WEDDING BLOG

A Warm and Wildflower-Filled Portugal Destination Wedding at a Historic Manor

August 20, 2025 | justine

A ski date gone wrong—complete with swapped gear and plenty of falling—was the start of Lauren and Jake’s adventure together. Years later, that same playful spirit shaped a wedding that would take them across the globe to the rolling hills of Portugal. Surrounded by wildflowers, mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses, and the charm of a historic manor, their Portugal destination wedding captured by Junebug photographer Pedro Filipe Fotografia brought 150 loved ones together for a weekend that was as joyful as it was romantic.

What We Love About This Portugal Destination Wedding:

A wildflower-filled palette with mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses in warm, autumnal tones
The groom’s unexpected tan velvet jacket paired with classic black accents
Live painters creating guest portraits as a one-of-a-kind wedding favor
Personal touches, including custom cutouts of their dog Deli for the dance floor
The lush greenery and crawling ivy of the property that brought romance and texture

Featured Vendor:

Pedro Filipe Fotografia

Wedding Fashion with Personality

While the setting in Portugal set the tone, the couple’s fashion choices brought it to life. For the welcome party in Lisbon at Hotel Mundial, Lauren opted for a modern knit maxi dress from SER.O.YA , perfectly contrasting her more traditional wedding gown.

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“I thought I wanted a simple dress, but I ended up gravitating toward an A-line with lace and special detailing. I felt like a princess,” she said.

Jake skipped the expected black or navy tux and instead chose a tan velvet jacket with a bow tie, black pants, and velvet loafers.

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The wedding party also reflected the couple’s warm, laid-back aesthetic. Bridesmaids wore dresses of their choice within a defined autumnal color palette, and groomsmen looked sharp in navy tuxedos.

Finding the Perfect Venue in Portugal

From the start, Lauren and Jake wanted a wedding that felt colorful, romantic, and full of personality. They considered their priorities early on. Focusing not just on how the day would look, but how it would feel.

“For us, we wanted the wedding to look beautiful, but the vibe and food and beverage were equally as important,” Lauren shared. “That meant allocating a majority of our budget towards food, drinks, and music.”

After countless hours of online research and friend referrals, they found Solar de Pancas. A stunning historic manor with an attached tented space that seamlessly connected indoors and outdoors. “We wanted a venue large enough for 150 guests but still intimate. Solar de Pancas perfectly struck that balance.”

Surrounded by ivy-covered walls and golden autumn light, Lauren and Jake exchanged vows in a semi-circle of white chairs that brought everyone closer to the moment. Bright florals framed the altar, while each guest found a custom “Wedding Post”—a playful nod to the couple’s story. The ceremony was simple, warm, and personal, ending in cheers as they shared their first kiss.

Adding Interactive and Playful Touches to the Celebration

One of the standout elements of this Portugal destination wedding was the live guest portrait painting during cocktail hour by Bloom Bliss Art. “We love hearing that many of our guests now have their portraits hanging in their homes.”

Under a clear-top tent, guests gathered around bamboo chairs and tables dressed in white linens, colorful blooms, and floral napkins topped with custom tile place cards. A long head table anchored the space, framed by a lush hanging floral installation. Since their beloved dog Deli couldn’t travel, they found a creative way to include her—printing custom dog head cutouts for guests to wave on the dance floor.

Why a Planner Made All the Difference

Planning a wedding overseas is no small task, which is why Lauren and Jake say their planner was essential. “He brought our vision to life in the most beautiful way,” Lauren shared. His guidance helped them navigate everything from securing music and photography to balancing their budget priorities.

Their advice for other couples planning a Portugal destination wedding? “Know your non-negotiables and stick to them. Enjoy your day to the fullest, and if you can—get a wedding planner.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Pedro Filipe Fotografia
Event Planning + Floral Design – Eh Possivel
Venue – Solar De Pancas
Catering + Cake – Pateo Velho
DJ + Live Music – Your JukeBox
Videography – Rendezvous Films
Makeup Artist – Kantovick
Welcome Party Dress – SER.O.YA
Wedding Dress – Anna Be Bridal Denver
Favors – Bloom Bliss Art

A Photographer-Only Elopement in Iceland, Stripped Down to Just Love and Landscape

August 18, 2025 | justine

navy blue white

When Lisa and Ryan decided to say “I do,” they didn’t want timelines, guest lists, or the usual wedding day whirlwind. They wanted quiet. Beauty. A setting that felt bigger than themselves. That search led them back to the place where their love story deepened—Iceland.

Their journey began in 2020 while working as nurses during the pandemic. Just weeks into dating, they watched the series Down to Earth and were captivated by the wild, untouched scenery featured in one episode. Lisa booked flights that same night, and six weeks later they were exploring the Ring Road. One night beneath the Northern Lights, Ryan said “I love you” for the first time.

So when it came time to choose a wedding location, there was no debate. An elopement in Iceland was the only choice. They picked Reynisfjara Beach and Solheimajokull Glacier, two breathtaking backdrops that capture the country’s nickname, “the land of fire and ice.” Rather than building a full vendor team, they hired just one person. Junebug vendor Christina Raytsiz whose talent, warmth, and transparent pricing made her an easy yes. “She was more than a photographer,” Lisa said. “She helped us plan, pick locations, suggest attire, and even brought us hand warmers.”

What We Love About This Elopement in Iceland

The couple returned to the country where Ryan first said “I love you”
A color palette chosen specifically to pop against Iceland’s moody scenery
Their photographer doubled as a planner, location scout, and stylist
A sunrise vow exchange on a rock overlooking Reynisfjara’s black sand beach
Post-ceremony pizza in downtown Vik, still in wedding attire

Featured Vendor:

Chris Ray Photos

Turning One Trip Into a Vacation, Wedding, and Honeymoon

Because they had already booked flights to Iceland for November, they folded their wedding into that trip, turning it into a three-in-one—vacation, wedding, and honeymoon. “It was for a fraction of the cost of doing each separately,” Ryan explained. They funneled their budget into what mattered most to them, photography, attire, and experiences, while keeping the venue free.

To make the day stress-free, they got ready together at their Airbnb, helping each other with final touches before heading to their first look. The only timeline was the sun.

A Vow Exchange as Intimate as It Gets

At sunrise, their photographer, Christina, positioned them on a rock formation overlooking the black sand beach. The golden light hit their faces as they read their vows. Just the two of them, the ocean, and the waves crashing below.

“We could authentically be ourselves, without the nervousness of reading our deepest promises in front of a crowd,” Lisa said.

Celebrating Their Elopement in Iceland With Pizza in Wedding Attire

After hiking the glacier for photos, hunger set in. Still in wedding attire, they ducked into Halldorskaffi in downtown Vik, where the staff baked them a fresh pizza and celebrated their day with them. “We laughed the entire time, changing into hiking clothes in the bathroom. It was the best pizza and service we’ve ever had,” Ryan recalled.

What They Wish Every Couple Knew About Eloping

For Lisa and Ryan, there’s nothing they would change. “Focus on what you value together,” Lisa advised. “The hair will fall, makeup will fade, food will be eaten, and decor will come down. But the photos, words, memories, and marriage will last a lifetime.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Chris Ray Photos
Venue – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach + Solheimajokull Glacier

This Unconventional Wedding on a 19th-Century Ship Proves You Can Celebrate Your Way

August 16, 2025 | justine

bright red light blue orange purple

Some couples dream of grand ballrooms or historic estates. Kitty and Stuart? They wanted something completely different—a celebration that felt effortless, authentic, and unapologetically them. That vision came to life aboard the Tall Ship, a restored 19th-century vessel docked in Glasgow. With no strict dress code, minimal decor, and plenty of DIY touches, their wedding wasn’t about perfection, it was about having a great time with their favorite people. From greeting guests before the ceremony to wearing what makes them happy instead of traditional attire, they showed that an unconventional wedding can be uniquely personal and laid back.

What We Love About This Unconventional Wedding:

The couple’s nontraditional fashion choices—Kitty in stylish dungarees with a custom bridal cape, Stuart in sunglasses and a cap
Greeting guests before the ceremony instead of keeping separate until the aisle moment
A friend-officiated ceremony that unexpectedly included a second-hand quaich ritual
Guests waving ribbon wands instead of throwing confetti
The unique charm of a 19th-century Tall Ship wedding in the heart of Glasgow

Featured Vendor:

Pocket Square Photography

Breaking Away from the Usual Wedding Dress Code

Rather than following the usual wedding style rules, Kitty and Stuart dressed in a way that felt true to them. Kitty wore chic dungarees paired with a custom cape from Kit and the Bobbin, while Stuart kept it casual in sunglasses and a cap. Even the cake was a no-fuss Costco find.

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They also skipped professional hair and makeup, showing that a wedding doesn’t need a big glam squad to look and feel special. The focus was on comfort and happiness over formality.

The Benefits of Taking Photos Before the Ceremony

One key to the relaxed atmosphere was taking photos before the ceremony. The couple got ready together, then went for a walk along the water with their photographer, Junebug vendor Pocket Square Photography, before guests arrived. This set a calm tone for the rest of the day and freed up more time later to spend with loved ones.

During the ceremony, their friend-turned-officiant added a surprise. A quaich ritual using a second-hand cup emblazoned with a football stadium logo. It became an unexpected moment of laughter and connection.

Choosing a Venue With Built-In Personality

The Tall Ship offered the perfect mix of character and convenience—visually striking, steeped in history, and located right in the city. Because the venue’s atmosphere was already so distinctive, they kept decor minimal: a neon sign with their names and a glittery photo backdrop added just enough personal flair.

Encouraging a Relaxed Atmosphere for Everyone

From the start, the couple encouraged guests to feel comfortable, even skipping a formal dress code. Some arrived in t-shirts and jeans, others embraced playful touches like yellow sunglasses handed out on deck. Instead of traditional confetti, ribbon wands created a colorful and sustainable send-off.

The ship’s open deck became a lively gathering space, with guests chatting in the sunshine and even “scrubbing the deck” for a few lighthearted photos.

Balancing Fun and Flow in a Low-Key Wedding

According to Junebug vendor Pocket Square Photography, one of the smartest choices was building in unstructured time before the main events. That calm start made the rest of the day feel even more enjoyable.

Whether it’s aboard a historic vessel or in your own backyard, this unconventional wedding shows that the most memorable celebrations often come from letting go of the rules and focusing on what matters most—connection, laughter, and love.