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Eccentric & Intimate Marfa Wedding Full of Unique Touches

October 25, 2023 | justine

Heather and Jordan got engaged during their very first visit to Marfa in June 2022, so when it came time to start planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to share this special place with their loved ones. They cared about ensuring their guests had a great time, especially since many were coming from different parts of the country. From the welcome party to the sunset stargazing and every moment in between, their intimate Marfa wedding was just that.

Their big day began with a simple and beautiful courthouse ceremony. As unique as the artsy town of Marfa itself, the couple’s portraits around town showcased a mix of cool minimalist art and culture. Following that, they threw an El Cosmico reception that brought together the Wild West with a desert festival twist. But the fun didn’t stop there. It kept going all through the night with an epic karaoke after-party.

If your wedding vibe is artistic with a touch of Texan charm, you’re in for a treat as you browse through these remarkable photos skillfully captured by Eyeronic Love. Be sure to take notes on the creative and unique ways they personalized their big day to reflect their love story, as these ideas can inspire your own upcoming celebration.

The Couple:

Heather and Jordan

The Wedding:

El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas, United States

Utilizing the Desert Aesthetic at Their Intimate Marfa Wedding

A lot of our wedding took shape out of inspiration from the local landscape, art, and culture of Marfa. Jordan and I got engaged on our first trip to Marfa in June 2022. Once we began wedding planning, it became clear that bringing our loved ones to this special place would make for an unforgettable event. At the outset, we knew we wanted to create an experience for all that was both fun and joyful. We wanted our guests to soak in their surroundings and feel like an important part of our celebrations. Our goal was to create an environment that felt natural but not “boho.” We wanted to work with the desert by utilizing wildflowers and tumbleweed.

Carving Out Quiet Moments Just for the Two of Them at Their Intimate Marfa Wedding

Having our friends and family (some meeting each other for the first time) come from all over the country to be with us on our wedding day was something we will always treasure. However, the most memorable part of our wedding day for me was not the amazing welcome BBQ, leather-stamping, or the after-party karaoke, but the moments before our ceremony. It was the quiet moments of her getting ready and us walking hand in hand up to the courthouse to start the next chapter of our lives. We decided to have a private reading of our vows before the ceremony. During that, I felt so connected to Heather and overtaken with love and passion for her. And just beyond proud of us and everything we accomplished to get to that moment. 

The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Authenticity at Their Courthouse Ceremony

A courthouse ceremony perfectly solved our problem of balancing formality and tradition with authenticity. Our wedding ceremony was held at the historic Presidio County Courthouse. I walked down the aisle to Florence & the Machine’s “Stand By Me” cover, and my grandpa told people to put their phones away during the “social media minute.” It was all absolutely perfect.

A Flower-Filled Courthouse Exit Made for the Couple’s Favorite Photos

As Jordan and I took portraits in the dome of the courthouse, my woman of honor worked to corral our guests outside and disperse small bags of flower petals. As we exited the courthouse and our guests showered us with jasmine flowers, I felt absolutely overcome with love and celebration. All of our wedding photos are stunning, but these were the ones that immediately brought tears to my eyes. The love and joy from our wedding are beautifully captured in these photos and this memory.

Wedding Advice: Set Wedding Expense Priorities

My advice is to work with your partner to identify your top wedding priorities early on. Almost every step of the process will cost more than you expect. If you have already decided that certain things are or are not worth the splurge, you can handle the surprises better. 

Keeping Their Guests Entertained Throughout Their Wedding Weekend With Leather Crafting, Karaoke & Stargazing

Our reception was a classic drinks, dinner, and dancing just down the road at El Cosmico. We also decided to bring in a vendor that does leather crafting. The crew from Artisan Oddities was so friendly and helped our guests create handmade mementos with Texan flair. Our guest list was quite small, so we knew we’d have to get creative to build up the party vibe we were going for. After the reception dance party ended at 10 P.M., we invited everyone out to a karaoke after-party. And they showed up! Karaoke with our guests was an absolute highlight. We were watching the videos back and laughing about everyone’s song choices is so fun. We took it easy the next day and invited everyone out for stargazing at sundown. West Texas has some of the darkest sky in North America, and everyone was looking for the famed Marfa Lights.

Guest Experience was Their Top Priority at Their Intimate Marfa Wedding

Most of our guests had to fly to El Paso and then rent a car for a three-hour road trip to arrive at our wedding venue. So we wanted them to leave with fond memories of our ceremony, reception, Marfa, and the larger Trans-Pecos region.  We kicked things off with a welcome party to get everyone acquainted. As guests departed, we returned them to their hotels and Airbnb with welcome boxes filled with a few of our favorite things. Our wedding was an absolute dream and felt so authentic to us. Where most wedding celebrations span an afternoon or evening, we were fortunate to celebrate with our loved ones over a few days in the Far West Texas desert. 

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Eyeronic Love
Event Planning – Cat Haus Design & Rentals
Ceremony Venue – Presidio County Courthouse
Reception Venue – El Cosmico
Floral Design – A Better Fete
Catering – Easy Wind Catering
Cake – Hannah Delagi
Makeup Artist – Lauryn Maciaz
Hair Styling – Mariah Sanchez
Rings – Lindsey Leigh Jewelry

 

Congratulations to Heather and Jordan on their eccentric and intimate Marfa wedding. And a big thank you to Eyeronic Love for capturing all the unique touches and unforgettable moments on the happiest day of their lives.

Going to a wedding can be a big commitment for guests in terms of both time and money. So, why not make it a memorable experience for your loved ones, just as this couple did. Adding little touches like a warm welcome celebration, some fun entertainment, and an exciting after-party can make your guests feel extra special. It’s all about making the day not just about you and your partner. But also about celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you.

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4 Reasons You Should Have an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding

October 24, 2023 | marissa
all-inclusive destination wedding

Lexi and Marissa in the Casa Velas Presidential Suite

With the engagement ring on your finger and the wedding budget set, the next step is choosing your dream wedding venue. While searching for the ideal wedding backdrop, the options can seem endless. If a beach wedding is calling your name, we have some great advice just for you: don’t overlook an all-inclusive resort.

We’ll admit that all-inclusive resorts haven’t always had the best reputations. But it’s time to clear your mind of those preconceived notions. The days of mediocre food and stereotypical wedding ceremonies are a thing of the past. Simply look to Velas Resorts, who are single-handedly changing the game for all-inclusive resorts. A wedding at any of the Velas Resorts properties is a one-of-a-kind, exceptional event filled with luxury, sophistication, and fine dining. We’re here to tell you why it’s the perfect choice for your destination wedding.

4 Reasons To Have An All-Inclusive Destination Wedding

We had the unbelievable opportunity to visit two more Velas Resorts properties in Mexico. This time, we traveled to Puerto Vallarta to stay at Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Our phenomenal stay was full of relaxation, special surprises, and delicious food. The properties are designed with weddings in mind, with gardens, terraces, beaches, and ballrooms ready for ceremonies and receptions. Both of these unique resorts are the perfect venues for your destination wedding, and here’s why: 

1. Luxury Vacation at Your Finger Tips

The all-inclusive lifestyle means your friends and family can be guests at a wedding while also experiencing a personal vacation. It’s a bonus for everyone involved. The Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit staff are there to make you–and all your guests–feel as pampered and cared for as possible. We can certainly attest to this.

all-inclusive destination wedding

Casa Velas All-Inclusive Resort Pool

Walkway at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

All your guests will enjoy the available in-suite dining services, beach access, onsite spas, and the gourmet culinary experience at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s 5 AAA Diamond-awarded restaurants. Both properties also have giant swimming pools with swim-up bars that make your poolside time oh-so relaxing and effortless. For the guests with children, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit even has onsite childcare. It’s convenient for the parents, and the kids will have a blast in the Kid’s and Teen’s Clubs. 

2. Easy To Budget 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but wedding budgets can be complicated. Think of all the different assets you have to cover–venue, rentals, hotels, food, flowers, the list goes on and on. But not when you have an all-inclusive destination wedding at Velas Resorts. Instead, you’re paying one comprehensive fee for everything wedding-related. There won’t be surprise invoices or separate vendor bills to budget for. It’s all packaged into one easy and digestible payment so that you can leave the budgeting stress behind.

grand velas riviera nayarit all-inclusive destination wedding

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

The Gazebo Terrace at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

all-inclusive destination wedding

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Pool

All-inclusive resorts also make budgeting easier for your guests. Like you, they’ll pay one comprehensive bill to cover it all. Inviting guests is much easier when you know the upfront cost for their hotel and food. They’ll only need to cover the cost of their flight (in addition to the hotel cost), and they’ll be set for the weekend. They can eat and drink to their heart’s content without worrying about fees and expenses. 

3. Streamline the Wedding Planning Process

As we mentioned, there are a lot of steps to planning an unforgettable wedding. And hiring the right vendors is a huge part of the process. When getting married at the Puerto Vallarta Velas Resorts, you can expect to have all the best wedding vendors at your fingertips. Most importantly, the onsite wedding planners know how to bring your complete wedding vision to life. And they do so with the utmost care, attention to detail, and dedication. That ultimately sets Velas Resorts apart–their team of incredibly talented professionals. 

Grand Velas or Casa Velas, whichever you choose, both work with the best vendors in the Puerto Vallarta area. They have relationships with the top choices in DJs, live music, decor rentals, salon services, floral arrangements, and everything in between. 

View from Casa Velas

View from Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Suite

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit All-inclusive destination wedding

Veranda of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Suite

Another feature that improves the planning process is a free one-night stay before your wedding. That way, you and your significant other can check out the property first-hand. You can view the multiple ceremony locations, test out menus, and get an overall feel of the wedding vibes.

4. Camaraderie and Community

With all your guests in one spot, the fun never has to end. That’s the joy of your wedding venue doubling as your hotel–it limits travel times between locations. Plus, all-inclusive obviously means endless food, drinks, and entertainment for everyone. What’s better than that? 

You can meet up at Koi Bar for drinks and dancing after the ceremony or have a day of golfing at Marina Vallarta & Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs. There are relaxing options, too–like taking a water ceremony journey together at SE Spa. At Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, there are countless ways to spend time together.

The Casa Velas Presidential Suite plunge pool

all-inclusive destination wedding Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit pool walkway

Lastly, Puerto Vallarta is a place for adventure. If you and your guests are looking for ways to explore the surrounding areas, try snorkeling or scuba diving, sailing in the Bay of Banderas, or taking a day trip into the charming city of Puerto Vallarta.

We feel so fortunate to have visited two more Velas Resorts properties. We’re already missing the poolside snacks and endless generosity from the Velas staff. We can’t recommend these properties enough for your dream all-inclusive destination wedding.  

why you should have an all-inclusive destination wedding

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This Moody & Sultry Latrobe’s on Royal Wedding Was a Nonstop Party

October 23, 2023 | justine

Olivia and Jordan first met at Tulane, and ever since, the vibrant city of New Orleans held a special place in their hearts. When they decided to have a destination wedding, it was clear that they wanted their special day to capture the authentic essence of the city they love. By choosing to celebrate in the heart of the French Quarter, they were confident that their guests would truly enjoy an authentic New Orleans celebration. From the lively second-line parade to the contagious energy that filled the air, their Latrobe’s on Royal wedding day perfectly reflected the city’s vibrant spirit and their deep affection for it.

The pair aimed for an intimate wedding–like being in someone’s home–and Latrobe’s on Royal was the perfect setting. Their wedding planner advised them to embrace the unique space, which they followed wholeheartedly. Their skilled team of vendors set a moody, old-world atmosphere in the historic courtyard, adorned with lanterns and lush white florals. They said their vows under a chuppah while showcasing the incredible architecture, striking a delicate balance between tradition and the venue’s charm.

The reception that followed had a chic, sophisticated lounge vibe with plush seating around the dance floor and dimmed lights to set the sultry mood. Brimming with infectious energy, the couple’s diligent planning paid off on their special day. Keep scrolling to see the stunning photos showcase the unique, personal details that made their wedding day truly one-of-a-kind–all beautifully captured by Love is Rad.

The Couple:

Olivia and Jordan

The Wedding:

Latrobe’s on Royal, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Recommended Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Shopping

Meaningful Personal Touches During Their Latrobe’s on Royal Wedding Ceremony

My father is an incredible writer and speaker with great wit and charm. He married both of my older brothers, and there was no question that I wanted him to officiate our ceremony. It was important that our officiant knew us intimately. He has a way of speaking that quiets the room and brings people into the moment. Having a chuppah as an element of our wedding was something we wanted. Still, at the same time, we didn’t want to take away from the incredible architecture of Latrobe’s courtyard. So, the four most important people in our lives brought our chuppah towards the end of our ceremony—our two siblings, best man, and maid of honor. Each held a corner of the canopy over us while we exchanged vows. It was an amazing moment and a meaningful way to end our ceremony and head into the second line.

Recommended Reading: Ceremony Backdrops to Wow Your Guests

How Their Latrobe’s on Royal Wedding Came To Be

Having met at Tulane, New Orleans has always held a special place in our hearts. Once we decided on doing a destination wedding, we wanted our venue to feel authentic to the city, and Latrobe’s is precisely that. It was built in 1822 as the Louisiana State Bank and is one of New Orleans’ most architecturally significant buildings. The space has been restored since then but still has a very authentic feel, featuring original stonework, gas lanterns, and exposed brick. Between the French Quarter location and the rich history of the building, we knew our guests were destined to have an authentic New Orleans celebration. 

An Experienced Wedding Planner is Key to a Stress-Free Experience

Our wedding planning advice is to ensure you feel connected to and understood by your wedding planner. Elyse Jennings always created a calm atmosphere and always made me feel like everything was taken care of. It rained on our wedding day, and she quickly pivoted our first look to a new location. Those photos are some of our favorite ones from the whole weekend. Her demeanor allowed us to relax and enjoy each moment, knowing every last detail was thought of.

Proudly Bucking Wedding Norms Through Their Non-Stop Party Celebration

We are most proud of the energy and vibe that we created. It was a true house party. The second line kicked off our celebration, and how we designed our lounge-style reception kept the energy level high throughout the night. I am proud that we didn’t feel pressured to adhere to typical wedding traditions. We didn’t have a sit-down dinner with speeches—we had a never-ending party. I’ll also never forget dancing the hora with the women in my family surrounding me. I think sometimes it’s difficult for brides and grooms (especially brides) to enjoy the celebration fully. But we were able to be in the moment. We truly experienced our party. They couldn’t get us off the stage.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Love is Rad
Event Planning – Elyse Jennings Weddings
Venue + Catering – Latrobe’s on Royal
Floral Design – Bella Blooms Floral
Cake – The Sweet Life Bakery
Ceremony Music – New Orleans Classical and Jazz
Second Line Band – Kinfolk Brass Band
Live Music – Blue Rhythm Band
Videography – Nathan Willis Wedding Films
Invitation Design – Fine Lines of Katonah
Makeup Artist – Brittney Evans
Hair Styling – Annie Rush
Wedding Dress – Liz Martinez from Spina Bride
Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Veil – Galiah Lahav
Groom’s Apparel – Canali
Shoes – Arthur Sleep
Rings – SLD Jewels + Bijou of Katonah
Rentals – Distressed Rentals & Revival
Transportation – Big Easy Limos Inc.
Linens – BBJ LaTavola
Second Line Hankies – The Polka Dotted Bee
Cups and Cocktail Napkins – For Your Party
Bridesmaids Pajamas – Sleeper
Getting Ready Location – Virgin Hotel New Orleans
First Look Location – Maison dela Luz

 

Congratulations to Olivia and Jordan on their moody and sultry Latrobe’s on Royal wedding that was a non-stop party. And a big thank you to Love is Rad for capturing all the special moments and infectious energy of the happiest day of their lives.

Your wedding day is a chance to have fun and celebrate your love in your own special way. Whether it’s choosing a meaningful spot or skipping traditions, make it uniquely yours. You’ve got countless ways to tell your love story, and with the perfect team of vendors, the options are limitless. So, make your big day exactly as you dream it!

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