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

August 16, 2025 | justine

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.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Pocket Square Photography
Venue – Tall Ship Glenlee
Catering – Regis Banqueting
Bridal Dungarees – Emperors Old Clothes
Bridal Accessories – Kit and the Bobbin

 

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A Turks & Caicos Caribbean Wedding Where Simplicity Made the Scenery Shine

August 14, 2025 | justine

Julia and David never expected that entering an Instagram giveaway would lead to the destination wedding of their dreams, but that’s exactly what happened. With a winning vendor team, a stunning beachfront estate in Turks and Caicos, and all their favorite people under one roof, their Caribbean wedding felt more like a soul-filling retreat than a typical wedding weekend. Intentional details like handwritten letters and stitched napkins made every guest feel special, while the venue’s natural beauty did most of the heavy lifting.

What We Love About This Caribbean Wedding:

  • A wedding venue where two homes were linked by a private beach, perfect for hosting everyone in one place
  • Earth-toned decor that let the tropical setting be the star
  • Hand-stitched napkins with guests’ names as a personalized takeaway
  • Winning their planner and photographer through a destination wedding giveaway—dreams really do come true!

 

Featured Vendor:

Jennifer See Studios

 

More Than a Wedding—An Unforgettable Getaway for Everyone

For Julia and David, planning a destination Caribbean wedding wasn’t just about saying “I do” with a view, it was about creating memories with the people they love most.

“We knew we didn’t want an all-inclusive,” Julia explained. “We found one house in the Caribbean that could sleep all our guests, and we knew that was the venue. The setup meant family could be in one house, friends in another, and we were all connected by a private beach.”

The result was a weekend-long celebration filled with sun, sand, and shared meals. “We loved that our wedding weekend was also a once-in-a-lifetime trip for all of our friends and family,” she said. “We built in a ton of free time so everyone could truly enjoy it.”

An Intimate and Meaningful Ceremony 

With a view of the water and all their favorite people around them, Julia and David’s ceremony felt deeply personal.

Their officiant? Julia’s uncle. “That made the moment really special,” Julia shared. They also added their own love-filled details throughout the weekend, including hand-written letters placed in each guest’s room, an unexpected and touching way to kick things off.

Designing Around the Natural Beauty of the Caribbean

Rather than overloading the day with trends or elaborate styling, Julia and David embraced the venue’s natural setting.

“We kept it simple,” Julia shared. “The beach and the scenery were the real showstoppers. We just complemented it with earthy tones and minimal decor.”

Florals by local vendor Flowers by EA brought the vision to life without overpowering the landscape. Every detail was chosen with care, from the neutral color palette to the stitched napkins at each place setting—an idea that doubled as a keepsake for every guest.

Winning a Dream Vendor Team Through Instagram

One of the most unique parts of their wedding story? Winning their planner Samantha Nicholas and Junebug photographer Jennifer See Studios through an Instagram giveaway for destination weddings.

“This was the craziest, most random thing and really got us excited about planning,” Julia said. “Working with both of them was amazing.”

They also worked with makeup artist Taylor Switzer, whom Julia described as having “the best energy and skill.” The rest of the vendor team was made up of talented local creatives who brought the celebration to life with warmth and intention.

Advice for Letting Go of Stress and Embracing the Experience

While destination weddings can feel intimidating at first, Julia says the key is to stay grounded in what matters most.

Wedding planning seems daunting,” she admitted, “but once you nail down a vision and venue, it becomes so fun. All the small details you’re worrying about now won’t matter later. Everyone is there to celebrate and love you.”

Her advice? Keep it simple, trust your team, and let the beauty of your location do the heavy lifting—especially for a Caribbean wedding where the setting speaks for itself.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jennifer See Studios
Event Planning – Samantha Nicholas
Venue – Emara Estate
Florist – Flowers by EA
Makeup Artist – Taylor Switzer

 

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A Chic and Refreshing Take on Modern Wedding Style

August 12, 2025 | justine

 

Some weddings break the mold in all the best ways. For Desiree and Elby, planning a modern wedding meant tossing tradition aside and creating something that felt true to them—a vibrant celebration filled with music, culture, intention, and personality. Held at The Great Southern Box Company in Orlando, their day was as effortlessly stylish as it was unapologetically fun.

“We started by sketching out what a typical wedding usually looks like, and then we flipped the script,” Desiree shared. “We made a list of all the traditional elements that didn’t feel like us and reimagined them into something more celebratory and personal.” 

From a standing-room ceremony with champagne in hand to hours of nonstop dancing, this modern wedding was built around movement, music, and making every moment feel alive.

What We Love About This Modern Wedding:

  • A reimagined ceremony setup with standing guests and post-vow toasts
  • A stunning form-fitting dress that balanced simplicity and glam
  • DIY decor using 3D-printed vases and personalized details by the couple’s own business
  • A multicultural soundtrack blending Bachata, R&B, Jazz, and more

Featured Vendor:

Patricia Silverio

Creating a Cohesive Look Without a Set Color Palette

Desiree described their wedding style as “effortless, clean, and refreshing.” A vibe that came together naturally once she found their venue. “Those gorgeous velvety green curtains sealed the deal. I knew I wanted to play off the greenery,” she said. Lilies, her favorite flower, and fresh fruit on the tables added a pop of color without feeling overdone.

Rather than choosing a specific color palette, she followed her gut and her personal sense of style: relaxed, minimal, and elegant.

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Why the Right Team Can Elevate a Nontraditional Wedding

When it came to vendors, Desiree focused on finding people who understood their nontraditional vision. Junebug vendor Patricia Silverio Co. was at the top of her list, and delivered exactly what they needed.

“She shot both our engagement and wedding photos, and nothing felt more seamless than working with someone who truly got our direction,” Desiree said.

From there, everything clicked into place: Patricia connected her to Natalie Ruiz, who did her hair and makeup. The venue—still new to hosting weddings—offered flexibility, warmth, and a built-in food hall that made catering a breeze.

Rethinking the Ceremony to Reflect Their Vibe

Forget rows of chairs and solemn silence, Desiree and Elby’s ceremony had guests standing with champagne in hand. “It was short, intentional, and flowed perfectly into the party,” Desiree shared.

Her mother-in-law offered a heartfelt blessing, and the couple opted out of a first look. “Seeing him up there for the first time was everything. It felt like we were the only two people in the room.”

 

How They Kept It Beautiful and Budget-Conscious

Desiree and Elby were determined to keep their modern wedding under $20K, and they came impressively close, landing at $22K. “We created a spreadsheet of all our non-negotiables and kept ranking things by importance. If it didn’t matter in the long run, we cut it.”

Photography, attire, music, and decor topped the list. To save in other areas, they kept things in-house: their planner doubled as florist, and their own 3D-printing business produced everything from vases to glass charms.

“My best advice for anyone planning on a budget? Think about your wedding as if it already happened—what would you regret not having? Then build from there.”

Turning the Reception Into a Nonstop Party

With nearly four hours dedicated to the dance floor, their modern wedding lived up to its goal of being one giant celebration. Their DJ kept energy high all night long, and even their young son joined in with bubbles and matching tux vibes.

“We brought out the big heads, which made it feel like a true party. The music was from every era. Just like how we dance at home together.”

Making Their Celebration Meaningful Without Overspending

“Make your wedding exactly how you want it,” Desiree said. “Don’t let other people’s opinions sway you. You can absolutely have a beautiful, meaningful celebration on a budget that fits your lifestyle. Just bring in the right people and have fun with it!” From DIY charm to community support, Desiree and Elby’s modern wedding is proof that when you stay true to yourselves, the celebration becomes unforgettable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Patricia Silverio
Event Planning + Floral Design – Gerry Hernandez
Venue + Catering – Great Southern Box Co
Cake – Moriah Tate
Officiant – Jacarri Moore
DJ – Mike Harrison
Invitation Design – Minted
Makeup + Hair Styling – Natalie Ruiz
Wedding Dress – House of CB
Bridal Accessories + Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Nordstrom Rack
Groom’s Apparel – The Black Tux
Rentals – Event Works Orlando

 

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