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Junebug’s Top 10 U.S. Honeymoon Destinations

October 14, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

We recently shared some of our favorite top 10 worldwide honeymoon hot spots, so we wanted to keep things closer to home today with our top 10 U.S. honeymoon destinations. You don’t have to travel far to experience the beauty of the world, and some of our most beloved photographers have captured your possible honeymoon destination.

1. Lake Tahoe

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Lake Tahoe is known for its vast scenery from the freshwater lake to the stunning mountaintops that seem to go on forever. If you are an outdoorsy couple, exploring Lake Tahoe by canoeing, biking, or hiking is your idea of romance and relaxation. Lake Tahoe brings the beauty throughout the year, so you can book your vacation in the season of your choice.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston, South Carolina is your ideal balance of bustling city and ocean-side views. If you’re a couple who enjoys Southern hospitality, but wants to honeymoon on the beach, Charleston is your stateside honeymoon destination. A horse-drawn carriage can take you through the historic city where you will find farmer’s markets, charming shops, and streets lined with jasmine. Plan your romantic Southern getaway for spring through early summer for blooming flowers and warm temperatures before the unpredictable weather of late summer finds its way to the coast.

3. Kaua’i, Hawaii

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Kaua’i, HI is the perfect destination for couples wanting that sense of adventure on their island getaway. Whether you’re snorkling in the ocean or feasting on the beach, Kaua’i provides aquamarine waves and the most breathtaking views. With a flower in your hair, explore the island’s natural beauty together by foot on the renowned hiking trails. The rural atmosphere is ideal for honeymooners looking to escape their busy lives and enjoy a slower pace on their vacation.

4. Key West, Florida

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Key West, FL is an ideal honeymoon spot for a couple looking for a true U.S. landmark with a side of palm trees. Key West inspired generations of distinguished writers from Ernest Hemingway to Tennessee Williams who made their homes along the sandy southern-most point of the U.S. The same views could be your vacation getaway if you’re interested in days spent at museums and sidewalk cafes and nights spent finding shells along the shoreline.

5. Nantucket, Massachusetts

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Nantucket, MA boasts lighthouses, sailing, and stunning East Coast sunsets as a honeymoon destination. The historic town offers cobblestone strolls, Ferry rides, nautical spirit, and whale watching tours. For perfect beach weather, book your vacation during summer or fall.

6. Palm Springs, California

adventurous-desert-elopement-with-photography-by-blue-window-creative-megan-and-ryan-29-600x400 photo by Blue Window Creative

Palm Springs, CA is a great destination for honeymooners with an affinity for desert chic and colorful nightlife. Palm Springs is renowned for being the location of Elvis Presley’s honeymoon, and musical greats like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby even built their homes there. If mid-century architecture and cool cabanas are your honeymoon style, Palm Springs is the U.S. destination for you. Don’t worry about the weather, Palm Springs natives will tell you it has the most consistent sunshine the country has to offer.

7. Aspen, Colorado

art-deco-rock-and-roll-wedding-inspired-aspen-wedding-photos-by-jason-and-gina-20 photo by Jason + Gina

Aspen, CO is known for its fresh mountain air and breathtaking landscape, but it also boasts luxurious honeymoon lodging and resorts. Whether you spend your days out skiing, biking, and exploring the Aspen mountainside, or snuggled up inside enjoying each other’s company and a cup of hot cocoa, the Aspen culture is pure romance.

8. Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah, GA combines Southern charm and relaxation, where you can ride a horse-drawn carriage through the historic town. Stay in a bed and breakfast or historic inn for the full Savannah experience. Savannah balances urban and coastal as you travel along moss-covered trees from cityscape to Tybee Island.

9. Napa Valley, California

grey-and-yellow-napa-valley-wedding-photos-by-K-Stone-Photography-3 (1) photo by K. Stone Photography

Napa Valley, CA is the ideal honeymoon destination spot for couples as intrigued by the wine selection as they are the sights. Wine country allows honeymooners to slow down on their vacation without the stringent schedule other destinations require. In addition to sipping wine and Swedish massages, Napa Valley is known for its hot air balloon rides, hike and bike trails, and shopping.

10. Virgin Islands

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Virgin Islands, also known as “America’s Caribbean Paradise,” is your honeymoon destination for pampering, serene nature, and relaxation. The islands are unlike any other and each offers its own appeal: luxury of yachts and high-end shops in St. Thomas, romantic nature of parks and beaches in St. John, and colonial history in St. Croix. If tropical spirit and tiki bars are what you envision for your honeymoon, the U.S. Virgin Islands are your perfect destination.

For more honeymoon destination inspiration, you’ll want to take a look at our 2014 Best Destination Wedding Photography.

xoxoNicole

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Glamorous Traditional Wedding in Philadelphia

October 14, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

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Megan is a beautiful bride who wanted a traditional wedding without sacrificing her style and taste. With her expert team of Philadelphia wedding professionals, she was able to have a truly glamorous traditional wedding. Photographer Sarah DiCicco masterfully captured the light and love between Megan and Paul, as well as the elegant details throughout the day.

The Couple: Megan and Paul

The Wedding: Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia, PA

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The Moments:Our favorite moment of the day was seeing each other in the Chapel – words can’t describe it! We also really loved taking photos in front of City Hall late at night – the candles and the sparklers made for a very romantic and fun moment!

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The Inspiration:We wanted to keep it traditional while also holding onto a bit of glamour. We kept to a grey and white theme, but added in bits of glamour and sparkle throughout the day. My dress was one of the first decisions I made in the planning process…I loved how it was unstructured and feminine, and adding the sash made it super special.

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The Couple Recommends:Both my photographer, Sarah DiCiccio, and wedding planner, Chrissy Lehman, were complete knockouts! Could not have asked for a better team! They are both consummate professionals and handled absolutely everything I could think of and more!

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The Wedding Team:

Photography – Sarah DiCicco
Ceremony Venue – St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Reception Venue – Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
Wedding Planner – Truly You Events
Floral Design – Petals Lane
Catering – Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
Cake – Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
Live Music – Milan 77 Band
Videography – Rose Tree Films
Invitations – Cherish the Moment
Officiant – Father John Stack
Makeup Artistry – Cheekadee
Hair Styling – Jason Matthew Salon
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Jenny Yoo

We simply cannot get enough of those stunning images from Megan and Paul’s send-off with the candles and sparklers! Sarah DiCicco turned the Philadelphia cityscape into a wonderland of light. For more of her beautiful photography, don’t miss Kelly and Joe’s intimate wedding on Long Island.

xoxoNicole

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Wedding Planning 101 – How to Write Your Own Vows

October 13, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

Here at Junebug, we love featuring weddings with extra special personal touches that highlight the bride and groom on their wedding day. One of the most significant ways to express your unique love on your day is writing your own vows to share at your ceremony. The task of putting your whole relationship and all the love you promise for your future together into writing can be daunting, so we’re here to help you learn how to write your own vows.

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photo from Gina and Luke’s Casual Coastal Wedding by Kris Holland Photography

Start Early. Starting a journal or list of ideas for your vows is a great way to build them over time. Keeping up with special memories and sweet sentiments will help your vows encompass your whole relationship leading up to the wedding day, as well as your future together. You wouldn’t wait until the last minute to plan your floral design or pick your dress, so give your vows the same importance.

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photo from Deborah and Tung’s Fun Vintage Wedding at Mercury Hall by Kristi Wright

Get on the Same Page. Even though you may feel like you and your soulmate are the only people in the room, your friends and family are watching the ceremony too! To make sure this personal part of your ceremony runs smoothly, it’s important to have a conversation with your partner about the tone, format, and time for your vows. Coming up with a composition for your vows keeps everything cohesive while also making it easier for you to write. Are you trying to make your guests laugh, or do you envision a more serious take on the tradition? Will you vow, promise, or pledge your love, for better or worse? Even if you want your vows to be a surprise on the big day, agreeing on key elements of your vows will ensure that your words have the attention they deserve.

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photo from Marissa and Lauren’s Hand-Crafted Vintage Picnic Wedding by Nordica Photography

Find a Balance. Some vows are cliché for a reason: I vow to always be supportive, I vow to always be your best friend, I vow to always take care of you when you are sick. These general ideas are significant sentiments to express. However, this day is special because it’s yours, so be sure to balance the customary vows with more personal promises you want to make to your partner. Whether you pledge to not complain about dirty socks or to always ask how their day was after work depends on what is meaningful to your unique relationship.

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photo from Kasey and Jake’s Classic New York Elopement by Cory Ryan

Don’t Forget to Practice! Some couples choose to memorize their vows, while others read them, but you should feel comfortable articulating them either way. Practice reciting your vows in front of your mirror, your maid of honor, or your mom so that your promises can be heard loud and clear during your ceremony.

Ultimately, sharing what’s true for you and your partner will be the most beautiful thing, so don’t worry about making your vows sound like someone else wrote them. Your wedding is a celebration of who you are as a couple, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that. For more Wedding Planning 101, be sure to check out our tips for planning your ceremony.

xoxoNicole

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