Loading...

Choice Award Categories—What We’re Looking For

June 26, 2023 | riley

It’s almost here! The Junebug Weddings Choice Awards are nearly underway. There are six categories up for grabs in this year’s Choice Awards and we’ve detailed each category below to better explain what we’re looking for and the types of nominations that we think will do best. The categories are a little different than they were in years past, so be sure to read each description before nominating. As a reminder, only real weddings will be considered. We’re excited to review your nominations and can’t wait to share the nominees with the world during open voting!

1. Best Wedding Choice Award

When considering Best Wedding, we’re looking at every single detail from fashion to the venue to florals. We want to see a distinct, cohesive style that translates from ceremony to reception. These weddings should be chock-full of details, fashion-forward looks on the newlyweds and their wedding party, and keep us dreaming all the way into next year!

Check Out Last Year’s Best Wedding Winner:

Images by Meraki Weddings

2. Best Elopement Choice Award

For Best Elopement, we want to see the most epic, inspiring, and heartfelt intimate celebrations from the last year! Wow us with couples tying the knot in amazing locations who put their unique spin on saying “I do” and brought plenty of personality to the ceremony. We want to see couples who broke tradition in style and made the most out of their nuptials and celebration.

Check Out Last Year’s Best Elopement Winner:

3. Best Wedding Video Choice Award

We’re stocking up on tissues for the Best Wedding Video category, so bring on the videos that pull at our heartstrings. This category is about artfully telling the story of the couple and their beautiful celebration. We want to see a wedding that blows us away with its beautiful moments, but we’re looking for creativity and artistry when it comes to wedding day coverage. Is your approach to filmmaking a cut above the rest? Nominate your favorite wedding films from the last year and show off your skills!

Check Out Last Year’s Best Wedding Video Winner:

Videography by Tan Weddings

4.  Best Floral Design

We like big bouquets and we cannot lie! Did one of your weddings this year have mind-blowing florals? We want to see it all from bridesmaids bouquets to ceremony installation to centerpieces. We’re talking next-level florals that are as unique as they are eye-catching. As with the other categories, we want to see artistry that is cohesive and distinct throughout the day, so the best nominees will be weddings with stand-out florals beyond a beautiful bridal bouquet.

Check Out Last Year’s Best Floral Design Winner:

Images by Jose Villa

5. Best Wedding Fashion Choice Award

If you’ve submitted to this category as part of our Choice Awards in the past you’ll want to pay extra attention—we’ve changed some things up! We’ve combined Best Bridal Style, Best Groom Style, and Best Wedding Party Style into Best Wedding Fashion, which highlights exceptional fashion choices for each part of the couple and wedding party. We want to see fashion-forward newlyweds whose personal style is fresh and unique coupled with on-trend bridesmaids and groomsmen whose looks complement the wedding.

Check Out Last Year’s Best Wedding Fashion Winner:

Images by Lauren Scotti

6. Best Wedding Moment Choice Award

At the end of the day, we all know that weddings aren’t just about aesthetics. There are tear-filled first looks, laughter-filled toasts, and many moments between. For the Best Wedding Moment category, we want to see the single photo that captures an emotion-driven story from the wedding day. We’re looking for Dad-and-Daughter first looks, Grandma squeezing the Groom’s hand at the reception, sentimental moments with the bridal party, or any special exchanges between the couple on their big day that might pull at our heartstrings.

Check Out This Previous Best Moment Winner:

Nominations for the 2024 Choice Awards open August 1st at 12:01 PM Central Time. We can’t wait to see what you submit!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Lake Como Elopement Started With Rain Showers and Ended With Rainbows

June 26, 2023 | justine

A Lake Como elopement goes beyond simply exchanging vows in Italy’s enchanting and famous scenery. It’s an extraordinary experience, and that’s exactly what Kayte and Simon discovered on their special day. They decided to tie the knot on their own terms, making their wedding truly personal, intimate, and unique. 

Filled with love and excitement, the day began with the sweetest first look. They continued their journey with an iconic wooden speedboat ride, immersing themselves in the rich culture, history, and beauty that surrounded them. When they reached the beautiful villa, they took the time to explore the gardens and capture portraits that perfectly reflected their happiness. The day drew to a close with a champagne pop, and of course, no visit to Italy would be complete without indulging in delicious gelato. 

This couple chose one of the most beautiful places in the world to celebrate their love and start their life together! Luckily, Yidaki Studios captured their special day’s heartfelt moments and breathtaking details. Get ready to feel all the feels. We guarantee you will fall in love with these photos.

The Couple:

Kayte and Simon

The Wedding:

Lake Como, Italy

Falling in Love with Their Photographer’s Work

We fell in love with the style and emotion of the previous work from Yidaki Studios. We did our best to incorporate our own unique twist to the romantic and elegant perspective they continue to succeed in capturing for each of their couples. It also helped that our backdrop was Lake Como.

Effortlessly Elegant Hair and Makeup for a Picture-Perfect Day

Kayte: After my dress chose me, I knew my hair and makeup had to be easy enough to do myself but still elegant. Years ago, a friend did my makeup for a photoshoot. It was timeless and made me feel beautiful. I used that as my makeup inspiration. With my hair, I needed something that would last on a boat. An updo was the only option. Plus, with the high humidity, it worked out beautifully when I pinned my hair back in a bun. My mother’s pearl necklace and tennis bracelet were the cherry on top. I had worried about them going with the dress during my fittings, but it all came together beautifully that day.

From Rainy Expectations To Rainbow Surprises At Their Lake Como Elopement

There were several moments when we were told we needed to prepare for the worst. Our day had begun with showers, and it seemed like the weather would not let up. As we got to the villa, we looked out across the lake and saw that the storm was rolling back and leaving us with a few rainbows. It was as if the universe was rooting for us. That moment made me feel as if we were meant to be there, in that moment, together.

The Secret to a Successful Wedding Planning: Effective Communication and Staying Focused on Your Purpose

Planning anything is difficult. Wedding or elopement, these things go down to the wire. Make sure the things you are passionate about are worth that passion. Make sure you are communicating those things with your partner. The time you spend on this event is stressful and emotionally exhausting, but remember what you’re doing this for. You’re doing this for each other. No matter the circumstances, it’s about you two in the end. Stay positive and be optimistic because the universe has your back.

Going The Extra Mile: A Hotel that Exceeded All Expectations

The hotel we stayed at went above and beyond. They accommodated us for our first look and rooftop photography and allowed us to use the private balcony of the Presidential Suite to have our first dance. The memory was intimate, breathtaking, and a moment I will never forget.

Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean To Elope?

Creating A Lake Como Elopement Their Way

Kayte: We did the entire day on our own terms, and we’re so proud of that. Yes, it was stressful to plan, but the way the entire day unfolded felt like a fairy tale. The photography is breathtaking, and our wedding video continues to bring me to tears. I felt like an actual princess, and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. August 30, 2022, was the best day of my life, and I love my husband for trusting the vision I had for this day.
Simon: Coming together and being present for the entire day was the most memorable part. From getting ready and the first look to the boat ride, the villa, the champagne pop, the scenery, and the love and cooperation the entire city gave us, it was the best day of my life.

Recommended Reading: 16 Elopement Ideas to Make Your Small Wedding Special

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Yidaki Studios
Ceremony Venue – Villa Carlotta
Reception Venue – Hilton Lake Como
Wedding Dress – En Blanc
Bridal Accessories – Atelier Eme
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – East West Gem CoJ.R.’s Diamonds and Jewelry
Transportation – Non Solo Barche

 

Congrats to Kayte and Simon on their stunning Lake Como elopement. A special thanks to Yidaki Studios for capturing those precious moments they’ll treasure forever.

Italy has it all—magnificent architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking coastlines. It’s no wonder many couples choose Italy as their wedding destination. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a grand celebration with loved ones, our guide has got you covered. It has all the info you need to know about getting married in this enchanting country, which stands as one of the most stunning places on Earth!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Weekend Long Lotus House Wedding Was The Epitome of a Party

While a wedding with a neutral color palette and an organic feel will always be a timeless choice, going all out with bold and vibrant details certainly creates an unforgettable celebration. Sarah and Emil experienced the best of both worlds at their Lotus House wedding. As a destination wedding, they aimed to provide a unique experience for their guests. And with the help of their planner and Junebug member Ember and Stone Events, they achieved their vision and surpassed it with flying colors.

The pair exchanged heartfelt vows between rows of palm trees, under an all-white chuppah. It was the classically romantic ceremony they’d always wanted. The following reception was a whole different vibe, though. Setting the right party tone, a champagne wall with neon pink flutes greeted guests. Meanwhile, sparkly tinsel chandeliers hung above a tablescape adorned with bright red and pink centerpieces. Completing the fun aesthetic was a tinsel backdrop for the sweetheart table and the cake display.

This Lotus House wedding proves that you can mix and match themes, and those unexpected combos can become the most unique touches of the day. And in this case, it was the perfect mix of modern, romantic, retro, and disco! To see precisely what we mean, scroll through these incredible images captured by Feel and Focus Photography.

The Couple:

Sarah and Emil

The Wedding:

Lotus House, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

How Their Lotus House Wedding Came To Be

My husband and I said the ceremony should feel intimate and organic with a natural background and the reception to be completely different. We wanted the reception to be a big party with neon, vibrant bright colors, loud music, and good food. Being a destination wedding, I wanted to provide our guests with experiences and something different than weddings in New Jersey. 

A Mistake That Turned Out To Be A Fun, Unforgettable Surprise At Their Ceremony

Since we had a Jewish ceremony, we ordered Kippahs for our guests to wear and take home. I ended up ordering them from a random company I found online at the last minute. They were supposed to say “Wedding of Emil and Sarah Mojica” with our wedding date underneath. After the ceremony, I was made aware of the company’s mistake. Instead of saying “wedding of,” they said “Bar Mitzvah of Emil and Sarah Mojica,” indicating that my husband and I were 13-year-old twins becoming adults in the Jewish community. Everyone had a good laugh.

How Their Wedding Weekend Unfolded

The wedding weekend kicked off on Friday with an intimate dinner at Harvest in the Bellagio for those who arrived early. We transported our guests to Area 15 on Saturday to visit Meow Wolf Omega Mart. On Sunday, we arranged transportation to Greengale Farms for our wedding ceremony amidst beautiful palm trees, accompanied by live acoustic guitar and our closest loved ones. Following the ceremony, we treated our guests to a delightful 9-foot grazing table and a charming mobile bar serving Prosecco, juice, and ice water. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and a gentle breeze. Afterward, we brought everyone to the reception, where the atmosphere transformed into a lively party.

Setting The Right Party Tone With Colorful Tinsel Decor

We used a champagne wall as a seating chart, where every glass had a name and table number. Every surface was covered in neon, bright flowers, and tinsel. There were tinsel chandeliers that sparked when the breeze hit them. We told our planner and florist that we wanted it to feel like “Disco Barbie,” which they did exactly. Our DJ kept our friends on the dance floor all night and kept the party going.

Working With Junebug Planner Ember And Stone Events Was The Right Decision

I was fortunate to have worked with our wedding planner Nikki and her team at Ember and Stone Events. I found 95% of the vendors we used by looking at other weddings Nikki planned. Our advice is to get a planner. Or at least get a day-of coordinator. We avoided so much stress by hiring a planner with a full team. Our vendors were incredible and went above and beyond, and it all came together because we had a fantastic wedding designer and planner with a great team. Nikki and her team at Ember and Stone events don’t just plan a wedding. She fully designs weddings. 

A Creative Twist: Incorporating Merchandise Into Their Lotus House Wedding 

We gave out stickers that looked like neon signs and glowed in the dark. We had a few different designs. One was the iconic Las Vegas sign. One was a slice of cake, one was a palm tree that said “best day ever,” and one was a playing card with S&E (Sarah and Emil). Everyone likes “merch,” which should be incorporated into more weddings.

Shop Exact Neon Table Number: Mini Number Neon Sign Battery Operated

Catering To Dietary Preferences By Serving A Vegetarian Feast On Their Lotus House Wedding

Because about half of the guests were either kosher or vegetarian, we decided to go with a primarily vegetarian menu. More specifically, it was mostly vegetarian “junk food.” We had vegan cauliflower wings, beet sliders, vegan mushroom quesadilla, mini quinoa meat tacos, a fire oven, a personal pizza station, and a sushi wall. Everything was incredible, and the vegan and vegetarian guests were so happy to be able to eat almost everything that was offered.

A Single Cake And Sheet Cake Combination For A Budget Friendly Option

We fell in love with a cake from Mary’s Cakes Las Vegas, which we cut for photos and fed to each other. It was the best cake I’ve ever eaten, and I was so upset when I accidentally left it in our hotel room. So since the cake that we cut was not large enough to feed everyone, we also had a sheet cake from Freed’s Bakery that was cut and served to our guests. This decision saved us a few hundred dollars, and honestly, the sheet cake tasted better than a grand fondant-covered cake.

Recommended Reading: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Feel and Focus Photography
Event Planning – Ember and Stone Events
Ceremony Venue – Greengale Farms
Reception Venue – Lotus House
Floral Design – Lucid Juliet
Catering – Cut and Taste
Grazing Table – Simply Charcuterie
Cake – Marys Cakes Las Vegas
Officiant – Rabbi Shai
DJ – Ultra Events
Live Music – Six String Weddings
Invitation Design – Sundown Paper
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Set and Fury
Wedding Dress – Pronovias
Bridal Accessories + Rings – The True Gem
Groom’s Apparel – Boss Tuxedo
Groom’s Accessories – Thorum
Photobooth – Popsnap Co.
Rentals – RSVP Party Rentals
Transportation – TLC Luxury Transportation
Favors – Studio Sanchez

 

Congratulations to Sarah and Emil on their weekend-long Lotus House wedding that was the epitome of a party! Many thanks to Feel and Focus Photography for capturing this fun celebration’s stunning details and unforgettable moments. And lastly, a special thank you to Junebug planner Ember and Stone Events for sharing and planning the entire event! To see more incredible celebrations they’ve planned, check out their profile in our directory of the best wedding planners from around the world.

Make your wedding memorable by thinking outside the box and embracing unique elements—like an unexpected venue, a bright and bold color palette, or eclectic decor. If you and your partner want a wedding that reflects your individuality, follow our guide to planning a distinctive and personalized celebration. And to ensure seamless execution, hiring a trusted team who can harmoniously bring all the elements together and bring your vision to life is essential.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings