WEDDING BLOG

South Indian Catholic Wedding in the Ruins of Antigua, Guatemala

August 22, 2025 | justine

What began as two college students helping each other practice for a dance performance eventually became a lifelong partnership built on a love for learning, shared adventures,and a deep friendship. and. Years later, Stacy and Kevin took that same spirit into planning their special day—dreaming up a celebration that honored their traditions while giving guests an unforgettable experience. That vision led them to Antigua, Guatemala, where cobblestone streets, centuries‑old churches, and vibrant culture set the scene. With Junebug vendor Sparks Weddings by their side, they transformed the romantic ruins of Santa Clara into the backdrop for their extraordinary South Indian Catholic wedding.

What We Love About This South Indian Catholic Wedding

A multi-day celebration blending South Indian traditions with Guatemalan charm
The moving Crowning Ceremony under the Syro Malankara Catholic rite
A Pacaya Volcano hike with guests—complete with pizza and s’mores at the top
DIY welcome bags, cultural cocktails, and personalized polaroid seating charts
A fireworks finale that made the night feel like a movie

Featured Vendor:

Sparks Weddings

Finding a Destination That Captures Their Spirit

When it came to location, Antigua checked every box. Walkable streets, breathtaking churches, unique venues, rich culture, and a sense of new adventure for their guests. The couple envisioned bringing a Catholic South Indian wedding to this centuries‑old city, and with the help of their planner, they found the perfect date, location, and local team to make it happen.

“From the beginning, Sparks Weddings carried so much weight for us,” Stacy shared. “They were our eyes and ears on the ground and respected our wishes every step of the way.”

Bringing Traditions to Life Through Their Ceremony

The heart of this South Indian Catholic wedding was the Syro Malankara Catholic rite, a ceremony rich with symbolism. The couple’s favorite moment was the Crowning Ceremony, where the priest placed real crowns on their heads, signifying their roles as king and queen in the kingdom of heaven.

They also wove in a special nod to Kevin’s Syro Malabar Catholic tradition by receiving Holy Communion alongside their parents, blending both of their church customs into one deeply personal service.

Celebrating with a Full Week of Events and Activities

From the start, Stacy and Kevin wanted to do everything for their guests. That meant hosting not just one event, but an entire wedding week. Festivities kicked off with a casual welcome at El Barrio, followed by the traditional Madhuram Veppu in the basement of their hotel, complete with speeches, dancing, and sweets.

Perhaps the most unforgettable pre-wedding moment was the volcano hike up Pacaya. “It was such a wonderful way to start our wedding week doing a hobby we enjoy the most—hiking in God’s beautiful creations,” Stacy recalled.

Making Every Guest Feel Part of Their Love Story

Their wedding week was packed with thoughtful, creative touches. Welcome bags included cultural snacks, Antigua fun facts, guest “awards,” and tributes to loved ones. Ceremony booklets featured a watercolor portrait of the couple, and Stacy wore a Sagittarius constellation necklace to celebrate their shared zodiac sign.

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At the reception, guests found their seats via polaroid photos of themselves with the couple, keepsakes they could take home. Special cocktails fused Indian and Latin flavors, and late-night coffee and taco stations kept energy high. The night ended with surprise fireworks, making for a perfect cinematic close.

The Perfect Ending to a Multi-Day Celebration

Looking back, Stacy and Kevin wouldn’t change a thing—except maybe having that backup rain plan. “Even though rain is incredibly unusual during the dry season, it’s always good to have a backup plan in case anything were to happen,” Stacy said. From the emotional ceremony to the all‑out dance floor and grand fireworks finale, their South Indian Catholic wedding was exactly what they envisioned: a beautiful blend of cultures, traditions, and the people who matter most.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lucid Sevens
Event Planning – Sparks Wedding
Content Creator – Sensia Studios
Ceremony Venue – Iglesia de San Juan del Obispo
Reception Venue – Ruinas de Santa Clara
Floral Design – Addy Florales
Coffee – Artista Cafe
Cake – Sofia Cobian
Officiant – Fr. Noby Ayyaneth
DJ – DJ Sharad of DJUSA
Pianist – Justine George
Videography – Rodrigo Zadro
Invitation Design – Valavi Weddings
Makeup + Hair Styling – Estudio T Makeup
Wedding Dress – The Bridal World
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Raz & Company

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

August 20, 2025 | justine

bright red dark pink orange purple yellow

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.”