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This Villa Magia Elopement Was Full Of Chic Style and Bright Colors

March 9, 2024 | justine

Paul and Chrissy thought a destination wedding would cost a fortune. But when they did the math, they discovered they could have their dream wedding in their dream location for way less than they imagined. So, they went for it! Positano was the place to make it happen. With an enchanting venue, bright florals, and chic fashion, their Villa Magia elopement was truly unforgettable and one for the storybooks.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, they shared heartfelt vows on a gorgeous terrace. Lush blooms adorned the pathway, framing a perfect view of the picturesque waterfront and the quaint town beyond. Following the ceremony, they enjoyed an intimate reception, with a table adorned with vibrant arrangements, creating a scene as beautiful as their love.

If your dream elopement involves your nearest and dearest, stunning coastal views and a touch of unique charm, then let this be your inspiration. Keep scrolling to uncover all the swoon-worthy details expertly captured by Junebug member Maria Bryzhko.

The Couple:

Chrissy and Paul

The Wedding:

Villa Magia, Positano, Italy

Mixing Textures, Colors, and Accessories in the Bridal Attire

I had no inspiration whatsoever. I was very confused about what I wanted to wear. I first fell in love with my shoes and then found a short dress I loved! Mum and I stumbled across this brightly colored necklace while casually shopping one day, but we both thought it was so different and funky that we believed it could work brilliantly. Then, while shopping with my mum for her dress, I found a long dress I loved. I tried it on while I was waiting, and whoops, I fell in love with that, too! I ended up buying that one, too, and decided to keep my short one for the reception. My style is just a compilation of interesting shapes, textures, and colors that speak to me: pink velvet and feather shoes, one sequin dress, and one plain satin. A necklace of vibrant colors and shapes perfectly complemented my rose gold and sunstone ring. I wanted a glamorous yet classic hairstyle, and I wanted tones very similar to what I would usually wear for makeup.

How They Landed on a Villa Magia Elopement

We had been looking at typical Australian wedding venues, photos, and styles, but it just didn’t feel like us. We wanted something with more character, but it seemed out of budget. I came across a photo of Positano and showed my husband-to-be Paul, and he said, “I wish!” We thought about it some more and realized, why not? Having a destination wedding seemed like the “wealthy family” option, but after crunching some numbers, we realized we could actually elope in the location of our dreams for a lot less than we expected to pay at home. 

Wedding Advice: Craft Your Wedding Day With Purpose

I believe it’s really important to ignore trends and not worry about what other people think. Plan your wedding solely based on what you and your partner are dreaming of. Choose each and every element that you fall in love with, and don’t look back. Try not to overwhelm yourself with inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines. Select things that truly represent you and that make you happy. Once everything is planned, refrain from looking at more weddings or dresses, as it might lead you to second-guess your choices. If you felt drawn to a particular style or accessory, it was meant to be, so don’t hesitate. Maintaining a positive and excited mindset is crucial because it will be the most incredible day, no matter what little things may go wrong.

How Color Transformed Their Villa Magia Elopement

Color played a significant role in our wedding. Opting for a traditional black and white attire meant that we wanted to incorporate as much color and texture around us as possible. We had a wide array of vibrant, delicate florals surrounded by historical and ornate buildings. Our wedding rings featured non-traditional colored gemstones, complemented by colored shoes and a bright necklace. I truly believe that having those colors around us is what made everything pop.

Choosing a Minimalist Approach for Maximum Impact

We planned our wedding while building our first home, acknowledging our low budget and staying grounded. Prioritizing our financial responsibilities, we opted for a minimalist approach, inviting only our parents to join us. Our splurges were the venue and photographers, both proving invaluable. Villa Magia exceeded expectations, while Maria and Stefano captured our day with unmatched talent and personality. Despite budget constraints, we managed to find affordable attire and DIY elements. Though flights to Italy were a significant expense, our European honeymoon justified the cost.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Maria Bryzhko
Ceremony + Reception Venue + Catering + Cake – Villa Magia
Floral Design – Posaflora
Officiant – Giovanna D’Amato
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Valeria Yeminak
Wedding Dress – Brides Of Sydney + Rebecca Vallance
Groom’s Apparel – Ferrari Formal
Rings – Capucinne + White November

 

Congratulations to Paul and Chrissy on their Villa Magia elopement full of chic style and bright colors. And a big thank you to Maria Bryzhko for beautifully capturing all the unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. For more intimate celebrations like this one, be sure to explore her profile in our carefully curated directory of wedding photographers from around the world.

By putting what really mattered to them first instead of following traditional norms, they crafted a wedding day that was relaxed, genuine, and shared with their closest loved ones. If you’re eager to begin planning your own special celebration, make sure to check out our elopement planning checklist for guidance.

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Tips for Buying a Used Wedding Dress

March 8, 2024 | riley

Buying a used wedding dress can be a savvy way to save money without compromising on style for your big day. Not to mention it’s one of the easiest ways to incorporate sustainability into your celebration. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with some caution, armed with the right knowledge to ensure you’re making a wise and informed decision. The last thing you want to do is spend money

 on what you think is your dream wedding dress only to find that there are issues you weren’t aware of. That’s why we’re breaking down seven tips for buying a used wedding dress so you can walk away feeling confident in your choice.

Tips for Buying a Used Wedding Dress

Do Your Research

Before you start your used wedding dress shopping, take some time to research different styles, designers, and prices. This will give you a better idea of what you’re looking for and how much you should expect to pay. Of course, the prices are going to vary depending on what condition the dress is in and the designer. For example, if the dress has never been worn or altered before, you can expect to pay more. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with reputable websites and bridal shops that specialize in selling pre-owned dresses.

Some great ones to start looking at include:

Know Your Measurements

Unlike buying a new dress off the rack, chances are you won’t have the luxury of making brand-new alterations when purchasing a used wedding dress. Be sure to know your exact measurements and compare them to the seller’s sizing chart before purchasing. Keep in mind that wedding dress sizes can vary widely between designers, so don’t be surprised if you end up ordering a size larger or smaller than your usual size. Wedding dress sizing is drastically different than street clothes, so focus less on the number and more on the measurements and how it’s going to make you feel.

Inspect the Dress

When considering a used wedding dress, careful inspection is crucial.  An in-depth examination should check for any signs of wear and tear, such as stains, loose threads, or missing beads. These details might be overlooked in the excitement of finding a dress you love, but could potentially lead to costly repairs and disappointments.

If you’re buying online–which is becoming increasingly common–ask the seller for detailed pictures from different angles. It’s also worth asking for close-up photos of any imperfections. Remember, minor issues can often be fixed relatively easily, but significant damage might not be worth the cost of repair. Strike a balance between your love for the dress and its condition.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller with any questions or concerns you may have about the dress. Inquire about its history, including how many times it has been worn and whether any alterations have been made. You may also want to ask if the dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved.

Image by Daniela Ortiz

Check the Fit

Fit is another critical factor to consider when buying a used wedding dress. As we mentioned earlier, most wedding dresses have been custom-altered to fit the original bride. That’s why precise measurements from you and the seller are vital.

Remember, it’s usually easier and less costly to alter a dress that’s too big than one that’s too small. You can only let out a dress so much (and we don’t recommend shredding for the wedding just to fit into a dress). Also, think about the potential cost of alterations in your budget. It’s not uncommon to overlook this aspect, but it can significantly impact your overall wedding dress budget.

Recommended Reading: Your Guide to Body Positivity in Wedding Dress Shopping and Prep

Authenticity and Price

Ensuring the dress’s authenticity is especially important if you’re considering a designer piece. Don’t be shy about asking for proof of purchase or an authenticity certificate if available. Research is your friend here–knowing the original price of the dress will help you ensure that the used dress is priced significantly lower, considering its condition and age. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true, because they often are. 

Budget for Alterations

Even if you find a used wedding dress in excellent condition, chances are you’ll still need some alterations to achieve the perfect fit. Be sure to budget for these additional costs when calculating the total price of the dress. Depending on the extent of alterations needed, you may also want to factor in the cost of hiring a professional seamstress.

Recommended Reading: Free Wedding Budget Tool

Buying a used wedding dress can be a smart, budget-friendly choice. Although it requires a fair bit of research, time, and patience, the result can be a stunning dress that makes you feel beautiful without breaking the bank. If you’re searching for even more ways to save more money while planning your big day, check out these 25 simple ways to save more. Want a new wedding dress that won’t hurt the wallet instead? Here are some affordable options under $1,000.

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This Whimsical Convento dell’Annunciata Wedding Is a Fairytale Come to Life

March 6, 2024 | justine

Valentina and Raffaele’s Convento dell’Annunciata wedding in the Italian countryside was truly a fairytale come true. The historic venue set a breathtaking stage for their big day, complemented by enchanting floral arrangements and classic fashion selections. Their joyous celebration beautifully embodied the essence of love and charm, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. It was everything they had envisioned and more: a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Nestled in a secluded forest, the old convent seemed like it leaped from a storybook. During their forest ceremony, the path was covered in floral clouds and petals, guiding them to an altar surrounded by tall trees. Later, in their courtyard reception, they celebrated under twinkling floral chandeliers, with elegant tables set for their guests. It was a day where nature and romance intertwined, creating a magical atmosphere.

Above all the beauty of their special day, the most precious gift was sharing it with their loved ones, especially their little girl by their side. Thankfully, Junebug member Hakuna Matata beautifully captured every enchanting moment of this joyous occasion. Keep scrolling if you’re dreaming of a timeless celebration with your partner. This is the ultimate inspiration for you.

The Couple:

Valentina and Raffaele

The Wedding:

Convento dell’Annunciata, Italy

Recommended Reading: Professional Makeup Artists Share Their Favorite Wedding Day Makeup

How They Navigated Convento dell’Annunciata Wedding Wardrobe Decisions

I’ve always been a fan of Nicole Milano’s clothing, so I clearly knew what I wanted to wear. Finding the right style for my husband was more challenging, but in the end, he discovered his perfect look with Italian designer Gabriele Pasini. As for our shoes, we trusted Balenciaga for my husband and Amina Muaddi for me.

Recommended Reading: Wedding Vow Books to Fill With Love

Wedding Wisdom: Start with a Clear Vision and Find Reliable Support

Here’s some advice: Make sure to have a clear vision for the colors and style of your wedding right from the start. Stay grounded on your big day because it passes in a flash. It’s essential to trust professional photographers and videographers like we did, as they capture the critical moments of your special day. Finding reliable professionals who support you every step of the way, including selecting suppliers, is crucial. We aimed for a chic, minimal, enchanting atmosphere that would leave our guests in awe. Working closely with our florist, we effortlessly brought our vision to life, resulting in a beautiful design that exceeded our expectations.

Sharing The Convento dell’Annunciata Wedding Day With Their Daughter

The civil ceremony was short but sweet. We added our own personal vows, which made it truly beautiful. Our daughter, Gilda, was supposed to carry the wedding rings but fell asleep, which was a cute little mishap. The best part of the day was being surrounded by all our loved ones, especially having our little girl with us. It was the greatest gift we could ask for.

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

Customized Mementos For Their Convento dell’Annunciata Wedding Guests

We decided to go the extra mile by gifting our guests personalized clutch bags featuring our monogram, a sacred heart designed just for us. We included saucers and personalized object holders inside each clutch, each with the guest’s name, which was a big hit. Additionally, we provided personalized boxes filled with sugared almonds as a sweet token of our appreciation. While we customized everything, we only opted for DIY for a special kit containing water, sweets, and fans, which accompanied our guests on the bus to the venue.

Recommended Reading: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Hakuna Matata
Venue – Convento dell’Annunciata
Floral Design + Invitation Design – La Fiorellaia
Catering + Cake – Scotti Ricevimenti
Officiant – Mayor of Medole
DJ – Mariel DJ
Makeup Artist – Estetica Alexia

 

Congratulations to Valentina and Raffaele on their whimsical Convento dell’Annunciata wedding. A special thank you to Junebug members Hakuna Matata for their outstanding work capturing every exquisite detail the couple had dreamed of. Dive deeper into their incredible talent by visiting their profile in our highly-vetted directory of the world’s finest wedding photographers.

For a wedding filled with timeless romance, there’s nothing quite like choosing an enchanting venue, lush with florals, and adding those meaningful personal touches. These elements have proven to withstand the changing trends and will forever remain in style. If you and your partner dream of an elegant celebration, check out our planning and budget guides to kickstart your journey.

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