WEDDING BLOG

How to Throw an Enchanting Woodland Wedding

October 4, 2016 | Junebug Weddings

photos by Artemis Photography and Ping Photography

If you’ve been dreaming of a woodland wedding like something in a storybook, we’re here to help you achieve the look! More and more couples are saying “I do” to getting married in the woods instead of traditional venues, but there are a few things you need to consider before getting hitched in the wilderness. From logistical needs that are unique to a forest setting to styling tips that enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings, here’s how to throw a totally enchanting woodland wedding.

Find the Perfect Ceremony Spot

Whether it’s against a big tree or in an opening in the woods, your ceremony spot should showcase the beauty of the surroundings while highlighting what’s most important — you two saying “I do!” Location scouting before the day-of can give you an idea of where you’d like to set up your ceremony, but keep in mind that a forest isn’t maintained, so a tree may fall or other natural conditions may change up what you had in mind. As with any ceremony location, don’t forget to consider where the sun will be shining!

photo by The Colagrossis; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Nakalan McKay; see more from this wedding here!

photo by India Earl, wedding design by ; see more from this wedding here!

Let Your Floral Design Get a Little Wild

Overgrown bouquets have been trending for a while now, but there’s no better place to carry one than a woodland wedding! Because a forest setting is naturally unkempt, a tight, round bouquet can look out of place and take away from the organic vibe. Keep your wedding look as effortless as the landscape with an asymmetrical shape, mismatched blooms, and dripping greenery.

photo by The Colagrossis, wedding dress by Hayley Paige; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Allen Tsai Photography, wedding design by Sweet Pea Events, floral design by Studio 3 Floral Design; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Joel Allegretto, floral design by Bloomsbury Blooms; see more from this wedding here!

Invite the Locals

No, we don’t really mean that you should send Save the Dates to neighboring deer and squirrel families! However, plastic critters couldn’t be a cuter addition to your woodland wedding decor. From cake toppers to escort cards, your favorite creatures are the perfect touch of whimsy!

photo by Artemis Photography and Ping Photography, cake by FlourGirl Patissier; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Jess Hunter, wedding design by Vira Danh Forevents; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Matt Lien, art by Small Adventure; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Cluney Photo; see more from this wedding here!

Decorate with Natural Elements

Styling your ceremony and reception with natural elements can help to create a consistent setting without detracting from the beauty of your surroundings. Tree stumps and wood rounds may not have been organically placed in the woods where you’re celebrating, but they certainly look like they belong when you’ve built a romantic display by pulling elements from your setting!

photo by Artemis Photography and Ping Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Swak Photography, wedding design by Signature Events, cakes by Fatty Patty’s Cakes; see more from this wedding here!

Pitch a Tent

One of the obvious differences between being married in a traditional venue and a forest is the lack of accommodations. A tent is a great option for providing coverage over your reception, ensuring that animals, wind, and falling leaves aren’t interfering with your décor or guests. Choose a tent with a clear roof to keep the outdoor affect, or string cafe lights across the ceiling for an enchanting look!

photo by Max & Sam Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Andrew Franciosa Studio; see more from this wedding here!

Or Feast Under the Stars

To get the full effect of a wedding in the forest, skip the tent and have dinner among the trees! There’s nothing dreamier than an outdoor dinner party, so treat your guests to long tables, earthy accents, and hopefully a light breeze!

photo by Nhiya Kaye Photography, wedding design by Wildflower Weddings and Events, rentals by Diamond Rental; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Alison Yin Photography, wedding design by Merrily Wed; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Coley & Co Photography; see more from this wedding here!

Create Vignettes with Furniture Rentals

The wide open space of a forest can be a blessing and a curse when it comes to organizing your wedding. Vignettes give your guests a sense of direction, letting them know what areas are part of the celebration, and what’s just wilderness. Furniture can turn any corner of the woods into lounge seating, a dessert display, a photo booth, a drink station, a place to sign your guest book, or anything you can imagine!

photo by Lena Peterson Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Cassie Loree Photography, wedding design by Blooming House Creative; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Nhiya Kaye Photography, wedding design by Wildflower Weddings and Events, rentals by Diamond Rental; see more from this wedding here!

Looking for something special to hang above your woodland wedding? Check out these 22 hanging reception décor ideas for more inspiration!

Black Tie Farm Wedding in St. Louis, Missouri

October 4, 2016 | Junebug Weddings

For their wedding in St. Louis, Kirsten and AJ wanted to give their guests an excuse to get all gussied up for a fête at the farm. While AJ nearly stole the show with his Frank Sinatra-inspired groomswear, it was Kirsten’s sneaky dress reveal that got the biggest “wow!” From the moment they began their planning process, the couple’s families were involved every step of the way. Some of our favorite moments captured in these images by Bradford Martens are of the newlyweds celebrating with their parents on their special day!

The Couple:

Kirsten and AJ

The Wedding:

Private Farm, St. Louis, Missouri

We wanted a black tie affair out on the most beautiful family friends’ farm. And to give our guests reason to dress to the nines! AJ wanted to look dapper, a modern Frank Sinatra look for the farm, and did he ever! He wore a custom suede tuxedo from Mister Guy, a black velvet Lanvin bow tie and black wingtip oxfords. I thought it would be brilliant to have a overlay tutu skirt over a secret dress underneath that I could surprise AJ and my bridesmaids with. I wanted to feel like a bride but still wanted to feel sexy. This is was the perfect fit! I loved surprising everyone and being able to dance the night away. I was also able to dance because of the stunning wedged Jimmy Choos that were almost pain free! The final touch was something I was so grateful to have borrowed, the gold bracelets. My grandmothers were both unable to travel from South Africa for my wedding in St. Louis so these were so special.

Choose two things that are important to you and your spouse and then let your parents and spouses parents choose their two important things. This relieves a lot of stress and collaboration is what made our wedding! The stress will be there nevertheless but it is about letting go of things that after the fact truly do not matter. The most important thing is that you and your husband will be married. Don’t fake it by just saying this, let things go and do it because it is the reason why behind every decision.

There was a moment Bradford captured minutes after we said our vows, and had taken communion. We were praying for the first time as husband and wife, whispering our hopes and dreams of how we will navigate our marriage. Without Bradford knowing how sacred this time was for us, he captured this intimate moment.

Obviously, the moment when we became husband and wife was significant; however, we loved the moment when it soaked in a bit more that we were married. This was such a sweet time! We had such intimate time with our family and bridal party just before the reception. It was only a few minutes but they celebrated us so well. The groomsmen sipped champagne out of the bottle, my bridesmaids and I giggled as we realized AJ and I were married. This was also when I got to surprise everyone and change my dress just slightly for the party! The celebration from the ceremony transcended into moments of chatting, taking photos and hearing if the Horned Frogs were winning and then being announced into the reception. We can’t explain what was happening in those minutes, we seriously were walking on clouds. When we are old and gray it will continue to make me smile.

All of the food was served on the planks of wood, it allowed for easy sharing and for us to still be able to fit everything we needed and wanted on the table. Our guests had an experience they will never forget and that was our goal- to treat them to something special!

We wanted every detail to make our guests, especially our family and bridal party, feel special, thought of and provided for. Hospitality is a huge part of who AJ and I are as a couple we wanted our guests to feel loved. From valet and golf carts taking our guests to the ceremony where South African champagne was waiting for them, each detail was strategically for their joy. Dinner was served family style so we could share a meal together. Dancing and music from a live band, cigars around a fire pit was waiting for them after dinner. We wanted our evening to be their evening. Our guests took time, money and energy to come support and champion us – we wanted them to feel this back! We were so grateful for our wedding guests they truly made our wedding such a wonderful evening!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Bradford Martens
Event Planning – Stephanie Fagyal
Venue – Private Residence
Floral Design – Mary Tuttle’s Flowers
Catering – Smokehouse Market
Cake – Smokehouse Market
Live Music – Arvell
Videography – Calvin Brue
Hair Styling – Mary Cates Salon
Wedding Dress – Amsale and Monique Lhullier via Berrybridge Bridal Boutique
Bridal Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Adriana Papell via BHLDN
Groom’s Apparel – Mister Guy Clothier’s
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse
Rentals – Grand Rental Station
Transportation – Jed’s Limousine

Congrats to Kirsten and AJ on their fabulous wedding in St. Louis! Are you as obsessed with Bradford Martens‘ captures as we are? Check out Lauren and John’s travel-inspired wedding at Thistle Springs Ranch for more beautiful wedding photography!

Boho Nashville Wedding Inspiration at Meadow Hill Farm

October 3, 2016 | Junebug Weddings

coral light blue purple sage green

Doilies and jewel tones and macramé, oh my! This boho wedding inspiration has the sweetest hint of vintage romance and a fabulous autumnal color palette. Textures are the name of the game in this Meadow Hill Farm shoot, with mixed textiles incorporated in every inch of its décor — even the wedding cake by Sarah Bonham has a macramé cake topper! We absolutely love how Swak Photography captured this ultimate boho shoot’s vibrant colors and fun moments with The ShutterBus.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Swak Photography
Event Planning & Floral Design – Inspired Help
Venue – Meadow Hill Farm
Catering – Chef’s Market
Cake – Sarah Bonham
Invitations – August & Ember
Makeup Artist – Maria Dian Artistry
Wedding Dress – The Dress Theory
Groom’s Apparel – Street Tuxedo
Backdrop & Props – Muted Rose Mercantile
Photo Booth – The ShutterBus
Rentals – Two Monkeys Vintage

A very special thanks to Swak Photography for sharing this seriously gorgeous shoot with us! Can’t get enough macramé wedding inspo? Then you’ve got to see this ultimate bohemian wedding at Hedges Estate in South Auckland!

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