden in plain sight. As it turned from an eye sore to an icon, Kevin and I decided to take a look inside on one of their many trips to Cayucos. We immediately fell in love with the venue, and decided that it would be a perfect addition to our Cayucos story.
During the ceremony, Kevin kept breaking eye contact to glance toward the grass. I couldn’t understand why. And then, as I said ‘I do,’ it occurred to me as to why. He had been holding back tears of joy and was trying to keep his composure.
We had a family friend, Judge Robert Shane Burns, marry us. Judge Burns went above and beyond helping make our day extra special by taking personal anecdotes from each of us and incorporating them into the ceremony.
The photo where we were coming down the aisle, smiling through the confetti, is our favorite. It was such raw emotion captured in such a remarkable way.
Our wedding was an outgrowth of our lives and personalities: untraditional. We wanted donuts and ice cream instead of cake, bridesmen instead of only bridesmaids, and family style food instead of a traditional sit down style dinner.
Chelsea and Seth’s wedding at Saucon Valley Country Club was the perfect combination of sophistication and bohemian charm. Having been together since college, it was important to them to integrate sentimental places and details to make their day truly unique and special. They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at their college church, where they met, then danced the night away at the country club where Seth asked his future father-in-law for Chelsea’s hand in marriage. The rustic, bohemian-inspired decor beautifully integrated with the venue’s chic vibe to create a romantic and welcoming ambiance. AGPcollective captured every detail beautifully, including both first looks with the bride’s parents and with her groom.
We made gift bags for each of the guests that they received when they arrived at the hotel. Each gift included:
Bag: printed with an outline of Pennsylvania with a heart on Bethlehem, PA
Timeline: custom card outlining the weekend’s activities
Coffee mug & beans: because I just love coffee too much
Tasty Cakes & Hertz Chips: both Philly foods
Custom water bottles with our logo
From the photographer: We photographed Chelsea’s ring – an heirloom stone plucked from a necklace belonging to the groom’s grandmother – atop handmade paper with the lyrics for “Georgia On My Mind,” a nod to the bride’s home state. When the pair was falling in love, Seth used these lyrics as his away message on AIM (talk about modern romance!).
While getting ready with my family and bridesmaids, my husband had a few presents delivered. He created a book outlining the “essential rules for a successful marriage.” For every rule he gave me a small present – for example, for communication, I received walkie talkies. The last rule was “family first,” and my Maid of Honor handed me a computer showing a video that he had filmed. The short film was about growing our future family, and that would start with a puppy! The film was him interviewing several dogs from different kennels asking ridiculous questions. Now, 6 months later, we have our little golden puppy, Franklin!
Saucon Valley Country Club is special for many reasons. One being its proximity to our college, Lehigh University, where our relationship started. It’s also the place where Seth met my family for the first time, and where he asked my dad for permission to marry me (on the 9th hole of the golf course).
My favorite photos came from the first look! It was a last-minute decision to do a first look. Now looking back, those twenty minutes were the most special. We were both so emotional and so happy. Sarah did a great job capturing that exact moment!
We had a Catholic ceremony without the traditional mass. Seth and I selected specific songs and readings that we identified most with. The chapel is old with high ceilings and large stain glass windows. I wanted the church to be pouring out with flowers…and flowers were certainly everywhere!
The most important thing for us was that all the guests felt welcomed, relaxed, and had one heck of a party to remember! The wedding was not only a celebration for Seth and me, but for all our friends and family that have supported us throughout the years. We made sure everyone was included in the rehearsal dinner, transportation was offered at all hotels (to and from the ceremony and reception), and the tasty food and drinks were bottomless!
Processional – “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke
Recessional – “Hornpipe” by Handel
First Dance – “Harvest Moon” (because there was a Harvest Moon!) by Neil Young
A huge congrats to the newlyweds, Chelsea and Seth, and a special thanks to AGPcollective for sharing these gorgeous photos with Junebug! Planning a country club wedding of your own? Check out all of the magical romance Kait and Ben created in their sentimental New York wedding at Sleepy Hollow Country Club!
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