WEDDING BLOG

Destination Elopement on the Playa de las Catedrales in Spain with Photography by Ed Peers – Melissa and Bill

July 28, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

We are just 10 short days away from wrapping up submissions for our first Love Around the World – Best of the Best Destination Photography Collection, which will be judged in part by world-class wedding photographer, Ed Peers. We are counting down to our destination photography collection and celebrating the beauty and freedom of running away together with this gorgeous destination elopement set on the shores of Playa de las Catedrales in Spain. Photographers, if you are as much in awe as we are at Ed’s work, submit your images to our destination contest now!

The Couple: Melissa and Bill

The Wedding: Playa de las Catedrales, Spain

The Goals: We wanted our marriage to be intimate and our own. We knew we couldn’t afford to have a huge wedding and then do an elaborate honeymoon so we decided to do our wedding our way. Everything we needed would be in a couple of suitcases. It was our honeymoon and in the middle was our elopement. It was absolutely perfect for us.

The Planning: Our vision for our wedding was to be special and meaningful but at the same time simple. I wanted a bit of bohemian flair but nothing too contrived. I picked my flowers from the side of the road before our photographer got to us. Everything just fell into place perfectly since it was just Bill and I. We had nothing at all to worry about. It was all about the adventure – which is what both of us believe life is about. We’re just lucky we get to hold each others hand through it…

The Location: Bill is a surfer so it was only natural for us to be married on the beach. My grandfather was from Spain and I thought that was very sentimental and perfect for a location with stunning beaches. Bill looked at the map and honestly picked the best spot where he believed the waves would be great. He picked a spot and I researched the locale and found Playa de las Catedrales – Cathedral Beach.

The Moments: The most romantic part of the day was the exchange of our actual vows. My husband wanted to be married on a rock in the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful idea – though a bit difficult in a dress. We waited for the tide to go out and waded out to the spot. The tide was crashing on the rocks around us but of course he wouldn’t have let me fall. He knows I am a little nervous in the ocean, but he made me feel safe and loved. It felt like we were the only two people in the world; about to embark on a life full of excitement and new experiences that are uniquely our own.

The Advice: Remember that your wedding day is about who you are marrying and the life you are about to create together as partners. Don’t forget that it is just the beginning to so many fun new experiences. In the very end after all the planning – all that matters is that you will be marrying your best friend.

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Ed Peers
Location: Playa de las Catedrales, Spain
Wedding Dress: For Love & Lemons
Bridal Accessories: Make Pie Not War and vintage finds
Floral Crown: La Floristeria
Groom’s Apparel & Accessories: Zara (suit), Calvin Klein (tie), John Varvatos (boots)
Rings: Younger Young

Thank you Melissa and Bill for sharing your beautiful destination elopement with us!

Interested in destination wedding photography? Stay tuned for our Love Around the World – Best of the Best Destination Photography Collection coming soon!

Wedding Ring Inspiration – 10 Sparkling Engagement Rings from Real Junebug Brides

July 28, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

There are endless inspirational possibilities locked within our vault of Real Weddings, and these engagement rings are just a few of the gems found inside. From real Junebug brides, we’re sharing a little bling to brighten up your Monday! Enjoy!

Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography, engagement ring by Neil Lane. See more from Autumn and Michael’s romantic wedding!

Photo by Spindle Photography, engagement ring from Diamonds Direct. See more from this hexagon and honeycomb inspiration shoot!

Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography, vintage engagement ring from Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena.

Photo by Kevin Weinstein, engagement ring by Tiffany & Co. See more from Adrienne and Yosef’s glamorous wedding!

Photo by Troy Grover Photographers, engagement ring by Tapper’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry. See more from Carrie and Jim’s Newport Beach wedding!

Photo by Amanda Marie Studio, engagement ring by Ken & Dana Design. See more from Heather and Finn’s laid-back wedding!

Photo by APictureLife Photography, wedding and engagement rings by Lugano Diamonds. See more from Meghan and Aaron’s glamorous wedding!

Photo by Dana Goodson Photography, engagement ring and wedding band by Scott Shear of Summit Diamond. See more from Jordann and Adam’s elegant winter wedding!

Photo by La Vie Photography, engagement ring by the Robbins Brothers. See more from Jessica and Nick’s winery wedding!

Photo by Jonathan Connolly Photography. See more from Mishelle and John’s Coconut Grove wedding!

Dreaming of a unique and stand-out engagement ring? Check out these fantastic engagement rings with a pop of personality!

Elegant Wedding at the Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove with Photos by Jonathan Connolly Photography – Mishelle and John

July 28, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

aqua gold light blue silver

Exquisitely captured by Jonathan Connolly Photography, Mishelle and John’s wedding is perfect from every angle! The Villa Woodbine was an incredible backdrop for their evening of celebration, where the bride and groom were determined to show their guests a good time. With guests eating, drinking and dancing the night away, they certainly succeeded!

The Couple: Mishelle and John

The Wedding: 3.2.2013 – Villa Woodbine, Coconut Grove, Florida

The Goals: Our main priorities were to ensure our guests had the time of their lives by eating, drinking and dancing the night away. Since we both work in the promotions and entertainment business we had a lot of pressure on our shoulders to have an “event” therefore our main goal was to make sure NO ONE sat down twiddling their thumbs. Another priority was to make sure we had all our friends and families there with us to celebrate the big day. We may never have everyone in the same room again so it was important to include all our loved ones.

The Design: We went for a vintage elegant theme. We incorporated vintage luggage pieces to hold the favors and display the seating arrangements. The flowers and chandeliers gave the room a romantic feel. We wanted our guests to be able to have a conversation which each other without having to scream over arrangements and decor. The venue was by far the most amazing part. It felt like we were in our own private castle nestled in the forest. We made sure to incorporate all the venue had to offer.

The Moments: Our favorite part of the day was our first look. It was great to see each other and spend some time together before the ceremony. We knew once the ceremony began we would not have that quite intimate moment together. Our other favorite moments were the all night dance party and the bouquet toss. The bouquet toss stood out because my (Mishelle’s) mother tackled the bridesmaid for the bouquet and they both almost fell in the fountain. It was by far the funniest moment of the night.

The Photography: WE LOVED our photographer. Jonathan and Marie of Jonathan Connolly Photography know how to turn a photo into a piece of art. We didn’t want the traditional “say cheese” photos. We loved how they incorporated different angles, objects, lighting and more into each photo. They were so easy to work with and understood our vision from the moment we met them. We can’t wait to use them again for photos of our son!

The Advice: Our biggest piece of advice is to not go overboard. Really focus on what you want and the experience you want your guests to have. Focus on what you love and can’t live without, and then everything else will fall into place.