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Gorgeous Joshua Tree Sunset Micro Wedding

June 12, 2022 | justine

An otherworldly landscape with distinctly spiny trees and spectacular rock formations—there’s just something so magical about tying the knot in the heart of Joshua Tree. While the pandemic may have affected Rachel and Dean’s original destination wedding plans, the pair decided to have a special weekend celebration instead with just their immediate family. And with the help of planner and Junebug member The Walk Down The Aisle, the pair pulled off an epic sunset micro wedding that’s one for the books!

With the magical desert oasis and golden sunset as a backdrop, the couple bared their hearts to each other with heartfelt vows. Following their intimate ceremony, their small group made their way to Villa Carmelita for the courtyard reception. Candlelight in hanging glass orbs illuminated the entire villa while the tablescape of lush pastel florals created by Vaso Bello, blush accents, and gilded details made for a timeless and romantic setting under the stars. 

From their enchanting sunset desert ceremony to the gorgeous reception at an iconic luxury estate—this sunset micro wedding is serving up some major inspiration and will definitely take your breath away. Scroll through these beautiful photos captured by Mirelle Carmichael Photography to see exactly what we’re talking about.

The Couple:

Rachel and Dean

The Wedding:

Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States

How Their Sunset Micro Wedding Came To Be

Before getting into tactical wedding planning, I started designing the guest experience. When we pivoted to a micro wedding with our immediate family, we scrapped all the ideas we had for our larger wedding in Mexico. We thought about what our family would appreciate, and went from there. I’m proud of our positive outlook when facing less-than-ideal-wedding planning circumstances. We both like to see the silver lining, and saw this as a unique opportunity to have an incredibly memorable experience for our family. We made the weekend feel special by pulling in traditional wedding elements like florals and curated decor. But we got ample quality time with our family, and were present in every moment. To this day, our parents still say it was one of the most special days of their lives. 

Why They Chose To Get Married In Joshua Tree

We rented Villa Carmelita in Palm Springs—Sunny and Cher’s old home—where we got ready and had our first look. We then took a limo to Joshua Tree, where we had our ceremony. Since we were spending the entire weekend together, we wanted to stay in Palm Springs to access the town’s restaurants and attractions. However we wanted our ceremony to be somewhere special, someplace sacred. Joshua Tree was the perfect setting. When you have the joshua trees and the striking landscape as your background, you can’t help but feel grounded. It was an incredibly powerful place to make our commitments. 

Baring Their Hearts To Each Other With Personal And Meaningful Vows

My love language is words of affirmation, so naturally my favorite moment was when we shared vows. We wrote personal vows and since we had a limited audience, we really went for it and made our vows the centerpiece of the ceremony. My vows were exceptionally long—over ten minutes, but I loved the opportunity to express to Dean how much he means to me. Dean’s vows were incredibly thoughtful. He knows my favorite song is “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift, so he weaved in select lyrics from the song, “This thing is a masterpiece, I’ll never tear it all up”. It was so creative, thoughtful, and custom-tailored for me—it was such a wonderful surprise.

Planner And Junebug Member The Walk Down The Aisle Was Vital To The Success Of Their Joshua Tree Sunset Micro Wedding

Planning a wedding in Joshua Tree can be intimidating. With the wide, expansive grounds, and limited cell service—it can be hard picking the right spot and coordinating with vendors. Luckily, I found Trish at The Walk Down the Aisle. She’d planned so many weddings in the park, I had every confidence in her ability to coordinate our wedding day. She nailed every logistic, down to the tree that became our “altar”.

The Perfect Wedding Weekend Experience By Doing Themed Nights

We wanted to create an entire weekend experience for our family to celebrate, culminating with our wedding, so we created a theme each night. Friday was karaoke night. Saturday was trivia night. Sunday was the wedding. And Monday was a murder mystery. Our family had a blast throughout the entire weekend.

They Hosted A  Fun Trivia Night Using Materials They Made Themselves

The night before our wedding, we had a trivia night. We were inspired by the episode of Friends (“The One With the Embryos”), and made the trivia about our lives with categories like: Faves, People, Events, and Numbers. Dean and I DIY’d a trivia board using a black tri-fold board, neon-colored envelopes, and index cards. Dean and Rachel’s parents competed against Rachel and Dean’s mom and sister. We forget who won, but we all had a great time reminiscing on our past.

Meaningful Ways They Honored The Memory Of The Groom’s Father By Reserving Him A Seat At Their Celebration

We used every moment of the day to personalize the experience and honor those we love most. Dean’s father unexpectedly passed away a year and half before our wedding. We wanted to bring him into the weekend as much as possible. When we set the table, we created a place for him and added a placard on the back of his chair that read: “In loving memory of Mark Henley who is celebrating with us in heaven.” We gave the placard to Dean’s mother after the weekend as a keepsake.

They Included Their Family To Help Decide On Their Wedding Menu 

One benefit of a micro wedding was designing a custom menu with a private chef. We had four hors d’oeuvres and a four course menu catered by Fusion Flair. We also brought our family into the process for a collaborative menu design. We gave everyone Fusion Flair’s large catalog, and asked them to pick a few options for each course. We tallied up the votes, added our own preferences and customizations, and made sure we had a good balance for the entire meal. Everyone loved it!

Planning A Follow Up Celebration For Friends In Mexico

Next, we have a make-up destination celebration in Sayulita, Mexico. We’re calling it our one year wedding anniversary celebration, and we get to throw a three-day party for our friends. We never would’ve designed two different experiences without the pandemic, but we’re so glad it worked out this way. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Mirelle Carmichael Photography
Event Planning – The Walk Down The Aisle
Ceremony Venue – Joshua Tree National Park
Reception Venue – Villa Carmelita
Floral Design – Vaso Bello
Catering – Fusion Flare
Cake – Over The Rainbow
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling- Chelsea Nicole Hair + Makeup
Earrings & Hair Pin – Elibre Handmade
Bridal Shoes – Bella Belle
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Groom’s Shoes – Paul Smith
Hanger – GriffinsNestCo
Rings – DeVons
Ring Box – The Mrs. Box
Vow Books – Olive Paperie
Rentals – Signature Party Rentals
Linen – BBJ Linens
Signage – Wildhouse Ink
Transportation – Cardiff Transportation

 

Congratulations to Rachel and Dean on their gorgeous Joshua Tree sunset micro wedding. Big thanks to Mirelle Carmichael Photography for capturing every moment and detail that made this celebration so special. And of course, a special thank you to Junebug member The Walk Down The Aisle for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. To see more of their talent, check out their profile in our directory of expert planners from around the world.

Just like this wedding, the easiest way to make sure your big day is creative, personalized, memorable, and fun is by drawing inspiration from your own love story. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to planning a unique wedding to help you and your partner come up with original ideas as you plan a special day that’s uniquely yours. 

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36 Cute Wedding Boots for Fall and Winter Brides

June 11, 2022 | riley

Image by Radu Benjamin. See more of this real wedding here.

Snakeskin, leather, and suede–oh my! We’re huge fans of fall and winter brides rocking booties with their wedding dresses, but we know that it can be intimidating. Which is why we’re here to help you nail the look. Whether you’re searching for western, glam, or adventurous weather-proof styles, our roundup of 36 cute wedding boots is the only resource you need to keep cold feet away on your big day.

Neutral Wedding Boots

Neutral boots are going to be the easiest out of all trends to wear with a traditional wedding gown or jumpsuit. Whether you’re looking for a rhinestone-studded pair that will have you feeling like a rockstar or an understated pair of white cowboy boots, these natural wedding boots will go with absolutely every bridal look.

1. Steve Madden Howler Bootie ($99.95); 2. RAID Wide Fit Kola Ankle Boots in White ($50); 3. Chinese Laundry Bonnie Crocodile-Embossed Ankle Boots ($99.95); 4. Vegan Ranch Boot ($78); 5. Steve Madden Aquarius Tan Suede ($139.95); 6. Dolce Vita Stormy H2O Waterproof Chelsea Boot ($75); 7. Ulani Heeled Bootie ($113.99); 8. Marc Fisher LTD Jarli ($188); 9. Pentlee Bootie ($89.99)

Black Wedding Boots

Feeling a little edgy? These black wedding boots will contrast perfectly with a white dress for a more non-traditional look. We think they’d look quite stylish with a pantsuit or make for stunning reception shoes to dress the night (comfortably) away in.

1. Steve Madden Howler Bootie ($99.95); 2. RAID Lexus chunky mid heel boots in black ($64); 3. Loeffler Randall Isla Pointy Toe Bootie ($450); 4. Lulus x Matisse Pointed Toe Ankle Booties ($54); 5. Jaye Ankle Bootie ($49.99); 6. Dr. Marten 1460 Combat Boot ($139.99); 7. Dr. Marten Jadon Black Leather 8-Eye Platform Boot ($180); 8. Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot ($99.95); 9. Unisa Marlie II Bootie ($59.99)

Colorful Wedding Boots

We love it when brides go against the grain and add a pop of color. What better way to add some brightness to your special day than a colorful pair of boots? Choose a color that’s special to you or match them to your bouquet for a more cohesive look.

1. Franco Sarto Tina 2 Block Heel Boot ($169); 2. Jaye Ankle Bootie ($49.99); 3. Betsy Johnson Cady Fuchsia ($149); 4. Sam Edelman Codie Suede Booties ($149.99); 5. Lane Boots Saratoga Western Boot ($249.95); 6. Chinese Laundry Erin Bootie ($89.95); 7. Propét Reese Chelsea Boot ($99.95); 8. Codie Ankle Bootie ($170); 9. Franco Sarto Stevie Bootie ($168.95)

Winter Wedding Boots

Last but not least, these winter wedding boots are perfect for the adventurous bride looking to scale the mountains. Whether you’re eloping on the top of the Alps or tying the knot in the middle of a snowstorm, these boots are not only cute, but they’ll keep you nice and warm.

  1. UGG Adirondack III Waterproof Boot ($249.95); 2. Timberland Kinsley Boot ($109); 3. Redrock Women’s Ankle Boots ($24); 4. Kamik Sienna 2 Boot ($119.95); 5. Sorel Caribou ($170); 6. Cliffs by White Mountain Hallett Snow Boot ($59.99); 7. Marc Fisher LTD Izzie Genuine Shearling Lace-Up Boot ($259); 8. Hunt Pac Deluxe Boot ($119); 9. Sorel Whitney™ II Short Lace ($120)

Now that you’ve got your dress and wedding boots picked out, it’s time to finish the look off with a jacket and accessories!

Image by Wild Connections Photographer. See more of this real wedding here.

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How to Incorporate Black As A Wedding Color

June 10, 2022 | kailey

Image by Naba Zabih Photography. Keep scrolling to see how to have the black wedding of your dreams

There’s a common misconception that weddings have to be bright, neutral, or packed with tradition. Newsflash, that’s not the case. We’re seeing more and more couples go against the grain, breaking those outdated wedding planning expectations–and it all starts with hiring your vendors, picking a color palette, and creating a mood board. 

While neutral weddings will always be a timeless aesthetic, it’s not for everyone. And if you’re looking for ways to make a statement, a bold color palette is the way to go. But remember, bold doesn’t always mean vibrant. Incorporating dark, moody shades—like black—is also a bold, unique way to set your wedding apart. Here are some creative ways to subtly and not-so-subtly incorporate black into your wedding. 

Invitation Suites 

Your wedding invitations set the tone of your big day. Being the first thing your wedding guests will see, your invitation suite is an important decision. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. And the key to doing that is incorporating black. Whether you go all black or just add hints of black, this moody color is sure to add that pop of elegance that’ll get your guests excited to RSVP. 

Signage 

Don’t underestimate the power of signage on your big day. This often last-minute detail welcomes guests, directs them to their seats, introduces your signature cocktails, and so much more. Signs can be used for almost everything, and making them a core part of your decor is a sure way to make your wedding stand out. 

Incorporating black into your signage is perfect for those couples looking to add subtle, moody details without going all-out. 

Floral arrangements, Bouquets, and Boutineers 

Wedding florals are a key component of both ceremony and reception decor. It’s also one of the easiest ways to incorporate black into your wedding design. Take your celebration to a whole new level by throwing black into your bouquet, boutonnieres, and even your ceremony backdrop—which can also be repurposed for your reception. 

Recommended reading: Floral Color Palettes to Show your Florist

Make A Statement With Black Wedding Day Fashion

When you picture traditional wedding day attire, you probably think of a long white gown or the classic black tux. And while these classics will always hold a special place in our heart, nontraditional fashion statements are taking over the wedding world. Fashion trends like short wedding dresses, colorful suits, and mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses are packing weddings with personality. 

If you’re really ready to make a statement, incorporate black into your wedding day attire. Go big with a black wedding dress, an all-black tux, or even a pantsuit. If you’re not ready to commit to an all-black wedding day look, have your wedding party rock black. This will make for some incredible contrasting photos. 

Subtle Accessories 

Shoes, jewelry, hair pieces, nails—there are various subtle ways to incorporate black into your wedding day fashion. This is perfect for those that still want to rock the traditional wedding day attire but want to spice it up. Tie your bridal look together with some of our favorite accessories. 

Reception Bar 

Let’s be honest, the reception bar is always one of the most popular elements of a wedding—for you and for your guests. And with incredible drink offerings and a stylish set-up, your bar can easily become a reception staple piece. Go with an all-black design or take a more understated approach by dressing your reception space with dark florals, glassware, and signage. 

Images by Seth & Co Photography. See more of this styled shoot here.

Spice Up Your Wedding Cake 

With dessert being one of the sweetest portions of any reception, adding black details will make it that much sweeter. You can add a small personal touch to your wedding cake design with a black cake topper. But, if you’re wanting your dessert to really steal the show, work with your cake bakery to come up with a sleek all-black design.  

Whether you go with an all-black monochromatic moment or incorporate black into a multi-color palette, choosing wedding colors isn’t always the easiest task. That’s where we come in. To help make choosing your wedding colors a fun and easy process, start by checking out these tips for choosing your wedding color palette.

Image by Madeline Barr Photo. See more of this real wedding here.

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