WEDDING BLOG

A Destination Wedding in Valle de Guadalupe Rooted in Earth Tones and Cultural Tradition

May 12, 2025 | justine

What happens when you blend timeless design, natural beauty, and deep cultural roots? For Riddhi and Michael, their wedding in Valle de Guadalupe wasn’t just about saying “I do.” It was about creating space for connection, honoring their cultures, and throwing a celebration that felt as natural and joyful as their love story.

What We Love About This Valle de Guadalupe Wedding:

The soft earth-toned color palette that blended beautifully with the Valle de Guadalupe landscape
Thoughtful, personalized touches like exchanging vows during their first look
The way both Italian and Indian traditions were honored throughout the day
Bridesmaids in one-of-a-kind Indian outfits with dainty accessories
A reception that felt like the best house party—complete with surprise dance performances under the stars

Riddhi and Michael had visited Valle de Guadalupe once before, back in 2019, and something about the place stayed with them. So when it came time to plan their wedding, this lush Mexican wine country kept calling them back.

“We loved the idea of inviting our guests to a place none of them had been before,” they shared. “It made everything feel even more special and intimate.”

That choice led them to Junebug vendor Selene of Proboda Baja Weddings who helped bring every thoughtful detail to life. “We actually booked our venue without seeing it in person. We completely trusted Selene, and it was one of the best decisions we made.”

The moment they stepped into Clos de Tres Cantos, they knew. With its mountain views, modern stone architecture, and open-air layout, it was the perfect canvas for the day they imagined.

From the very beginning, the couple wanted their celebration to feel grounded, intentional, and reflective of their journey together. “We weren’t interested in doing things just because they were traditional,” Riddhi said. “We chose only the details that felt authentic to us.”

And it worked. The day flowed naturally, without pressure or performance, just presence.

Featured Vendor:

Proboda Baja Weddings

Creating Connection Before the Big Day

Want to make your wedding weekend feel like one big joyful family reunion? Take a page from Riddhi and Michael’s book.

They hosted a casual house party the night before, complete with tacos, storytelling, and laughter. “We just wanted people to connect before the big day. So by the time the ceremony came around, it didn’t feel like two sides. It felt like one.”

That intentional warmth carried right through to the dance floor.

Designing a Cohesive Look for Their Big Day at Valle de Guadalupe

The wedding’s aesthetic drew directly from the surroundings of Valle de Guadalupe. The color palette: warm neutrals, soft greens, ivory, and earthy undertones that echoed the vineyard backdrop.

Riddhi wore a custom ivory Indian lehenga by Arpita Mehta, styled by Bridelan. It featured a V-neck blouse, high-waisted skirt, delicate embroidery, and a sheer veil that floated behind her like a dream. Michael complemented the look with a sage green sherwani. Detailed yet understated, just like the day itself.

For the reception, they switched things up. Riddhi changed into a modern, sleek Rime Arodaky jumpsuit, and Michael wore a textured linen-wool blend suit in a deep green from Suit Supply. “It was comfortable, elegant, and perfect for dancing all night,” they said.

Their wedding party followed suit. Bridesmaids in different Indian outfits and colors, accessorized with dainty jewelry; groomsmen in ivory sherwanis with slight personal touches. The visual harmony was striking.

Honoring Culture While Keeping It Modern

With Riddhi being Indian and Michael Italian, honoring both backgrounds was essential. They chose to have an Indian ceremony, carefully adapted for all guests to understand.

“We were lucky to find a priest who explained each ritual in English. It made the ceremony feel so meaningful and inclusive.”

The result was a perfect balance. Steeped in tradition, yet fully their own. And although they had exchanged their personal vows privately earlier in the day, they included a few shared promises in the ceremony, grounding the moment in shared intention.

Letting Natural Surroundings Inspire the Decor

“We actually booked our venue without seeing it in person. Putting our full trust in our wedding planner’s recommendation. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made,” they shared.

They were drawn to the idea of getting married at a winery, surrounded by mountains, lush greenery, stone architecture, and the natural beauty of the landscape.

Clos de Tres Cantos felt like a dream. The space was intimate and warm, the open-kitchen restaurant served the most incredible food, and to this day, their red wine is still one of their top five favorites. It felt like the kind of place where every element aligned with who they are and the kind of celebration they wanted to share.

The florals and decor were designed to complement the winery and its surroundings—minimalist, thoughtful, and full of natural beauty. “Everything we needed was right there. It felt like a one-stop sanctuary for love, laughter, and celebration.”

Balancing Intention, Emotion, and Entertainment at Their Valle de Guadalupe Wedding

When it came to the reception, Riddhi and Michael wanted the night to unfold naturally. The evening kicked off with a delicious four-course meal, thoughtfully prepared by Ariete in the open-air kitchen, letting guests savor both the food and the setting.

Instead of making a grand entrance, they chose something more relaxed: simply walking down the steps into the garden as guests mingled during cocktail hour. “It was a soft, unspoken transition into the celebration. It felt organic and effortless.”

That same laid-back energy carried through the rest of the evening. Every detail reflected their personalities and values. Skipping tradition when it didn’t resonate and leaning into moments that felt true to them.

Heartfelt speeches from parents, siblings, and close friends added warmth and humor, building an emotional arc that only grew as the night went on. Then came the surprise of the evening: choreographed dances from friends and family that left everyone stunned in the best way possible.

They danced under the stars until midnight to a soundtrack that was completely them, from Bollywood bangers to nostalgic 90s hits. “The energy was unmatched. It wasn’t just the best party we’ve ever had. It was the best one we’ve ever been to.”

What They’d Do All Over Again—And What They Want You to Know

Looking back, Riddhi and Michael wouldn’t change a thing. “Every choice we made felt intentional, true to who we are, and rooted in love.”

Their advice to couples?

“It’s your weekend, make it yours. Choose the details, experiences, and moments that feel authentic to you as a couple. Don’t feel pressured to follow traditions that don’t resonate.”

They also emphasized building a thoughtful, slow-paced timeline:

“Give yourself time to breathe. Enjoy a slow morning. Take breaks. Make sure you actually eat! Not everything is a fire drill. It really can feel calm and joyful.”

Their Valle de Guadalupe wedding was exactly that—calm, joyful, deeply meaningful, and completely their own.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – LaDichosa
Event Planning + Floral Design – Proboda Baja Weddings
Venue – Clos de Tres Cantos
Catering – Ariete
Officiant – Yogen Pathak
Invitation Design – Etsy
Wedding Dress – Arpita Metha
Stylist – Bridelan

A Modern Tulum Wedding with Earthy Hues and Whimsical Blooms

May 11, 2025 | justine

dark pink kelly green light pink purple sage green

What happens when a cosmic reconnection leads to a destination wedding in the lush tropics? For Amanda and Jasper, their modern Tulum wedding was more than just a celebration. It all came together after years of growing, finding their way back to each other, and building something real.

Their story started in Washington, DC, back in 2016, during what Amanda jokingly called “expiration dating.” Jasper had just defended his PhD and was about to leave the city. “We made the most of the time we had,” she said, “but it ended with a heartfelt goodbye.”

Then in April 2020, during the early pandemic days, Jasper reached out, out of the blue. What he didn’t know was that Amanda had just planted “Jasper” tomato seeds on the farm she was managing. Coincidence or destiny, we’ll let you decide. What followed was a thoughtful reconnection and, eventually, a shared life together that led them to say “I do” in a place close to their hearts.

What We Love About This Modern Tulum Wedding:

The effortlessly candid photography by Junebug vendor Julieta Rabadan, capturing real, unposed moments
Sculptural florals, natural textures, and modern decor that felt right at home in the jungle
A mirrored ceremony aisle framed by palms, pink anthuriums, and a golden circular altar
A curated bar with crafted cocktails and elevated mocktails
A reception that moved seamlessly from sunlit dinner to disco-lit dance floor

Featured Vendor:

Julieta Rabadan

How a Meaningful Destination Elevated Their Celebration

Tulum wasn’t just a pretty backdrop—it was meaningful. The couple had traveled there before and wanted their day to feel like a natural extension of their life together. Their modern Tulum wedding design combined laid-back luxury with earthy tones and natural textures, creating a vibe that was relaxed but refined.

Rather than spotlighting staged moments, their photographer focused on capturing real memories as they unfolded. “They didn’t want a posed shoot,” Julieta shared. “Everything you see is truly what happened.”

Ditching Tradition for Something More Special

Jasper and Amanda’s ceremony was the perfect blend of modern design and jungle magic. Tucked deep in Tulum’s greenery, the setup felt private, cinematic, and totally dreamy. A sleek black aisle with curvy gold details reflected the towering palms above, leading to a circular altar surrounded by tropical blooms in soft pinks and mossy greens.

Clear ghost chairs flanked the mirrored walkway, giving the whole space a clean, contemporary vibe while still letting the natural surroundings shine. The flowers were sculptural and wild in the best way, like they were growing right out of the ground. From the reflective aisle to the minimalist altar, every detail felt thoughtful, elevated, and completely “them.”

Modern Tulum Wedding Fashion That Blended Elegance With Ease

Amanda’s wedding looks were the perfect match for the vibe of the day—elegant, a little unexpected, and full of thoughtful detail. For the ceremony, she wore a minimalist ivory gown with clean lines and a square neckline, paired with a sheer embroidered cape that brought a soft, romantic feel. The cape’s delicate floral and bird motifs caught the light as she walked down the mirrored aisle, adding just the right amount of magic.

For the reception, she switched into a one-shoulder mini dress with pearl-like embellishments—fun, stylish, and made for dancing. Jasper kept it timeless in a black suit and tie, with a blush boutonnière that tied everything together and added a subtle pop of color.

Thoughtful Touches That Made the Day Theirs

From the moment guests stepped into the reception, it was clear Jasper and Amanda’s modern Tulum wedding was anything but typical. The night unfolded across a mix of beautifully styled spaces. Each one layered with color, texture, and intentional design.

Dinner felt like a dream: long linen-covered tables set under bright bougainvillea, with pastel-toned florals and glowing taper candles softening the clean white architecture. Rattan chairs and stacked tableware gave the setup that effortless, beachy elegance, while the color palette—peach, soft pinks, lavender, and pops of anthurium—reflected the couple’s playful, unfussy style.

Not far off, the checkered dance floor sat beneath a canopy of trees and oversized silver disco balls. Velvet lounge corners offered a cozy spot to chat, while bistro lights twinkled overhead as the sky darkened. By nightfall, the whole space had transformed into a jungle disco, equal parts garden party and all-out celebration.

A standout detail? The bar. Jasper is sober, and the couple made sure everyone had something to toast with by offering a menu of fun, vibrant mocktails alongside classic cocktails. It was a small touch that made a big difference, ensuring every guest felt included and cared for.

As the night went on, the lights shifted red, disco reflections danced across the floor, and the energy was pure joy. It was an experience full of intention, beauty, and heart.

What Really Matters When You Look Back

Planning a destination celebration like a modern Tulum wedding? Teaming up with local vendors who really know the area can make all the difference—especially when it comes to rolling with the weather or bringing in design details that just work with the setting. And don’t be afraid to make it personal. Whether it’s writing your own ceremony script or crafting a drinks menu with something for everyone (like Jasper and Amanda’s beautiful mix of cocktails and mocktails), it’s those thoughtful touches that guests remember.

At the end of the day, it’s not about checking every box. It’s about how your wedding feels. So let go of the pressure and trust what feels right for you. Maybe that means a simple dress and a dreamy cape, a mirrored aisle in the middle of the jungle, or disco balls above a velvet lounge. Whatever it looks like, the most beautiful celebrations are the ones that feel real, joyful, and completely your own.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Julieta Rabadan
Event Planning – Angelina Cardenas
Venue – KIMA Tulum
Florals + Design + Styling – Maria Limon
Catering – Piedra de Fuego
Cake – Lali Pastels
DJ – AV Riviera Events
Rentals – Archive Rentals

This Austin Black Tie Wedding Was a Spicy Margarita Brought to Life

May 9, 2025 | justine

black ivory kelly green silver

How do you turn a love story built during emergency room shifts into an unforgettable destination wedding? For Alexa and Kole, the answer was simple: transport everyone to a “Cabo Discoteca” right in the heart of Texas. Their Prospect House wedding mixed black-tie style with tropical plants, desert touches, disco balls, and nonstop good vibes—a reflection of their friendship-turned-forever-love.

What We Love About This Austin Black Tie Wedding:

The couple’s inspiration: margaritas (the drink that started it all)
Booking their dream venue even before getting officially engaged
Their sentimental wine box ceremony with a bottle from a special memory in France
Fun extras like a live cigar roller, espresso bar, and quirky medical puns woven throughout
A surprise drag queen performance that set the party energy through the roof

Alexa and Kole were friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. Working side-by-side in emergency medicine during a pandemic brought challenges, but also comfort and a deep bond. Spontaneous day trips to Nantucket, random Thursday dinners, and post-overnight beach outings built their friendship into something more. At a costume party, where Kole dressed as an astronaut and spicy margaritas flowed, Alexa made the first move. They’ve been inseparable since. “We both sort of realized this was a forever thing fairly quickly. It felt like a deep love from the beginning, a best-friendship.”

They envisioned a “Cabo Discoteca” for their Austin black tie wedding—a Mexican disco party with a modern Texas and Marfa twist. The color palette stayed clean and modern. Black and white with unexpected pops of tropical greens, desert plants, and citrus. Prospect House, with its modern architecture and indoor-outdoor spaces, was the perfect backdrop. So much so that they booked it even before getting engaged!

Because 95% of their guests were traveling in, they quickly realized they needed a planner. After spotting Victoria of Amuse Event Co. on Instagram, they knew she was the one. “She helped us narrow our vision and source the perfect vendors.” When Hannah joined the team, everything just clicked.

Photography was a no-brainer. Ashlee Huff’s editorial, Vogue-style caught their eye. By a stroke of luck, Ashlee moved from NYC to Austin during planning. Videographer Wes Rait’s cinematic storytelling style fit perfectly too.

Out West ATX—a husband and wife DJ duo—brought unbelievable energy. Guests loved them so much, many left the night with their contact info. Forsythia Florals’ tropical, desert-inspired blooms transformed the venue into the perfect Marfa-meets-Mexico dream.

Setting the Tone With Pre-Wedding Events

The couple kicked off the weekend with a welcome party at Central Machine Works—a repurposed airplane hangar turned beer and craft cocktail bar. Guests were encouraged to pop across the street first for frozen margaritas at De Nada Cantina. Their intimate rehearsal dinner at Aba on South Congress featured a Greek mezze-style feast.

All guests stayed at The Line in downtown Austin, where they were greeted with custom Texas-themed tote bags filled with Alexa and Kole’s favorite candies, local treats, post-party survival kits, and handwritten notes.

Their Take on Modern Wedding Attire

Alexa worked with Bre Budryk of Bremelia Bridal on two custom looks: a sleek ceremony gown with clean lines, a high slit, and pearl detailing, plus a pearl-detailed mini dress for the reception. She paired both with Jimmy Choo pearl heels.

Her bridesmaids wore black tulle dresses with plunging necklines and tie-backs, choosing their own hairstyles and makeup to feel their best.

Kole wore a custom black tux from Suit Supply with velvet Del Toro loafers. His groomsmen wore their own custom tuxes, and his groomswoman stunned in a shirtless tux and Louboutins.

Leading up to the day, both Alexa and Kole followed a consistent regimen of medical-grade skincare, hydrafacials, and laser treatments. A plan Alexa designed herself as an aesthetic nurse practitioner!

A First Look Full of Nerves and Surprises

Though they debated it, Alexa and Kole ultimately chose a first look to maximize cocktail hour time. “Kole was composed,” Alexa said, “while I danced and twirled around him.” Immediately after, they exchanged gifts. Only to realize they had bought each other the exact same one: custom prints of matchboxes from meaningful dates.

Making the Ceremony Deeply Personal

Their ceremony included a wine box ritual, sealing a bottle of 2012 Dom Perignon. A nod to a memorable trip to the Moet Champagne house in France to open on their first anniversary.

Kole’s vows stole the show: “If your love was a drug, it’d be ketamine.” “I diagnose you as my wife, my partner in crime, my forever co-pilot. And I’m sorry to say, it’s terminal.”

Their officiant Dermot, a friend and fellow emergency medicine provider, beautifully wove their story into the ceremony.

After saying “I do,” the couple grabbed margaritas and shared a private moment to decompress and soak it all in.

Bringing Their Cabo Discoteca Vision to Life at Their Austin Black Tie Wedding

From the start, Alexa and Kole stayed aligned: photography, a top-notch party, amazing food, and a nonstop dance floor were non-negotiable. They made sure even the quieter moments stayed vibrant, with extras like a photo booth, a “Caffeine Bolus” espresso bar, and a live cigar roller.

They kicked off the reception with a champagne tower surrounded by their wedding party. During formal photos, the Out West dj played “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, sparking a spontaneous group sing-along.

Prospect House became a personalized “Cabo Discoteca,” thanks to a custom neon sign, lush bud vase wall, medical-themed signage, and a wall of 50+ disco balls reflecting off the dance floor.

Mirror decals in the bathrooms flashed affirmations like “Pookie, your outfit is fire.” Medical jokes like “Rapid Sequence Inebriation” for the bar signage and “Caffeine Bolus” for the espresso bar brought smiles to everyone.

When the Reception Becomes a Show

One of the night’s biggest highlights? A surprise drag queen performance of Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”

Alexa’s sisters delivered a heartfelt custom song, while Kole’s friends gave a hilarious group toast—complete with shirtless tux jackets to match the groomswoman.

Later, they honored Alexa’s Portuguese heritage with traditional folk music, turning the dance floor into a full-on Portuguese folk dance.

Rather than sticking to a traditional father-daughter dance, they chose a “parents dance,” celebrating each parent individually.

Rolling With the Unexpected at Their Austin Black Tie Wedding

Despite a perfectly planned timeline, the night ran behind schedule. But thanks to their team, everything still flowed seamlessly. Their only regret? Not booking an extra hour at the venue!

If Alexa and Kole could give just a few pieces of advice to future couples planning an Austin black tie wedding, it would be:

Hire a full-service planner early
Start planning ahead of time
Choose vendors whose energy matches yours
Focus on creating a day that’s unapologetically you

Their spicy, sweet, and joy-filled Prospect House wedding proved one thing above all else: the best celebrations feel like a reflection of who you really are.