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Three-Day San Ysidro Ranch Wedding Inspired By Nancy Meyers Movies

June 8, 2023 | kailey

Sometimes one day is just not enough time to celebrate a special bond like Cortland and Jared’s. So when it came to planning their San Ysidro Ranch wedding, they opted for an unforgettable three-day affair rather than a traditional one-day celebration. And with the help of wedding planner Orange Blossom Special Events, they pulled off the ultimate weekend wedding filled with love, laughter, and florals that’ll have you picking your jaw up off the floor.

Tucked away in the leafy foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch made for the perfect outdoor space to kick off their wedding weekend. They transformed the garden area into an ‘I do’ worthy location by lining the aisle with lanterns leading to the pop-of-color floral ceremony arch by Knot Just Flowers. The grooms and their loved ones then enjoyed a stunning luncheon under a ceiling of greenery and twinkle lights—but the fun didn’t stop there! 

They wrapped up their epic weekend wedding with an intimate rooftop dinner party at Hotel Californian. The space was filled with reception tables dressed in black linens, brought to life with deep floral arrangements and tapered candles. And after dinner, when the sun went down, they got down on the dance floor with custom headbands, cutout heads of both grooms, confetti bombs, and so much more, all of which was captured beautifully by photographer Heirlume Photography.

The Couple:

Cortland and Jared

The Wedding:

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Advice From The Newlyweds: Schedule Alone Time in Your Wedding Timeline 

Making sure we had time alone together throughout the weekend was extremely important to us. We didn’t want it to be one thing after another and feel rushed or feel like we didn’t have time to breathe. Having a smaller ceremony helped with that a LOT.

Taking Time to Take Deep Breaths Together to Stay Present for Their San Ysidro Ranch Wedding

We held each other’s hands, looked into each other’s eyes, and took three big deep breaths before walking out to the ceremony. We did this throughout the weekend whenever we were about to step out to see our guests. Those were easily the best moments because it was us confirming to each other, “We’re here, we’re present, we’re starting our family, and we’re together.” It really helped keep us grounded.

How To Avoid Wedding Planning Burnout 

Decision fatigue is a real thing. Get the big stuff done first (venue, vendors, etc.), and then worry about the smaller details. Also, you’re going to spend a lot of time with your vendor team, so make sure you like them. We got very lucky in that regard.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Heirlume Photography
Event Planning – Orange Blossom Special Events
Ceremony Venue – San Ysidro Ranch
Reception Venue – Hotel Californian
Floral Design – Knot Just Flowers
DJ – Dart Collective
Live Music – Bob Gail Higher Ground
Videography – Atomic Tangerine
Rentals – Archive Rentals

 

Congratulations to Cortland and Jared on their San Ysidro Ranch wedding. And big thanks to photographer Heirlume Photography for capturing every detail that made this three-day celebration worthy of sharing. And if you, too, are feeling inspired to extend your wedding, you’re not alone. 

Nowadays, more couples are opting to extend their special day into a multi-day wedding weekend. And if this sounds like something you’re interested in, kickstart your planning process by reading our how-to guide for planning a weekend wedding itinerary.

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8 Micro Wedding Reception Decor Ideas

June 7, 2023 | Junebug Weddings

Image by Dawn Photo. See more of this real micro wedding here

Micro weddings are popular for so many reasons and they’re some of our favorites. Small weddings allow for couples to have a smaller guest list and make their big day feel more intimate. Plus, if your budget allows for it, having a micro wedding means there is more money available to spend on other parts of your wedding, like the perfect micro wedding reception. 

To help you plan your perfect micro wedding reception, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to inspire you. Whether you choose to go big or keep it low-key these ideas will help you decide what’s just right for you. 

1. Move The Party Outside 

Whether you’re getting married in your backyard or saying your “I do’s” indoors, consider utilizing outdoor space for a reception area. This is also a great budget-friendly option. Outdoor areas are perfect for low-key wedding decorations or dramatic lighting floral installations, and balloons. Not wanting to spend a ton of money on decor? That’s okay too, since nature is the perfect backdrop to any celebration.

Junebug Tip: These backyard Amazon wedding decorations can be shipped directly to your doorstep and used as home decor later. 

2. Add String Lights Around The Table 

When the sun goes down and it’s time for the reception, extra lighting becomes a necessity. There are a few ways to add lighting to your space, but an easy one is string lights. They don’t have to be twinkly—although that is a cute touch. 

String lights are easy to place anywhere, too. You can wrap them around the trunk of a tree, create a wall of lights, place them in glass bowls, or just string them above your reception. 

Shop string lights: 1. Mini Waterproof Fairy String Lights; 2. Hanging Fairy String Lights; 3. Globe String Light

Image by Ana Hinojosa

3. Add A Chandelier To Your Outdoor Micro Wedding Reception

You don’t have to be dramatic to want an outdoor chandelier. Regardless of your wedding vibe,  chandeliers work with all types of wedding themes.  Chandeliers provide extra light and a touch of glam to your wedding. They can be situated above the reception tables or strung on trees around your reception space.  

4. Drop Some Disco Balls 

If you want to entice your guests to get up and boogie on the dance floor, try adding some disco balls to your reception. You can decorate the disco balls in florals and have them on the ground, hung from the ceiling or trees, or used on your tablescape. This hot trend is sure to spice up your reception space and have you in the mood to groove. 

Image by Danaea Godard

5. Add Some Large Balloons 

Balloons aren’t just for birthdays and graduations. You’re celebrating your love, after all. So consider adding balloons or a balloon garland to decorate your space. They add something a bit more unique to your reception and are easier to take down. You can DIY it, find a vendor to help, or order them from Etsy. 

6. Use One Large Floral “Ceiling”

If you want to make a big statement but don’t want to cover the entire table, try decorating with one really large floral “ceiling.” Options like the one above act as a focal point for the reception while still allowing your guests to still talk and see each other. 

Image by Emett Joseph

7. Have A Family-Style Dinner

If your guest list is over 10 people, try having one really long family-style table for your reception. This is a great way for people to get to know each other, and give it a more intimate, family feel. And if you feel like making the food family-style too, try minimalist table decor and opt for more dramatic decor to surround your guests. 

Junebug Tip: If you love the cozy vibe of a family table, check out these ways to create a cozy wedding reception. 

Image by Tahnee Jade Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

8. Use An Airbnb or Hotel 

If you want your micro wedding reception to be more unique, try finding a totally chic Airbnb. Not only could you find unique spaces to hold both your ceremony and reception, but it can help with your budget. Many spaces are already decorated and could be easily dressed up with some simple decor. 

If you’re looking for a venue with more space and catering options, head to a hotel nearby. Many hotels offer spaces to hold a reception and have food options. Since your guest list is much smaller, this would be an easier option to feed your guests and provide some dancing space. 

We hope this guide helps plan your perfect micro wedding reception that matches your budget and style. For more micro wedding planning tips, check out our ultimate planning guide as well as this decor for every wedding theme! 

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Elevate Your Ceremony With These Wedding Aisle Decor Ideas

June 7, 2023 | kailey

Though it seems like a small detail, your aisle decor plays an incredibly important role in creating a day that is uniquely yours. It’s one of the most understated and creative ways you can shape the overall look and feel of your big day. And whether you’re planning a church wedding, seaside “I do’s,” or an outdoor garden celebration, there are a variety of ways to showcase your personal style and personalize your ceremony. 

From whimsical floral arrangements to unique seating designs, here are our favorite wedding aisle decor ideas that’ll elevate your ceremony decor. 

1. One Continuous Floral Arrangement 

Adding florals to your wedding ceremony decor is an exciting way to infuse your personality into the overall design. With a variety of blooms in different colors and sizes, floral arrangements offer endless possibilities for your aisle decor. Odds are you’ve seen many floral-lined aisles while scrolling through Pinterest, but probably not quite like this. 

If you’re looking to spice up your decor, consider replacing traditional grounded florals with an uninterrupted stretch of flowers that leads to that cherished ‘I do’ spot. This unconventional approach will surely make a memorable statement, ensuring your ceremony is surrounded by a stunning display of floral beauty.

Image by Adri Mendez. See more of this real wedding here.

2. Geometric Shapes And Florals

The use of bold geometric shapes adds a contemporary touch to your ceremony space. Paired with the softness of seasonal blooms and lush greenery, the results are modern and romantic—the best of both worlds. This unique combination is not only eye-catching but also transforms your aisle into a stunning work of art that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’ll also make for some incredible photos. Just look at this real wedding inspiration. 

Image by Andrea Ferrara. See more of this real wedding here.

3. Hanging Decor Above The Aisle 

When you think of aisle decor, your mind probably immediately thinks of grounded decor like flowers, candles, or lanterns. And while these decor pieces are always a breathtaking choice, you might be looking for something a little different and out of the box. If this sounds like you, get ready to take notes. 

While many focus on the floor, we’re reminding you not to forget about the ceiling space above. Add a unique touch to your ceremony wedding aisle decor by adding floral garland, twinkle lights, or even draped linen above the aisle. This will create a captivating and ethereal atmosphere that’s only possible with the right venue space and a talented team of vendors. 

Image by Elina Upmane Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

4. Light Up Your Aisle With Candles 

Candles are a popular wedding decor trend that we don’t see going away anytime soon, and for good reason. They can be easily incorporated into any wedding design and are relatively inexpensive, making them the perfect budget-friendly addition to any ceremony space. And no, they aren’t just for indoor weddings. 

So if you’re looking to amp up the romance and create a warm and inviting ambiance, line your ceremony aisle with candles. Whether you opt for traditional taper candles or clusters of pillar candles, this classic decor choice will help create a captivating scene for your ceremony. 

Image by Mat Schramm Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

5. Oversized Vases 

You know you want to create a stunning pathway adorned with fresh florals, but you’re still looking for ways to add personality. If this sounds like you, take your blooms to the next level with the addition of oversized, eye-catching vases. The vases will command attention, drawing the guest’s eyes down the aisle to the main event–you! The lush blooms on the other hand will work to tie your overall ceremony design together, creating a cohesive a polished look. Plus, the decor choice doubles as a useful wedding keepsake. 

Image by Federica Cavicchi. See more of this real wedding here.

6. Lanterns 

Brighten up your aisle decor with lanterns. This simple addition of these light fixtures creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow enhances the cozy and intimate vibe and adds an enchanting touch to your wedding ceremony. With a variety of lantern options, you’re able to customize the decor to fit any theme or style, whether it be rustic, boho, or even modern. 

7. Petal Pathway

Sometimes simplicity works best when it comes to wedding aisle decor. And if you’re looking for a subtle addition to your ceremony aisle, stick with the classic petal pathway. Scattering petals in your desired color palette across the aisle will transform it into a magical and whimsical walkway. This can be done before the ceremony by your wedding team, or you can recruit a flower girl or flower grandma—a wedding trend we love. 

Image by Stefano Santucci. See more of this real wedding here.

8. Creative Seating

Your seating, though a functional detail, can also double as statement decor pieces. Use this to your advantage by replacing traditional chairs with unique seating options like long benches, plush ottomans, or even mix-and-matched thrifted sofas. With the addition of quirky seating, you can skip the aisle decor while still creating a distinct and memorable ceremony look. 

Image by Mackensey Alexander. See more of this real wedding here.

9. Mirrored Aisle 

There is something so elegant about having a mirrored aisle. While this isn’t a ceremony option we often see, when executed the right way, it’s a luxurious choice that’ll leave your guests in awe. The reflective aisle design adds dimension and creates a truly enchanting experience as you walk down the aisle. 

Image by Lina Dambrauskas. See more of this real wedding here.

10. Aisle Rugs

Aisle rugs can be a versatile and stunning decor choice for various types of weddings ranging from boho celebrations to moody forest nuptials. They are a simple way to transform your wedding ceremony space, adding texture and warmth to your otherwise dull aisle. Depending on your wedding theme, you can add a vibrant and patterned rug, a neutral-toned rug, or a moody Aztec printed rug. This versatile option also doubles as a wedding keepsake you can repurpose and incorporate into your home decor. 

Image by Brea Warren. See more of this real wedding here.

There are a variety of ways to make your wedding ceremony unique to your relationship—wedding aisle decor being just one. And if you’re searching for more personal touches that’ll result in a one-of-a-kind celebration, check out these unique ways to personalize your wedding ceremony.

Image by Meghan Hemstra. See more of this real wedding here.

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