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How To Host An Outstanding Virtual Wedding

June 24, 2021 | riley
couple posing in front of virtual wedding

virtual wedding image provided by Lovecast

You’ve sent invitations to your family and friends from all over the world. You’re eagerly awaiting their RSVPs. They start to return and you find that 15-30% of your loved ones aren’t able to make it to your wedding day. Whether that’s because they can’t afford to travel or it’s not safe for them to do so, there must be a way to include them in your celebration. Now, there is. Meet the Lovecast app, the ultimate virtual wedding solution.

We’ve heard all of the complaints about virtual weddings—live streaming was glitchy, the internet kept cutting out, nobody knew how to operate the complicated app or software, and the list goes on. But our friends at Lovecast founded their company in 2019, well ahead of the global pandemic. Since they were so ahead of the curve, they’ve worked out the kinks and created an easy-to-use app. Lovecast makes hosting and attending virtual weddings as enjoyable as attending in-person. 

How Lovecast Began

Jinjing and Neil both worked as senior engineers at Google and Uber, respectively. They met at Cornell University and Lovecast was inspired by their own wedding back in 2017. As they began inviting their friends and family from different parts of the world, they realized that many of their loved ones wouldn’t be able to attend. They set out to change that.

Lovecast is Seriously Easy

Unlike other options for virtual weddings, Lovecast was built specifically for wedding celebrations. The virtual guests will feel connected to what’s happening at the in-person event, and even your Great-Aunt can operate this live stream. There’s nothing to download or log in to which means minimal technology support from your wedding crew. Which means even less stuff on your wedding planning plate.

Because Lovecast creates a dedicated broadcast link for your wedding, you and your guests won’t have to fumble around with confirmation codes or strange calendar invites. Guests will receive a simple link and not be featured on camera—so this won’t feel like a work conference call. 

Logistics Of Starting A Live Stream

Lovecast is a mobile app so it works on wifi and mobile connections. To get started you’ll enter your wedding date in the app and. send out your broadcast link. Then, on your wedding day you’ll press the “Start Live” button. That’s it. No need to get a laptop with a wired internet connection like you would for most virtual meeting apps. 

Consider asking a family member, friend, or even your wedding planner to run the live stream. Unlike Zoom or Google Hangouts, Lovecast is one-way streaming, so your designated helper won’t have to worry about muting the virtual guests. It’s one less thing to worry about on your big day. 

image provided by Lovecast

Recordings and Other Virtual Wedding Keepsakes

On your wedding invitation, let your remote guests know that this is a unique virtual wedding experience. They’ll be able to sign a photo guest book, participate in the live chat, or even join a guest table. After your virtual wedding, you’ll be able to download the digital guestbook full of well-wishes. Feel free to print it out as a unique keepsake! 

You’ll also be able to view your live stream recordings on your phone and in the virtual wedding link. It’s a perfect way to relive the wedding ceremony anytime. 

When Should You Start The Live Stream

Typically only the wedding ceremonies have been live streamed, but that’s because they’ve been a logistical headache. Since Lovecast is so easy to use, couples can stream reception activities like first dance and cake cutting

If guests leave between activities, Lovecast will let them know when you resume the live stream so they can join the fun. 

Virtual Weddings on Every Budget

The team at Lovecast knows that weddings should be celebrated by all, regardless of your wedding budget. That’s why there’s a free version of the app. The free version includes streaming of your ceremony, unlimited viewers, an automatically saved recording of your ceremony, and Guest RSVPs. 

If you do opt to use the premium version, there are even more benefits available, including a virtual rice toss, guest tables, welcome slideshow, customized site URL, and gift registry link. Regardless of which option you choose, your wedding guest count is essentially unlimited and you’ll be able to test the live stream to ensure there aren’t any snags.

virtual wedding example

real wedding guest view image provided by Lovecast

Are There Legal Requirements?

The short answer is no! Streaming your wedding is a fun and simple solution for all your loved ones to witness your “I do’s.” Just check with your wedding venue to make sure that they don’t have any rules about recording, and you’re good to go. 

Get Started Today

Whether you’re having a destination wedding, an intimate elopement, or you just want to make sure that all of your loved ones are able to watch you tie the knot and enjoy your wedding day, get started today.

how to host a virtual wedding graphic

image by Cassie Wang

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Jaw-Dropping Sunset Elopement Inspiration Shoot

June 24, 2021 | Junebug Weddings

Cliffside portraits, two sets of fabulous outfits, and a pampas grass bouquet—this sunset elopement inspiration in Big Sur served up fashion and stunning views. With only three days to plan, Rylee & Co. was able to create a gorgeous cliffside elopement shoot with the help from event planners Dallin and CiennaThey started their day at sunrise with a shoot that featured incredible California-style looks and cozy faux shearling coats. When sunset rolled around, the couple threw on their sequin blazers, bow ties, and popped some bubbly. 

This talented team proved that when it comes to elopements, less can be more and that magic can be created in 72 hours. If you’re thinking of eloping at the last minute, keep scrolling to see this Big Sur sunset elopement inspiration.

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Recommended reading: Not sure if eloping is right for you? Check out these 4 reasons to elope that’ll help you with your planning!

Recommended reading: Want more sunset elopement inspiration? Check out this Yosemite elopement at sunset!

The Talented Team:

Photography – Rylee & Co.
Event Planning + Floral Design – Dallin and Cienna

 

Big shout out to Rylee & Co. for capturing and sharing this sunset elopement inspiration with us. If you’re not certain about what eloping could mean for your celebration, check out what it means to elope. And once you’re convinced, check out our ultimate elopement planning guide

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Magical Neutral Palette Tulum Wedding

June 23, 2021 | riley

Now that the weather is warming up once again, we can’t seem to get enough of Mexico weddings. Mezcal, palm trees, and sand in your toes–what more could you ask for? Kari and Matt’s magical neutral palette Tulum wedding at ARCA Tulum had all of this and more. After visiting the tropical destination on vacation, the couple knew they wanted a weekend-long jungle party with their family and friends to celebrate their love. With the help of planner LM Weddings Tulum, that’s what they did.

The couple exchanged vows at a cenote overlooking the water before partying the night away under the glow of the disco balls. And although the venue’s natural beauty is unbeatable, the evening was elevated by extravagant floral arrangements from Moni Junco. Oh, and did we forget to mention that they flew their DJ in from Texas and there were also dancers in light-up costumes? 

These photos captured by Brooke Taelor have us packing our bags and booking flights, so get ready to get inspired. Because one look and you’ll be ready to jet off for your own destination wedding.

The Couple:

Kari and Matt

The Wedding:

ARCA Tulum, Tulum, Mexico

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A Perfectly Magical Neutral Palette Tulum Wedding

Tulum is a place that Matt and I have loved since the first time we visited in 2018. This city exudes the same characteristics we wanted for our wedding. It’s energetic, unpretentious, and intoxicating. Using Tulum’s natural beauty as a backdrop, we opted for neutral colors, rich textures, and open-air concepts for an immersive experience that lasted all weekend long. We wanted the weekend to feel less like a wedding and more like a three-day journey through a magical jungle!

Recommended Reading: The Best Places To Buy Bridesmaid Dresses Online

A Private Moment Between Bride And Groom

After the ceremony, Matt and I took a private shuttle back to ARCA to see the reception space before guests arrived. When we stepped foot into the entrance, both of our jaws hit the floor. Our incredible vendor team had magically transformed the restaurant into a romantic jungle oasis. The flowers, lighting, and decor surpassed our wildest dreams. That moment was especially memorable because of how much freedom we gave our vendors to create. We had no idea what to expect, and it was like walking into our very own surprise party! 

Highlighting Their Love For Music Throughout The Day

We refused to compromise on the music for our wedding. We started making a playlist for inspiration shortly after our engagement. Music is such an important part of our relationship, and we wanted it to be perfect. We flew our DJ, Christian Barbuto, from Austin to Tulum because we knew him well and trusted he would do an amazing job. He crushed it. Everything was curated to our musical taste, from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to well into the late-night party. Our reception started with our first dance song, “Treat You Better” by Rufus du Sol, and ended with a remixed version of the same song. I still get chills thinking about it!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Brooke Taelor
Event Planning – LM Weddings Tulum
Ceremony Venue – Cenote Chan Bacalar
Reception Venue – ARCA Tulum
Floral Design –  Moni Junco
Accommodations – Delek Tulum
DJ – Mr. Austin DJ
Live Music – Sureña
Videography – Morgan Scott Films
Invitation Design – Paper Source
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling – Zoe Elizabeth
Wedding Dress – Made With Love Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – Knot Standard
Rings – Eliza Page
Rehearsal Dinner – Taboo Beach Club

 

Congratulations again to Kari and Matt on their magical neutral palette Tulum wedding at ARCA Tulum! Big thank you to Brooke Taelor for capturing and sharing their day with Junebug. To nail your own destination nuptials, be sure to check out these destination wedding etiquette tips!

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