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Boho Flower-Filled Cottage at Riverbend Wedding

November 11, 2022 | justine

There’s something so romantic about a wedding with a rich color palette, lush florals, and a carefree vibe. Miranda and Christine had that vision in mind when they planned their Cottage at Riverbend wedding, and we are head-over-heels with how it turned out! Set among acres of towering trees, manicured gardens, and splashing fountains—the pair created a boho-chic celebration that felt like a flower-filled wonderland.

After the sweetest first look, the couple exchanged private vows, followed by a beautiful ceremony among the trees. The celebration continued at their marquee reception, featuring a gorgeous sweetheart table with a geometric backdrop adorned with lush blooms.  The space was also dressed with soft drapery that drew the eyes to the crystal chandeliers and cafe-style string lights above.

And it wasn’t just the setting that was stunning that day. The pair made a memorable fashion statement with their stylish attire. Miranda rocked a burgundy suit, while Christine exuded effortless glamor in her lace halter dress

If you and your partner are looking for ideas to incorporate bohemian flair into your special day, you won’t want to miss the details of this laid-back yet elegant affair. Keep scrolling to see more amazing images captured by Junebug member Maggie Grace Photography.

The Couple:

Miranda and Christine

The Wedding:

The Cottage at Riverbend, Idaho, United States

Why A Cottage At Riverbend Wedding

We chose our venue for so many reasons. First, we wanted something outdoors that felt slightly remote, and The Cottage at Riverbend checked those boxes. The family that owns the property is beyond helpful and accommodating. They have an enormous lawn at the back, which is beautiful and completely shaded, so it wasn’t too hot during the ceremony. The rest of the estate is gorgeous, with a historically renovated cottage that we were able to use for the entire weekend. The venue staff are very hands-off but were available anytime if you needed something. They provided all the tables, chairs, arches, and tons of decor when required. They were also great to work with leading up to our big day.

Special Moments During Their Day Included A Sweet First Look And Private Vows

The most memorable part of the day was when we did the first look and our vows. We chose to say our vows privately to each other instead of during the ceremony. It was just the two of us down at the river with our little pieces of paper, and it was exactly how we wanted it. It was also the first time we saw the ceremony area set up, and it was like we just had this special moment to breathe, be present, and take it all in.

Having A Large Bridal Party Worked In Their Favor

We were most proud of the guests and our bridal party. Throughout the wedding weekend, we kept saying that we were incredibly happy to have so many special people in our lives. So many people showed up to help, took charge, stepped back if needed, and supported our every need. Our bridal party was a big group, which could have been difficult, but it wasn’t! They all collaborated on dresses, hair, makeup, and everything. They took matters into their own hands when we were overwhelmed or needed help, and they were just so happy and excited the entire weekend. It was amazing. We felt incredibly loved by every single person that was at the wedding.

Taking A Laid-Back Approach To Wedding Planning

Our advice for soon-to-be-married couples: don’t stress too much. We had such a laid-back approach, and it paid off. The rehearsal dinner was easy and smooth because we kept the plans simple. On our wedding day, we just tried to sit back, enjoy our time together, eat good food, and take in all the happiness and love surrounding us. It could have been way more stressful if we had done it any other way.

Junebug Member Maggie Grace Photography Went Beyond Just Capturing The Day

Our photographer, Maggie Grace, was absolutely incredible. She is the most fun, personable, professional photographer I’ve ever experienced. Not to mention her efficiency in herding around an entire bridal party and their families is insane! She does all of this while capturing the most special moments. She is truly extraordinary.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Maggie Grace
Ceremony + Reception Venue – The Cottage at Riverbend
Floral Design – Petal Works Idaho
DJ – Adam Eberle
Videography – Olivia Fixsen
Hair Styling – Melissa Jones
Wedding Dress – Bespoke Bride
Bridal Suit – Bespoke Custom Clothing
Rentals – Event Rent

 

Congratulations to Miranda and Christine on their boho flower-filled Cottage at Riverbend wedding. And a big thank you to Junebug member Maggie Grace Photography for capturing and sharing all the unforgettable moments and details. To see more incredible weddings to draw inspiration from, then take a scroll through her profile in our directory of photographers from around the world

If you’re dreaming of a celebration where florals are the main event, like Miranda and Christine, we don’t blame you. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also create a dreamy and romantic backdrop perfect for “I dos” surrounded by your nearest and dearest. To make flowers your main source of decor, be sure to check out our guide to incorporating blooms in every way of your big day.

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Dutch Still Life Inspired Xcaret Wedding

November 10, 2022 | justine

From the very beginning, Melissa and Chris had a clear vision of what they wanted for their big day. They drew inspiration from an unexpected source, combining the mystery of Dutch still-life paintings and the dramatic flair of the old world. Keeping that in mind, their pro team of experts helped pull their dream castle wedding with opulent florals, a rich color palette, and luxurious vintage decor. To say that the vibe of this Xcaret wedding is off the charts would definitely be an understatement!

With the magnificent stone galleries, staggering staircases, and iconic limestone caves, the pair chose the perfect location for an art-infused celebration. Both magical and mystical, the festivities began with ancient rituals followed by a traditional ceremony deep within the rocky observatory. The scene was set for a lavish reception as guests were greeted with lush tablescapes draped in velvet, adorned with candles and antique accents. To top it all off, the combination of the glittering ceiling and sparkling chandeliers added a soft glow to the space and amplified the romance.

Photographer and Junebug member Martin Wilk describes their special day as “a wedding like no other.” And one look at these images, we guarantee you’d agree. If you and your partner are searching for unique wedding ideas, then look no further.

The Couple:

Melissa and Christopher

The Wedding:

Xcaret, Playa de Carmen. Qroo, Mexico

Photographer and Junebug Member Martin Wilk’s Thoughts On This Xcaret Wedding

Christopher is a Broadway Stagehand, and Melissa is a distinguished New York-based graphic designer. They had a very clear idea of what the vision of their wedding was—baroque, elegant, and unique centerpieces for each of the tables. Emphasis on unique—each table was different from the other, and no two centerpieces were alike. And at the altar, for their Mayan ceremony, they built a tree made of various flowers and tree pieces from the Mayan Riviera area. Melissa and Christopher were very thorough in searching for their vendors, especially a planner and florist who could bring their vision to life. And a photographer who could capture everything as majestic and authentic as it was.

Why They Decided To Have A Dutch Still Life Xcaret Wedding

More than anything, we wanted our wedding to be a fun and unique experience for our guests. I dreamed of a wedding that looked like a 17th-century Dutch still life or Vanitas painting. Dark tables with dark florals, rich jewel tones, antique silverware, and glassware. We wanted it to feel like a lush banquet in an old castle hall. Because many people had to travel to attend our wedding, we wanted it to be someplace extraordinary.

Wedding Advice: Trust The Vendors You Hire

I run a business full-time and was planning from my home in NYC. Maggie of SOS Wedding Planners, made it all happen. I’m very proud of her, Dia Uno Florals, and Martin Wilk’s work. If you can hire professionals to help you, hire people you trust and let them do their job. Don’t get in the way too much.

A Traditional Mayan Marriage Ritual During Their Xcaret Wedding Ceremony

Alex of Dia Uno Florals made a beautiful ceiba tree out of flowers for us to have the ceremony under. Our ceremony was a Mayan marriage ritual dedicated to the goddess Ix Chel. It was one of the most memorable and genuinely mystical moments of our lives.

The Couple Wanted Their Guests To Experience Authentic Mexican Food

We had an elegant Mexican menu, with things like grasshopper salt, escamoles (ant eggs), and black mole. There were lots of unique Mexican dishes that I know many of our guests have never tried. I sneakily didn’t translate those items so they wouldn’t be put off.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Martin Wilk
Event Planning – SOS Wedding Planners
Ceremony Venue + Catering – Xcaret
Floral Design – Dia Uno Events
Invitation Design – Open Sea Design Co.
Makeup Artist – Beatriz Cisneros
Wedding Dress – Spina Bride
Groom’s Apparel – Bergdorf Goodman
Rings – Anna Sheffield

 

Congratulations to Melissa and Chris on their Dutch Xcaret wedding. And a big thank you to Photographer and Junebug member Martin Wilk for capturing all the unique wedding ideas that unconventional couples can use as inspiration. To see more weddings like this one and get the creative juices flowing, check out his profile in our directory of photographers from around the world

There are many ways to achieve a celebration beyond your wildest dreams. And while hiring a superstar planner is the first step, you’ll need a rockstar vendor team to pull off a successful event. Kickstart the process with our planning and budget guides, and build your dream team by choosing from our list of expert and trusted vendors.

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How To Hire A Photographer For Your Proposal

November 9, 2022 | riley

The time has come. You’re ready to get down on one knee and surprise the love of your life with the most important question of your life. First off, congratulations! This is such an exciting chapter, so shake off those nerves and take a moment to soak in the feeling of this once-in-a-lifetime joy.

Now, when it comes to planning the perfect proposal, there are so many moving parts that go into it. One aspect that has become increasingly popular is having a photographer shoot engagements. And we understand why. Those are memories you will want to look back on for years to come. If this is something you want to include in your special day, we’re here to help. 

From finding the best photographer for your needs to figuring out the perfect location, we’re breaking down how to hire a photographer for your proposal (and why we think it’s 100% worth it).

Tips On How To Hire A Photographer For Your Proposal

Find The Best Photographer For You

When it comes time to find the best photographer for you and your needs, there are a couple of things to consider. Two of the most important are experience and location. Don’t be afraid to check out their website and social media profiles to ensure that their style aligns with your vision. We suggest making sure that they keep their profiles up to date with current work and checking if they have testimonials on their site from previous clients.

If you find that the photographer you have in mind has a lot of wedding photos that you like but aren’t seeing many proposal photos, reach out and ask if they have any experience in it, if it’s something they’re interested in, and if they have a gallery that you can look at. Often times they do but keep their social media and site tailored to weddings.

We know that searching for the perfect photographer can be overwhelming, to say the least. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our directory of wedding photographers from around the world.

Discuss Budget

Before hiring the photographer, it’s important to discuss pricing. Once you begin your research, you’ll likely find photographers have different packages. Some may have you pay a flat hourly rate, while others may have an engagement package that includes the proposal and a photo session after. Is this something you are interested in? If so, it’s crucial to find a photographer that offers this.

Hire Them ASAP

It’s no secret that photographers book up quickly in the wedding world. Although a proposal takes up far less time than a wedding, reaching out to them ASAP will ensure that you book the photographer you want. It also gives you time to plan out the proposal. 

While it may seem like something you can quickly put together, this isn’t ideal–especially for the photographer. They’re going to want to scout out the location, figure out the perfect hiding spots, create a timeline for the day, etc. 

Figure Out A Location

Speaking of the location, it’s ideal to have the location sorted out before you hire your photographer. However, this isn’t necessary. Many photographers know beautiful spots that make for stunning proposals

If you’re unsure of how you want to pop the question, ask your photographer for help. Using them as an aid during the planning will help ensure that you have the proposal of your dreams and that they’ll know exactly where to be while photographing it.

Have A Plan B

There is no such thing as being too prepared. And just like with everything else in life, sometimes things don’t go according to plan–which is alright! That’s why a plan B will help relieve some of the stress. If someone ends up in your planned proposal spot on the day of, you won’t even have to worry because you’ll have a backup plan. Just be sure to discuss this backup plan with your photographer plan ahead of time.

Image by Natasha Shapiro

Why You Should Hire A Photographer For Your Proposal

Still on the fence about hiring a photographer for your proposal? We understand it can seem like an unnecessary expense. But we’re giving you a few reasons why we think it’s worth every penny.

Capture One Of The Most Important Days Of Your Life

Life goes by too quickly, and your proposal is going to be over in a blink of an eye. One minute you’re getting down on one knee, and the next, it’s your wedding day. Hiring a photographer to capture one of the most important days of your life will help those memories last for years to come. You’ll be able to look back and experience every single emotion felt on that day.

Photos Can Be Used For Engagement Announcements

Engagement photos can be used for quite a few things. From the initial social media announcement letting all of your friends and family know about your news to your save-the-dates and wedding website, the photos will come in handy more than you think.

Create A Relationship With A Photographer

For many couples, the photographer they choose for their proposal also ends up being the photographer who shoots their engagement photos and their wedding. This gives you a chance to become familiar with them as a person and as a photographer–especially if you end up shooting your engagement photos on the same day. And the more comfortable you are with them, the more it shows in your photos.

If you discover that it’s not quite the look you’re going for when it comes to your wedding day, you’ll have figured that out sooner rather than later, which is also a win.

Now that you’ve figured out how to hire a photographer for your proposal, it’s time to think about how you’re going to ask. If you haven’t pinned down an idea yet, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 15 proposal ideas that are as sweet as they are creative!

And of course, once they say “yes!” (which they definitely will), it’s time to start thinking about your engagement party. We know that feels like a lot to think about right away. That’s why we’ve rounded up 16 engagement party ideas so you have one less thing to worry about.

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