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Elegant Casa Adela Destination Wedding

September 1, 2022 | justine

Planning a destination wedding in the middle of the pandemic might be a tall order, but not for Valyce and Dorian. In fact, this adventurous couple made the brave decision to get married somewhere they’d never been. After postponing their plans for a year, with the help of their planner Elana Walker Events and their trusted team of vendors, they pulled off the elegant Casa Adela destination wedding they’ve been dreaming of. 

Surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views of the high desert valley, the couple said their “I do’s” under a romantic floral arch adorned with crystal drop pendants. It was followed by a dreamy reception featuring hanging foliage and blooms that beautifully complemented the tablescape filled with lush white florals. They continued the celebration in the outdoor courtyard under the glow of string lights and the night sky.

The gorgeous photos captured by their photographer and Junebug member Nahuel Aseff are proof that their Casa Adela destination wedding was worth the wait! If you and your partner think that tying the knot at a beautiful location embodies  romance, then get ready to swoon. This is definitely the getaway wedding inspo you’ve been looking for.

The Couple:

Valyce and Dorian

The Wedding:

Casa Adela, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Why A Casa Adela Destination Wedding

We were looking for a venue that gave traditional hacienda vibes and it was important to us that our immediate family could use our wedding weekend as an opportunity to bond. We also needed defined areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after party. Casa Adela met and exceeded our needs. The grounds were beautifully landscaped. The open courtyard and cobblestone floor provided the hacienda style we envisioned and served as the location of the dinner and party. The rooftop was ideal for a sunset ceremony with the mountains in the background. And the poolside cocktail hour added a bit of luxe to the evening. As a bonus, there were enough bedrooms for us to host our immediate family at Casa Adela, creating the perfect atmosphere for quality time.

Personalizing Their Ceremony By Having Their Guests Bless Their Rings

We decided not to have a wedding party but still wanted our guests to be part of the ceremony. We invited our guests to participate in a blessing of our rings. The rings were placed in a box and passed among the audience. Each guest said a silent prayer or words of hope over our rings. Once the rings were passed to each guest, Dorian and I exchanged the rings blessed by our family and friends.

Their Photographer Granted Their Request To Explore The Town For Post-Ceremony Portraits

Nahuel Aseff was one of the best choices we made for our wedding. Nahuel’s portfolio gave artistic and somewhat moody but natural vibes. Working with him on the day was better than we could have imagined. Nahuel blended into the background of the getting-ready process, ceremony, and reception, and the results were spectacular, capturing wonderfully organic moments. Nahuel granted our wish to have a secondary location for post-ceremony photos while our guests enjoyed the cocktail hour. He whisked us off to the neighboring town to capture pictures against the backdrop of a beautiful and historic Sanctuary of Atotonilco. Those photos represent our memories from our dream day, and we love them.

Their Dreamy Reception Was The Most Memorable Part Of their Casa Adela Destination Wedding

The most memorable part of the day was during the reception. I remember looking up at the flowers hanging from the chandeliers and then at the people sitting around the dinner table, laughing and engaging with one another. I felt blessed and incredibly proud of the families my husband and I were bringing together.

Their Wedding Planner Was Key To The Success Of Their Casa Adela Destination Wedding

We made the right decision to hire a wedding planner early. Elana Walker’s location scouting and communication skills were invaluable, precisely when we decided to postpone the wedding for one year due to the pandemic. Regardless of the wedding planner, the best advice we could give couples is to spend the necessary time to develop your vision. Decide how you want to feel throughout the day moments and make them happen. 

They Pulled Off A Memorable Casa Adela Destination Wedding With The Help Of Their Trusted Vendor Team

It took a sense of adventure and a tremendous amount of faith to commit to a wedding in a location where we’ve traveled. We managed to plan and execute a destination wedding in a pandemic, which wasn’t easy. Add on the stress of the uncertainty that accompanies a global pandemic, and the level of faith required increases exponentially. We researched and trusted our vendors—that all the elements of our vision would be there when we arrived for the wedding weekend. It was worth it to have the opportunity to spend quality time with close family and friends in the Mexican countryside. It was an experience that we will all treasure forever.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nahuel Aseff
Second Shooter – Anna Sauza
Event Planning – Elana Walker Events
Ceremony Venue – Casa Adela
Floral Design + Catering – Bougainvillea Weddings
Officiant – Alex Van Doren
DJ – BGolden Productions
Live Music – Pepe Alcocer
Invitation Design – Caitlin O’Bryant Design
Makeup Artist – Erika Almanza
Hair Styling – Samantha Zengbean
Groom’s Apparel – The Robert Jamison Collection
Transportation – San Miguel Transfers

 

Congratulations to Valyce and Dorian on their elegant Casa Adela destination wedding. And big thanks to their photographer and Junebug member Nahuel Aseff for capturing all the special moments and beautiful details that made their  intimate celebration one for the books. To see more of Nahuel’s incredible work, check out his profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!

Often, choosing a wedding venue is tied to sentiment. But if you and your partner are an adventurous couple like Valyce and Dorian, then tying the knot somewhere you’ve never been could be the right one for you. No matter the location, a trusted local planner and vendors are crucial to bringing your vision to life. Kickstart your search by checking out our directory of planners from around the world.

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Opulent Downtown Brisbane Hotel Wedding

August 30, 2022 | justine

Alex and Wade originally planned to have a destination wedding but had to cancel due to the pandemic. With lockdowns and restrictions in place, the pair decided to tie the knot closer to home instead. And it turned out to be the best decision in the end. Hosting their celebration at a stunning urban resort, using a sweet but sophisticated color palette, and adding lots of personal touches—their downtown Brisbane hotel wedding was a fun and unique experience shared with their loved ones. 

Their big day was filled with colorful florals and decor that perfectly complemented The Calile Hotel’s muted interiors and chic minimalist vibe. For the ceremony, low altar flowers in peach, coral, and pink beautifully framed the moment the couple exchanged their vows. The reception that followed featured a sleek tablescape of thoughtfully placed centerpieces and artful blooms in bud vases. 

From the bride’s sister walking her down the aisle and their two pug ring bearers to forgoing a first dance and cake cutting, the pair were very intentional with what they included in their celebration. Scroll through these incredible images captured by photographer Todd Hunter Mcgaw for unique ideas on how to seamlessly add personality to your wedding day!

The Couple:

Alex and Wade

The Wedding:

The Calile Hotel, Brisbane, Australia

Change Of Plans That Led To Their Downtown Brisbane Hotel Wedding

We originally planned a destination wedding in Bali for early 2021 but, like many others, had to cancel because of the pandemic. When choosing another venue, we wanted to pick something close to our hometown of Brisbane to avoid having to cancel again because of travel restrictions. The architecture and interiors of the Calile Hotel are stunning, and we liked the convenience of having the ceremony and reception in one place. The hotel provided all the catering, drinks, and furniture, making the planning process straightforward, precisely what we wanted after planning and canceling one wedding.

They Surprised Their Guests With An Appearance Of Their Beloved Ring Bearer Pugs

We had one major surprise that we both knew about. Our guests, however, did not. Our two pugs were the ring bearers. The best man pretended to forget the rings and ran out of the room. Then, he re-entered with our two dogs, one ring on each, dressed in tuxedos. Our guests erupted with laughter and tears. It took all the pressure out of the room and replaced it with fun.

Skipping Wedding Traditions For A More Personalized Wedding Experience

We are proud that we decided to include only things that felt authentic to us as a couple and not feel pressure to include something for the sake of tradition if it didn’t feel right for us.–things like not having a first dance or cake cutting and Alex’s twin sister walking her down the aisle rather than a parent.

Their Downtown Brisbane Hotel Wedding Was Filled With Memorable Experiences

The entire day was so much fun and went by so quickly. During the day, Alex was so nervous about walking down the aisle and saying our vows, but on the day, it ended up being such a highlight. Our speeches were all hilarious, and we had the best time just dancing for hours with our family and friends.

Choosing Like-Minded Vendors Whose Values And Style Aligned With Their Vision

The most significant piece of advice we would give any couple planning their wedding is to be selective with vendors and not to focus just on price. We suggest asking your planner or venue for their recommendations on who they like to work with. Vendors will also be likely to recommend other professionals with a similar style to them, which can help produce a really cohesive look. Every single vendor we worked with was an absolute pro and not only fantastic at what they do but also made the lead-up and the wedding day go so smoothly. Experienced vendors might seem more expensive, but the right vendor should be able to work within your budget to produce something amazing. For example, we had a relatively small budget for flowers, but we are still getting compliments on them months later, thanks to our amazing florist.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Todd Hunter Mcgaw
Ceremony Venue – The Calile Hotel
Floral Design – Mrs Gibbon Flowers
Cake – Petal and Peach
Officiant – Brisbane City Celebrants
Live Music – Nick Trovas Band
Invitation Design – Signed by Shaun
Makeup Artist – J Dolls
Hair Styling – Paula Maree Hair + Ryan and Co Barbershop
Wedding Dress – KYHA Studio via Sphere Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – Wil Valor
Rings – Bybaby

 

Congratulations to Alex and Wade on their opulent downtown hotel wedding. And big thanks to photographer Todd Hunter Mcgaw for capturing those special moments and thoughtful details that made this celebration one for the books.

Of course, we have to thank Junebug member Brisbane Officiants for helping the two tie the knot, too. If you’re in Brisbane and in need of an officiant, check out their profile in our directory of officiants from around the world!

Whether it’s choosing an unconventional location or revamping traditions, don’t be afraid to tailor your wedding according to your and your partner’s personality and vision. Why settle for anything less than a unique wedding experience? Draw inspiration from our list of unique ideas to create a big day that’s truly one-of-a-kind. 

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Earthy And Natural DIY Tulum Micro Wedding

August 29, 2022 | justine

A luxe boutique resort in the heart of the jungle, DIY decor in a neutral color palette, and chic wedding attire—Imani and Karen’s Tulum micro wedding was a stunning affair in paradise. While planning a destination wedding in the middle of the pandemic might have been challenging, the pair pulled it off in style. By keeping their guest list small, they lucked out and found the perfect location for their spectacular multi-day celebration. 

With the distinct and intricate Moorish architecture and lush tropical gardens of the Ambre et Epices as their backdrop, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows in a private courtyard ceremony with only their photographers as a witness. For the intimate reception that followed, feathery centerpieces, gauzy linen, rattan chargers, and candles in gold and amber holders complemented the villa’s luxurious charm. 

In addition to the gorgeous aesthetic, the brides’ stylish attire stole the show. Imani’s gorgeous gown with a plunging lace bodice and dramatic train was the right touch of glam, while Karen’s stylish pantsuit brought a sophisticated flair to the occasion. Scroll through these beautiful photos by Junebug members Raw Shoots and get ready to be blown away. This Tulum micro wedding is proof that less is more.

The Couple:

Imani and Karen

The Wedding:

Ambre et Epices, Tulum, Mexico

Junebug Members Raw Shoots Captured The Emotions Of Their Big Day In The Most Natural Way

Raw Shoots is so aptly named because no matter what emotion my wife and I were experiencing at the moment, you see it unfiltered in the photos. They looked so effortless. So many photos made Karen and I say, “How did they get that angle? I didn’t even know they were there.” We weren’t posing or trying too hard. And because of that, I can look back on the photos and feel all those feelings again.

How Their Tulum Micro Wedding Came To Be

Our options for a destination wedding were limited as we got married during the pandemic, so we were lucky to find our venue. We were looking for somewhere to have our ceremony and reception, but we could also stay with our guests for a few days of extended celebration. We also searched high and low to find somewhere that photographed well. We’re fans of Moroccan architecture and were floored when we discovered Ambre et Epices on Airbnb.

The Emotional First Look Was Their Favorite Part Of The Day

We have so many favorite moments, but one of them has to be our first look. This was a moment that Raw Shoots helped us to plan that we didn’t even know we’d find so special. I remember standing in my wedding gown in the courtyard of our venue, turning around to see Karen, and thinking, wow, I’ve never seen anyone or anything more lovely in my life. As soon as she and I made eye contact, we couldn’t look away. We were giddy, giggly, and a bit teary-eyed, too, because it finally hit us that we were about to take this beautiful leap together.

A Private Vow Exchange Between Just The Two Of Them

Our guests arrived at the villa on the day of our vow exchange, but we decided we wanted a private ceremony before guests arrived. Our photographers were the only people who witnessed our vows, and this privacy let us be fully in the moment with each other. When Karen and I heard each other’s vows, it was for the first time–we didn’t rehearse–so the emotions that came up were beautifully authentic. We both shed quite a few happy tears–props to Prep Tulum for our flawless makeup, which did not budge. Hilariously, Karen and I planned our vows but didn’t plan any words for exchanging our rings. So when it came to that point, we both just laughed and slid those babies on each other’s fingers.

DIY Decor And A Muted Color Palette To Match The Moroccan-Inspired Venue 

My wife and I opted for a DIY micro wedding, and we had fun planning the entire thing together down to the last detail. We wanted something effortless yet refined. We chose to decorate minimally, leaning into the venue’s stunning Moroccan-inspired architecture and the surrounding natural beauty of Tulum. We gave our guests a suggested dress code of dusty pastels and neutrals and embellished the rustic outdoor dining table with the same muted botanical color palette. We had a very intimate guest list, so we wanted the vibe to reflect that intimacy. Every person had been hand chosen to spend this day with us, so we wanted it to feel luxurious.  At the same time, it was important that everyone felt at home, so we kept things simple and not over-produced.

Their Small Guest List Allowed Them To Spend More Quality Time With Everyone

We kept our guest list under ten people to minimize the risk of COVID and keep us from feeling like we constantly had to be “on” for our guests. So, once it came time for the big day, we felt a great deal of peace. Our family members and friends came from different states and countries, and many met each other for the first time. Our guests bonded miraculously quickly, underscoring what a strong union Karen and I have created with one another.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Raw Shoots
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Ambre et Epices
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Prep Hair Tulum

 

Congratulations to Imani and Karen on their earthy and natural DIY Tulum micro wedding. The beauty of micro weddings is that it allows a couple to slow down, take it all in, and remember what the day is about—marrying the love of your life! 

Because of the intimate nature of micro weddings, choosing a photographer who can authentically capture these special moments as they unfold is even more critical. So big thanks to Junebug members Raw Shoots for capturing all the beautiful memories of the happiest day of their lives. To see more of their talent, check out their profile in our directory of photographers from around the world.

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