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Sunshine and Cinematic Moments Illuminate This Destination Wedding at Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal

March 20, 2025 | justine

Some venues do more than provide a beautiful backdrop—they shape the entire wedding. Michelle and Christopher’s destination wedding at Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal, is the perfect example of how the right setting can turn a celebration into an unforgettable experience. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this historic hotel set the stage for a romantic and breathtaking celebration.

What We Love About This Reid’s Palace Wedding:

  • The unique venue, with its colonial architecture and iconic pink facade, is full of quirky charm and rich history
  • The soft pastel color palette and spring florals tied everything together, from the decor to the mismatched bridesmaid dresses
  • The bride’s bold two-piece wedding dress with layered tulle skirt
  • The stunning clifftop ceremony and fairytale poolside reception with panoramic ocean views
  • The wholesome atmosphere, with kids playing and personal touches that made it feel warm and inviting
  • The way Junebug vendor Miguel Ponte captured the emotions and magic of their big day

Featured Vendor:

Miguel Ponte

Playful Start to the Big Day 

As the bride and her bridesmaids got ready, the room buzzed with laughter and excitement. Dressed in matching robes, they sipped champagne and flipped through the personalized wedding newspaper, playfully posing with it for the camera. Between candid moments and final touches, Michelle took it all in, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her—setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

An Emotional and Heartfelt First Look 

Dressed in a statement-making two-piece wedding gown with a layered tulle skirt, Michelle was a vision of elegance. The sight of her left Christopher visibly emotional, his love and admiration written all over his face. Dressed in a sharp white tuxedo jacket, he stood in awe, taking in every detail of his bride, making their first look a moment they would never forget.

A Clifftop Ceremony with a Breathtaking Ocean View

Michelle and Christopher exchanged vows on a terrace with the Atlantic as their backdrop, the surrounding florals blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the setting. The open ocean behind them brought a sense of calm and grandeur to the moment.

Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, from a handfasting ritual to lighting a unity candle, symbolizing their commitment. As they made their way back down the aisle, guests celebrated by tossing colorful confetti, adding a joyful and vibrant ending to their vows.

Related: 15 Sweet and Sentimental Unity Ceremony Ideas

​​Their Reid’s Palace Reception Comes to Life with Heartfelt Toasts and Dancing

The reception was bursting with playful energy from the start. Guests in heart-shaped sunglasses cheered as children tossed colorful confetti, and the couple made a grand entrance to a wave of white napkins in the air. The excitement was undeniable, setting the stage for a night of laughter and celebration.

As the evening unfolded, candlelight and fairy lights cast a warm glow over the festivities. Loved ones delivered heartfelt toasts, and guests filled the dance floor, enjoying the open-air setting with the cool ocean breeze keeping the night comfortable.

Related: Wedding Entrance Ideas to Kick Off the Celebration

Related: Unexpected First Dance Songs You Haven’t Thought Of Yet

Every detail of this wedding showed how a carefully chosen venue can transform not just the look, but the entire feel of a wedding day. Think beyond just aesthetics—consider how the location will shape the atmosphere and experience of your big day. Reid’s Palace didn’t just host Michelle and Christopher’s wedding—it elevated it, proving that the right setting can turn a beautiful celebration into an unforgettable experience.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Miguel Ponte Photography + Nelson Pestana
Venue – Reid’s Palace
Floral Design – Heartmade Sonhos
Officiant – Madeira Celebrant
Videography – Alexis Alves
Makeup + Hair Styling – Nina Lisa Machado
Wedding Dress – Bridal Boutique Warwickshire
Bridal Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Apparel – Hawes & Curtis
Groom’s Shoes – Duke and Dexter On Feet

 

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10 Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Airbnb Wedding

March 20, 2025 | riley
couple exchanging vows in Airbnb backyard

Image by From Moonlight. See more of this real Airbnb wedding here

Whether you’re searching for something unique for your micro wedding or you just want an unexpected location, Airbnbs make a great venue option. Rental properties offer so many benefits that most traditional wedding venues simply can’t, including a cozy atmosphere, flexibility when it comes to your wedding vendors, and a place to sleep when the party is over. An Airbnb wedding is a great option for couples who want an at-home feel without having to host their wedding in their own home.

Here are our top tips to help make your Airbnb wedding unforgettable:

  • Find an Airbnb that allows weddings
  • Expand your search to include nearby properties
  • Embrace the aesthetic of the home for the overall design
  • Make it your own with a captivating installation
  • Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception

Read on for more important information about these tips and five more tips!

couple embracing in front of tablescape

Image by Avonné Photography. See more of this wedding inspiration here.

1. Find an Airbnb that allows weddings

Before getting your heart set on a location, you need to find rental properties that explicitly state they are available for weddings. Unfortunately, not all properties are. Even if you’re having a micro wedding with just a handful of people, you must ensure that the owner is okay with an event being hosted in their home. If there’s nothing in the description that says weddings or events are allowed, check the house rules of the property. If it’s still unclear, contact the host directly to ask if a wedding is allowed.

Recommended Reading: The Best Airbnb Wedding Venues in Every State

2. Expand your search to include nearby properties

One of the best things about using a rental property for your wedding is that you have the opportunity to rent the house, and the surrounding area as well. Many Airbnb listings that are approved for events have properties that either share outdoor spaces or are close enough so your family and/or wedding party can stay nearby. If you’re planning an elopement–for example–you could find a property with two houses that share a courtyard and rent both–one for you and one for the vendors you might need on hand. If you’re planning a larger wedding, you could find a villa with surrounding bungalows or small homes and rent them all, like a hotel block.

3. Embrace the vibe of the home for your overall design

When you’re searching for an Airbnb to host your wedding, don’t forget to take into account the décor and the vibe of the home to make sure it matches your style–or the style you want to create. Then lean in and fully embrace it for your big day. You’ll save so much time and money by using what’s already there. If you love the idea of a formal dinner party, try to find a home with a grand dining room to which you can add an elegant tablescape design. If you’re more of an outdoorsy couple, take the party outside and use the natural landscape as your backdrop.

4. Make it your own with a captivating installation

Even if you decide to use the existing decor in the house, we highly recommend that you add your personal flair with an eye-catching installation. Some examples are a beautiful ceremony arch, a floral installation, or even a light installation over the reception tables. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. You just want to add something memorable to reflect your personal style and to make the space feel more like “you.”

Image by Sadi Brooke

5. Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception

One way to make the most of your Airbnb is to use all the indoor and outdoor space you can. For example, you could set up the ceremony in the backyard and have the reception in the dining room. Or, you could reverse it and set up the ceremony in a cozy living area and party alfresco style. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use as much space as possible so guests feel like they have room to move. And don’t forget to make sure there are plenty of pretty backgrounds for your couple portraits–indoor or outdoor.

6. Ask if the host has a list of recommended vendors

Some rental properties, especially large ones that host a lot of events, have a list of vendors they’ve worked with in the past. It’s a great idea to ask the host if they have vendors they trust who specialize in rental property weddings.

couple with mobile bar car in desert

Image by Aimlee Photography. See more of this real elopement here.

7. Hire a mobile bar

One trend we’re totally in love with–and is ideal for home weddings–is a mobile bar. It’s compact, convenient, and cute, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. A mobile bar takes up very little space and allows you to hire everything you need for the bar all with one company.

8. For larger weddings, consider extra facilities to keep everyone comfortable

When researching properties, one very important thing that most people forget is the facilities. Are there enough restrooms to accommodate your guest list? If not, you should consider supplementing with rentals. There are so many options for upscale portable toilet trailers that provide a comfortable experience, including lighting, mirrors, sinks, and—most importantly—more space than traditional port-o-potties.

You can even add a personal, homey touch by adding a small amenities kit to each bathroom with breath fresheners, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, cotton balls, and safety pins. Trust us, this will save a lot of headaches on the day of–and some potential fees after checkout!

9. Ask friends and family to stay with you

If you’re having an intimate wedding, one way to make it feel extra special–and take advantage of the unique rental property venue–is to ask your closest friends and family to stay with you the night before the wedding. This would be a great opportunity for one last girls’ or guys’ night, or to spend some quality time with a group of family you might not get to see all the time.

10. Don’t be afraid to go big or small

When people think of Airbnb weddings, they usually think of intimate celebrations. However, there are so many large properties for rent these days. So, whether you want an elopement-style wedding day with just you and your witnesses or you want a huge affair with all your family and friends, you can certainly find a rental property to accommodate your vision.

Here are some of our favorite Airbnbs:

Ready to book your Airbnb wedding? Check out the best Airbnb wedding venues in every state!

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Bachelorette Party Games That Will Keep the Fun Flowing

March 19, 2025 | justine

We’ve gathered the best bachelorette party games, from drinking challenges to fun icebreakers and limo-friendly activities. Image by Nomad by NK

A bachelorette party is all about celebrating, unwinding, and making unforgettable memories with your closest friends. One surefire way to keep the energy high and the laughter flowing? Games! No matter where you’re celebrating—indulging in a spa weekend in Palm Springs, dancing the night away in Miami, or renting a cozy cabin in the mountains—adding playful activities to the mix will take the festivities to the next level.

If your guest list includes friends from different parts of your life, games are a great way to break the ice The right activities will spark laughter, encourage conversation, and create lasting memories before the big day. But let’s be honest—not all bachelorette party games are created equal. That’s why we’ve curated the most fun and engaging options, from hilarious printables to drinking challenges, cheeky icebreakers, and even limo-friendly games. No matter your vibe, these picks will keep the party going all night long!

Printable Bachelorette Party Games

Printable games are a fantastic way to get everyone involved without needing a ton of supplies or setup. Simply download, print, and play! These games are perfect for brunches, wine nights, or even as an icebreaker when everyone first arrives.

 

JB Tip: To make it more fun, give out small prizes to the winners!

Bachelorette Drinking Games

No bachelorette party is complete without a few classic drinking games! Whether you’re at home, in a hotel, or bar-hopping, these games will keep the drinks (and laughs) flowing.

 

Friendly Reminder: Always have non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer not to drink.

Funny Bachelorette Party Games

If your group loves to laugh, these games are a must! They add a playful and slightly risqué twist to the night.

 

Bachelorette Limo or Bus Games

What’s better than rolling around town in a limo with your besties? Playing a few party games while you ride! These transportation-friendly games will make the journey just as fun as the destinations.

 

The key to a successful bachelorette party is choosing games that fit the vibe of the group and keep everyone engaged. Avoid anything that might make guests uncomfortable, and always have a mix of low-key and high-energy activities to balance things out.

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot to juggle—from coordinating schedules to booking accommodations—but the little details are what make the event unforgettable. So, don’t forget the party favors, stylish decorations, and must-have glam essentials to round out the celebration. With these fun bachelorette party games in your lineup, you’re guaranteed to create a night full of laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

Image by Nomad by NK

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