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How To Decorate Your Elopement

June 27, 2021 | kailey

Images by Matthew David Studio. Wedding planner The Walk Down the Aisle.

Whether you’re eloping at your local courthouse, on-top of a mountain, or in your dream destination location there are many elements that can be added to make your day even more you. Small celebrations—like elopements and micro weddings—don’t have to be boring or drab. 

Choosing an elopement wedding celebration doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beautiful decor elements. We’ve recruited Junebug wedding industry members to bring you a list of top-notch ways to decorate your elopement that will make for a memorable and personalized celebration. 

Why Decorate Your Elopement? 

You’ve decided on eloping, but not sure if you want to take on the task of decorating? Let us change your mind. Nikk Nguyen—Junebug photography member—says “a major benefit to decorating your own elopement is the amount of character and personality it brings to your ceremony. With decorating comes the option to add your own flair and match your setting to your taste. Being able to customize your set-up is definitely a big win and makes your ceremony that much more special!” 

Image by Henry Tieu. See more of this real wedding here.

Decorate Your Elopement With A Vow Rug 

This decor detail may seem like a simple wedding addition. But after exchanging “I do’s” on it, a  decorative rug becomes a special keepsake—lasting long beyond your wedding day. 

Junebug member and experienced wedding planner The Walk Down the Aisle, is all about intentionality. They suggest that couples choosing to elope “buy a vow rug! Say your vows on this rug, take it home, and make it a part of your new life together. Let this rug be a tangible reminder of where your marriage started and how your lives are growing together.” 

Light Up Your Elopement With Twinkle Lights 

There aren’t often guests at an elopement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go all out when it comes to decor. Draping twinkle lights is a fun and romantic way to brighten up your elopement—especially for couples exchanging “I do’s” as the sun sets or beneath the stars.  

Destination photographer Magdalene Kourti, has gathered elopement decor ideas executed by the adventurous couples she’s had the opportunity to work with. Her tip? “Don’t hesitate when it comes to using lights as wedding décor. Hanging twinkle string lights around the venue will create a romantic ambiance and make for beautiful photographs. Some venues—like the ones here in Greece—may even allow fireworks. What a unique and entertaining way to mark the beginning of a new chapter!”

Image by Tara Lilly Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Frame The Backdrop With A Ceremony Arch 

You’ve spent time searching for the perfect elopement location. Whether you’ve selected this location because of the jaw-dropping views or a nostalgic connection, odds are it’s a space you’re proud to have in your wedding day photos. 

Outdoor wedding specialists With Love – Brisbane Wedding Decorators, recommend framing your ceremony location with a beautiful archway. “Since elopements have the added versatility of an amazing range of ceremony locations you’re bound to have a stunning backdrop. So why wouldn’t you frame the picture perfect location—you’ve spent time carefully choosing—with a beautiful wedding arbour? Whether your style is boho, vintage, retro or classic elegance, having ceremony decor will let your elopement style shine.” 

Florals and Greenery 

Floral arrangements—big or small—are an easy and fun way to personalize any wedding decor. Junebug member Zac Wolf Photography says “with all the money you’re saving by having fewer guests, go crazy on florals. Consider having a floral backdrop for your ceremony. It’ll make those intimate ceremonies all that more beautiful!” 

Corey Lynn Tucker Photography reminds us that “just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you need to skimp on beautiful surroundings.” Because elopements are typically small, intimate gatherings, repurposing decor is a great option to save on money and limit heavy lifting—especially if your elopement location requires hiking. If you’re making florals your primary decor element, Corey also suggests that you repurpose florals for your picnic table and pop a bottle of bubbly after your elopement. What a great way to kick off your marriage. 

Images by Matthew David Studio. Wedding planner The Walk Down the Aisle.

Tablescape Elopement Decor

You’re eloping in style so be sure to eat in style, too. A sweetheart table isn’t only for large receptions

Palm Springs based wedding planners The Walk Down the Aisle, let us in on how they infuse personality and functionality into their couples’ elopements. “Working with a local planner, who also designs and sources products provides a wealth of styling opportunities—especially for traveling couples. We provide a champagne and sweets station, bring in decorative pillows, and let the couple just sit and bask in a moment alone.” 

Cake, Cake, And More Cake 

There may be just two of you, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip on dessert. Your wedding cake is a decor element that doubles as a yummy treat—no matter the size of your guest list

Junebug Tip:

Wanting a wedding cake perfect for your elopement but not sure where to start? Check out everything you need to know about your wedding cake.

Fun Fashion Details That Dress A Space And You

An elopement is all about celebrating you. It’s your day—you’re not bound to strict, traditional fashion guidelines. Want to wear a non-white wedding dress? Do it. Want to show your personality by sporting an unconventional colored suit? We’re here for it. Celebrate your love in wedding fashion that feels authentic to you. 

Recommended Reading: The Dreamy Unconventional Colorful Suit Roundup

An intimate elopement ceremony or authentic, personality-rich decor—big thanks to our talented Junebug members for proving that you can have both. 

If you’re feeling inspired to trade tradition for adventure, an elopement is for you. Whether you’re dreaming of beautiful national park views or a cozy, intimate Airbnb, check out these cool U.S. destinations fit for an elopement that’s as special as you. 

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7 Engagement Photo Mistakes to Avoid

June 26, 2021 | kailey

Image by Lauren Casino Photography. Keep scrolling to see engagement photo mistakes to avoid

There’s only one way to kickstart your wedding planning process—rocking those engagement photos. Your engagement photo session is one of the most exciting parts of your engagement season so we want to make sure you’re fully prepared. Now that you’ve hired your dream photographer and hunted down the perfect setting, it’s time to make sure you nail your engagement photos

We’ve rounded up the most common engagement photo mistakes couples make so you can avoid them for your own session. From timing to outfit choices, keep these things in mind to ensure your engagement photo day goes off flawlessly. 

1. Not Planning Around the Sun

Lighting plays an important role when it comes to your engagement photos. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a trusted photographer that can help you plan your engagement session around the sun. If you’re wanting that soft golden glow, we recommend scheduling your photo session around sunset or golden hour. There is no better way to add a romantic vibe than snapping photos just before the sun sets or rises. 

2. Not Showing Up On Time

“Fashionably late” doesn’t apply when it comes to your engagement session. The success of your photos is based on the lighting, timing, and the overall feel. Being late is a waste of your photographer’s time, prime natural lighting, and will leave you stressed out. 

Everyone deserves to feel radiant in their engagement photos. That’s why arriving early is crucial. We totally understand that traffic or other unexpected issues can pop up. So, we recommend planning to arrive at your first location with everything ready to go at least 15 minutes before your photographer’s arrival time. That means outfits are on and props are ready to go. This is the best way to create a buffer in case something doesn’t go to plan. 

3. Not Picking A Location You Feel Comfortable And Most Like Yourself

Your engagement session is all about authentically capturing your love. And from your outfit choice to location, every element should do just that. While the aesthetic of your images is important, we think comfort and sentiment should be your top priorities. 

For outdoorsy couples, pick your favorite hiking trail. For coffee lovers, head to your favorite coffee shop. For home-bodies, cuddle up for an in-home session. Just be sure you choose a place that means something to you. It will make all the difference!

Recommended reading: Our Favorite Spots in the U.S. for Epic Engagement Photos

4. Having Too Many Location Changes

We’re in full support of multiple location changes during your engagement photo session—each offering a different mood and aesthetic. In order to maximize your time in front of the camera, thoroughly plan out your locations including travel time. 

Be careful not to underestimate the time you have with your photographer, you don’t want to waste a minute of that precious time or lighting! 

5. Not Picking Comfortable Clothing

Selecting a location is an important decision, but don’t underestimate the weight your engagement outfits hold. If you look good, you feel good, and you should feel both radiant and comfortable in your engagement photos. 

It’s important to dress according to the season, weather, and desired vibe. When it comes to your outfit choice, don’t let the inspiration photos you’ve saved sway you into selecting attire that doesn’t feel like you. If you want a casual session, go casual. If you want to glam it up, by all means, go full glam. 

Junebug Tip:

For more inspiration, check out our guides for spring, summer, and winter engagement photo outfits

6. Having Too Many Outfit Changes

We’re in full support of multiple outfit changes during your engagement photo session. But, it’s important to keep in mind that the more outfit changes you add, the less time you’ll have in front of the camera. Limit your full outfit changes to two. You can easily switch up your look with a couple of minor outfit changes—like changing shoes, adding jewelry, or throwing on a jacket. 

7. Not Getting Tons of Sweet Candid Moments

Before the big photo day, you’ve probably googled “engagement photo pose ideas” at least once. It’s okay, we get it. While pose ideas are a great way to spark inspiration, you won’t want all of your photos to feel stiff. Your photos will come out best if you allow your photographer the freedom to capture all the candid moments they can get. 

Posed shots can be great in some instances, but the real magic happens in those in-between moments when you’ve both forgotten about the camera. Trust your photographer and trust yourselves, it’ll be worth it when you get those photos back. 

Now that you’re fully equipped with the mistakes to avoid during engagement photos, it’s time for the fun stuff. Kickstart your engagement photo planning by searching for a trusted photographer from our directory of top wedding photographers from around the world. Then, check out our guide on how to set the scene for your engagement photos.

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Bright and Modern Fortune Gallery Micro Wedding

June 26, 2021 | riley

Here at Junebug, we have the honor of featuring so many talented vendors. So it’s no surprise that we love when these creatives come together for styled shoots like this one organized by Pop Up Wedding Victoria. Photographer and co-founder of the event planning company–Julia Loglisci–transformed Fortune Gallery into a space full of laidback and luxurious touches. And florist Botanic Creative brought life to the venue with the help of palms and other greenery.

The colorful velvet suits worn by the grooms paired perfectly with the lanterns hanging above Victoria’s Chinatown while contrasting flawlessly against the black and white marble plates and chargers. The final touch was at the end of the night, when the couple ended the celebration with hot dogs from a local food truck.

So whether you’re planning your own micro wedding or you’re looking for ways to make your big city nuptials a bit more personal, these art gallery “I do’s” are sure to inspire.

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The Talented Team:

Photography – Julia Loglisci
Event Planning – Pop Up Wedding Victoria
Venue – Fortune Gallery
Floral Design – Botanic Creative
Catering – Touque Catering
Cake – July Cake Girl
Custom Bow Ties – Prusa Designs
Groom’s Apparel – Outlooks for Men

 

Thank you to Julia Loglisci for organizing and capturing this Fortune Gallery micro wedding and sharing it with Junebug. For tips on making your own mini matrimony special, check out how you can host a creative micro wedding!

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