Are you thinking of planning a winter wedding but finding yourself in need of a little inspirational kick start? Don’t forget that there is more to a winter wedding than the traditional “winter wonderland” theme. Whatever your vision, you’ll love these three different inspiration boards of winter wedding ideas we’ve compiled to help you get your wheels turning!
Elena and Gus treated their guests to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a 5 day wedding celebration in Argos, Greece. From enjoying delicious Greek cuisine, splashing in the sapphire blue sea, and experiencing cultural traditions including some seriously impressive dancing; their loved ones experienced a true Greek wedding full of grand emotion and beauty. Destination wedding photographer Adam Alex spent days with the couple and their guests and captured these intimate and romantic photos…
The Goals: Our wedding was a destination wedding. The celebration took place over the course of five days, and our main priorities were to make sure our family and friends were well entertained, and that they had plenty to eat! Our wedding location was special in that it was held in the birthplace of Gus’ Father. Argos, Greece dates back 7,000 years and is an ancient agricultural and farming community that sits on the Mediterranean coast. Since he was a child, Gus’ childhood summers were spent here, so it was important for us to give our traveling guests an authentic Greek experience encompassing Greek food, music, spirits, beaches, farm life and authentic Greek wedding customs. We wanted to take them to places and show them things that Gus grew up seeing and doing!
The Design: We wanted to offer family and friends an atmosphere that was both warm and inviting. We wanted the mood to reflect our personal taste while also allowing for traditional Greek wedding customs. We didn’t want anything to look forced! Our overall vision was to create an ethereal, vintage, and romantic feel that draws from the natural resources of the Argolida region. Therefore, our flowers, cake, favors, etc. were a reflection of the Greek landscape. We wanted our flowers: eucalyptus, thistle, lavender, rosemary, olive branches, peonies to look like they could be picked from the fields; We used burlap and vintage lace as simple decor; parasol umbrellas and sandalwood fans added to the vintage flair; our honey was made by a local vendor in the Xorio (Village); our cake and desserts used organic ingredients and were made by a local baker; and other decor and details were handmade by us to add to the intimacy of the event.
The Moments: Seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day, was by far one of the most memorable moments. I’m not Greek, but my husband is full Greek. One thing that attracted me most to him was his passion and love for his culture, so adopting his religion and being married in a Traditional Greek ceremony in front of his relatives was very emotional and beautiful. Our church, a 7,000 year old cave church built out of the side of ancient rocks over the Erasinos River, it is a breathtaking sight. Greek Weddings are unique in that the Bride’s family creates a procession lead by Greek musicians, and they walk the Bride-to-be to the Church to join her soon-to-be Husband. The Groom stands outside the Church with his family crowded around him and they await her arrival; it makes for a very romantic and emotional scene! The energy and love that surrounded me that day, and having those I love most next to me on my wedding day made me the luckiest woman alive!
The Photographer: When researching potential photographers, we knew we wanted a photographer that was confident, creative and comfortable enough to take risks and be inventive when capturing our special day. Going off of our overall vision, which was to create an inviting and warm atmosphere that naturally flowed, we wanted a photographer that fit with this mood. A photographer that photo by photo created a story of the event. We wanted our photos to be not merely a collection of forced smiles and staged family photos, but we wanted to be able to look at the photos and hear laughter, recall smells, and remember conversations that were had. From our first conversation with Adam, we knew he was a perfect fit. He’s sincere, honest and compassionate, which is reflected in his images. He is confident and has a refreshing sense of camera style unlike any we had seen. We were instant friends – laughing, collaborating freely and collectively, and establishing a close relationship. During our wedding activities, and the days Adam stayed and photographed us, he made connections and friendships with all of our friends and family. By the end of the trip when we had to say our goodbyes, it was like saying goodbye to a great friend!
The Advice: Because Gus has a background in Event Planning, we had an organizational advantage. I think our biggest success was my husband (he speaks Greek) and I (do not speak Greek) working together as a team to plan and orchestrate the trip itinerary and wedding while still enjoying the journey. Patience and Love is key!
Our advice is simple, enjoy every step of the process, no matter how stressful things get. Make sure to make your event uniquely yours, but the day of the wedding be sure to live in the moment because it goes by FAST!
Elena and Gus, your destination wedding in Greece was phenomenal and we wish you all the best!
Today we are so excited to share this totally fierce bridal style inspiration shoot brought to us by Andrea Eppolito Events and Adam Trujillo Photography! Seriously, that is one sexy bride! The thing that struck me most about this particular photo shoot is the way it completely celebrates the bride’s personal style. So many women feel the need to modestly cover up or hide their body art to be “wedding appropriate”. Well, here at Junebug we are all for celebrating your own beauty, not what other people feel you should look like on your wedding day. Your wedding is such special moment in your life and you deserve to celebrate everything that you are. Be true to yourself and find a bridal style that accentuates the real you!
Here are few words from Andrea Eppolito, owner and lead designer of Andrea Eppolito Events on her experience with helping couples navigate this particular obstacle…
The question of what to do with your tattoos on your wedding day always is somewhat surprising to me. I am forever telling my couples to be themselves, to infuse their personality and history into their wedding and to focus on what makes them who they are. The truth is, is that most tattoos are an expression of one’s self that literally becomes a part of who they are in a way few other art forms do. And yet when it comes to weddings, there is almost always the question of whether or not to cover up the bride’s body art.
I mean, just look at these photos! Could international pin-up model and all around knockout Sabina Kelley look any more amazing than she does right now? When I look at these photos I don’t just see her tattoos. I see a bride, in all of her beauty and graceful elegance. Her work only heightens who she is, enhancing her beauty not taking from it.
If wearing a traditional white wedding dress really isn’t really your style, Vera Wang‘s black and nude Josephine wedding dress makes for a stunning alternative. Here is why Andrea Eppolito loves it so much…
This is the perfect bride for this bold design by Vera Wang. Crafted in the same sumptuous fabrics and with the icon cut that Vera is so famous for, this black and nude gown celebrates the classic form of a wedding dress with the drama and elegance that black brings to just about everything it touches! A bridal style that is certainly not for the faint of heart!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work! A special thank you to new Junebug Member Andrea Eppolito Events for helping us celebrate this fabulous bridal style!
Thinking of going bold for your bridal look? Check out some of our favorite rock and roll bridal jewelry accessories!
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