WEDDING BLOG

Cinematic Mountain Adventure in New Zealand With a Photographer Who Planned It All

September 24, 2025 | justine

For Leandra and Jasmine, it all started while waiting in line for the restroom at a bar—a meet-cute they still laugh about today. From that moment, their connection grew through honesty, laughter, and shared values. “We felt safe with each other,” they said. “Our inner child emerges when it’s just us, and it feels like we have always known each other.”

Wanting their wedding to mirror the authenticity that defines their relationship, they set their sights on an adventure in New Zealand. An elegant, cinematic elopement in the mountains, complete with helicopter rides, heartfelt vows, and breathtaking views.

What We Love About This Adventure in New Zealand

A cinematic, adventure-driven day in the stunning New Zealand mountains
A photographer who doubled as planner, handling all the logistics
A helicopter ride and mountaintop ceremony with clear skies and the aurora as a backdrop

Featured Vendor:

Shaken and Stirred Weddings

Letting Their Photographer Lead the Way

Planning a destination wedding from overseas can feel daunting, but Leandra and Jasmine’s experience proved that the right vendor can make all the difference. Once they found Junebug vendor Shaken and Stirred Weddings, everything fell into place.

“We started by choosing the location, and once we were set on New Zealand, we began our search for photographers. That was when we stumbled on Kellie,” they shared. The couple credits Kellie not only for capturing their day beautifully but also for pulling together the entire vendor team. “She wasn’t just our photographer but our wedding planner as well,”.

“She guided us along and coordinated everything, from hair and makeup to the helicopter rides. We honestly didn’t do much. We just needed to pack our bags and show up.”

Turning Their Vision Into a Cinematic Adventure in New Zealand

Leandra and Jasmine envisioned a day that felt cinematic, romantic, and adventure-filled. “Happy Lea, happy life,” Jasmine joked when talking about budgeting. “As long as it makes Lea happy, we do it. She wants hair and make-up? Done. She wants a photoshoot on a mountain top? Done. Lucky for me, I very much would love a mountain top photoshoot as well!”

Despite the chill and wind at the mountaintop ceremony, the couple wouldn’t have had it any other way. “Honestly, it was really cold and we think that was what made it so fun and memorable for us. It’s such an unforgettable memory, and we have a little chuckle every time we think about it.”

Leandra added, “Getting married to my favourite person on this earth, being able to spend the whole day with her, us in our own little bubble surrounded by nature—these things meant everything to me.”

Prioritizing Presence Over Perfection on the Big Day

For all the logistics and planning, what Leandra and Jasmine remember most are the small, unscripted moments. “I remember whispering nonsense into Lea’s ear throughout the day,” Jasmine said. “We had such a good laugh here and there, and in that moment, we would forget we were in a photoshoot and just bask in each other’s embrace.”

Later that evening, Mother Nature added her own magic with clear skies and a glowing aurora. It was the perfect ending to their once-in-a-lifetime adventure in New Zealand.

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Practical Tips From Leandra and Jasmine’s Adventure in New Zealand

Their biggest piece of advice? Be intentional. “Yes, obviously you want to be happy, however that’s easier said than done. You and only you have the power to make it happen. You control your mood, so be intentional about it.”

They also stressed the importance of respecting your vendor team: “Be respectful to everyone, especially your team, who try their best to make that day as perfect and special as they can. Goodness, we can’t thank them enough!”

For Leandra and Jasmine, their wedding wasn’t just about the breathtaking scenery or the helicopter ride. It was about love, laughter, and creating an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand that felt entirely their own.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Shaken and Stirred
Venue – Double Cone, New Zealand
Officiant – Sarah Noble
Videography –Eureka Films
Makeup Artist – Paige Shipton
Hair Styling – Tussock Hair & Makeup
Wedding Dress – Rouge by Eva Lendel
Bridal Accessories – The Jewels Concept

A Villa Corsini Wedding That Feels Like Stepping into a Renaissance Painting

September 22, 2025 | justine

ivory light pink sage green yellow

Gabrielle and Sean’s love story began in the halls of high school, brought together by mutual friends. Over ten years of dating, their connection only grew stronger, grounded in trust, adventure, and a shared sense of joy. “Sean is very spontaneous and adventurous, and that is what drew me in,” Gabrielle shared. “Together, we make sure to always listen to one another, put each other first, and plan exciting dates.” When they started imagining their special day, they knew it needed to reflect the romance and warmth they shared. Tuscany—with its rolling hills, serene landscapes, and timeless charm—felt like a natural extension of their love story. Their Villa Corsini wedding brought together vintage elegance and personal, chic details, creating a celebration that was unmistakably theirs.

What We Love About This Villa Corsini Wedding

The Italian garden ceremony framed by lush lemon trees and Tuscan hills
Personal officiant: Sean’s brother-in-law added an intimate, heartfelt touch
Thoughtful details like lemon sorbet, Ricciarelli cookies, and parasols for guests
Musical atmosphere with live violin, cello, and saxophone performances
Surprise moments: Gabrielle’s dance for her mom, espresso martini tower, and fireworks

Featured Vendor:

TheKnotInItaly

Choosing a Location That Resonates

The journey to Italy began with research and planning. Gabrielle’s family roots in Cansano, Abruzzo, gave Tuscany an added sense of comfort and familiarity. “Tuscany gave us a feeling of romance and peace,” Gabrielle explained. With guidance from their wedding planner and Junebug Vendor, Rossana of The Knot in Italy, they visited Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte and scouted accommodations, tastings, and ceremony sites. Seeing the villa in person and exploring every corner of Tuscany helped them know they’d found the perfect spot for their wedding.

Intimate Moments and Personal Ceremony Touches

Before the ceremony, Gabrielle and Sean shared a private first look. “It was an intimate time just for us, an opportunity to share private emotions, and connect on a deeper level,” Gabrielle recalled. With how quickly the wedding day flies by, they recommend couples take these moments to pause, soak in the excitement, and create lasting memories together.

The ceremony itself was equally personal. One of the most memorable parts of their Villa Corsini wedding was having Sean’s brother-in-law officiate. “Knowing someone we love was guiding us through our vows made the moment even more meaningful.” Set in an Italian garden overlooking the Tuscan hills, guests enjoyed elegant parasols and fans while live violin and cello performances created a beautifully intimate atmosphere.

Building a Team They Could Trust

For Gabrielle and Sean, choosing vendors wasn’t just about skills, it was about connection. “We valued responsiveness, organization, attention to detail, willingness to schedule calls, and the ability to prioritize our needs.” The couple met multiple vendors until they found those who truly shared their vision. Their takeaway: invest time in finding pros who listen, understand your style, and treat your wedding as a priority. It makes the planning process seamless and enjoyable.

The Ultimate Italian Wedding Planner: TheKnotinItaly

When Gabrielle and Sean began searching for a planner, they wanted someone who could do more than handle logistics—they needed a partner who understood their vision. They found that in Rossana of TheKnotInItaly. With 25 years of experience, she and her team have built a reputation as one of Tuscany’s most trusted names in destination weddings, known for their organization, creativity, and attention to detail. Gabrielle shared that Rossana’s steady guidance and responsiveness gave them complete confidence throughout the process, making their Villa Corsini wedding both seamless and personal.

Celebrating with Thoughtful Details

The reception was held in Villa Corsini’s grand gallery, complete with intricate frescos and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Tuscan countryside. From lemon sorbet served in real lemons to Ricciarelli cookies at each place setting, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Gabrielle’s surprise dance for her mom created an emotional highlight, while the espresso martini tower and fireworks display kept the energy high.

Taking It All In

From the pizza welcome party in Florence to the final fireworks over Villa Corsini, every moment reflected Gabrielle and Sean’s love and personality. Their advice to couples: slow down, enjoy the day, and dance with your loved ones. These are the memories you’ll cherish long after the planning is over.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Katelyn Bradley
Event Planning – Rossana Sapori
Venue – Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte
Floral Design – Stiatti Fiori
Catering + Cake – Calamai Catering Ricevimenti
Officiant – Joseph Pascalino
DJ + Live Music – Alex Sisto and Sisto Events
Videography – The Wedding Valley
Makeup + Hair Styling – Nelli Nelipovych
Wedding Dress – Pnina Tornai
Groom’s Apparel – Giorgio Armani
Rentals – Preludio Noleggio
Favors – Mario Pelino Confetti
Lighting – Namida
Gelato Cart – Appetitosa Feste e Eventi
Bar Company – Pour Events

A Local Spain Wedding with 300 Guests and 500 Flowers, Planned in Record Time

September 19, 2025 | justine

ivory kelly green white

For Isabel and Alex, love had always been close to home—literally. Childhood familiarity in their hometown of Íscar eventually turned into romance after years apart. Surrounded by 300 loved ones at their Spain wedding, they turned a minimalist vision into a guest-centered celebration full of music, color, and heartfelt moments.

What We Love About This Spain Wedding

A romantic hometown story turned modern celebration
A ceremony space transformed with over 500 white flowers
Two custom-designed Alicia Rueda gowns for the bride
A record-time planning process (7 months) with trusted vendors
Live performances, art, and personal rituals

Featured Vendor:

People True Love Tellers

Finding the Right Venue and Vendors

Planning a Spain wedding for 300 guests meant Isabel and Alex had to be decisive. They only visited one venue, El Lago de Maíto, and immediately knew it was the place. “We didn’t look any further,” Isabel shared. The lakeside estate featured green gardens, ducks wandering among guests, and a glass-enclosed greenhouse perfect for the party.

Some choices came easily like Isabel’s designer Alicia Rueda, who created both of her gowns. Others took more time. Photography was too important to leave to chance, so Isabel met with six different professionals before finding the perfect fit in Junebug vendors People Truelove Tellers.

Designing a Ceremony of Simplicity and Emotion

Isabel leaned into minimalism, requesting “lots of white flowers” for the ceremony. The team delivered, creating a stunning field of blooms where she walked toward her groom as Mimi Barber sang Shallow.

“I was so moved when I arrived and saw the flower field with my future husband in the background,” Isabel recalled. The ceremony was deeply personal, officiated by Alex’s boss, Pablo, who knew the couple well. From the children’s entrance in a wicker cart to heartfelt speeches, every moment felt intimate despite the large guest count.

Two Distinct Bridal Looks for Ceremony and Party

For her first look, Isabel wore a long-sleeved gown with a fitted bodice with a 1950s-inspired headpiece–a thick headband with an attached birdcage veil. She finished the look with a sleek low bun, minimal stud earrings and bottle-green platform sandals—a color that carried through to the children’s outfits. “I was clear about what I wanted for my first dress,” she said.

Her reception dress was a long, feathered, and rhinestone-adorned design that allowed her to dance into the night. Paired with white Jimmy Choo wedges, it was the perfect transition into the reception’s energy.

Shop Isabel’s Bridal Accessories:

How This Spain Wedding Elevated the Reception With Food and Music

For Isabel and Alex, celebration meant indulging their guests. “We were clear that the most important thing for us was to eat and drink well, and to celebrate,” Isabel shared. Emilio Moro’s Malleolus red wine flowed throughout the night, barnacles were served as a standout dish, and a banquet full of color awaited guests after the white-floral ceremony.

Entertainment was another priority. The couple hired Mimi Barber from Lío Ibiza as their main artist and kicked off the banquet entrance with “Bella Ciao,” surrounded by 300 guests dancing and singing along. There was even a “live art” station where watercolor portraits were painted on the spot.

Thoughtful Details That Last Beyond the Day

Isabel and Alex made sure their guests felt included in every part of their Spain wedding. Women received bracelets engraved with initials, while men were given bottles of Emilio Moro wine. A Hawaiian-inspired ritual invited guests to pour colored powders into a vase, creating a shared symbol of unity. And as a lasting keepsake, their officiant gifted them a lemon tree adorned with photos from family and friends—now planted in their garden as a daily reminder of the celebration.

Looking back, the couple credits these thoughtful touches and a guest-first mindset for making the day unforgettable. “I would tell couples to focus on what people will enjoy most. Those things guests will never forget: live music, live art, trendy DJs, excellent wine, and food they don’t normally have access to,” Isabel said. Their Spain wedding showed that with the right priorities, even a large-scale celebration planned in record time can feel personal, memorable, and deeply joyful.