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This Casa Adela Wedding Highlighted Mexico’s Natural Beauty

August 14, 2024 | justine

When Nina and Ryan envisioned their wedding, they imagined elegance, candles, and natural beauty. While Mexico often brings vibrant, loud colors to mind, they wanted a sleek, modern look that felt warm and inviting. With a neutral color palette, dreamy florals, and personal touches, their Casa Adela wedding created a timeless, classic, and romantic atmosphere. This blend of elegance and relaxation made their wedding weekend everything they could have hoped for and more.

The couple aimed to highlight the authentic beauty of Mexican architecture, using its neutral tones as a backdrop for their elegant touches. Their ceremony, held on top of a glass-covered pool with an altar adorned with lush white florals, perfectly complemented the beautiful natural surroundings. The following reception featured show-stopping florals, a hand-painted dance floor, and floating candles above, creating a stunning and memorable celebration.

With the help of a powerhouse team of pros led by Junebug vendor Bougainvillea Weddings, they brought their vision to life. If you’re looking for inspiration for a wedding that blends modern style with stunning views, this has everything you need. Check out these lovely photos by Junebug vendor EFEGE to see all the details.

The Couple:

Nina and Ryan

The Wedding:

Casa Adela, Mexico

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere at Their Casa Adela Wedding

With its inherent charm and neutral palette, Casa Adela in San Miguel De Allende was the perfect venue to achieve a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. To keep things fun and laid-back, we wanted guests to feel as comfortable and entertained as they would at an intimate gathering in our own home, avoiding the feel of a stuffy, orchestrated evening. Guests could barely sit to eat because everyone was hyped up, wanting to talk and dance. At the end of the night, people were dancing on top of chairs like we were at a nightclub, and a bounce house appeared, accompanied by street tacos. Though we included many personalized elements and plenty of tequila, the ambiance was unmatched. The warm tones of the venue, hand-painted dance floor, hundreds of hanging candles, and a floral runner longer than my house, combined with a stunning setting, created a breathtaking scene. This blend of elegance and relaxation made our wedding everything we could have hoped for and more.

The Unexpected Journey to Finding the Perfect Dress Last Minute

I have always believed that if there’s one time to go out with your wardrobe, it’s during your wedding. So, I chose styles I had been eager to wear but never had the chance before. My wedding dress story is a whirlwind. My original dress, long story short, was a total disaster. It arrived just a month before the wedding with several issues, so I scrambled to find something last minute. Incredibly, the dress I wore, which was perfect, was bought a little over a week before the wedding. My seamstress closed the whole store for alterations two days before I left on my flight. Finding it just a week before the wedding was nothing short of miraculous. Crazy enough, every outfit I wore was secondhand, and I purchased it from other brides. Each of those girls who I bought them from was indeed a fairy godmother, modern-day Cinderella style.

How Their Ceremony Became the Highlight of Their Casa Adela Wedding

I wish I could perfectly capture and share the feeling of our ceremony with you. Honestly, there are no words that fully describe that moment. Bliss? Pure happiness? An out-of-body experience? It’s all that and more. Initially, we thought the ceremony was just one of those obligatory parts of the day—we were excited about the reception (and it was epic!). But the ceremony was simply magical. As the sun set over the wine regions of San Miguel De Allende, with our guests finishing their welcome cocktails, the instrumental version of “Here Comes the Sun” started playing. Ryan took his place at the start of the aisle, and as he walked down, all 80 guests clapped and cheered. It might sound a bit much, but it felt like everyone who loved us was rooting for us. It was incredible. My grandmother, acting as the flower girl, family strutting down the aisle, and the bridesmaids, each holding a single giant stem rose, followed. The cheers continued when my father met me at the end of the aisle. Everyone was affirming, “Finally, Nina and Ryan are doing it!” Our best friend officiated, adding a special and personalized touch that made the ceremony intimate, genuine, and beautiful. If I could bottle up one moment of joy to relive, it would be this one. As cheesy as it sounds, the world stood still, and it was just our world, filled with the 80 people who mean the most to us. I could have walked away from the ceremony feeling fulfilled, genuinely declaring that it was the best day of my life.

Turning Wedding Woes Into Wonders

Wedding planning is truly a lot. It will test you. You might find yourself agonizing over the tiniest details, like the exact shade of your flowers, while wondering why your partner can’t pretend to care about the details. Take it from a bride who was dressless just three days before her destination wedding, dealing with her vendors’ lost luggage, health hiccups, and guests dropping out at the last minute—yes, it’s a whole saga. But believe me, amidst all that mayhem, it somehow turns into the best day of your life. When you lock eyes with your partner, surrounded by everyone you love, you realize you’ve thrown the most epic celebration ever—one that’s irreplaceably yours. Things have a way of working themselves out in the most wonderfully unexpected ways. And hey, if your partner isn’t beaming with excitement about choosing napkin colors, just let that slide. So, embrace the imperfections, make the day your own, find things to incorporate that scream, “Oh, this is so them,” and focus on what truly resonates with you both. Strap in, enjoy the ride, and once it’s all said and done, you’ll have the most epic day to look back on.

The Challenge and Triumph of Hosting a Wedding in a Lesser-Known Locale

I’m incredibly proud of how we managed to bring 80 people to a charming, lesser-known town in Mexico for our wedding. Most of our guests were initially puzzled, asking, “Why here?” But I kept reassuring them, “You’ll see.” Understanding our guests’ commitment to join us, especially with an 8-hour travel day involved, I knew we had to make it worthwhile. Organizing a three-day weekend full of events was no small task, but it was essential for us to give an experience that was authentically “us.” I’m genuinely proud of ensuring every detail reflected our personalities and gave our guests an unforgettable experience.

Blending Personal Favorites with Local Flavors for a Unique Wedding Menu

With our wedding menu, we wanted it to reflect our tastes, especially when it came to dessert. Our absolute favorite dessert is a pazookie, or “pizza cookie,” so naturally, we served paozookies topped with a dollop of ice cream to all our guests. Since the celebration was in Mexico, incorporating local flavors was a must, so churros it was. As the speeches continued, each guest received a personalized-sized wooden cutting board featuring the cookie, ice cream, and warm churro. This blend of local charm and personal favorites made the dessert course memorable when it was usually the one that gets overlooked.

Adding Personal Flair at Their Casa Adela Wedding Through Personalized Letters and Custom Favors

We put a personal touch on everything during our wedding weekend, and a couple of highlights stand out. First, Ryan and I took the time to write an individual letter to each couple attending. These weren’t just letters; we had a calligraphist beautifully script each envelope, doubling as the escort cards at the tables. The reactions were unforgettable—tears, laughter, and pure joy as our guests read the heartfelt notes Ryan and I had written. It was a massive undertaking, but seeing how excited everyone was about them made it all worth it. The second special touch was when we handed out custom-made merchandise at the end of the night. We had designed bucket hats, trucker hats, and tote bags for everyone. It was a hit! The next day, at brunch and all around town, it was remarkable to see everyone sporting their hats and totes.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – EFEGE
Event Planning + Floral Design – Bougainvillea Weddings
Venue – Casa Adela
Catering – Maye Cordova
Videography – Tan Weddings
Makeup Artist – Lauren Rushh
Hair Styling – Vanessa Ospina
Wedding Dress – Reem Acra
Bridal Accessories – Aquazzura
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – V. Chapman
Groom’s Apparel – MDO Miami
Groom’s Accessories – Ferragamo
Rings – JR Dunn
Rentals – Warehouse Guanajuato

 

Congratulations to Nina and Ryan on their Casa Adela wedding that beautifully highlighted Mexico’s natural beauty. A special thank you to Junebug vendors Bougainvillea Weddings for planning their big day, Tan Weddings for immortalizing all the memorable moments on video, and EFEGE for capturing the stunning details for us to see. Check out their profiles in our directory of the world’s best wedding vendors.

If you and your partner want to craft a stunning wedding atmosphere, starting with your venue’s design elements is a fantastic idea. You’ll create a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings by reflecting the colors, textures, and ambiance in your decor and floral arrangements.

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The Logistics You Need to Know About Planning a Beach Wedding

August 13, 2024 | kailey

Panoramic ocean views, turquoise blue waters, tropical foliage, and long stretches of white sand—it’s no wonder so many couples choose a beach wedding. While it makes for a stunning wedding setting, the planning process isn’t as straightforward as a traditional celebration. Opting for a sandy soiree adds an extra level of complexity to your planning. 

On top of the standard wedding planning checklist, you’ll also have to worry about permits, regulations, accessibility, and so much more. But these additional behind-the-scenes tasks and details shouldn’t deter you from choosing a beach venue. To help ease the overwhelming nature of planning a beach wedding, we’ve compiled must-know tips to ensure a smooth planning process.

1. Research Permits and Regulations 

One benefit of booking an official venue is that you don’t need to worry about permits, as the venue typically takes care of them. However, if you plan to say ‘I do’ in a public space, whether rural or urban, you’ll need to research the specific permits and regulations for that area. This is especially important for those planning a beach wedding.

Unless you’re booking a venue with a private beach, you’ll likely need to secure a permit. Before finalizing your location, look into the necessary requirements. While it’s not always required, doing your research can prevent unnecessary issues later on down the line. You’ll also want to research any noise, vendor, or guest regulations in place. 

2. Pick a Location and Date to Avoid Crowds 

Tying the knot in a public space means you can’t control who’s in the surrounding areas. If you choose a popular spot during peak season, you’ll likely have to deal with crowds. While some couples won’t mind, others may prioritize privacy. So, before picking a wedding date and time, find out when the beach is less crowded. Typically, beaches are quieter during weekdays and early mornings. 

planning a beach wedding

Image by Ammata.

3. Consider Accessibility when Planning a Beach Wedding 

When opting for a modern, traditional venue, couples have the luxury of not worrying about crucial details like parking and accessibility. However, those planning a beach wedding will have to keep this into consideration. As you narrow your options, ensure each beach is accessible for all your guests, including those with mobility issues.

While this is crucial for your guest’s convenience, how easy or difficult it will be to reach the ceremony location will also impact your vendors and rentals. Discuss your location with key vendors like caterers, DJs (and their equipment), rental companies, etc. Make sure your site isn’t too difficult to reach, and if it is, make the necessary preparations. Fortunately, most vendors are familiar with difficult locations, but letting them know ahead of time will prevent any surprises on the wedding day.

4. Check the Tide Schedule

As much as you’d love to “roll with the tides” on your wedding day, some things must be planned ahead of time. While weather is uncontrollable, the ocean tides are predictable. So, check the tide schedule before settling on times for all your wedding festivities. This will help you pick the best time for your event, ensuring that high tide doesn’t interrupt your ceremony or reception. 

5. Beach-Friendly Dress Code and Attire 

While choosing wedding attire that catches your eye is important, you’ll also want to be mindful of the weather. A wool suit might look stunning, but it’s not ideal for a beach ceremony on a hot summer day. Instead, wear something that complements the weather and keeps you comfortable.

The same goes for your guests. Use your invitations or wedding website to offer advice on what to wear to your beachfront wedding. Here are a few guides you can share to help your guests choose outfits perfect for a summer beach wedding:

6. Choose Weather-Proof Hairstyles and Makeup Looks 

Near the water, the weather tends to be windier. Keep this in mind when choosing your wedding hairstyle. While long, luscious curls might be your first choice, consider how they will hold up during photos and throughout the event. Work with your hairstylist to create a sturdy look that can withstand the potential humidity and wind. For your makeup, waterproof products are a must to ensure your look stays flawless.

7. Rent a Quality Sound System when Planning a Beach Wedding

Exchanging vows with the waves crashing behind you creates a stunning backdrop, but it can also make it challenging for guests to hear the ceremony. To prevent this from happening, invest in a high-quality sound system and hire musicians or DJs who specialize in outdoor beach events in remote locations. 

Planning this out in advance will ensure everyone can hear the ceremony and music clearly. Plus, working with professionals, you won’t have to worry about logistics like equipment rentals, setup and tear down, or power sources. 

8. Anchored and Sturdy Decor for Windy Weather

Beach weather is notoriously breezy, affecting not just your wedding attire and hairstyles but also your decor. That’s why, during the planning process, couples will want to work with vendors to choose durable decor that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This includes everything from your choice of flowers to your rentals—only opting for sturdy chairs and tables that won’t be easily blown away by the wind or sink into the sand.

Once you’ve chosen your decor, take extra safety measures to secure everything on your wedding day. For instance, if you’re using name cards on reception tables, secure them with adhesive or place something heavy on top to keep them in place. For a floral ceremony backdrop, ensure it’s firmly anchored to the ground before the ceremony begins. 

planning a beach wedding

Image by MC Wedding. 

9. Prepare a Shoe Station 

Beaches can be challenging to navigate in formal footwear. And, let’s be honest, no one wants to walk around with sand in their shoes. That’s why we recommend designating a place for guests to leave their fancy shoes during the ceremony and reception. This small gesture is a practical and thoughtful touch that enhances guest comfort and convenience. 

10. Provide Shade when Planning a Beach Wedding

When planning a beach wedding, especially in the warm summer months, it’s essential to provide shade for your guests. During the ceremony, consider setting up umbrellas or passing out fans to shield guests from the sun and keep them cool—these can double as functional wedding favors that guests will genuinely appreciate. 

If you’re not using a tent for the reception, create a shaded lounge area where guests can escape the heat and stay comfortable. This shaded space can be a great addition near the bar, offering a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy a refreshing drink away from the sun.

11. Avoid Littering and Leave No Trace 

When planning a beach wedding, preparing a plan for waste management is crucial to ensure you leave no trace. Set up clearly labeled trash and recycling bins throughout your wedding area to make it simple for guests. To further protect the beach, consider hiring local cleanup services to handle disposal and clean the area after your event, making sure no waste is left behind.

Opting for biodegradable plates and cups can also help minimize impact, especially if any items are accidentally blown away. Taking these steps will help you enjoy your beach wedding while prioritizing sustainability. 

Planning a wedding is never easy, and choosing a unique location adds to the difficulty. However, those oceanfront views will make the extra effort well worth it. For even more tips for planning a seaside celebration, check out our ultimate beach wedding guide. This step-by-step guide will ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

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Unbelievably Elegant and Intimate Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding

August 12, 2024 | justine

Paris and David love visiting museums together, making it a special part of every trip they take. So, it only made sense for them to get married in one. Initially, their vision changed quite a bit, but over time, it transformed into an elegant and timeless affair inspired by Old Hollywood. The bride’s dress and David’s choice to wear a tux played key roles in this vision. With a refined color palette, tasteful decor, and chic fashion, their Baltimore Museum of Art wedding was everything they dreamed of.

The beautiful museum influenced their design choices, so they kept things simple to let its charm shine through. For their ceremony at the Fox Court–an exquisite neoclassical room with a soaring coffered ceiling and elegant Ionic columns–they only needed dark Tiffany chairs and aisle florals. The same room was transformed for the reception, with tables filled with lush low centerpieces and candles, creating a cozy atmosphere for intimate conversations and a great time with their loved ones.

The couple carefully chose every element of their celebration, creating an unforgettable event. Keep scrolling to see how beautifully Rachel Stenger captured each curated detail and emotional moment, leaving us inspired by this stunning celebration.

The Couple:

Paris and David

The Wedding:

Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland, United States

A 1960s-Inspired Wedding Dress and a Modern Twist

I’m an outlier when I say I had no idea what wedding dress style I wanted when we got engaged. I didn’t have a Pinterest board or any photos of dresses I liked saved on my phone. This was because, genuinely, I’m not too fond of most wedding dresses on the market. But when I stumbled across Danielle Frankel, I knew immediately that I had found my designer. Her dresses were undeniably cool, elegant, and unique without being too avant-garde. The dress I chose, the Noa, felt like something out of a 1960s black and white film, which, unbeknownst to me then, was exactly what I was looking for. My second look was a no-brainer; I had my mother’s wedding dress from 1977 tailored into a modern mini. I also knew that I wanted to wear my shoes all night long, so I opted for the always-elegant Prada leather slingback pumps with a shorter heel height.

Twiggy-Inspired Eye Design for a Unique Bridal Look

I wanted my hair and makeup to reflect the style of the dresses, something a bit unusual without being distracting. I sent my artist, Eva Varfolomeeva, a few inspirational photos, and she came up with the perfect eye design, something reminiscent of Twiggy from the 1960s.

The Design Evolution of Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding

Our vision for our wedding changed quite a bit throughout the wedding planning process. When we first started planning, I envisioned a much darker, autumn-focused color palette. But as the months went on, my vision shifted to something a bit more elegant and timeless, in the style of Old Hollywood. My dress was one of the inspirations for that vision, as was David’s decision to wear a tux. The venue itself also influenced our design choices—the museum is so beautiful on its own that we didn’t feel the need to add much to it. We also wanted the design elements we chose to complement the venue’s color palette and style, so we opted for subtler and more refined colors and textures. For example, the large floral urns on either side of the altar were painted with beige stone to match the large Ionic columns that flank Fox Court.

A Memorable First Look and Private Walk Through the Galleries

There were a few “most memorable” moments for us. One was the first look on the front steps of the museum. As I was walking down the steps towards David, I could see that he was wiping away tears already, well before he turned around. David often talks about the sound of my heels on the steps behind him as something he’ll never forget. We also lucked out with beautiful weather for mid-April and sunny skies in the mid-60s, for which we were so grateful. Another memorable moment was when David and I snuck away towards the end of the night to walk through some of the museum galleries on our own. It was just us and the security guard, who was busy dancing by himself to the music from our live band playing in the other room. It was so nice to have a few minutes together and reflect on this huge moment in our lives.

Making Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding Planning Easier with a Professional

Our biggest piece of advice would be to hire a planner. Working with our planner, Julie Partridge, was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. She made the process so much more manageable for both of us, especially since we were planning our wedding from another state. We also suggest making date nights out of your more arduous decision-making sessions. If we had a long list of decisions, we’d grab a drink at our favorite local bar and check things off the list.

The Benefits of an Intimate Wedding Celebration

We were proud of so many aspects of our wedding, but one in particular was that we got to spend time with every single one of our guests. It was so important to us that our wedding be small enough for us to celebrate with our closest family and friends, and with only 75 guests, we could do that. Having a small wedding allowed us to focus on what matters most to us: excellent food, high-quality drinks, and beautiful flowers. For example, we found champagne at our local wine store in Brooklyn that we loved, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, so we shipped in a case from France.

A Love for Museums Led to the Perfect Wedding Venue

One of our favorite things to do as a couple is visit museums. In every city and new country we visit, we always make time for a museum trip, so it felt fitting for us to get married in one. We also wanted our wedding to feel effortlessly elegant, and the Baltimore Museum of Art was just that. It didn’t require excessive decoration or adornment. It was beautiful, just as it was.

 

 

Personalized Wedding Gifts With a Touch of History at Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding

My gift to David was a pair of cufflinks to wear on the wedding day. I wanted something that reflected both our appreciation for antique jewelry and our venue. I was also looking for a set from the same era as my engagement ring (late 19th century). I chose a pair of late 19th-century gold cufflinks with gray hematite intaglios of Trojan knights, which came from an estate sale linked to the royal family; they felt like pieces we might see wandering around a museum exhibit. David spent much time looking for his perfect wedding watch in the months leading up to the wedding. He ultimately landed on a vintage Cartier Tank from the 1970s. On the day of our rehearsal dinner, David surprised me with my own Cartier Tank from 1991, David’s birth year.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Rachel Stenger
Event Planning – Julie Partridge
Venue – Baltimore Museum of Art
Floral Design – Steelcut Flower Co.
Catering – Linwoods
Cake – Cakes by Jason
Live Music – The Adrian Duke Project + Two Rivers Chamber Music
Videography – Nate Bittinger
Invitation Design – Stephanie Gould
Makeup + Hair Styling – Eva Varfolomeeva + Caitlyn Meyer
Wedding Dress – Danielle Frankel
Bridal Accessories – Prada
Groom’s Apparel – Enzo Custom
Groom’s Accessories – To Boot New York
Rings – Marisa Perry Atelier
Rentals – Select Event Group
Transportation – Thoroughbred
Favors – Stephanie Gould

 

Congratulations to Paris and David on their unbelievably elegant and intimate Baltimore Museum of Art wedding. A heartfelt thank you to Rachel Stenger for beautifully capturing every moment of their special day, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the right venue for your wedding sets the stage for an unforgettable day. It’s more than just a backdrop; it shapes the atmosphere and ambiance, reflecting your style and personality. Whether you envision a rustic barn, a serene beach, or a historic museum, the venue is pivotal in creating lasting memories. Take your time, explore your options, and let our guide help you find a place that resonates with your vision—a decision that will make your wedding day truly magical.

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