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A Rustic-Meets-Garden Party Fall Wedding at The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

March 22, 2026 | justine

Lauren and Jake didn’t begin wedding planning with a detailed vision board. What they did know was that they wanted the day to feel relaxed, welcoming, and a little outdoorsy. When they visited the Inn at Fernbrook Farms, the direction became obvious. The working farm, open fields, and historic buildings already carried the atmosphere they were hoping for.

Instead of transforming the space, they leaned into it. Earthy greens and warm neutrals were layered with fall tones like terracotta, cinnamon, dusty rose, and mauve. The result was a rustic-meets-garden party setting that felt easygoing and personal.

Their story began years earlier through a shared friend. Lauren’s coworker had gone to college with Jake’s childhood best friend, who was performing a live music set at a bar in May 2018. Lauren was dating someone else at the time, but Jake stayed loosely connected through that circle of friends. When Lauren’s relationship ended, their mutual friend gave Jake the signal.

As Lauren puts it, he “jumped right in—to my DMs.”

They officially started dating in November 2018. Then came quarantining together during the pandemic, moving in together in 2022, and an engagement on their front porch in June 2024. On September 27, 2025, they returned to that same friend group moment when Jake’s childhood best friend—the musician playing the night they met—stood beside them again as their officiant.

What We Love About This Inn at Fernbrook Farms Wedding

  • A greenhouse rehearsal dinner surrounded by fields and string lights
  • Guests discovering the mystery ring bearer by checking under their chairs
  • A snowboard guest book inspired by the couple’s Vermont ski trips
  • Lauren surprising her grandfather with a polka dance
  • Lauren turning her mom’s 1990 wedding gown into a party dress
  • A vintage trailer bar serving craft beer, coffee, and espresso martinis

Featured Vendor:
The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

Taking a DIY Approach to Wedding Planning

Lauren and Jake decided early on to handle the planning themselves. “To be completely honest, we didn’t start with a clear vision,” Lauren said. “Once we booked the venue, the ideas naturally followed.”

Designing the wedding themselves allowed them to personalize nearly every detail. They created all of the printed materials, including save-the-dates, invitations, signage, menus, and seating charts.

One of their favorite additions was the guest book. Instead of a traditional book, they spray-painted an old snowboard white and asked guests to sign it. The idea came from the many winters they’ve spent skiing and snowboarding together in Vermont. 

How Their Wedding Weekend Led Into a Personal Ceremony

Lauren and Jake wanted their wedding to feel like more than a single event. They began the weekend with a rehearsal dinner inside the venue’s greenhouse.

The space was surrounded by crops and greenery, with Adirondack chairs gathered around a fire pit and picnic tables under string lights. Dinner was served buffet-style from the bed of an antique truck while the sun set over the surrounding fields.

Before the ceremony the following day, Lauren and Jake shared a first look and exchanged vows privately in the fields with their parents and bridal party present. “It meant a lot to have them there,” Lauren explained. “They’ve all played such a big role in our relationship.”

Their officiant, Phil—Jake’s childhood best friend—also added a few unexpected touches during the ceremony. One of them was a clock engraved with their wedding date. At the end of the ceremony, the couple set it to permanently display the exact time they were married.

Another playful twist involved the rings. Instead of a traditional ring bearer, the ring box was taped beneath a guest’s chair. During the ceremony, everyone checked under their seats to reveal who would bring the rings forward.

Why the Venue Became the Starting Point for Planning

For Lauren and Jake, the venue shaped nearly every decision that followed. The property felt familiar to Lauren right away because it reminded her of the farm her grandparents owned while she was growing up in southern New Jersey. “The venue felt genuinely rustic, not like a farm-themed ‘barn’ venue,” she shared.

The property offered several outdoor ceremony locations, cocktail hour areas nearby, and a reception space inside a permanent clear-top tent attached to the historic inn. The farm-to-table menu was another reason the couple felt drawn to the venue.

Because the setting already carried so much character, the design stayed simple. Soft fall colors blended naturally into the fields and greenery rather than competing with them.

Hiring Vendors Who Brought the Right Energy to the Day

After booking the Inn at Fernbrook Farms, Lauren and Jake started assembling their vendor team. Many came recommended by the venue, while others were referrals from friends.

Personality mattered just as much as experience. “It was important to us that they were genuinely good people,” Lauren said. “Not just vendors showing up to do a job.”

Photography was their first priority. Jess Palatucci and her team documented the day in a candid style that Lauren loved. “She caught every little moment naturally but still guided the posed photos without them feeling stiff. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s a magician.”

Music was another big decision. Bachelor Boys Band handled ceremony sound, played jazz during cocktail hour, and kept guests dancing well into the evening.

For florals, the couple worked with Blushing Fields, a nearby family-run flower farm. Their arrangements felt as though they belonged on the property rather than being brought in for the day.

Instead of hiring a videographer, Lauren and Jake booked a wedding content creator. Vanessa from Happily Ever Socials captured behind-the-scenes moments and delivered photos and videos just two days later.

Adding Details That Reflected Their Shared Interests

Lauren and Jake added several details that reflected their shared interests throughout the reception.

A vintage trailer from Brew Sip n’ Joy served craft beer during cocktail hour before switching to a coffee and espresso martini bar later in the evening. Toward the end of the night, guests gathered around a bourbon and cigar station.

One of Lauren’s favorite parts of the evening involved her grandfather. Growing up, they spent summers in the Poconos dancing to polka music together. During the reception, Lauren surprised him by asking the band to play one of those songs. “I’ll never forget that,” she said.

Later in the night, Lauren changed into her second outfit—a shortened version of her mother’s 1990 wedding dress. She kept the original oversized bow on the back, which quickly became her favorite detail.

To honor Jake’s Jewish heritage, the reception also included the Hora. Guests gathered around the dance floor while Lauren and Jake were lifted into the air on chairs.

Rolling With Surprises on the Wedding Day

A few unexpected moments added their own personality to the day. At one point, a shuttle of guests arrived earlier than planned while the couple was still finishing portraits. To keep Lauren hidden before the ceremony, venue staff tucked her behind the greenhouse on a golf cart. When another shuttle appeared, the driver took her on a longer route around the farm.

What began as a small logistical scramble turned into a quiet moment. “I ended up seeing parts of the farm I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Lauren said. “It gave me a few peaceful minutes to myself.”

Another moment happened at the start of the ceremony when Lauren’s veil slipped off halfway down the aisle. Her dad joked “fumble!” while helping put it back on after a guest brushed away a spider that had landed on it. The laughter instantly eased the nerves.

Practical Advice From Their Planning Experience

Lauren and Jake encourage couples to trust the work they’ve already done before the wedding day arrives. “Go into the day knowing the planning is finished,” they said. “Let yourself enjoy it.”

They also suggest pausing occasionally to take everything in. “We stopped during the rehearsal dinner and again during the reception just to look around. Everyone there was there for us, and that’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

Planning the wedding themselves gave Lauren and Jake the freedom to include the things that mattered most to them—family traditions, music, and small details that reflected their life together.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jess Palatucci
Venue + Catering + Cake – Inn at Fernbrook Farms
Floral Design – Blushing Fields
Officiant – Philip Socci
Live Music – Bachelor Boys Band
Videography – Happily Ever Socials
Makeup Artist – Caked By Kim
Hair Styling – Euphoria Studio
Wedding Dress – Pronovias
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Jewel Corner
Transportation – Spectrum Limousine

 

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This Mexico Jungle Wedding Went from a Rainy Greenhouse Ceremony to a Candlelit Dinner

March 20, 2026 | justine

Some couples dream of ballrooms or grand resorts. Danielle and Tyler knew from the start they wanted something different: a jungle wedding in Mexico surrounded by nature, their favorite people, and a relaxed atmosphere that felt true to them.

The two first met while studying at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After reconnecting at a country bar and spending the night dancing together, they met for coffee the next day. That casual study date turned into something lasting. “We spent the night dancing together and exchanged numbers at the end. The next day we met for coffee and a study date—and have been together ever since,” they shared.

Their relationship included years of long distance while Dani played professional volleyball in Europe and Tyler moved across Canada for grad school. Those nightly phone calls and constant reconnecting only strengthened their bond. When it came time to plan their wedding, they wanted the day to reflect everything they value: time in nature, meaningful connection, and an unforgettable experience with their closest friends and family.

What We Love About This Wedding

  • A rainstorm that turned their ceremony into a romantic greenhouse moment
  • A candlelit jungle dinner filled with lanterns, greenery, and soft romantic tones
  • Handmade details including clay ornament favors and personal letters for every guest
  • A heartfelt tribute to Dani’s mom through jewelry, a signature cocktail, and a tequila toast
  • A dance floor that ended with guests jumping in the pool together

Featured Vendor:
Elegance Photographie

Finding a Nature-Focused Venue for a Destination Wedding

Danielle and Tyler knew one thing early in the planning process: they didn’t want to get married inside a building. Their vision quickly pointed them toward nature, trees, and an intimate outdoor setting.

After weeks of researching venues online, they discovered Kima, a secluded property tucked into the jungle outside Tulum. Every other venue they looked at kept getting compared to it, which made their decision easy. The space included guest rooms, a greenhouse, a pool, an outdoor bar, and open areas surrounded by trees where they could design the day exactly as they imagined.

The venue became the heart of their jungle wedding in Mexico, shaping everything from the ceremony setting to their dream dinner beneath the stars. Soft romantic colors, lanterns, and lush greenery added a subtle Tulum-inspired touch while keeping the natural environment front and center.

Making the Ceremony More Personal With Meaningful Roles

One of the couple’s favorite decisions was scheduling a private first look before the ceremony. During that quiet moment together, they exchanged vows away from the crowd.

“We wanted the vows to feel more intimate,” they shared. “It also meant we could take photos early and spend more time with our guests afterward.”

The ceremony itself became even more meaningful thanks to their officiant: Dani’s best friend since childhood. Becca spent weeks crafting the ceremony script, refining it until the very last moment so it would perfectly reflect the couple’s relationship.

Standing together in the greenhouse surrounded by their loved ones, Danielle walking down the aisle while guests smiled back at her, became one of the most emotional moments of the day.

Incorporating Personal Details Into Wedding Decor

After the ceremony, the celebration continued with the candlelit dinner they had envisioned from the beginning. Lanterns and greenery transformed the space into a magical setting, making their jungle wedding in Mexico feel like an intimate dinner party hidden in the trees.

Personal touches appeared everywhere throughout the venue. Their wedding favors were handmade clay ornaments engraved with each guest’s name and “Mexico 2025,” a keepsake that could be hung on the tree during the holidays. Lawn games like cornhole and mini putt gave guests ways to relax between dancing and socializing.

The evening also included heartfelt tributes to Dani’s mother, who passed away in 2022. Dani carried lockets with her mother’s photo tied to her bouquet, and her wedding band was crafted from a piece of her mother’s gold jewelry. Since margaritas were one of her mom’s favorites, the couple also created a signature cocktail named in her honor. Later in the evening, guests raised tequila shots together in a joyful toast to her memory.

Balancing Wedding Vision With Budget Decisions

Like many couples, Danielle and Tyler had to balance their vision with practical spending decisions. Instead of stretching their budget across dozens of upgrades, they focused on elements that would have the biggest impact on their guests’ experience.

Their dinner setup became a top priority. By using the venue’s existing tables, chairs, and tableware, they were able to allocate more resources toward decor and atmosphere. Dani’s love of flowers also guided their design choices, with ceremony arrangements later repurposed around their sweetheart table during the reception.

They also embraced DIY projects to stretch their budget further. Dani hand-carved a stamp and used it to create more than sixty personalized seating cards, each accompanied by a handwritten message.

“It took ages,” they said, “but hearing how much people loved them made every minute worth it.”

Finding Trusted Local Vendors

Planning a destination celebration can feel overwhelming, especially when it happens in another country and time zone. For Danielle and Tyler, hiring planner Fidan Ismayilova of Designed Dream Events made all the difference.

Off-resort venues often require professional coordination, and Fidan helped guide every step. From creating a mood board to recommending trusted vendors, she made the process feel manageable and exciting.

“For each vendor, she recommended three or four companies so we could explore their websites and social media,” the couple explained. “Then she organized Zoom meetings so we could get a feel for their personality and style before making a decision.”

That thoughtful process allowed them to build a vendor team they trusted for their jungle wedding in Mexico, giving them confidence that everything would come together smoothly.

Turning Unexpected Challenges Into Memorable Moments

Not everything went exactly according to plan, but those surprises became part of what made the day unforgettable.

Rain started falling during Danielle and Tyler’s first look and private vows. Instead of stressing, they embraced it and took photos under the greenhouse. The rain eventually led them to move the ceremony inside the greenhouse as well.

Meanwhile, the venue team quickly shifted decorations and dried off the dinner setup once the rain passed. By the time the ceremony began, the weather had cleared.

“It honestly felt like the universe was having a little fun with us,” they said. “In the end it made the day feel perfectly imperfect in the best way.”

Later that night, the party continued under lanterns and disco balls as DJ Diego from Evolution Mix Audiovisual kept the dance floor packed. The celebration ended the way only a jungle wedding in Mexico can: with guests jumping into the pool together to cool off after hours of dancing.

Practical Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Danielle and Tyler say the biggest lesson they learned is to stay flexible. No wedding unfolds exactly as planned, especially when weather and travel are involved.

“One of the best things we learned early on is that things are not going to go exactly as planned, and that’s okay,” they said. “Your attitude truly shapes the whole experience.”

Their other recommendation is simple: hire a planner if possible. Having a professional guide logistics allowed them to focus on the meaningful parts of their jungle wedding in Mexico. Between the rain-soaked vows, the candlelit jungle dinner, and a dance floor that eventually spilled into the pool, their celebration unfolded in a way no one could have planned but everyone will remember.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Elegance Photographie
Event Planning – Designed Dream Events
Venue – Kima
Floral Design – StyleMe Events
Catering – Ginger Catering
Cake – Deux Melange
DJ – EvolutionMix Audiovisual
Makeup + Hair Styling – Dani Delgado
Wedding Dress – Sash & Bustle
Bridal Accessories – Olive & Piper
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Show Me Your Mumu
Groom’s Apparel – Matthew Davignon
Rings – Made You Look
Rentals – StyleMe Events
Transportation – SweetPop Travel

 

Sponsors
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Taft Point at Sunset: An Intimate and Stunning Yosemite National Park Elopement

March 18, 2026 | justine

High above Yosemite Valley, with cliffs stretching into the distance and the sky slowly turning shades of gold and pink, Pricilla and Giselle exchanged vows in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable. Their Yosemite National Park elopement was designed to be simple and deeply personal, with the focus entirely on their relationship and the landscape around them.

Instead of planning a traditional celebration, they spent the day exploring the park together before exchanging vows at sunset. As their photographer and Junebug vendor Julia Goldberg shared, “From their very first message, I could tell how intentional they were about creating a day that felt deeply personal and true to them.”

What We Love About This Yosemite National Park Elopement:

  • An intimate ceremony at Taft Point overlooking Yosemite Valley
  • Getting ready together instead of doing a traditional first look
  • Two stunning gowns and veils glowing in the sunset light
  • Letting Yosemite’s dramatic landscape serve as the only decor

Planning a Wedding Day Around Nature

For Pricilla and Giselle, the goal was simple: create a wedding day that felt meaningful rather than performative. They wanted space to focus on each other in a place that inspired them.

Choosing a Yosemite National Park elopement made that possible. With no guests and no formal reception, the day revolved entirely around their vows and the experience of being together in the park. Granite cliffs, waterfalls, and open skies replaced the usual wedding décor.

Julia sensed that clarity right away when they first spoke. “My first impression was how grounded and kind they both are,” she shared. “They were so clear that they wanted their wedding day to be intimate, meaningful, and focused entirely on their love. It was never about putting on a show.”

Planning unfolded as a collaboration. Julia suggested locations, lighting, and timing throughout the park, helping them shape a timeline that matched their vision while making the most of Yosemite’s landscape.

Getting Ready Together Instead of Doing a First Look

Instead of following a traditional wedding timeline, Pricilla and Giselle chose to get ready together.

There was no first look later in the day because they never wanted that separation in the first place. Preparing side by side allowed them to ease into the day together and begin the experience already connected.

Many couples feel nervous about being photographed, but Julia’s documentary approach helps people relax. As she explained, “My approach is much more documentary and prompt-based rather than overly posed. Instead of stiff directions, I guide them through natural movements and interactions, then capture what unfolds.”

That style worked beautifully for their Yosemite National Park elopement, allowing the day to progress naturally without interrupting meaningful moments.

Planning a Sunset Ceremony at Taft Point

Few locations in Yosemite feel as dramatic as Taft Point. With sweeping views and sheer granite cliffs, it offers one of the park’s most unforgettable vantage points.

That’s where Pricilla and Giselle chose to exchange vows.

As evening approached, the landscape shifted into glowing shades of gold and pink. Light caught the movement of their dresses and veils as they stood together at the overlook, framed by the vast scenery around them.

Julia remembers the moment clearly. “One of the most emotional moments was when they stood together at Taft Point to say their vows. The sky was glowing in amazing shades of gold and pink. Seeing the two of them framed against the landscape, with the light catching their dresses and veils, was beautiful.”

 

Keeping the Focus on the Location

One of the most striking parts of this Yosemite National Park elopement was how little the couple needed to bring with them.

Their gowns and veils created an elegant contrast against the rugged scenery, but beyond that, the styling remained intentionally minimal. Instead of elaborate decor or installations, the setting itself carried the visual weight of the day.

Julia noticed how deliberately they approached that decision. “What stood out most was how thoughtfully they kept everything centered on their relationship,” she shared. “Beyond their dresses and veils, they didn’t bring many other details or design elements.”

The cliffs, waterfalls, and expansive views provided more than enough beauty.

Advice for Couples Considering a Yosemite National Park Elopement

One of the advantages of eloping in Yosemite is the chance to slow down and experience the park rather than rushing through a packed schedule.

Julia encourages couples to treat their wedding day as an opportunity to explore. “My biggest advice is to truly lean into the experience. Yosemite National Park has so much to see and do, and one of the most beautiful parts of eloping there is giving yourselves the time to explore it.”

Some couples visit multiple locations in a single day, while others extend the celebration across several days. Sunrise in one part of the park can feel entirely different from sunset somewhere else.

Working with someone who knows the landscape well can also help shape a timeline that feels relaxed and thoughtful. As Julia explained, “Because I photograph there so often, I can help couples plan everything from locations and timing to what to pack and how to structure the day.”

For Pricilla and Giselle, the beauty of their Yosemite National Park elopement came from its simplicity. Standing together at Taft Point as the sun dipped below the horizon, they shared a moment that felt completely their own.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Julia Goldberg Photography

 

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