Loading...

Intimate And Intentional Red Rock Canyon Wedding

May 31, 2021 | riley

Weddings may look a little different these days, but they’re not missing the one thing that matters most–love. Kaitlin and Cody’s Red Rock Canyon wedding was small and intimate, but it was also a day full of sweeping desert views, unbridled happiness, and tears of joy. Not to mention fabulous floral arrangements from Elopement Las Vegas and a Justin Alexander wedding dress that was as timeless as it was glamorous.

After saying “I do” in a simple and stunning ceremony, the newlyweds gallivanted around the park with Junebug member Hotzel Photography. And we have to say, they shot some of the most beautiful wedding portraits we’ve seen to date. And to end their dream day, they enjoyed dinner and drinks with their closest friends and family at a Ruth’s Chris steakhouse. So whether you’re planning your own micro wedding or you want an adventure elopement in a faraway place, these desert nuptials are sure to inspire.

The Couple:

Kaitlin and Cody

The Wedding:

Red Rock Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, Nevada

A Surprise Music Choice

Initially, we had chosen an instrumental song for our bridal party to walk out to. When the music started, and we all heard Elvis singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” it was such a surprise, but we all immediately started crying because it felt so right and fit the moment more perfectly than any other song we could have picked. Plus, we got married in Vegas, so we suppose Elvis had to be incorporated somehow.

Shop similar bridesmaid dresses: Ana Crepe Midi Dress ($168); Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress ($168); Show Me Your Mumu Verona Cowl Dress ($168)

A Close Friend Acting As An Officiant

We got one of our very best friends to officiate our wedding. We were already going to be in a new place, far from home, and we wanted someone standing up there with us that really knew us and our relationship. The ceremony was so much more personal and special coming from him.

Recommended Reading: How To Host A Creative Micro Wedding

Why A Red Rock Canyon Wedding

Both of us grew up in the southeast and knew that we wanted something very different from the beach scene we were used to. We started looking out west and came across Red Rock Canyon. It was nothing like we had ever seen. Traveling out west and exploring a beautiful new place on top of getting married really made our weekend feel like a dream.

Recommended Reading: Southwestern Wedding Color Palette Ideas for Your Desert-Inspired Affair

What It’s Like Working With Junebug Member Hotzel Photo

The day of our wedding was the first time we had ever met our photographer–Hotzel Photography–in person, but no one would have ever known! Gabriela was so amazing, personable, and allowed us to really feel like ourselves throughout the whole day. Many of our photos are just us being so excited and giddy about the fact that we just got married. She beautifully captured everything!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Hotzel Photography
Event Planning + Floral Design – Elopement Las Vegas
Ceremony Venue – Red Rock Canyon National Park
Reception Venue + Cake – Ruth’s Chris
Videography – Rapture & Co
Makeup Artist – Beauty by Luvi
Hair Styling – Britts Braids
Wedding Dress – Justin Alexander
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Beards Diamonds
Transportation – Bell Limousine

 

Congratulations again to Kaitlin and Cody on their Red Rock Canyon wedding! We’re so thankful that Junebug member Hotzel Photography captured and shared the day with us. To see more of Gabriela’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Should You Have A Bridal Party?

May 29, 2021 | Junebug Weddings

Image by Erika Diaz Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

If you’ve been pondering the idea of having no bridal party, know that you are not alone. Many nearlyweds are choosing the non-traditional route and are opting for no wedding party at all. Here at Junebug, we are big fans of couples personalizing their wedding to be exactly what they want. This decision is no exception. And while this choice can be beneficial, there are some pros and cons to not having a bridal party. 

Planning your wedding is stressful, so making decisions like this early on can be a big help. If you’re going back and forth on having a bridal party or not, let us help you decide. Scroll down to find out the role of a wedding party and then the pros and cons of having no bridal party. 

Image by Jessica Jones Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

What Is A Wedding Party? 

A wedding party is a group of people that are chosen to stand by the couple during the ceremony on their wedding day. The wedding party also has the responsibility to assist the couple on the days leading up to the wedding. These include things like bridal showers, pre-wedding parties, and even helping to manage family dynamics. The wedding party also serves as moral support for the couple during the entire planning process. 

Pros of Having No Bridal Party

More Room In Wedding Budget

If you’re trying to manage your wedding budget, then choosing to have no bridal party might make sense. Although the bridal party is responsible for paying for their own wedding day attire, there are other costs to consider. Gifts, bouquets, and hair and makeup are usually paid for by the couple. 

No One’s Feelings Get Hurt

Some people find it very difficult to pick their closest friends or family members to stand by their side. So, if you and your partner are struggling to find the same number of people, or are going back and forth on who to pick, no wedding party is a good solution. The great thing about not having a wedding party is you can still involve your friends in the planning process without making others feel less special or left out. Choosing to have no bridal party saves your friends and family members from getting their feelings hurt. 

Less Conflict Or Drama

People will have a lot of opinions when it comes to the planning of your wedding. Bridal parties are no exception. You might also get along with your friends separately but when they are put together, they may not all see eye to eye. Choosing to have no bridal party might save you from potential drama. Plus, you won’t have to navigate differences of opinion happening as often while you plan your wedding. 

Image by Cody & Allison Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Cons of Having No Bridal Party

Less Moral Support

It can be a great reassurance to have some of your closest friends and family with you from start to finish when planning your wedding. Having your best friend help plan a bachelorette party, or having someone to lean on when you talk to your parents about decisions can be helpful. Often a bridal party has clearly defined roles that can help keep things organized. So, if you are opting to have no bridal party, you might be missing out on having that extra emotional and hands-on support. 

No One To Hold Bouquet Or Rings

There is a tradition for the wedding party to hold the rings and any bouquets during the ceremony. If you break with bridal party tradition, you won’t have someone there to hold your bouquet or your rings. You can always ask that the officiant hold the rings, and you can hand your bouquet to a guest in the front row. These are things to keep in mind if you decide not to have a wedding party. 

No Getting Ready Squad

Most brides enjoy getting ready with their bridal party. Some of our favorite shots from weddings are often the bridal party dancing the morning of the wedding in their robes—champagne in hand. There’s something electric about spending your final hours unmarried with your best friends that really adds to the joy and excitement of the day. If you do choose to not have a bridal party, you’ll lose out on that experience. 

Image by The Times We Have. See more of this real wedding here.

As you’re planning the wedding of your dreams, we hope this guide is helpful in deciding whether or not to have a bridal party. We are huge fans of personalizing your wedding to be exactly what you want. To help you plan the most perfect, uniquely-you wedding, check out our unique wedding planning guide. If you do decide to have a bridal party, but are worried about budget, we’ve got 7 tips for saving your bridesmaids money. 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Bright, Fun, And Sun-Filled Phoenix Backyard Wedding

May 28, 2021 | kailey

Nothing was raining on Molly and Chelsea’s Phoenix backyard celebration. Almost. The morning of the wedding, rain clouds dispersed and the skies filled with desert sunshine—the perfect wedding day weather. With the help of their loved ones, wedding planner Bloom & Blueprint Event Co., and a talented team of vendors, this couple was able to transform an ordinary backyard space into the dreamiest wedding venue. 

Their big day was filled with sentimental and nostalgic pieces. From the wedding venue—Molly’s parents backyard and the place their love blossomed—to the hand-written and personalized vows. Every wedding day detail was carefully curated with intentionality and purpose in mind. 

We can’t take our eyes off the sweet, memorable moments that were captured by Mary Costa Photography. Grab your tissues and get ready to soak up this powerful and heartfelt ceremony. It perfectly celebrated both Molly and Chelsea’s love for each other and marriage equality. 

More From Mary Costa On This Phoenix Backyard Wedding

Molly and Chelsea’s wedding was heartfelt, beautifully styled, and full of joy. It took place in Molly’s parents’ backyard and was full of personal touches. It was pouring rain the morning of their wedding—which is a rarity in Phoenix, Arizona. As luck would have it the sun came out just after Molly and Chelsea finished getting ready, and the talented team of planners from Bloom & Blueprint Event Co broke down dozens of small tents to create a beautiful space in record time. Their ceremony was incredibly heartfelt, including a candle lighting with all the guests. We also caught the last bit of daylight in the Phoenix mountains. Such a beautiful couple and a stunning day!

The Couple:

Molly and Chelsea

The Wedding:

Phoenix, Arizona

A Backyard Turned Dream Wedding Venue 

We really loved how the design came together. We worked very hard coming up with concepts and colors and sourcing pieces for our day and we transformed the backyard into a “venue” that other people started asking to get married in!

Nothing Could Rain On Molly And Chelsea’s Parade 

Our wedding was extremely memorable. It started with the rainiest day of 2020—a flash flood warning, thunder, lightning, and a torrential downpour covering the Phoenix valley. We had our first look under the eaves of the hotel we were staying at. Suddenly the rain stopped and the clouds parted. We ran out into the sunshine to get as many photos as we could before it started to rain again—but it never did! Sun poured over the yard and we had the chance to have a gorgeous outdoor  ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. As guests took their seats, the grass was so wet from the rain that the chairs were sinking, and people were dropping like flies. Our dresses were muddy and our shoes were dark brown from all the mud, but at that point we didn’t care!  

A Unity Ceremony To Honor Loved One’s Support 

We said personal vows that made us sob and we’re not sure anyone actually understood what we said—haha! We also had friends of ours read the Marriage Equality Supreme Court decision during our ceremony—it was an extremely powerful and heartfelt moment. We also had a reserve unity candle ceremony. We had each of our guests light a candle to represent the light, warmth, and love of their support as an LGBTQ+ couple. 

A Venue With Sentimental Value 

Our venue was Molly’s parents’ backyard. It was the place we spent our high school summers together when we were just falling in love. It was nice to get married at home and have that additional sentimental value. 

DIY Signage Doubles As Wedding Keepsake  

Molly’s Mom learned to use a laser cutter to design, cut, paint, and display all of the signage at the wedding! It was an incredible gift that saved us a ton of money and really enhanced the look of the decor. Molly also designed and printed the invitations.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Mary Costa Photography
Event Planning – Bloom & Blueprint Event Co.
Floral Design – Bloom & Blueprint Event Co.
Catering – AZ Inspirations Catering
Cake – The Scookie Bar 
DJ – Camelback Entertainment
Videography – Something New Media
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – The Beauty Bar Allison
Rentals – The Event Co.

 

Congratulations Molly and Chelsea on their beautiful sun-filled backyard wedding. We are thankful photographer Mary Costa Photography was present to capture every sweet moment from this powerful LGBTQ+ wedding. 

From the backyard venue to the ceremony script—every moment was carefully crafted with intentionality in mind. Whether you’re looking to save money in your budget or dreaming of a venue with sentimental value, a backyard wedding is just what you’re looking for. Check out the ultimate guide to planning a backyard wedding and get started planning your own. 

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