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An Unforgettable Destination Wedding at Rocca di Lonato, a Thousand-Year-Old Medieval Fortress

November 18, 2025 | justine

Andrea and Kevin know how to host a party. As two hospitality pros, they brought their love of food, music, and people to their Rocca di Lonato wedding. It was a day that felt like the ultimate dinner party, elevated by Lake Garda views and a night that ended in fireworks.

Their story started with pure coincidence: both landed in Australia on the same day back in 2012, unaware of each other’s existence. Years later, that twist of fate led them home to Italy for a celebration that captured everything they love most—connection, culture, and one unforgettable party.

What We Love About This Rocca di Lonato Wedding

  • A hospitality-inspired feast with champagne, caviar, and two hours of aperitivo
  • Andrea’s Tahitian crown as a surprise nod to Kevin’s heritage
  • Personalized fans, matchboxes, and cocktail napkins for guests
  • A live band and breathtaking fireworks display

Featured Vendor:

Italian Vendors

Why They Chose Rocca di Lonato for Their Italian Destination Wedding

For Andrea and Kevin, choosing Rocca di Lonato was as much about meaning as it was about magic. “Being on Garda Lake was a must. Andrea is from there, and we love it there!” they said. Known for its sweeping lake views and exceptional cuisine, the venue perfectly matched their vision for a fun, food-focused celebration.

As hospitality professionals, their priorities were clear: great food, great wine, and a party that never slowed down. “We’re both hospitality people. We knew what we wanted and what we didn’t want. Lots of good food was the must.” From aperitivo to dessert, the menu was an experience! Collet champagne, caviar from Ars Italica, and local Italian favorites shared family-style under the stars.

Planning a Destination Wedding With the Right Support Team

Coordinating a destination wedding from across the globe came with challenges, but Andrea and Kevin knew when to call in the experts. “We started planning by ourselves. Midway, we realized coordinating everything from Sydney was too hard, so we hired an event planner to coordinate all vendors.”

They worked with professionals they trusted implicitly. “Alessandro from Italian Lovers and Andrea from Feelmore were highly recommended and both top-notch!” the couple shared. With the right people handling logistics, Andrea and Kevin could simply enjoy the day as hosts, not organizers.

A Romantic Ceremony Surrounded by History

Andrea and Kevin exchanged vows surrounded by the centuries-old stone walls of Rocca di Lonato. Guests shaded themselves with white parasols as live music filled the air. “The ceremony felt intimate and full of joy—exactly how we wanted to start the celebration,” they said. 

As Andrea walked down the aisle wearing his handmade Tahitian crown, the atmosphere turned emotional. “That was a surprise I did not know about,” Kevin said. “It made the moment even more special.”

A Two-Hour Aperitivo Filled With Music, Champagne, and Sunshine

Following their ceremony inside the fortress, guests gathered on the terrace for a two-hour aperitivo that set the tone for the night. Larry’s Band performed upbeat classics as guests mingled over champagne, caviar, and small plates, all while overlooking the shimmering Lake Garda.

“It was exactly what we wanted—fun, relaxed, and full of energy,” they said. The laughter, music, and warm Italian light made it feel like one long golden hour, leading seamlessly into dinner.

Stylish Details and Statement Looks

Andrea wore a Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo paired with a handmade crown from Tahiti, a meaningful nod to Kevin’s roots. Kevin wore a custom-tailored Rochefort suit from Sydney, while their wedding party looked effortlessly sleek in all black.

They kept decor minimal yet sophisticated—green and white florals accented with fruit, natural linens, and candlelight to create a warm Mediterranean glow. Personalized touches, from monogrammed fans to custom matchboxes and cocktail napkins, added playful elegance to every corner. 

Ending the Celebration With Fireworks and Dancing

Once dinner ended, the celebration kicked into high gear. Larry’s Band kept the dance floor packed, performing nonstop as guests sang, laughed, and danced beneath the fortress lights. “The band! They were the most fantastic band ever!” Kevin said.

The night reached its crescendo with a cake-cutting ceremony illuminated by fireworks over the castle walls. “Best wedding ever!” they both said, remembering how every moment—from the first toast to the final spark—felt like pure magic.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Italian Lovers
Event Planning – Oro Rosa
Venue – Rocca di Lonato
Reception Venue –
Floral Design – Nontiscordar
Catering – PB Catering
Live Music – Larry Band Entertainment
Videography – Feelmore

 

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A Fig-Inspired Kos Greece Wedding Steeped in Ancient Greek Romance

November 16, 2025 | justine

When Ariana dreamed of her Kos Greece wedding, she pictured something that felt timeless and sensual, moody, romantic, and organic, like dining among the gods. “I chose August because it marks the beginning of fig season in Greece,” she shared. “I wanted that perfect fruit to inspire the colors, textures, and feeling of the day.”

Her vision came to life through a color palette of deep fig purple, olive green, soft cream, and touches of red—set against a mountain venue surrounded by olive trees. The result was a celebration that perfectly balanced the intimacy of family tradition with the indulgent beauty of ancient Greek romance.

What We Love About This Kos Greece Wedding

  • A fig-inspired color palette rooted in local Greek symbolism
  • A three-day celebration blending Greek, Serbian, and Jewish traditions
  • Thoughtful handmade stationery designed by the bride
  • A tattoo artist for guests
  • Late-night gyros and saxophone performances that kept the energy alive

Featured Vendor:

Jasmine + Mint Boutique Events

Turning a Beloved Island Into a Wedding Destination

Ariana’s connection to the island runs deep, her family is from Kos, and they spend every summer there. “Even before I was engaged, I already had an idea of where I wanted our events to take place,” she said.

The couple worked with Junebug vendor Jasmine & Mint Boutique Events, who perfectly brought their fig-inspired vision to life. The three-day celebration began with a welcome party at Ariana’s family home, originally built by her great-grandparents and lovingly rebuilt by her father. “It felt incredibly special to start the weekend there,” she said. “We ate, drank, and danced under the Greek sky while a chef grilled on the rooftop.”

The next day, guests lounged at Ammos Beach Club, soaking in the island’s blue waters before gathering for an intimate family dinner at one of the couple’s favorite restaurants. Each event built anticipation for the big day, culminating in a breathtaking ceremony in the mountains of Zia, the village where Ariana’s great-grandmother was born.

Merging Greek, Serbian, and Jewish Traditions in One Ceremony

Ariana, who is Greek and Serbian, and Sam, who is Jewish, wanted their Kos Greece wedding ceremony to reflect their shared values and cultural roots. A close friend officiated, combining elements from Greek and Serbian Orthodox customs with Jewish traditions.

“We stood beneath a chuppah, our Koumbaro performed the crowning ritual, and we ended with Sam breaking the glass,” Ariana said. “It was short, sweet, and filled with love.”

Instead of traditional vows, they each answered a set of questions ahead of time—responses that were woven beautifully into the ceremony. “Hearing each other’s answers for the first time at the altar was incredibly emotional. To our surprise, they matched perfectly.”

Guests were greeted with champagne and popsicles before the ceremony while a pianist played hip hop and R&B covers, a modern twist on Greek romance that set the tone for the night.

Wedding Fashion Inspired by Modern Greek Goddesses

Ariana’s bridal look was all about modern goddess energy. She wore the strapless “Huntleigh” gown by Jane Hill, a figure-hugging design with a detachable train that transformed into a sleek column silhouette for the reception. “It felt like what a modern Greek goddess would wear,” she said.

Her hair was styled in a slicked-back half-up look, balanced with full glam makeup that made her features pop. “It was the most beautiful I’ve ever felt. My team went beyond anything I could’ve imagined.”

The bridesmaids wore various chocolate and taupe dresses in different fabrics, creating texture and depth. Sam complemented the aesthetic in a light tan double-breasted suit from Suit Supply, paired with Scarosso loafers and a calla lily brooch sourced from eBay.

For her second look, Ariana changed into a sheer net-and-sequin gown by NBD from Revolve, ready to dance through the night.

Shop Brown Bridesmaid Dresses:

Bringing Ancient Greek Romance to Life Through Design

Before she even met Sam, Ariana knew this would be her wedding venue. “It’s an open-air space with the best sunsets on the island. It feels unlike anywhere else in the world.”

She wanted to create an atmosphere that felt rich, romantic, and distinctly Greek, without relying on the typical blue-and-white palette. With the help of their planner, the decor featured fruit-filled centerpieces, deep-toned florals, and glowing candlelight. Ariana’s bouquet of long-stem cream calla lilies completed the refined look.

Throughout the evening, guests were immersed in small, personal details. A traditional Greek band performed during cocktail hour, a live saxophonist joined later in the night, and a tattoo artist offered custom designs Ariana created herself. Even her cat and dog made a playful appearance in the form of oversized dance floor cutouts.

At 1 a.m., guests were surprised with late-night gyros from a local restaurant, a nod to the couple’s love of food and family tradition. “It was the perfect way to end the night.”

Ariana’s Best Advice for a Stress-Free Destination Wedding

Once the Kos Greece wedding weekend began, Ariana let go of all stress. “Anything that didn’t go exactly as planned just rolled off my back. You’re the only one who knows if something goes wrong, so don’t sweat the small stuff.”

She also encourages destination couples to give guests time to enjoy the location. “We planned three days of events but made sure everyone had downtime too. It’s what made the weekend feel so relaxed and special.” 

Her biggest advice? “Focus on your happiness and your partner’s happiness above all else,” she shared. “Soak in every moment. Planning can be stressful, but it’s all worth it once you see your vision come to life.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kimon Kaketsis
Event Planning – Jasmine + Mint Events
Venue + Catering – Fantasia
Floral Design – LouLouDou
Table Decor Fruit + Seating Chart – Afthonia
Cake – MOUS patisserie
Officiant – Sarah Snyder
DJ – Dimos Zamagias
Live Music – Lefteris Pouliou
Videography – Galvanize Studio
Makeup Artist – Nikoleta Drougka
Hair Styling – Nikos Georgiadis
Nails – Segraidou
Wedding Dress – Jane Hill
Bridal Shoes – Aquazzura
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Rings – Kinn + Nikos Gold
Rentals – MAROQ RENTALS

 

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Whimsical Retro Summer Camp Wedding Inspiration on the Shores of Lake Tahoe

November 14, 2025 | justine

When Junebug vendor North Tahoe Event Center partnered with Reverie Picnics, the goal was to bring something playful and unexpected to the shores of Lake Tahoe. “We wanted to show couples how creative you can get with a lakeside celebration,” shares Christina McDougal, Event Center Manager. “It’s such a naturally beautiful space, but there’s also room to have fun and make it your own.”

Set right on Kings Beach, this summer camp wedding inspiration turned the idea of a traditional Tahoe event on its head. The team drew from Wes Anderson’s iconic sense of symmetry and color, pairing it with the ease of a mountain-beach day. The concept was part cinematic, part nostalgic, a cross between a design experiment and a lakeside getaway.

What We Love About This Summer Camp Wedding Inspiration

  • A “Wes Anderson meets Tahoe” theme that mixes color, texture, and character
  • Lounge-style ceremony seating and pendant flags that gave the space a relaxed, summery feel
  • Wild, vibrant florals that brought movement and life into every corner
  • A sunset canoe scene that turned into a joyful, spontaneous moment

Featured Vendor:

North Tahoe Event Center

How the Setting Shaped the Vision

The venue itself shaped much of the shoot. Nestled right along Kings Beach, North Tahoe Event Center is one of the few true lakefront spaces on the North Shore. Its open layout, beach access, and sweeping mountain views gave the creative team total freedom.

“Being on the lake made it easy to dream big,” Christina says. “You have this incredible natural backdrop, so you can really play with color and texture without it feeling overwhelming.”

Instead of traditional ceremony chairs, the team brought in velvet couches for a cozy, lounge-style setup. Colorful fabric flags stretched across the patio. It was a simple, budget-friendly touch that instantly transformed the space. The overall layout encouraged connection, with open areas for mingling, dining, and dancing. “We wanted it to feel like a camp—relaxed, social, and full of small moments.”

Simple, Stylish Looks That Fit the Tahoe Setting

The fashion was kept clean and practical for a lakeside day, with two distinct bridal looks. For the ceremony, the bride wore an off-the-shoulder column gown with sheer long sleeves and a cathedral-length veil with floral embroidery. Later, she switched into a short, strapless mini dress (for portraits and sunset) paired with black flats for a low-key, modern finish. Hair was left in loose waves with natural makeup, keeping the overall look relaxed and camera-ready.

The groom stayed classic in a light taupe suit with a crisp white shirt, green tie, and brown shoes—a subtle pop of color that tied into the palette without competing with it.

Designing a Wes Anderson-Inspired Summer Camp Wedding

Christina describes the design as “intentional, but never too serious.” Every corner was meant to feel alive and layered with small discoveries—patterned linens, textured materials, and vintage details that looked collected rather than styled. The tablescape was full of character, mixing bold prints and natural textures with playful touches that encouraged guests to look closer.

The florals were designed to reflect that same energy: bright, wild, and full of life. “We didn’t want anything stiff or structured,” Christina explains. “The colors had to feel like summer in Tahoe. Vivid but still grounded in nature.”

As the light shifted throughout the day, so did the mood. In the afternoon, the scene felt sunlit and breezy. By sunset, glowing lanterns and a light-up dance floor transformed the patio into something magical, a mix of art installation and lakeside party. “You could feel the energy change with the light,” she says. “It was exactly what we hoped for.”

A Playful Finish That Inspired Real Wedding Ideas

The shoot ended in true Tahoe fashion, with everyone laughing and a little bit wet! The plan was to finish the day with a dreamy canoe shot at sunset, but the wind had other ideas. “The water got choppy, and suddenly it turned into an all-hands-on-deck situation. Our venue coordinator waded in fully clothed to steady the canoe, and by the end, half the team was in the lake. It was chaos, but it was the best kind of chaos.”

That unscripted moment perfectly summed up what made the day special. “Everyone was smiling. You could feel how much fun we were all having. And that energy shows in the photos,” Christina recalls.

Since the shoot, couples have reached out asking how to bring similar ideas into their own weddings, from colorful fabric flags to creative lounge setups and canoe portraits. “It’s been so fun seeing people connect with it. It reminds couples that weddings can be creative and meaningful without losing their sense of play.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Sir Berry Photography
Event Planning – Reverie Picnics
Venue – North Tahoe Event Center
Floral Design – Jesse & Co Florals
Catering – Blend Catering
Cake – C’s Mad Batter Cakery
Bar – Petite Street
Live Painting – Studio Wride
Calligrapher – Thick and Thin Lines Calligraphy
Makeup + Hair Styling – ME Beauty
Dresses + Veils – Lady Luck Bridal
Tuxedo – Just in Time Tux
Dancefloor – Tahoe LED Dancefloors
Furniture + Decor Rentals – Mountain Vibes Specialty Rentals
Table Linens – Creative Coverings
Wedding Dog Chaperone – Dog of Honor Events

 

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