WEDDING BLOG

Simple But Intentional 70s Miller’s Landing Elopement

July 12, 2023 | justine

Bre and Zach dreamed of an intimate and stress-free wedding day. Fortunately, their photographer had the perfect suggestion: the stunning coastal town of Seward and its picturesque Miller’s Landing. The couple’s Miller’s Landing elopement turned out to be everything they had envisioned and more. With the scenic backdrop, they were able to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the occasion, free from any concerns about minor details. It was a day where they could simply enjoy each precious moment to the fullest.

Despite the rough waves and choppy seas in the morning, the pair stayed determined and carried on with their plans. They exchanged heartfelt vows on a boat surrounded by stunning water views. Later, they explored the town and took lovely portraits, including a fun moment of playfully biting into their wedding cake. They also spent quality time with their daughter, treasuring every precious moment together.

And to top it all off, their fashion choices are a must-see! They embraced a charmingly nostalgic 70’s retro theme for their big day. Think crochet and bell sleeves, along with a textured suit and pointed collared shirt, all in warm and rich colors. They followed a “less is more” approach, keeping things simple yet meaningful. And we absolutely love how everything came together! Take a look at the beautiful images captured by Junebug member The Hitched Hiker to see exactly what we mean.

The Couple:

Bre and Zach

The Wedding:

Miller’s Landing, Seward, Alaska, United States

The Sweet Story Behind Their Retro Miller’s Landing Elopement Fashion

I discovered I was pregnant after I purchased my dress. So it was a race against the clock to ensure that I was far enough along to not look bloated but not so far along that my dress wouldn’t zip. I wanted something bohemian with a nod to 1970s fashion while also feeling less traditional than a typical wedding dress. So I kept my hair and makeup very minimal. I bought a beautiful vintage 70’s afghan jacket to keep me warm on the boat (Penny Lane, is that you?)

A Rocky Boat Ride That Led To Ocean Life Viewing

The morning started with a message from the boat captain asking if we’d like to reschedule the elopement due to the huge waves and rough seas. He said the boat could manage just fine, so we decided to proceed. Although it was rocky, at one point, a huge pod of Dall’s porpoise surrounded the boat to play and interact with us for at least 10-15 minutes. It was a magical thing to happen on such a big day!

Wedding Advice: Be Flexible And Open To Anything

Since we had an elopement without guests, planning was minimal compared to a wedding with a ceremony and reception. Our only advice would be to keep an open mind and a go-with-the-flow attitude for when things do not go as planned—which is inevitable.

Bringing To Life A Stress-Free And Laid Back Miller’s Landing Elopement

I am most proud of how easy and simple the day ended up being. Our main goal was to have a stress-free day that we could truly enjoy from start to finish without worrying about any of the details. We had a very laid-back day, and I am proud of how we could bask in the present moment.

Shop Exact White Platform Shoes: Aldo Cassey

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Hitched Hiker
Venue – Miller’s Landing
Floral Design – True North Events
Cake – Fireweeed Bake Shop
Makeup Artist – Dollhouse AK
Wedding Dress – Rumer the Label
Bridal Accessories – Aldo Cassey
Groom’s Apparel – Banana Republic
Rings – Young In The Mountains

Congratulations to Bre and Zach on their retro Miller’s Landing elopement. And a big thank you to Junebug member The Hitched Hiker for capturing all the charming details and memorable moments they will cherish for the rest of their lives. To see more intimate celebrations she’s photographed, look at her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Their intimate celebration reminds us that the key ingredients for a remarkable day are simply the presence of your significant other, the awe-inspiring backdrop of nature, and the personal touch of individual style. If you’re inspired to create a similar experience to Bre and Zach’s, be sure to explore our elopement guide for valuable insights and tips.

Junebug Readers Share What They Regret Most About Their Wedding

July 11, 2023 | justine

Keep scrolling to read about real couples’ wedding regrets and the lessons learned. Image by Salt Atelier.

Wedding days are filled with a mix of emotions like happiness, love, and joy. However, the last thing you want to feel on your wedding day is regret. Even with careful planning, there are often unexpected mistakes that only become apparent during or after the event.

Most people have at least one thing they wish they could redo about their wedding day. To help those planning their own weddings, we asked Junebug readers to share their biggest wedding regrets and the lessons they learned. They also revealed what they would change if they had the chance.

Image by Lily Wilson Photography

Junebug Readers Share Their Wedding Regrets

“I wish I wouldn’t have stressed so hard about the planning, but maybe it wouldn’t have turned out as perfect if I hadn’t. I am a firm believer in not looking back and wondering if things should have been different, and the same goes for my wedding. In the end, all the details will eventually go out of style, but I will always remember how amazing I felt on the day and how special it was to have all my favorite people around me (including my dog Nama) when I got to marry my favorite person.” – McKenna and Ryan

“If you are thinking of eloping, do it because if you don’t, you will regret it for sure.” – Jasmine and Patrick

“I did all the planning myself, from figuring out drink quantities to designing the wedding invites, and it is a lot to take on with a full-time job. However, it didn’t feel like hard work because I enjoyed every minute of it. The one thing I would do differently is to have a coordinator on the day to make sure everything is running according to schedule. I felt like I had to worry about that on the day, which was a shame. My advice would be to plan the event beforehand, but have a well-briefed, dedicated event manager on the wedding day.” – Lauren and Neil

“My advice for couples planning their own wedding: Get a day-of wedding coordinator! This is my one regret. I was so busy setting up everything and making sure that the day was perfect that I missed some precious moments that I can never take back. No amount of money is worth that!” – Noelle and Darryl

Recommended Reading: Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator Duties

“People told me this, but it never really sunk in until I was in it—enjoy every minute of it! The stress is not worth it. The major thing I wish I would have done differently is start small and grow as the date gets closer. My problem was that I was so excited I planned all these huge things early on and insisted on sticking to them. We ended up blowing our budget and had way more to deal with than we needed to.” – Diana and Adam

“I wanted to be comfortable on my wedding day and have a look that was glamorous but also free-flowing and a little boho. My favorite piece of my look was my gorgeous cathedral-length blush veil which had a four-foot blusher. I wore it for about two seconds, and one of my few regrets is not wearing it more!” – Courtney and Matt

Image by Madeline Barr

“We are both proud of the fact that our wedding was what we wanted it to be, that we didn’t compromise for anyone else’s sake, and that it was a beautiful wedding. The only aspect of our wedding I regret is not inviting Drag Beyonce. That was a missed opportunity”. – Courtney and Cherae

“We screened through orchestral/string quartet versions of contemporary songs as a fun wedding planning activity together. Our only regret is perhaps not hiring that live flugelhorn player when we danced to Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good.”- Mandy and Costanza

“I (slightly) have wedding regrets about not being more composed for the pictures. I was a hot, crying mess! But in the end, I’m glad our true emotions were really captured.” – Janice and Kevin

“The main thing I wish I would have done differently was organizing the timeline better and trying to stick to it. In Nicaragua, the sun is completely down by six in the evening. Kevin and I didn’t have a first look, and our photographers insisted the ceremony needed to be at four in the afternoon for best lighting. However, this gave us only about one and half an hour for photos. Everything was so rushed we did not even get a photo with both our immediate families together. So my advice would be to try to make sure the timeline allows for all these things.” – Pamela and Kevin

Image by Par La Mer Photography

“Make sure to hire a videographer. We had no service, so few people had their phones out. I regret not capturing our unique day on film.” – Marian and Will

“If you’re on the brink of whether to video that day or not, do it! That’s seriously my only regret.” – Ashley and Dustin

“Get a videographer. It’s our biggest regret!” – Martha and Liam

“Don’t skimp on hiring a good photographer or videographer, you will regret it. They will capture the special moments throughout the day because the day happens so fast, you won’t see everything, and it’s all a blur!” – Kelly and Alex

Recommended Reading: Why You Need A Wedding Videographer

“The one thing I would have done differently would have been to utilize my bridesmaids more. To ensure everything looked the way it was supposed to. I would have had someone be in charge of double-checking the bar, tables, food stations, etc. In every area, there were things that were missing or not put out the way we envisioned it, so I would have loved for someone to have known what it was supposed to be like and ensured it was correct.” – Pamela and Kevin

“I promised myself that I wasn’t going to get caught up in chit-chat, which is very unlike me. But I just wanted to have fun and do whatever I fancied. If you can’t do that on your wedding day, when can you? Ryan did the rounds like a good husband, and I’m glad he took the time to chat to everyone, but he didn’t dance once, and he regrets not doing that now.” – Tom and Ryan

“Don’t try to over-schedule the day. Leave time to hang with guests. That’s a big regret for me.” – Aravinda and Mason

“Between out-of-town guests coming to visit and having all of our loved ones in one place, we regret not having extra time before our wedding to spend with them” – Taylor and Noah

Recommended Reading: How To Plan A Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Image by Caitlin Steuben

Everyone has wedding regrets. No matter how well you plan, there are always some mistakes that become apparent later on. However, these missteps shouldn’t overshadow the overall significance of the day. Stay focused on what your big day truly represents and the positive aspects.

But, even when things don’t go as planned, you can refer to this guide for tips on handling the day smoothly. And if there’s something you’re uncertain about during the planning process but it’s something you really want, don’t hesitate to go for it!

Image by Henry Tieu

This Bold Villa Woodbine Wedding Incorporated Italian Touches & Miami Flair

July 10, 2023 | justine

bright red gold kelly green light pink orange purple

Brooke and Tim had initially planned to have their wedding in Italy, as it held sentimental value for them. However, everything changed when they stumbled upon a magnificent, historic Mediterranean-style villa nestled in the heart of Miami. Its charm captivated them instantly, and they knew it was the perfect venue for their special day. They envisioned their wedding as an elegant contemporary dinner party filled with their dearest friends and family. Vibrant florals, flickering candles, and lush greenery were incorporated into the celebration, bringing their dream of a chic and modern Villa Woodbine wedding to life.

The pair was determined to have their wedding outdoors in a beautiful garden instead of a typical ballroom–and they did just that. They said their heartfelt vows beneath a stunning asymmetrical arch that looked like it was growing from the ground. The reception that followed was equally enchanting, with long tables covered in white linen and bright centerpieces that added bursts of color. Fairy lights created a romantic and magical atmosphere, making their dream wedding come true amid the picturesque garden setting.

The couple’s big day perfectly blended Italian elegance and Miami flair, capturing the best of both worlds. Thankfully, Lauren Alatriste was there to capture it all. Keep scrolling to see every beautiful detail and memorable moment of their soiree.

The Couple:

Brooke and Tim

The Wedding:

Villa Woodbine, Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida, United States

How Their Villa Woodbine Wedding Came To Be

We were adamant about not getting married in a ballroom, so a beautiful outdoor garden was a must. We originally wanted to get married in Italy–somewhere I had lived, and the first big trip we took together as a couple. But we were sold once we found this historic Mediterranean-style villa in the heart of Miami. During the tour, we immediately fell in love with the venue’s lush outdoor garden, the open-air setting, and the personality throughout. It was like stepping into a beautiful Tuscan villa in the heart of our new home in Miami. We wanted our wedding to feel like a chic and modern dinner party surrounded by our closest friends and family. We pictured bold, bright florals with many candles and string lights to enhance the lush greenery. Long tables allowed everyone to mingle, and bamboo chairs introduced a more modern and tropical element.

Setting A Romantic Villa Woodbine Wedding Tone With Their Floral Arrangements

Our florist, Kaleidoscope Floral, was our standout vendor. I made edits to the flower design until the very last minute, and they executed above and beyond our imagination. They were a pleasure to work with and even provided an extra installation on one of the fireplaces that made our cake-cutting photo. My jaw dropped when we walked into the venue and saw the arrangements. They designed the most breathtaking asymmetrical, deconstructed arch to look like it was growing from the ground. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen at a wedding and created such a stunning backdrop for speeches throughout the night too.

Taking Dance Lessons To Prep For Their First Dance Turned Out To Be Their Favorite Activity

We started taking dance lessons for a few weeks to learn basic moves and ensure we looked natural for our first dance. It turned out to be our favorite break from wedding planning, and we found ourselves dancing around our kitchen and trying new renditions of jumps and dips most nights. When the time finally came for our first dance, it felt like we were alone in our little world, gliding around our kitchen even though our loved ones surrounded us. Ultimately, we got to look around at our friends and family and have them join us on the dance floor, the perfect image of our special day.

Navigating Villa Woodbine Wedding Planning Challenges: Keep Your Focus On The Big Picture

Our advice is to focus on the big picture and remember that at the end of the day, it’s all about you and the person you love getting married. Things out of your control will go wrong, but don’t let that diminish the day’s enjoyment. If you and your spouse have fun, guests will bring that same energy. Most importantly, remember that your loved ones are likely traveling and spending money to attend your big day, so go the extra mile to ensure everyone is comfortable, whether organizing room blocks, buses, or special food options. Also, provide your vendors with as much direction and guidance as possible so you won’t have any regrets.

Designing The Paper Goods for a Unified Look And Redirecting Their Funds On Other Wedding Details

I was focused on making everything cohesive, so I designed all the paper goods myself. While this required much more time and effort, it helped us use that budget for other things. I hit a roadblock with our place cards at the last minute when I learned that our caterer required meal identifiers for each guest, and I wanted to keep the design clean and minimal. To get around this, I decided to hand illustrate the different floral varieties our florist used on the tables. I was surprised how many guests noticed these tiny details that I thought only mattered to me. The end result was really unique and special to us.

Budgeting with Purpose: Prioritizing Upgrades for Maximum Impact

We knew when we booked the venue that there were certain items we’d want to upgrade—bamboo chairs, farm tables, string lights, and plenty of bud vases with taper candles adorning the tables. We added those items to our budget before booking our venue and made a list of the other estimated expenses, from guest transportation down to the stamps for invites. We decided that things like chair upgrades would impact more than upgraded dinnerware or linens and prioritized things like an upgraded bar menu for our guests instead. It’s easy to get carried away, but the best thing to do is get quotes from multiple vendors before booking and be honest with them about your budget to see how you can make things work.

Infusing Miami Flair Through Music and Creating A Playlist for Every Moment

Good music was really important to us, so we created a playlist for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception to guide our DJ and musicians, and from there, they played to the crowd’s energy. We wanted our guests to have a great time and infuse our wedding with a little bit of Miami flair, so we had a live saxophonist play party music alongside our DJ and brought out LED glow sticks for the last hour of the reception. Our guests were all out on the dance floor until the end, with late-night pizza in hand.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lauren Alatriste
Event Planning – The House of Gather
Venue – Villa Woodbine
Floral Design – Kaleidoscope Floral
Catering – Bill Hansen
Cake – Cloud 9 Bakery
Officiant – Rev. Eddie Rodriguez
DJ – Event Factor
Live Music – Marcos del Risco
Dance Lessons – Sol & Jun
Videography – A Creation Films
Makeup Artist – Nicole Emano
Hair Styling – Junkie Bride
Wedding Dress – Ines di Santo
Bridal Accessories – Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Cult Gaia
Groom’s Apparel – Tom Ford
Groomsmen’s Apparel – George Cleverley

Congratulations to Brooke and Tim on their Villa Woodbine wedding. And a big thank you to Lauren Alatriste for capturing all the spectacular moments and beautiful details.

From the venue to the decor and florals, the most unforgettable weddings are filled with creativity, personal touches, and genuine elements that narrate a beautiful story. To begin your wedding planning journey, take a look at our guide and explore unique ideas that will inspire you to make your special day extraordinary.

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