Loading...

This Intimate Hacienda Sac Chich Wedding Was a Celebration of Cultures

August 6, 2024 | justine

Cass and Adam first thought about eloping because planning a big wedding was too stressful with many cultures and people involved. Adam is half Bengali and half Mexican, while Cass is half French and half Swiss. They met in Kenya when they were five and have since lived in many different countries. One side of their family wanted a big wedding with over 300 guests, while the other side preferred a small gathering of fewer than 50. Ultimately, they realized they wanted a big party where all their friends and family could come together. And they did just that! Their intimate Hacienda Sac Chich wedding weekend beautifully blended all cultures and became the joyous celebration they dreamed of.

Tucked away in the lush jungle of the Yucatán, with equal parts old-world charm and modern design, they couldn’t have chosen a more spectacular setting for their celebration. The 17th-century renovated henequen factory provided a magical backdrop for their ceremony, featuring a mix of cultural traditions. They had a traditional Bengali mirror ceremony and sealed a wine bottle with letters to open on their 5th anniversary, a French tradition. The garden reception that followed was equally enchanting, with lots of candles and long tables for conversation, all under glowing string lights.

We could go on and on, but we’ll let these images captured by Junebug member Alex Krotkov tell the complete story. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a unique celebration that honors your heritage, look no further.

The Couple:

Cass and Adam

The Wedding:

Hacienda Sac Chich, Yucatan, Mexico

A Intimate Hacienda Sac Chich Wedding Weekend of Cultural Harmony and Blending Traditions

We had a friends-only party on Thursday night so everyone could meet with friends from New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, France, and Denmark. On Friday, we hosted welcome drinks at a wine bar, wearing traditional Bengali outfits with Mariachi music, blending our cultures perfectly. Saturday was our wedding day, featuring a mix of cultural traditions. We had a conventional Bengali mirror ceremony where we looked at each other in a mirror and stated what we saw. We also sealed a wine bottle with letters to open on our 5th anniversary, a French tradition. Everything felt intimate. Adam and I took pictures with each guest, using them as the seating chart, and wrote personal notes for everyone. With 125 guests, the wedding felt incredibly intimate. The atmosphere featured lots of candles and long tables for conversation. During dinner, we played a French game where guests stood up if a statement applied to them, and we guessed what they had in common.

Embracing the Opportunity to Unite Loved Ones

You can do both, but if you’re ever in doubt about having a wedding—do it. You won’t regret it. We legally got married on our 10th anniversary in NYC on February 16th, 2023, with just the two of us. It felt like we had the elopement piece and didn’t need to plan a bigger wedding. But thank goodness we did! It’s the only time in your life when everyone unique to you will be in one place. As two people who have lived all over and have family worldwide, this was our one moment for all our loved ones to meet.

 

How They Made Each Guest Feel Valued at Their Intimate Hacienda Sac Chich Wedding

Our ability to make a 125-person wedding feel intimate was worth all the time and effort. Using pictures with each guest as the seating chart and writing a personal note to each guest made everyone feel special. We wanted to show appreciation to everyone who tried to celebrate with us. It was important to us that our guests felt our love for them. We wanted our wedding to be a close, heartfelt party with our friends and family, ensuring everyone felt welcome and valued.

The Story Behind Their Unique Intimate Hacienda Sac Chich Wedding Favors

We are very proud of our wedding favors, and many people don’t know the effort that went into them. Each guest received a little pouch and a travel tag. The pouches symbolized Bangladesh, and we filled them with French dragees (chocolate-covered almonds), a typical wedding treat in France. We initially ordered the pouches from Amazon but wanted a different quality, so Adam’s mom had them custom-made in Indonesia, choosing the fabric for each one. Cass’s mom brought the dragees and lavender from their garden in France. Both moms assembled the pouches with the dragees, lavender, and a little note when they arrived in Mexico, symbolizing the union of cultures. The travel tags, featuring our initials and the wedding date, were a keepsake to reflect our love for travel and to honor the journey everyone made to be with us on our special day.

How Adam’s Childhood Find Became a Sweet and Meaningful Wedding Surprise

Adam gave me a very significant ring that brought me to tears while I was getting ready (there are a few pictures from that moment). When he was eight years old, he found an engagement ring in the street in Vietnam. He kept it all these years, and I knew about it. I often asked him when I could have it, but he always said no. He had it appraised to ensure it was real diamonds, and on our wedding day, he gave it to my bridesmaids to present to me with a note: “I always knew I was going to give this ring to the woman I marry. I love you.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Alex Krotkov
Event Planning – YucatanLove
Venue – Hacienda Sac Chich
Floral Design – Harmonia Floral
Catering – Bravo Catering
Cake – Lavalles
DJ – DJ Chap
Live Music – Quo Vadis
Videography – One Cameraman
Makeup + Hair Styling – André
Wedding Dress – Liz Martinez Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – Vintage India NYC + Suit Supply
Rentals – Minimal
Favors – April

 

Congratulations to Cass and Adam on their intimate Hacienda Sac Chich wedding, which was a celebration of cultures. A heartfelt thank you to Junebug vendor One Cameraman for expertly capturing every moment of their unforgettable celebration. For more beautiful celebrations like this, explore his profile in our directory of the best wedding videographers from around the world. We also have to thank Junebug vendors YucatanLove and Alex Krotkov for helping bring their vision to life. It’s proof that magic happens when Junebug vendors work together!

Their wedding shows how adding personal and creative touches can make your day unforgettable. If their special day has inspired you, but you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry! Our guide to planning a multicultural celebration is here to help, with plenty of ideas to get you started on your own extraordinary journey.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Old Hollywood-Inspired Casa de Monte Vista Wedding Took Guests Back in Time

August 4, 2024 | justine

Melissa and Joel envisioned their guests being transported to another era, capturing Palm Springs’ timeless elegance and lively spirit. Infusing the celebration with vibrant colors and carefully chosen designs, they curated an event filled with energy and charm. Thanks to their meticulous planning, every detail of their Casa de Monte Vista wedding reflected their Spanish and Old Hollywood inspirations. They not only achieved their vision but surpassed it, creating a day brimming with beauty and nostalgia.

Surrounded by majestic mountain views and swaying palm trees, their garden ceremony unfolded in natural beauty. Adorned with colorful floral pillars at the altar, the setting was simply stunning. At the poolside reception that followed, guests were welcomed by tables adorned with bold pink and red arrangements, taper candles, and elegant gold settings

Melissa’s wedding dress–featuring unique intricate floral patterns–and Joel’s classic tuxedo complemented the scene perfectly, adding the ideal finishing touches to their unforgettable day. On top of the breathtaking fashion that belongs in a magazine, Madison Maltby Photo beautifully captured every detail that’s sure to inspire your own wedding. This celebration is brimming with ideas you can incorporate into your big day.

The Couple:

Melissa and Joel

The Wedding:

Casa de Monte Vista, Palm Springs, California, United States

A Magical First Look Amidst Garden Splendor

Our best moment at the wedding was definitely when we had our first look. We had been looking forward to it all day while getting ready with our friends, surrounded by beautiful gardens and old Hollywood-style buildings. When Joel saw the dress for the first time, he was so amazed that he couldn’t say anything. The setting, with all the blooming trees and flowers, made it even more magical and unforgettable. We feel fortunate to have shared that special moment together.

Practical Wedding Advice from the Couple

For couples starting to plan their wedding, dare to be bold in your design choices. Let your personalities shine through every detail. Share the tasks equally, as working together makes the journey more fulfilling. Embrace DIY projects—they add a personal touch. Remember, your wedding should reflect your love story, not feel like a chore. Take risks and create something truly extraordinary together.

 

Celebrating Personal Style at Their Casa de Monte Vista Wedding

We’re really proud of how our artistic and detail-oriented personalities influenced our wedding design and fashion choices. It was incredibly fulfilling to see Palm Springs’ historic charm and botanical beauty brought to life through our theme, with a modern twist in our wardrobe. Our hands-on approach to DIY projects lets us add personal touches that showcase our style. Working together to realize our vision gave us a deep sense of ownership for the day. Lastly, seeing our diverse friend groups—Green Berets and Professional Cheerleaders—come together in joy and love created a truly magical atmosphere.

Why They Chose Casa de Monte Vista

We picked Casa de Monte Vista Estate in Palm Springs, for our wedding venue because its romantic, modern Spanish style instantly transported us to a Mediterranean paradise the moment we walked through the arched doorway. The lush gardens, beautiful architecture, and enchanting ambiance perfectly matched our vision for a one-of-a-kind, intimate, and unforgettable celebration.

On-Theme Wedding Attire and After-Party Style

On our wedding day, I wore the Cora wedding dress from Rue De Seine, which captured my vision of romantic Spanish style with a touch of Palm Springs flair. Inspired by vintage lace romance and 1970s elegance, the dress featured intricate floral patterns and a flowing silhouette that made me feel effortlessly beautiful. I styled my hair in a romantic up-do inspired by Pamela Anderson and opted for soft glam makeup to match the vibe of my special day. My groom looked perfect alongside me in a deep green tuxedo jacket paired with slim black tuxedo pants. For the after-party, my second dress by Helsi continued the floral theme with applique details and sequins. I added a playful touch with rhinestone floral shoes by Azalea Wang to kick off the festivities. The groom complemented this look with a white tuxedo jacket, seamlessly embracing the old Hollywood Palm Springs vibe.

Adding Personal Flair to Their Casa de Monte Vista Wedding Through DIY Touches

We added a personal and creative touch to our wedding with several DIY elements. One highlight was our flower seating chart wall adorned with the phrase “Everything’s Better in Palm Springs,” wallpapered in marigold and decorated with flower-filled boxes. We also crafted a flower box welcome sign used at both our welcome party and wedding entrance. For a playful touch that nodded to our last name “Swenson” and the movie “Dumb and Dumber,” we created personalized cocktail napkins with the quote, “Starts with an S! Swim, Swami, Slippy, Slappy, Swimmon, Sammon, Simmon, Swans, Swenson?” Additionally, we designed the menus for our family-style dinner. These DIY projects made our celebration unique and unforgettable.

Latin-Inspired Food to Match Their Spanish Venue

Our Latin-themed, family-style catered wedding featured vibrant and delicious dishes served on tables lit with romantic candlelight. The menu included a refreshing Pepita Caesar Salad and zesty Cilantro Lime Slaw, followed by mouth-watering Jalisco Style Churrasco, Calabasitas, and savory Chicken Poblano. Guests’ favorite sides included Frijoles and Street Corn, perfectly complemented by Salsa and Chips, creating a cozy dining experience. For dessert, churro donuts and homemade vanilla bean ice cream topped off the amazing meal. The food, crafted by Adriana Cocina, a woman-owned, family-run business from Temecula, California, added a personal and heartfelt touch to our celebration.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Madison Maltby Photo
Event Planning – Melissa Horn
Venue – Casa de Monte Vista
Floral Design – Suede Petals
Catering – Adriana’s Cocina
Cake – Postres July
DJ – DJ Reza
Invitation Design – Minted
Makeup Artist – Aileen Bowser
Hair Styling – Julianna Jaime
Wedding Dress – Rue De Seine
After Party Dress – Helsi
Bridal Accessories – Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Apparel – Azazie
Groom’s Apparel – The Tuxedo Club
Groomsmen’s Apparel – The Black Tux
Rings – Brillant Earth
Rentals – BBJ La Tavola Linen Rentals
Audio Guest Book – After The Tone

 

Congratulations to Melissa and Joel on their Old Hollywood-inspired Casa de Monte Vista wedding. Big thanks to Madison Maltby Photo for beautifully capturing all the special moments that this couple can happily look back on.

 

If you’re ready to shake things up and host a unique celebration, explore our guide for fresh inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to retro vibes or have a completely different vision in mind, we’ve got you covered with tips and ideas to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Whimsical Chatelherault Country Park Wedding Was Put Together by an All-Women Team & We Couldn’t Love it More

August 2, 2024 | justine

A whimsical theme adds magic to any celebration, and this Chatelherault Country Park wedding inspiration shows exactly that. Featuring real-life couple Kelly and Ula as the glowing brides, the historic 17th-century building in the peaceful Scottish countryside sets the perfect scene for timeless luxury. It was a beautiful mix of elegance and romance, put together by an all-women team, and we couldn’t love it more.

The florals, in particular, were a highlight, with breathtaking arrangements adorning every corner. The ceremony beautifully incorporated Scottish traditions, including moments of handfasting and toasting cups. A standout moment was the stunning cake display, where wild florals cascaded from the drawers of a vintage dresser, adding a whimsical touch to the opulent setting.  To top it all off, the wedding gowns continued the floral theme with exquisite attention to detail. Intricate appliqué and rich textures mirrored the enchanting flowers adorning the venue, adding another layer of romance and allure to this editorial shoot.

The beautiful photos taken by photographer Bernadeta Kupiec Photography will amaze you with their careful details and creativity. They perfectly show how old traditions and fresh ideas can blend to create something timeless and unforgettable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Bernadeta Kupiec Photography
Styling – Little Dressing Co
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Chatelherault Country Park
Floral Design – Wildflower & Willow
Cake – Copper Rose Wedding Cakes
Officiant – Niki Smith
Videography – Fern & Heather
Content Creator – Social Brides Club
Makeup Artist – Jenny Ross Makeup Artistry
Hair Styling – Rebecca J Hair Bridal
Wedding Dress – Lorelle Atara Bridal
Veil – Ellie Donaldson
Bridal Accessories – Di Hassall
Ribbons – Cfleurs Design
Rentals – Alba Tableware + Get Knotted

 

A big thank you to photographer Bernadeta Kupiec Photography for sharing this whimsical Chatelherault Country Park wedding inspiration shoot with us and for capturing every lovely detail. The lush florals and magical setting can easily inspire couples planning their weddings.

Combining old traditions with fresh ideas creates a stylish fusion that never goes out of style. Explore our guide for practical tips to make your wedding truly timeless. Discover how to blend classic elements with modern twists, ensuring your celebration is both memorable and uniquely yours.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings