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Playful and Intimate Spring Wedding on the Italian Riviera in Santa Margherita Ligure

May 18, 2026 | justine

Flora and Leo’s Italian Riviera wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure didn’t follow a fixed formula, and that was the point. Instead of leaning into tradition, they kept things relaxed and focused on spending time with the people who had been part of their story from the beginning. As Flora shared, “He delivered the sweetest care package three months into dating when I was down bad with tonsillitis,” a moment that made everything clear for her. For Leo, it was simpler—he couldn’t imagine a life without her.

What We Love About This Italian Riviera Wedding:

  • A relaxed approach that let the venue and coastline set the tone
  • Starting the day together to ease nerves and stay present
  • A ceremony filled with personal stories that kept guests engaged
  • Cutting the cake right after the ceremony (dessert first!)
  • A short planning timeline pulled together seamlessly by the right team

Featured Vendor:
Roberta Cavaliere Authentic and Boutique Wedding Planning

Adjusting Traditions to Better Fit the Day

One of the most memorable choices they made was starting the day together. Skipping the traditional separation, they woke up and had breakfast side by side. “It eased the nerves for the day. I would do that again in every lifetime,” Flora shared.

They also flipped another tradition on its head by cutting the cake right after the ceremony. Inspired by the bride’s mother’s love for dessert-first moments, it turned into a highlight that guests loved. It also created a natural, joyful transition into the celebration that followed.

Starting With the Venue Instead of a Theme

Instead of starting with a strict theme or color palette, Flora and Leo focused on finding a venue that could speak for itself. Set against the sparkling coastline, their Italian Riviera wedding venue offered neutral tones, sweeping views, and a beautiful mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.

This gave their planning team and Junebug vendor Roberta Cavaliere Authentic and Boutique Wedding Planning freedom to build around the natural setting. From the architectural staircase to the soft coastal light, every detail felt like an extension of the location rather than something layered on top of it. The result was a day that felt cohesive without feeling overly styled.

Turning the Ceremony Into a Shared Experience

The ceremony was the emotional center of the day, brought to life by their officiant, Vania. Rather than keeping things formal or distant, she took time to understand their story and wove it into every part of the experience.

Each guest was included in some way, whether through anecdotes or shared memories. “I’ll never forget hearing the genuine belly laughs and commentary as Vania recounted our love story,” Flora said.

Taking Time to Define a Wedding Look That Feels Right

Flora approached her bridal look with intention, focusing less on trends and more on what felt true to her. With a longer engagement, she refined her style, improved her skin, and chose to do her own hair and makeup. She wore a sleek satin gown with a structured bodice and soft drape, paired with a classic veil and minimal accessories. The overall look felt clean and polishedagainst the coastal setting.

Leo matched that energy in his own way. His custom tux and first pair of Louboutins added a bold, personal touch—and the fact that they ended up with matching shoes made it even more meaningful.

Together, their looks felt aligned without being overly coordinated, adding to the relaxed and authentic feel of their Italian Riviera wedding.

Building the Right Vendor Team Under a Tight Timeline

Not every planning journey starts smoothly. After an initial setback with the wrong planner, Leo took the lead in finding someone who truly understood their vision. With less than five months to go, timing could have been a major stress point.

Instead, their team stepped in with clarity and confidence. “Roberta, Elisa, and the wider team didn’t even break a sweat,” they shared. “They immediately understood our personal tastes and curated the right panel of vendors.”

Working with a local planner also made a huge difference, especially for a destination celebration like their Italian Riviera wedding, where regional knowledge and logistics can quickly become overwhelming without the right support.

Deciding What’s Worth the Spend and What’s Not

Like many couples, Flora and Leo approached their budget with different strengths. “You’ll find that in every couple there’s typically one that is design focused and the other is the ‘Chief Financial Officer,’” they explained.

For them, having Leo manage the financial side helped keep things grounded. They focused on identifying non-negotiables and being honest about what wouldn’t matter to them in the long run. That clarity made it easier to compromise without feeling like they were losing sight of what they wanted the day to feel like.

When Things Don’t Go as Planned (and That’s Okay)

Not everything went exactly as planned, and that’s part of what made the day memorable. Doing her own hair and makeup proved to be more challenging than Flora expected. “I couldn’t account for how much the nerves and the stress would impact my ability and speed,” she admitted.

What followed was a moment of panic that she later reflected on with a lot more kindness toward herself. Her parents’ response shifted her perspective entirely. They saw it as a meaningful moment, a sign of how much the day mattered.

It’s a reminder that even in a thoughtfully planned occasion, the unexpected can become part of the story in the best way.

Keeping the Focus on What They’ll Remember Long-Term

For Flora and Leo, the most lasting parts of the day weren’t tied to perfect execution. It was the time spent with their families, the shared meals, and the feeling of being fully present with the people who matter most.

Their advice is simple but honest: “A wedding is a snapshot of where you are in life as a couple and as individuals. Lean into what feels meaningful to you, and trust that it’s enough. The day is about you and your partner, and that’s what people will remember.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Dia Voller
Event Planning – Roberta Cavaliere
Ceremony Venue – Hotel Imperiale Palace
Reception Venue – DaV Mare
Floral Design – White Eventi

 

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An Enchanted Forest Wedding Full of Moss and Ferns in a Historic Tobacco Warehouse

May 16, 2026 | justine

What if the person you were meant to be with was there all along, just waiting for the right moment to come back into your life? For Morgan and Jesse, that moment came years after high school, when they found themselves reunited in their best friends’ wedding party. Somewhere between rehearsals, conversations, and the wedding day, something shifted. “We realized we had a spark on their wedding day,” they shared.

That unexpected second chance set the tone for everything that followed, including their enchanted forest wedding. Inspired by their shared love for fantasy (and a mutual appreciation for all things Twilight and Lord of the Rings), they set out to transform a historic tobacco warehouse into something entirely different—a soft, moss-filled space that felt like stepping into their own version of a storybook forest.

What We Love About This Enchanted Forest Wedding:

  • The moss-lined aisle and tables that made the space feel like a real forest floor
  • A choreographed ballroom dance routine that doubled as cocktail hour entertainment
  • Meaningful nods to family, from heirloom cake stands to handmade treats
  • Fantasy-inspired details like a sword cake cutting and medieval mini toppers
  • A venue with a personal connection to the bride’s childhood

Featured Vendor:
East Elm Photography

Turning an Indoor Space Into an Immersive Forest Setting

Morgan and Jesse didn’t just choose a theme, they built an atmosphere. Their enchanted forest wedding centered on shades of green and ivory, with moss taking the lead as the standout design element. “We wanted to have it seem like the forest was brought indoors,” they shared.

The transformation came to life inside The Lageret, a historic tobacco warehouse that naturally carried an industrial, rustic feel. With the help of their florist, the space softened into something entirely different. Moss lined the aisle and ran along reception tables, while ferns and herbs added texture to the space. The result felt less like decor and more like stepping into another world.

Bringing Personal History Into the Wedding Venue

The Lageret wasn’t just visually aligned with their vision. It carried years of personal meaning. The building once housed a dance studio where Morgan spent over a decade growing up. Choosing it as their venue added a layer of nostalgia and connection that no other location could replicate.

That history blended seamlessly into their enchanted forest wedding, grounding the whimsical elements in something real and familiar. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful venues aren’t always the most obvious ones, they’re the ones that already hold a piece of your story.

Incorporating Non-Traditional Moments

While the ceremony itself was filled with emotion—especially the moment Jesse saw Morgan walk down the aisle—the couple also made space for unexpected, joyful moments throughout the day.

They shared private vows at home before heading to the venue, giving themselves a quiet moment together before everything began. Later, during cocktail hour, they surprised guests with a choreographed ballroom routine. “We have been doing ballroom dance for going on six years now, so we knew our first dance had to be choreographed.” Their three-minute performance combined five different dance styles and became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.

Finding Vendors Who Bring Ideas to the Table

Instead of booking quickly, Morgan and Jesse took time to connect with each vendor. “We tried our best to either have Zoom calls or in-person meetings prior to booking. We were looking for vendors that were passionate about what they do, and willing to work with our ideas while also introducing their own artistic flair.”

That approach paid off. Their florist met with them multiple times to refine the design, and their coordination team stepped in 45 days before the wedding to help tie everything together. It created a sense of trust that carried through the entire planning process and into the wedding day itself.

Balancing Budget Priorities Without Losing What Matters Most

Like most couples, Morgan and Jesse had to make thoughtful decisions about where to spend and where to save. Their advice is simple and practical: “Exploring a range of quotes gave us clarity on where to invest, while still making sure our top priorities stayed intact.”

For them, photography was non-negotiable. They wanted images that would last but also reflect the emotion of the day. “We wanted to look back and get a clear image, pun intended, on what went on that day.” At the same time, they found ways to stay budget-conscious by working with a local restaurant that impressed guests without stretching their finances.

Layering Personal Touches Throughout the Celebration

From the beginning, Morgan and Jesse looked for ways to make their enchanted forest wedding feel unmistakably theirs. Some details were sentimental, like daisies in the bouquet inspired by the bride’s grandmother’s wedding dress, or heirloom cake stands passed down through generations.

Others leaned into their shared love of fantasy and creativity. They cut their cake with a real sword, used custom-made medieval miniatures (complete with their cat, Crisp) as toppers, and worked with Morgan’s aunt to create handmade invitations.

Even their favors felt personal. Guests left with bags of homemade puppy chow made by the bride’s grandmother, a small but meaningful way to share a piece of family tradition.

 

Keeping the Focus on What Matters Most

Through all the planning, details, and surprises, Morgan and Jesse kept coming back to one core idea: staying present with each other. “Take time for yourself and your partner. The day is about the two of you.”

They also strongly recommend investing in support where it counts. “Hiring a day-of coordinator is a literal godsend. It took so much stress off of us.”

Looking back, what stands out most about their enchanted forest wedding isn’t just the setting, but how intentionally they shaped it. They leaned into what they love—from fantasy-inspired design to meaningful family touches—and trusted their team to help bring it to life. The result was a day built on real memories, with details that brought their vision to reality from start to finish.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – East Elm Photography
Venue – The Lageret
Reception Venue –
Floral Design – Flora by Jamae
Catering – Wendigo Catering
Cake – Craig’s Cake Shop
Coordination + DJ – Carter Events and Entertainment
Makeup Artist – Makeup by Francesca-Agata Marino
Hair Styling – Hair by Liv
Wedding Dress – Vera’s House of Bridals
Bridal Accessories – Olive and Piper
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Kessler’s Diamonds
Rentals – Event Essentials

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Rain Canceled the Helicopter, But This Costa Rica Jungle Elopement Was Perfect Anyway

May 14, 2026 | justine

Some couples dream of a big wedding surrounded by family and friends. For Maggie and Bobby, it looked completely different. They wanted something quiet, intimate, and fully centered on the two of them, which led them to plan a deeply personal Costa Rica jungle elopement filled with rain-soaked scenery and meaningful rituals.

Their story began years earlier in a college biology class, where Maggie immediately noticed Bobby sitting beside her. Timing never quite worked in their favor then, but years later they found their way back to each other. After reconnecting, Bobby admitted he used to pray every night that he would one day marry her. Not long after, he surprised Maggie with a Vizsla puppy for Valentine’s Day, moved in shortly after, and the rest unfolded naturally from there.

When choosing where to get married, Costa Rica felt right almost immediately, even though neither of them had ever been there before. The idea of arriving during the middle of rainy season didn’t intimidate them either. If anything, it made the experience feel even more aligned with what they wanted from the start.

What We Love About This Costa Rica Jungle Elopement:

  • How the rain completely changed the wedding plans but led them somewhere even more beautiful
  • The deeply personal cacao ceremony during their vows
  • The quiet post-ceremony dinner and spa experience built into the celebration
  • The symbolic seed planting ritual they continued back home after the wedding

Featured Vendor:

Papaya Wedding

Trusting Local Experts When Planning an International Elopement Without Visiting the Location First

Planning a wedding in a country they had never visited could have easily felt overwhelming. Instead, Maggie and Bobby leaned heavily on trust. After discovering Junebug vendor Papaya Weddings on Instagram, they booked photographer Maceij almost immediately. That decision ended up shaping nearly every part of their experience. “He became so much more than just our photographer,” Maggie said. “In a place we had never been, he essentially stepped into the role of our entire wedding planner.”

Beyond photography, he helped them narrow down locations, connected them with trusted local vendors, coordinated flowers, recommended a cacao ceremony officiant, and even visited potential ceremony spots himself to send videos back to the couple. For couples planning a destination elopement from afar, having someone locally connected and deeply invested can completely change the experience.

Their original plan involved taking a helicopter to a waterfall ceremony site hidden deep in the jungle. But on the morning of the wedding, heavy rain made flying impossible. Instead of forcing the original plan, everyone adapted quickly. That flexibility ended up becoming one of the best parts of the day.

How a Rainstorm Led to an Unexpected Ceremony Location

Rain completely redirected their plans, but it also transformed the atmosphere of the day in a way that felt fitting for their relationship and surroundings. The couple ended up holding their ceremony at Origins Lodge, the remote jungle resort where they had been staying. “We hadn’t originally chosen Origins Lodge as our wedding venue,” Maggie explained. “But due to the heavy rain the morning of our wedding, we had to change plans.”

The resort team quickly prepared a gazebo space for the ceremony, and the entire property suddenly felt like a private world tucked inside the jungle. The weather added mist, depth, and a quieter atmosphere that matched the intimacy they wanted from the beginning. “I had always heard that rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, so I tried to embrace it rather than feel disappointed.”

Balancing Romantic Gothic Details With a Tropical Jungle Setting

While the setting leaned lush and tropical, Maggie’s fashion choices brought in a completely different layer of mood and personality. From the beginning, she knew she wanted lace and a dramatic cathedral-style veil with a slightly gothic feel. Against the deep greens of the jungle and the soft rain, the combination felt striking without overpowering the environment around her. 

She also skipped a makeup trial entirely, something that felt risky in hindsight, but it paid off immediately. “My makeup artist absolutely nailed it on the very first try,” she said. Her beauty team created two separate hairstyles throughout the day. Maggie wore her hair down during the first look before switching to an updo for the ceremony itself. The change gave each part of the day its own distinct feeling while still keeping everything cohesive.

Adding Rituals That Made the Elopement Feel More Intentional

The emotional center of their Costa Rica jungle elopement came during the cacao ceremony led by officiant Grettel. As they exchanged vows, they shared traditional cacao together in a ceremony that felt grounding and intentional. “It added such a deep, intentional element to the ceremony. I truly don’t think our elopement would have felt as special or as meaningful without her.”

Getting there wasn’t easy either. After the last-minute venue change, Grettel drove four hours to reach the resort and even dealt with a flat tire along the way.

The ceremony also included one of the couple’s favorite personal details. Grettel gifted them seeds to plant both in Costa Rica and back home in the United States. “It felt symbolic, like we were planting something together in both places.” 

Between the vows, the ritual, and the symbolic planting tradition, the entire ceremony became centered on building something lasting together rather than performing for an audience.

Planning an Elopement That Flowed Naturally Into a Honeymoon

After the ceremony, the resort arranged a private dinner for the couple overlooking the jungle. They followed it with a couples massage and spent the rest of their stay soaking in the quiet atmosphere around them. Because they scheduled the wedding a few days into their trip instead of immediately upon arriving, they were able to transition naturally into a relaxed honeymoon afterward.

Following the wedding, they drove through different parts of Costa Rica, stayed in Airbnbs, and explored the country together at their own pace. Maggie now recommends this approach to other couples planning a jungle elopement or destination wedding experience. “It felt like a built-in honeymoon after the elopement, with no more stress or pressure from the big day.”

Why Choosing to Elope Felt More Meaningful Than Expected

Maggie says she never experienced the regret some people warned her about when choosing to elope instead of planning a larger wedding. Instead, the experience gave them exactly what they had hoped for from the beginning: privacy and presence.

For Maggie and Bobby, their Costa Rica jungle elopement was never defined by whether the helicopter took off or whether the original plans worked perfectly. What stayed with them most was how intentional everything felt once they stopped resisting the unexpected and allowed the day to become what it needed to be. By the end of it all, the rain no longer felt like a disruption. It felt like part of the story itself.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Event Planning – Papaya Wedding
Venue – Origins Lodge
Floral Design – Pacific Floral Events
Officiant – Grettel Gutierrez
Makeup Artist – Tamara Sabate
Hair Styling – Marietta Alfaro
Wedding Dress – Anthropology
Groom’s Apparel – Amazon

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
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