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This Beyul Retreat Wedding Was Described As “Summer Camp For Adults”

March 20, 2023 | justine

Rose and Eric’s Beyul Retreat wedding was a one-of-a-kind experience. Their wedding vision: an extended celebration in an enchanting outdoor location that allowed them to relax, unwind, and spend quality time with their loved ones. The couple wanted their guests to experience the beauty of the Colorado mountains, and they accomplished all that and more. 

The couple started the day with an emotional first look that set the right tone for the rest of the celebration. Following this beautiful private moment, they headed to the ceremony at Aspen Grove. The couple exchanged vows under the trees, with the mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. The reception that followed was even more stunning. All the guests sat at one long, winding table in the middle of the forest. They dined and danced under the warm glow of string lights and the sparkling night sky.

In a world that can often feel disconnected and chaotic, this Beyul Retreat wedding was a reminder of the power of love and the beauty of nature. The couple’s commitment to each other and love for nature were evident in every aspect of the celebration. So keep on scrolling. One look at these photos captured by Junebug member Alex Mabrey will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

The Couple:

Rose and Eric

The Wedding:

Beyul Retreat, Meredith, Colorado, United States

Why A Beyul Retreat Wedding 

The vibe of our wedding was laid-back and outdoorsy. Think sleep-away-camp for adults. While everyone gathered to celebrate our getting married, we wanted to bring everyone together for a few days to celebrate one another. We love doing activities that bring us joy and sharing that with our family and close friends. The fine details started to come together once we found the venue, which a friend suggested we check out since it was still relatively new when we were searching for a location. Beyul Retreat had so much personality and a great feel surrounded by incredible scenery. So that spoke for itself and set the tone without us worrying too much about beautifying the spaces.

The First Look Was The Highlight Of Their Big Day

There were so many memorable moments that stuck in our heads. It’s hard to pick one moment out of the three days we were all together, but the first look was a highlight, along with the thrill that came with our being pronounced married and walking back down the aisle to “I Always Knew” by The Vaccines. We also had 15 minutes alone after we were married to soak in the moment and enjoy each other’s company away from all the hustle and bustle of the weekend’s festivities.

Their Ceremony Was Customized To Reflect Their Love Story And Included Their Loved Ones

We personalized the ceremony in a few ways. Our friend Devlin was the officiant because we met through him. He wrote the entire ceremony, filled with personal anecdotes and observations, and it was perfect. It was vital that we wrote and said our vows and had our friend Jarrod, Eric’s boss, speak during the ceremony. We didn’t know what he would say and loved having it stay a surprise until the moment. It was so special, and he even weaved my family into what he said since Rose’s two aunts and one uncle taught at some of the schools he attended growing up and were his teachers. Another way we personalized the ceremony was by having Eric’s niece and nephew play our processional and the ceremony gathering music live. Then for the recessional, our fabulous DJ played the song we picked out to complete the moment.

Choosing The Perfect Spot On The Property For Their Celebration

We are incredibly proud of the reception in Aspen Grove and how that turned out. We did a final walk-through a month before the wedding to decide where we wanted to get married on the property and where we wanted the reception. That is when we decided on the aspen grove space for both the ceremony and reception. We talked about a few different layouts with Beyul staff but ultimately went with our gut and asked for one extra long table under the lights, winding through the grove. The Beyul team absolutely nailed it and executed our vision perfectly. It was like a dream!

The Extended Celebration Allowed Them To Spend More Quality Time With Their Loved Ones

It was important that the wedding was authentically ours, and a large part of that meant that we gave our guests not just one day but a whole weekend to escape and gather. We emphasized having inclusive dinners and cocktail hours and providing a welcoming space for everyone, from all different times of our life, to get to know each other and have some fun. We didn’t want to rush through one day where we felt stressed about seeing everyone and spending time with all our guests. So having the three days was essential for us to spend quality time and enjoy what a special time in our life this event is. We are so grateful that all our guests took the time to be with us and everyone jived so well!

They Picked Beyul Retreat To Allow Their Guests To Explore Their Love For Colorado

The venue fit our vision for the wedding weekend and provided the perfect home base for people to settle in, relax, explore, and adventure. It just felt right and is a welcoming place. The setting at Beyul Retreat is stunning, and the drive up to the retreat is also jaw-dropping with its scenery. We wanted to give our friends and family who didn’t live in Colorado a chance to experience why we love to live here, and the venue provided that. A bonus was that there was no cellphone reception at the venue, and the only WiFi available was in the main lodge, so it encouraged people to be present, turn off their phones, and connect.

Advice From The Newlyweds: Hire A Planner

If you’re anything like us–laid back, happy in the moment, unconcerned with the super fine details–then hire a planner. We really couldn’t have done it without our wedding planner. She heard all our ideas, made us focus on what was necessary. And made our vision happen even better than we thought. We often joke that without her, we would’ve set the date and the space and just showed up. Leaving things up to fate to fall together at the last minute. Aside from that, it would be best to plan the wedding you and your partner want. There can be a lot of external pressure. But you are planning a weekend or celebration for yourself and your future spouse. Everyone will have the best time if it’s truly representative of you, not anyone else.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Alex Mabrey
Event Planning – Emily Alexander
Venue + Catering – Beyul Retreat
Floral Design – Blue Vessel Florista
Makeup Artist – Pariselle Beauty
Hair Styling – Mendy McConnell
Wedding Dress – A&Bé Bridal Shop + Rue De Seine
Bridal Accessories – Stuart Weitzman Shoes via The Real Real
Groom’s Apparel – Bespoke Edge
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Jos. A Bank
Rings – Caitlin Dunn Jewelry + Bliss Lau
Rentals – Bethel Party Rentals

 

Congratulations to Rose and Eric on their Beyul Retreat wedding. It was a celebration of life, love, and adventure and will be remembered for years as a truly special event. And a special shout out to Junebug member Alex Mabrey for capturing every moment of it. To see more beautiful weddings like this one, check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

There’s something magical about being surrounded by nature’s beauty on your special day—whether in your backyard or a stunning national park. Outdoor weddings offer many creative and personalized decor opportunities, from rustic wooden arches to floral arrangements that blend in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. And with the help of your visionary team of vendors, the possibilities are endless!

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What To Bring & Wear When Wedding Dress Shopping

March 19, 2023 | riley

Image by Frankie Isabel Photography. Keep scrolling to see what to wear wedding dress shopping

Wedding dress shopping can be one of the most exciting–and stressful–parts of wedding planning. Whether this is a process you’ve dreamed about since you were a child or something you’re just now thinking about now that you’re engaged, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. 

Ensuring that you have everything you need to make the most out of the experience is key to making sure that it’s enjoyable. From having snacks and water to keep your energy levels high to the right undergarments that will help you envision the dress on your big day, Junebug is breaking down what to bring and wear when wedding dress shopping! 

What To Bring & Wear Wedding Dress Shopping

Inspiration Photos

When wedding planning, you likely spend a lot of time scrolling through Pinterest–creating a board for your ideal wedding day. And we’re going to guess that you’ve probably saved quite a few dresses in the midst of all that inspiration. Bringing these photos to your bridal appointment can help your bridal consultant narrow down what you’re looking for and give them a better understanding of what it is you want to try on. The boutique may even carry your specific dream dress.

Loved Ones

We understand that you want to bring everyone who matters most to you. However, it’s important to remember that the more people you bring, the more opinions you’re going to have. Your entourage should consist of the people you trust most who will lift you up and make you feel good. If it gets to be too much, don’t be afraid to end the day early and visit another time without the crowd. And always remember that it’s your dress, so as long as it makes you feel confident, that’s all that matters. 

Snacks & Water

If you’ve got a lot of appointments scheduled back to back (which we don’t recommend), you need fuel to keep your energy levels up. Being hangry makes shopping difficult and can even skew how you view the dresses you try on. Carve out time for a lunch break if you are doing a full day of shopping. But it’s also wise to pack healthy snacks (such as fruits, veggies, or nuts) and a couple of water bottles to stay hydrated and satiated throughout the day.

Recommended Reading: Your Guide to Body Positivity in Wedding Dress Shopping and Prep

Heels

Since wedding dress shopping should be one of the earliest tasks you do during the wedding planning process, there’s a good chance you don’t have your wedding shoes picked out. That’s totally okay. If you have an idea of what you want to wear (i.e., heels, wedges, or flats), bring a pair of shoes that are similar in height and style. Although your dress will likely need some alterations, this can help you envision the complete look on your wedding day.

On the hunt for some shoes for your big day? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite low-heel options along with wedding wedges that are both stylish and comfortable.

Hair Clips or Ties

Even though you’ve likely not gone through your hair and makeup trial yet, you may have an idea of what you want to do with your hair for your wedding. For some, this may include a veil or hair clip that was passed down to them by their family or friends (which happens to make for a great “something old” or “something borrowed”). For others, this may be a slicked-back, elegant ponytail. Whatever it may be, bringing hair clips or ties can help you picture what everything will look like when put together on the day of. 

If you’re unsure of what you’re doing yet, at least bring a ponytail in case you need to throw your hair up. Many boutiques sell veils or hair clips, so if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask to try some on while you try on dresses. 

Nude Undergarments

The last thing you want to see while trying on dresses is a hot pink underwear line under the dress. Because dark or bright colors show through many fabrics, it’s wise to wear nude undergarments to avoid harsh lines.

There’s also a common misconception that a strapless bra is needed when trying on gowns. Because most wedding dresses have cups built in, you likely won’t be wearing a bra on your wedding day. Therefore wearing one when trying dresses on isn’t necessary. 

Image by Madeline Barr

Pasties 

Speaking of going braless, if you’re uncomfortable with being nude in front of a bridal consultant, you may want to consider pasties or nipple covers. Although you can have a family member or friend help you into dresses, having a consultant there with you is extremely helpful because they know exactly how to clip dresses and fit the sample sizes to your body. These covers can help give you more coverage without altering the look of the dress. We can’t recommend Lollipetals enough!

Shapewear

We want you to feel your best when trying on wedding dresses, and if shapewear is going to make you more comfortable, then bring it with you to your appointments. However, because some shapewear can be bulky, it’s recommended that the shapewear you bring is thinner so you don’t see bunching–especially in fitted dresses. And, of course, as we mentioned earlier, make sure it’s nude-colored, so it doesn’t show through the gowns.

Now that you know what to bring and wear wedding dress shopping, you’re halfway there. But there’s far more to know alongside the essentials you need for your appointments. That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know in this guide–from how long dresses take to come in to the wild sizing that most people aren’t prepared for.

Image by The Tinsley Co.

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This City Libre Wedding Was Full Of Florals And Bright Colors

March 18, 2023 | Junebug Weddings

Danielle and Justin used their City Libre wedding to highlight talented wedding companies owned by women of color. From the vibrant tropical floral designs to the custom neon signs, this couple went above and beyond to prioritize and celebrate diversity in the wedding industry. On top of that, they were able to find the perfect women-owned businesses that would add personality and style to her wedding vision.

With the help of their dream team of vendors, the couple was able to curate a celebration full of color, texture, and fun party vibes without breaking the bank. They kicked off their day with a  rooftop ceremony complete with a tropical floral arch and the Los Angeles skyline as the backdrop. Followed by the reception, guests dined al fresco style at tables decorated with unique flowers and fruit accents and enjoyed Filipino food truck cuisine along with delicious seafood. 

And while the decor might be hard to top, the lovebirds didn’t skip a beat when it came to their wedding fashion. The bride rocked a sleeveless gown with a pearl studded veil and manicure to match while the groom wore a fresh tan and white suit. 

With a little research, patience, and genuine connection with your vendors, creating your dream wedding within a modest budget is more than possible! Thank you to Next Adventure Photography for capturing all of the gorgeous moments of Danielle and Justin’s LA “I do’s”. Keep scrolling for more modern and colorful wedding inspiration. 

The Couple:

Danielle and Justin

The Wedding:

City Libre, Los Angeles, California, United States

What Aspects of Your City Libre Wedding Are You Most Proud Of?

At the onset of my wedding planning journey, I decided I was going to make a conscious effort to hire as many vendors as I could, owned by women of color.  I think I did pretty well, but it was no easy feat.  Although to many, the wedding industry is thought to be a “woman’s field”, I realized that there was still a big gap when it comes to the diversity of industry vendors. I’m proud I was able to really do my research and source an eclectic set of vendors who I was able to trust to execute my vision. 

Wedding Planning Advice From The Couple

For any brides out there overwhelmed with choosing a vendor, I’ve been there! I made it a point to try to hire as many women of color-owned businesses as I could, which at times was also a struggle. But don’t worry – the right vendor for you is out there, as long as you’re willing to do the research – cast a wide net. Word-of-mouth recommendations are always a good start. Ultimately, it is personality and professionalism that must go hand in hand when finding a vendor you can trust to execute on your wedding day. 

A Fun and Inclusive Menu Was a Priority 

Food was such an important component to us because there’s nothing worse than bad food at a wedding. However, because we had a handful of guests with dietary restrictions, we wanted to make sure there were vegetarian and pescatarian options. We were able to secure two amazing vendors – White Rabbit Food Truck, which offered Filipino fusion food, as well as Billionaire Burger Boyz, which offered Cajun-style burgers and seafood. The food was fantastic and we are so happy with how well both food trucks were received by our guests.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Next Adventure Photography
Event Planning – Time with Terrazas
Ceremony + Reception Venue – City Libre
Floral Design – Shindig Chic
Catering – White Rabbit
Cake – Nicole Bakes Cakes
DJ – DJ Hauskaat
Getting Ready Location – Hotel Figueroa
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist – Prestige Beauty Partners
Wedding Dress – Dress the Population
Bridal Accessories – Dolce Vida
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Photobooth Rental – SoCal Shutterbooth
Rentals – La Pinata Party Rentals
Transportation – Royal Valet Services
Favors – LA Charcuterie Chic
Cocktails – Kalaiia Bar Events

Congratulations to Danielle and Justin on their chic City Libre wedding. And a huge thank you to Next Adventure Photography for capturing and sharing all of the fun details that are sure to inspire future couples. 

Dreaming of a celebration that prioritizes good food, like Danielle and Justin? We don’t blame you. And if you’re hungry for more unique catering options, check out our guide packed with all the info you need to know about wedding catering in one place.

 

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