Loading...

Cool, Creative, and Retro Santa Barbara Micro Wedding

April 12, 2022 | kailey

It’s true what they say, good things come to those who wait. And after postponing their wedding twice because of the pandemic, Tessa and Patrick were finally able to witness their dream wedding come to life right before their eyes. Renowned for its beautiful weather, palm-lined streets, and elegant Spanish-style architecture—this California-loving couple looked to their favorite city for inspo to create their retro Santa Barbara micro wedding. 

The couple started with a beautiful ceremony at the historic Presidio Chapel—an 18th century chapel with grand oak doors, stained-glass windows, wrought iron chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings. After tying the knot, they were escorted by a Mariachi band to their courtyard reception at Villa &Vine. With ivy-covered walls, string lights, and a tiered water fountain—it was the perfect romantic setting for their intimate affair.

The bride showed off her fun personal style with a short wedding dress, sweeping veil, and cowboy boots while the groom was effortlessly cool in his classic suit. On top of the epic fashion, photographer Maya Lora captured every detail we guarantee you’ll want to use as wedding inspiration. Keep scrolling for ideas you can incorporate into your big day—with your own spin, of course. 

The Couple:

Tessa and Patrick

The Wedding:

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Ensuring An Amazing Experience For Their Guests

We really wanted everyone to feel like the trip to Santa Barbara was worth it and then some. We wanted everyone to feel our love for each other and our gratefulness for them being a part of it. I really feel like we accomplished that.

They Instantly Connected With Their Photographer Maya Lora

Maya Lora is amazing. My sister came across her work when we were looking for a photographer. I was immediately taken by her eye for capturing the little candid moments. Every wedding she shot had her signature look but they were all unique to the couple’s vibe. From our first phone call, I knew she was the one. Not only was she extremely kind, she was extremely calming. My husband and I kept remarking to each other how easy she made the entire process. She rarely even had us pose, just talked to us, and captured all those candid little moments on our day.

Introducing Their Son To Their Loved Ones

Almost everyone traveled from 3000 miles away. After postponing twice because of the pandemic, we were so incredibly grateful for everyone making the trip. And they got to meet our son. We didn’t expect to have a baby by the time our wedding actually happened—but it was amazing to have him there with us and for everyone to meet him. It felt so special.

Their Retro Santa Barbara Wedding Felt Like A Big Family Dinner

Food was very important to us. We tried to offer as many options as possible. But more than that, we wanted it to feel like a big family dinner. We chose to do four long tables in a big square and serve everything family style. One of our favorite moments was looking around at everyone during dinner, talking and laughing as they passed dishes between each other. The seating chart was stressful at times, but at that moment, we knew we nailed it.

Having A Childhood Friend Officiate Made Their Ceremony Extra Special

Patrick’s best friend since kindergarten married us. Having someone you know so well able to speak about your love to all of your friends and family is something we will forever cherish.

Advice: Plan A Wedding That Reflects Your Story

Stay true to yourselves when you’re planning your wedding. You don’t have to do anything traditional—just do what you want. The best compliments I received after our wedding was how true to us it felt. 

The Bride’s Mother DIY’d The Reception Decor

My mother is an amazing artist. I put her in charge of all the decor. We were blown away by her signage and how beautiful she made our reception venue look.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Maya Lora
Event Planning – Katelin Ridenour
Ceremony Venue – El Presidio Chapel
Reception Venue – Villa and Vine
Floral Design – Breanna Burgess
DJ – Ian T
Live Music – Mariachi Las Olas De Santa Barbara
Videography – Rachel Artime
Makeup Artist – Amanda Tomczak
Hair Styling – Carissa Mestaz
Rings – JK Diamond and Co

 

Congratulations to Tessa and Patrick on their cool, creative, and retro Santa Barbara micro wedding. And big thanks to Maya Lora for capturing all the special moments that this couple can happily look back on. 

The idea of getting married at a setting that’s special and memorable, surrounded by your closest loved ones, is nothing short of dreamy. While a destination wedding like this one may require a bit of planning, for Tessa and Patrick, it was all worth it.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Colorful Texas Lakeside Micro Wedding

April 9, 2022 | riley

Gabrielle and Kyle had been looking forward to their big wedding in California, but due to the pandemic, they had to change those plans and opted instead for a more intimate celebration with just their immediate family. Between the manicured lawns and two-story waterfall, down to the grand mansion and lake views like no other, they couldn’t have chosen a more luxurious setting for their lakeside micro wedding than the spectacular Escondido Chateau. 

Even with a smaller guest list, the couple didn’t want to miss the opportunity to do something really special for their big day. the couple, with the help of their planner ELC Social and florist Belle Soul Weddings, were able to pull off a breathtaking outdoor ceremony. And with the full moon and a starry night sky as the backdrop, their reception out on the terrace was straight out of a fairytale. 

From the storybook venue and stunning decor to the three wedding cakes and lavish banquet, the couple splurged and pampered themselves and their guests to an unforgettable experience. If a micro wedding feels right for you and your partner, scroll down to see these beautiful images captured by Junebug member Elisa Lopez Photography.

The Couple:

Gabrielle and Kyle

The Wedding:

Escondido Chateau, Marble Falls, Texas, United States

How The Texas Lakeside Micro Wedding Came To Be

Once we decided to cancel the California wedding, we started searching for a venue in Dallas, where we spent the early days of the pandemic with my family. My husband and I loved the idea of staying in a house for a long weekend so we could relax over multiple days. With a smaller guest list, we were able to splurge on the house and we found the most incredible estate with the most breathtaking landscaping and scenery. We were able to do everything on the Escondido Chateau. It was pure luxury and set the tone for our entire wedding experience.

Having A Family Member Officiate The Wedding

In the spirit of keeping things in the family, we had my father-in-law be our officiant so it was easily personable. He told stories about our meeting and it was a beautiful personal touch to have him read our love story. We kept the vows traditional on our wedding day but read our own written vows to each other while on our honeymoon in Tulum

Their Micro Wedding Gave Them A Chance To Splurge

Given the smaller scale of the guest count, we splurged on the things that made it feel like an event such as a bartender, chefs, florist and table designer, three wedding cakes, violinists, hair and makeup, wedding china and stemware rentals, masseuse, etc. We came away feeling thoroughly pampered and that our small (and perfect) wedding felt like our choice of an intimate affair.

Junebug Member Elisa Lopez Photography Captured All The Best Moments

I instantly fell in love with the quality and feeling of Elisa’s photos. They were moody, rich with depth of color, and sophisticated. I knew she was the photographer for me. The day of, she made her way around the property making shots and scoping out the best areas for photos. She was efficient with her time and took pictures of our family while I was still getting ready. She got all the important shots and was a master of lighting. We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. 

Wedding Advice From The Bride

For brides who are struggling in making a choice between a smaller scale wedding or a large affair, I would suggest keeping it small. It makes the day less of a performance and just about the two of you. And it doesn’t have to be any less beautiful just because it’s on a smaller scale.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Elisa Lopez Photography
Event Planning & Invitation Design – ELC Social
Venue – Escondido Chateau
Floral Design – Belle Soul Weddings
Catering – Nola Kitchen
Cake – Simon Lee Bakery
Live Music – Terra Vista Strings
Makeup Artist – Diva Escobar
Hair Styling – Design Theory
Wedding Dress – StarDust Celebrations
Bridal Accessories – L and L Jewelry
Groom’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse
Rentals – Monarch Event Rentals
Bride & Groom Cocktails – MK Bartending and Event Services

 

Congratulations to Gabrielle and Kyle on their colorful Texas lakeside micro wedding. And a special shoutout to Elisa Lopez Photography for capturing the beauty and emotions of their big day. To see more of her work, check out her profile in our directory of photographers from around the world!. 

Having a smaller celebration doesn’t mean you can’t have the fabulous venue, your dream wedding dress, elaborate florals, or a lavish dinner menu. A micro wedding just like this one gives you the opportunity to splurge on the things that matter most to you and your partner. 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

20 Stunning Floral Ceiling Installations

April 8, 2022 | riley

Image by Autumn Nicole Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Trends are ever-evolving, but if there’s one thing that’s consistent in the wedding world, it’s florals. They’re an easy way to dress up your wedding venue and make the day feel that much more whimsical. From bouquets to centerpieces, there are so many ways to include them into your special day, but the ones that have grown in popularity over these past few years and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon are floral ceilings.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant garden wedding or tying the knot on your favorite beach, floral ceilings can elevate any space. From hanging greenery to curtains of flowers serving as a ceremony backdrop, we’ve rounded up some incredible installations to help you feel inspired!

Image by The Family Films. See more of this real wedding here

Junebug Tip:

Floral ceilings don’t have to be just flowers! Incorporating fun elements such as disco balls, pendants, lanterns, or hanging lights is an easy way to spruce up your display and draw the eye up.

Image by Louise Griffin. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Aurelia Baca Photography. See more of this styled shoot here

Image by Inner Images Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by It’s All About. See more of this real wedding here

Junebug Tip:

If you’re on a tight budget and you still want to incorporate a floral ceiling, opt for greenery instead of flowers. This tends to be less expensive while still giving you the natural look you envision.

Image by Let’s Frolic Together. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Derek Wong. See more of this real wedding here

Image by EFEGE. See more of this real wedding here

Image by MemoryBox Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Josie Brooks. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Swift Hound Weddings Films & Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Junebug Tip:

When you think of a floral ceiling, you probably think of something that takes up the entire ceiling of a venue. However, there are so many different ways you can get in on the trend. If you want to include one on your special day but want to make it pop a bit more, have it hanging above your sweetheart or dessert table.

Image by Dearheart Photos. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Greer Gattuso Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by iZO Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Claire Thomson Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Junebug Tip:

Hosting a tropical wedding? Nothing looks better than a floral chandelier complete with bright florals, dried palms, and monster leaves. And the best part is that this looks great indoors and out.

Image by Naba Zabih Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Maddy Christina. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Autumn Nicole Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Scarlet O’Neill. See more of this real wedding here

Image by White Diamond Photo. See more of this real wedding here

Junebug Tip:

Rather than opting for a simple ceremony backdrop, consider adding florals instead. Whether you choose to do a smaller chandelier or a curtain of flowers like this couple below, your guests’ eyes will be immediately drawn to you while you say “I do.” Not to mention the fact that it makes for some pretty incredible photos.

Image by MemoryBox Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Geoff Duncan Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Image by Pipi Hormaechea. See more of this real wedding here

Now that you’re inspired to create the floral ceiling of your dreams, you’re going to want to see our flower checklist to ensure that you know exactly what kind of florals you want to include at your wedding. Your florist will thank you!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
← Older Entries
Newer Entries →