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Bright and Whimsical Butterfly-Filled Esperanza Wedding

November 11, 2023 | justine

Reid and Elliott had one goal in mind:  create an intimate destination wedding in Mexico with their nearest and dearest. When Elliott asked the big question, Reid wasted no time, firing off an email to their wedding planner to see if a Cabo wedding could happen. And with the bride’s embroidered veil as inspiration, their Esperanza wedding theme blossomed into a magical world of flowers and butterflies. With the help of their trusted vendor team, their vision of a bright, colorful, and whimsical celebration became a reality in a creative and stunning way!

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Cortez, the couple shared their vows in an intimate beach ceremony, enveloped by beautiful blooms all around. As the sun set, the outdoor terrace welcomed their reception. Adorned with vibrant flowers, delicate butterfly details, and splashes of blue, the decor beautifully harmonized with the scenic waterfront views. To top it all off, twinkling string lights hung overhead, adding the final touch to this celebration.

What truly ties this enchanting scene together is the couple’s attire. The groom rocked a blue jacket, while the bride was an absolute dream in her strapless gown and veil complete with  delicate butterflies and flowers. If you want to see all the incredible details they painstakingly put together, scroll through these captivating photos taken by Junebug member MC Wedding. You’ll find plenty of inspiration to craft your very own romantic waterfront celebration.

The Couple:

Reid and Elliott

The Wedding:

San Cabo Lucas, Mexico

Kicking Off Their Wedding Weekend with Fun Pre-Wedding Celebrations

Elliott and I chose not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, we invited our close friends to join us a few days early for pre-wedding celebrations. On Thursday, we hosted bachelor and bachelorette parties, with the girls enjoying a sunset cruise and dinner at The Office while the boys played golf and dined at Bar Esquina. Both parties ended the night downtown Cabo San Lucas. Elliott and his friends missed the transportation bus back at the end of the night.

Reid and Elliott’s Journey to Their Dream Esperanza Wedding

A small destination wedding in Mexico with our close family and friends had always been a dream of ours. Once Elliott had popped the question, I immediately sent an email to Elena Damy to see if a wedding in Cabo would be realistic for us. I had been following Elena Damy on social media for quite some time, and after our initial meeting, we knew without a doubt that they were the perfect fit for us—definitely in terms of the vibe and atmosphere. All the credit and a big thank you go to the Elena Damy team and our vendors for creating such a magical event and a night we will never forget.

Setting the Right Tone with Welcome Bags Filled with Local Artisan Treasures

Elena Damy went above and beyond with our welcome bags. We knew we wanted something our guests could use and enjoy during the weekend and take home as a souvenir. We also aimed to source as many items as possible from local artisans. The woven palm bags included two ceramic shot glasses, a bottle of tequila, a bag of tortilla chips, and a jar of salsa. The choice of tequila and shot glasses was a no-brainer, as it is our favorite spirit, and the chips and salsa were the perfect option for a late-night snack. It was exciting to see all of our guests using the bags by the pool or beach and subsequently using them as their carry-ons at the airport on their way back home. All in all, they were a huge hit!

The Monique Lhuillier Veil That Became The Inspiration Behind Their Wedding Design

Since the ceremony was going to be on the beach, I wanted my gown to be really simple but with a unique touch. Toward the end of my gown appointment, I was about 90% certain about my choice, but something felt missing. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the Monique Lhuillier floral embroidered veil that the boutique had from a trunk show. I decided to try it on, and it was perfect! It completed the look and ultimately became the design inspiration for our wedding. As for my makeup, I aimed to feel like the most beautiful version of myself, so we went for a natural, glowing, sun-kissed look. Los Cabos Makeup did an exceptional job of making me feel confident and beautiful throughout the entire weekend.

How They Made Their Dream Esperanza Wedding Come To Life

Romantic, intimate, whimsical, and fun were the words we used to describe our wedding vibe. We wanted to celebrate with all our close family and friends. Esperanza provided the romance and intimacy we sought in a venue, thanks to its endless ocean views and rocky terraces. When I tried on my floral embroidered veil, I knew it had to inspire the wedding’s design and décor, as evident in the florals and butterfly accents. From the Mariachi band that kicked off the party at the end of the ceremony to DJ Inflyt at the reception and after-party, everyone danced all night long. In summary, Elena Damy and her team were 100% committed to bringing our vision to life, and they exceeded our expectations.

Elevating their Esperanza Wedding Experience with Cabo’s Culinary Delights

Food was really important to us, which is another reason we chose Esperanza for our venue. We wanted our guests to experience Cabo’s incredible culinary scene, and Cocina del Mar offers some of the best local and fresh Baja cuisine. The unquestioned star of the show were the Carajillos that we passed around as our after-dinner drink. Carajillos are similar to an espresso martini but better and are made with espresso and Licor 43. Guests from our wedding have told us they have purchased Licor 43 and now make Carajillos at home because they enjoyed them so much.

Dressing the Part: Finding Fun and Vibrant Attire in Mexico

For our welcome fiesta, our rehearsal dinner party, and the wedding after-party, I wanted outfits that portrayed Mexico’s fun vibrancy. Honestly, they were the most complex outfits to find, and there were a lot of returns before finding the perfect fit. For the welcome fiesta, I am so grateful to Nardos and the team who helped me find the most spectacular dress for the occasion. For the after party, I found a two-piece blue sequin skirt and feather top set by Bronx and Banco that gave me all the sexy, fun mermaid vibes to end the night.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – MC Wedding
Event Planning + Floral Design  – Elena Damy
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Esperanza
DJ – DJ Inflyt
Invitation Design – Carolyn Duckett
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Los Cabos Makeup
Wedding Dress – Alexia’s Bridal Boutique
Groom’s Apparel – John Craig Clothier

Congratulations to Reid and Elliott on their bright and whimsical butterfly-filled Esperanza wedding. We’d also like to thank Junebug member MC Wedding for their exceptional work in capturing every precious moment of our special day. For more unique celebrations like this one, be sure to explore their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Infusing your big day with meaningful, personalized details is a beautiful way  to celebrate your unique love, just as this couple did. For a comprehensive guide on planning a standout wedding that truly reflects your relationship, make sure to explore our how-to guide. It offers insights on finding and using inspiration to create a celebration that is as genuine and extraordinary as your love.

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Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

November 10, 2023 | kailey

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to get lost in all the fun details. It can be tempting to dive into dress shopping or fine-tuning your floral arrangements right away. However, it’s important not to overlook the must-haves, such as reception table ideas and chairs. While these might not be the most exciting details to sort out, they significantly impact your design and the overall ambiance of your wedding. 

Selecting tables might seem straightforward, but each unique style comes with its own advantages and disadvantages—which is why we’re putting them all on the table. Whether you’re considering long banquet-style tables or serpentine setups, it’s essential to research your options to find the perfect setting for your wedding style and guest count. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your one-of-a-kind day. 

Round Tables 

Circular tables are a popular choice, and it’s no surprise why. They’re classic and make a timeless addition to just about any wedding reception space. Not only do they make for a stunning decor element, but they also promote conversation. Round tables make it easy for guests to chat with those at their table. Plus– as a crowd favorite–rentals for both tables and linens are easy to hunt down. 

While they are a beautiful choice, they’re not fit for every wedding style and venue. Round tables typically sit between 6-10 people per table. If you have a large guest list, this might not be right for you. For example, if you’re having 200 guests with round tables that seat 10, you would need 20 reception tables. That’s not only expensive but also difficult to fit into some spaces. 

Image by Adrian Steinbach.

Square Tables 

If you’re looking for ways to add a unique flair to your reception, square tables might be for you. While they aren’t one of the most popular choices, they sure are a stunning one. They create a cozy atmosphere, have ample room for lush centerpieces, and can easily be configured to optimize your reception space. 

Depending on the size of your tables, each can fit 4-8 guests comfortably. Perfect for smaller events, this option gives your wedding a more intimate feel—your guests are able to mingle more with others at their table. While this is a perk, keep in mind there are some downfalls of choosing this table style. 

Because they are quickly gaining popularity, it’s can be difficult to find rentals for both square tables and linens. Plus, square tables have a lot of empty, unusable space (corners) that’ll take up room in your venue. So, if you’re working with a small reception space and a large guestlist, square tables wouldn’t be your first choice. 

Image by Franzi Annika. See more of this real wedding here.

Wedding Reception Table Ideas: Rectangle Tables 

Another classic option is rectangular tables. This is a popular choice that can be incorporated into any wedding regardless of the style or theme. They are ideal for celebrations with a large guest list, family or buffet-style catering, or for those envisioning long garland centerpieces. Reception tables are also an easy way to add symmetry to your decor. 

Though this table shape offers ample elbow room for both guests and decor, it also restricts conversation. Having guests spread out during meals limits them to only speaking to those in close proximity to them. Keep this in mind when determining your seating arrangements. 

Long Banquet Tables 

Maybe the thought of separating your wedding guests into groups and creating a seating chart is overwhelming. Maybe you’re just dreaming of all your favorite people being seated together at one table. Whichever it may be, a long banquet table is the solution for smaller celebrations. This is especially true for those hosting an outdoor celebration with unlimited space.  

Long banquet-style tables are an exaggerated version of traditional rectangle setups. Picture one long table stretching the length of your reception space with your table settings and centerpieces perfectly aligned. But keep in mind that these aren’t always the most functional of options. If you have one long table in the middle of your reception space, it can be difficult for guests to move around. They’ll have to walk around the entire table to reach the bathroom, the reception bar, or even the dance floor. 

Image by Alex Mabrey.

Serpentine Tables

You want something different. Your goal for your wedding day is to make a statement, and your reception tables can help you do just that. Instead of sticking with the classic circle or rectangle tables, go for serpentine tables. By piecing together curved tables, you can create a long, winding banquet-style setup. 

It’s no surprise that this isn’t the easiest table option to execute. But with the right vendors by your side and a whole lot of preparation, it’ll pay off in the end. 

King’s Table 

If you’re wanting to feel like true royalty on your big day, consider incorporating a king’s table into your reception space. This is one small rectangular table that seats the couple, their parents, and usually important wedding party members. The catch is that all members are lined up on the same side of the table. 

Sure, this is an elegant–and, for some– less isolating version of a sweetheart table. But it’s not a very intimate option. With all guests sitting on the same side, it limits the amount of conversations that can be had with those sitting at a king’s table. 

wedding reception table ideas

Image by Courtney Marie Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Sweetheart Table 

We are constantly reminding couples to schedule alone time on their wedding day timeline. This is the perfect way to do just that. A sweetheart table is a smaller, often more elaborate dining setup designed for the bride and groom to enjoy some quiet time during dinner. It allows them to savor those precious moments together before hitting the dance floor and celebrating surrounded by loved ones. 

Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

If you thought that your table choices wouldn’t have much of an effect on your wedding, think again. The size and shape of your tables play a large role in both the design and overall feel of your big day. Before you settle on one option, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Keep your venue size and number of guests in mind when deciding on a table shape 
  • Be mindful of the wedding style and vibe you’re trying to create—is it cozy and intimate or large and luxurious?
  • Select tables that can comfortably fit your desired centerpieces. 
  • Revisit your budget before picking your tables. Certain shapes and sizes might be more expensive than others. You’ll want to do a little research on rentals and linen prices before deciding. 
  • You can mix and match different table shapes and sizes. 

Once you have your reception tables and chairs sorted, the real fun begins. It’s officially time to start dressing your tables. We’re talking about centerpieces, table settings, table numbers, etc. 

There are a lot of details to keep track of, and we’re just getting started. How are you expected to keep track of it all? You’re not! That’s why we put together a handy wedding reception table checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked. 

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Classic Villa Petite Syrene Elopement Complete With a Cake Decorating Class

November 9, 2023 | justine

When Dylan first packed his bags to visit Olivia while studying in Italy, their desire to explore the world together was born. So, when it came to tying the knot, there was no question. Positano was the place to make it happen. With an unshakable love for the beach, the cliffside village’s picturesque blend of seaside beauty and Italian charm was a match made in heaven. Their dream wedding was all about keeping it genuine and uniquely them—no frills and intimate, with just close family in tow. But, they also wanted the celebration to be a blast! So, they stirred things up with a fun cake decorating class, turning their Villa Petite Syrene elopement into a memory that’s as sweet as, well, cake!

With the stunning Mediterranean Sea as their backdrop, they embarked on a day destined for the memory books. Their exchanged heartfelt vows on a beautiful terrace, where the path was lined with flowers, offering an unobstructed view of the picturesque waterfront and the charming town. The celebration continued with a family-style feast, and cake that they playfully decorated themselves adding a sweet touch. The breathtaking surroundings served as the perfect canvas for capturing snapshots around town, and they even sprinkled in some extra fun by trying their hand at a shooting gallery game.

Their special day was everything they wished for and more, and Soul Lovers Wedding captured all the special moments that made it truly unforgettable. If you’re an adventurous couple searching for wedding ideas with breathtaking views, you’re in the right spot for inspiration.

The Couple:

Olivia and Dylan

The Wedding:

Positano, Italy

Why They Chose a Villa Petite Syrene Elopement

The first time Dylan left the country was to visit me when I was studying abroad in Italy, and this is where we both caught the travel bug and desired to continue exploring the world together. So, we thought there was no better place to get married. We deeply love the beach and the ocean, and Positano provided the perfect combination of stunning ocean scenery and Italian charm. Our goal was to keep it super organic and true to ourselves, so we kept it simple, allowing the beauty of Positano to be the main attraction. We aimed for an intimate and unique atmosphere, sharing our day with only our immediate family. Yet, we also wanted it to be fun and lively, so adding a wedding cake decorating class was the perfect way to achieve that!

Matching the Energy: Keeping the Wedding Fashion Classic and Relaxed

We wanted the vibe to feel classic and timeless. We kept the men’s suits classic in black and white, and the ladies could choose any color. We aimed for the women’s colors to be vibrant and fun, mirroring the coastal hues. I wanted my look to be classic and relaxed, so I kept it simple with my hair, dress, and shoes. Since we had an intimate wedding, I didn’t want it to feel more than that, so we kept it laid-back, which matched the energy perfectly.

A Day of Love, Family, and Authenticity

We shared those precious moments with the people who mean the most to us, who’ve been our biggest supporters, and those who became like family on that special day—our incredible photographers and officiant. We found that the key is to relax and have fun because things have a way of working themselves out. You only have one day to absorb it fully, so don’t stress about the little things. We stayed true to ourselves; it was all about having a good time. Our photos reflect our genuine selves, and we honestly had the most amazing day of our lives without pretending to be something or doing things that didn’t feel like us.

Positano-Themed Wedding Favors

We gave them custom postcards with our wedding date, location, and picture of Positano. We thought this could be a good way of sharing with family members back home in the US or even just a spot to write down a memory from the day as a keepsake. I also painted custom matches for everyone with our wedding date or other Italian imagery, which we thought could be used for various reasons and were easy to travel with.

Stand-Out Vendors that Brought their Dream Villa Petite Syrene Elopement to Life

Our photographers were the most impressive additions to the day. They were fantastic to work with—helping with the layout and aesthetics of everything and hyping us up throughout the day. They are our true friends now and were such a fantastic part of our day. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Working with Elite Villas and Fabrizia was incredible. We gave minimal instructions on the vision for the day, and she made the most beautiful day. She made custom programs for us with our vows, custom boxes with rice to throw as we walked down the aisle, fans with stickers on them with our logo for our family to cool off with—everything was terrific. She planned the whole day and then was our officiant and did an incredible job! She and her entire team went above and beyond for us and made the day so fun.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Soul Lovers Wedding
Event Planning – Fabrizia
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Villa Petite Syrene
Cake decorating  – Celestina Pasticceria

 

Congratulations to Olivia and Dylan on their classic, romantic, and fun Villa Petite Syrene elopement. And a big thank you to Soul Lovers Wedding for skillfully capturing all those special moments that’ll inspire couples to create their own unique and true-to-them celebrations.

After looking at these breathtaking photos, we’re sure you’re envisioning your dream wedding in Italy. However, organizing a destination wedding, complete with legalities and venue selection, can be a bit of a challenge. Delve into this guide to discover everything you need to make your dream Italian wedding a reality. It’s an adventure waiting to happen!

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