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WEDDING BLOG

Our Favorite Weddings from 2019

December 19, 2019 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Dawn Photo

It’s our favorite time of year! Every December, our team loves looking back at the weddings we’ve had the honor of sharing over the past 12 months — and 2019 was a spectacular year. We swooned over hundreds of rad ceremony locations, sentimental moments, and killer style. It wasn’t easy narrowing down this list of our favorite weddings from 2019!

Thank you to all of the vendors who trusted us with sharing their hard work, and cheers to our happy couples who tied the knot this year!

MEGAN AND CAMERON’S SNOWY LOVELAND PASS ELOPEMENT

Where it took place: Loveland Pass, Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Why we love it: Megan and Cameron’s incredible, wintry Loveland Pass elopement proves that good things come to those who wait! After a whirlwind romance and an epic engagement, this adventurous couple wouldn’t settle for anything less than an exquisite setting for their special day, which made the snow-covered Rockies the perfect choice. The couple’s day included a self-solemnized ceremony, a champagne toast, and a cake cutting on the back of their tailgate — and that simplicity couldn’t have been more charming!

See the full feature here!

photos by Amy Bluestar Photography

LOUISE AND JAMES’ VOW EXCHANGE AMONG 100s OF HOT AIR BALLOONS

Where it took place: Sultan Cave Suites, Cappadocia, Turkey

Why we love it: We can’t imagine a more romantic, picturesque place to exchange vows than with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons floating in the background as the sun rises over the Cappadocia landscapes. Louise and James wanted their outfits to match the scenery — and we’re obsessed with how they pulled it off!

See the full feature here!

photos by Phan Tien

ASHLEIGH AND EMMANUEL’S ORGANIC WEDDING AT EMILY MOON RIVER LODGE

Where it took place: Emily Moon River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Why we love it: Ashleigh and Emmanuel’s special day was essentially a master class in creating DIY wedding magic! The couple hand-crafted and curated every single element, from the dried flowers to the feathers to the coconut welcome drinks, ensuring that their love of sunset palettes, their bohemian vibes, and their organic way of life were reflected in every inch of their celebration. Ashleigh even made her own wedding dress — and, spoiler alert, it was flawless!

See the full feature here!

photos by Page & Holmes Photography

YOON AND AKI’S COLORFUL KONA WEDDING

Where it took place: Kona Beach Houses, Kona, Hawaii

Why we love it: Yoon and Aki are a creative duo who DIY-ed nearly every detail of their special day, including an impressive array of florals that included every tropical flower imaginable. Their stunning, tropical outdoor ceremony and reception highlighted the beauty of the Hawaiian island, as well as their vibrant personalities. Both Yoon and Aki rocked hues of blue for the ceremony, which looked positively stunning against the rainbow of florals and landscaping!

See the full feature here!

photos by Melia Lucida

LAUREN AND MELISSA’S WILD AND FREE NEW ZELAND ELOPEMENT

Where it took place: Auckland Courthouse and Piha Beach, New Zealand

Why we love it: Lauren and Melissa’s elopement was a wild and free celebration in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world! The couple truly spent day-to-night celebrating their love. Lauren and Melissa chose to do their first look backed by an epic view of the sea and couples portraits by an stunning waterfall. Then they headed to the courthouse to officially tie the knot and immediately headed for the black sands of Piha Beach to exchange vows and take the most stunning sunset photos! In case there was any doubt fairytales can come true, this elopement is proof that they most certainly do!

See the full feature here!

photos by Dawn Photo

MEGHAN AND JIMMY’S WESTERN BUXTON HALL WEDDING

Where it took place: Buxton Hall, Asheville, North Carolina

Why we love it: Meghan and Jimmy’s wedding is total goals for every country-loving, fashion-forward couple! The couple put their personalities on full display for their guests, showcasing the venue’s vintage design with minimal, retro decor and drawing inspiration from the general vibe of Asheville, their love of BBQ, and country music. This wedding is unlike any southern wedding we’ve ever seen!

See the full feature here!

photos by Sarah Murray Photography

AVALON AND GUNNER’S 70s-INSPIRED BACKYARD CELEBRATION

Where it took place: Loloma Lodge, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Why we love it: We love a good backyard wedding, and we fell head over heels for Avalon and Gunnar’s day! The couple created the coziest day in the woods, complete with picnic tables, bunting, wildflowers designed, and campy details. Avalon fully embraced the woodsy feel with a forest-fairy-inspired ballgown and romantic accessories, while Gunnar opted for a retro brown and yellow tweed suit that perfectly matched their ’70s vibe!

See the full feature here!

photos by Victoria Carlson Photography

STEPH AND BOBBY’S FABULOUS FEMINIST WEDDING AT ACE PROP HOUSE + STUDIO

Where it took place: Ace Prop House + Studios, Miami, Florida

Why we love it: Steph and Bobby broke tradition in the most awesome of ways for their funky and feminine wedding in Miami, Florida. The couple hired all woman-owned businesses as their vendors. Talk about a rockstar move! We’re in awe with how they made an already fun venue even cooler with food trucks, disco balls, and tropical floral creations!

See the full feature here!

photos by Fox & Film Photography

JODI AND ZACH’S EMOTIONAL CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

Where it took place: Cairngorms National Park and Inshriach House, Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

Why we love it: Jodi and Zach’s elopement in the Scottish Highlands had everything we love about adventure elopements: breathtaking scenery, unique style, and sentimental details. The couple and their guests spent an entire week bonding and falling even more in love with Scotland. Then, on their actual wedding day, they all trekked deep into the lush forests and fully embraced the unpredictability of Mother Nature as they exchanged vows, sang, and danced their way into married life!

See the full feature here!

photos by The Kitcheners

We sincerely hope you all enjoyed seeing our favorite weddings from 2019! Here’s to looking forward to a spectacular 2020! If you can’t get enough wedding inspiration and are planning your own special day next year, we think you’ll love this post about the 6 wedding themes that are trending in 2020.

photo by Dawn Photo

Elegant Hawaiian Wedding at Four Seasons Resort Oahu

December 19, 2019 | Junebug Weddings

coral dark red kelly green orange

When it comes to unconventional wedding planning, Kerina and Ivan are pros! They opted for an elegant Hawaiian wedding at Four Seasons Resort Oahu then headed to Croatia to host an unforgettable reception. The private garden at the Four Seasons was the perfect, lush backdrop for the couple’s sentimental ceremony that Derek Wong Photography captured with expertise. We’re inspired by the organic shapes, boho lanterns, dreamy hanging floral arrangements, and all the greenery you could ever dream of. If you’ve been Pinning all the tropical wedding day inspo, this wedding at Four Seasons Resort Oahu is for you!

The Couple:

Kerina & Ivan

The Wedding:

Four Seasons Resort Oahu, Oahu, Hawaii

Wedding planning advice from the bride and groom: You can always mix things up. Don’t feel stuck in the typical order of things. We’ve had a very unconventional wedding process — which includes a Hawaii ceremony planned in one month, a ring post-wedding, bachelor/bachelorette parties also post-wedding and the reception in Croatia the following summer. It may seem out of order, but was worth it because every moment was how we wanted it. So, my second advice is to do it your way!

We were very fortunate to find Pohaku point at the Four Seasons Ko’olina on short notice — it was the perfect venue for us with it’s private little garden, a lush pathway turned aisle, a variety of trees to enclose us in away from the hotel and of course the private ocean front view with a clear view of the sunset. On short notice, it was helpful to have the conveniences and amenities of the hotel nearby. The hotel property itself is really beautiful, but Pohaku point is extra special. It really was the balance between being in a tropical garden and being ocean front.

It was great working with Derek before the day and on the day of. He’s incredibly professional and talented. The fact that he identified the perfect lighting opportunities and without hesitation made me feel that my lofty ideas were just great ideas was also comforting. On the day of, he was incredibly friendly and warm. Especially since I am not comfortable in front of the camera, he gave me good instruction. He and his assistant were attentive but not intrusive. And the end results are really beautiful. He captured the family photos which are more standard, but also really highlighted some very personal candid moments which are my favorites.

I knew I wanted to have lots of lanterns, organic shapes (but not too rustic), we wanted to keep it clean and elegant. So as I begun putting together my mood powerpoint together and shopping for the pieces — lanterns, favors, flowers, ribbons, the kids outfits, the vision began to form into this romantic evening.

We made our own flowers! Unfortunately, there was a snafu with the flowers the week of the wedding. Thanks to my sisters, they helped rally to make these beautiful floating arrangements. We bought several of wicker wreaths, a trunk full of flowers, thick satin ribbons and wire to create these chandelier-like flower wreaths. My husband also made the alter — there was no rental available in the time we had. And my sister wrote the place cards.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Derek Wong Photography
Event Planning – Dragè Šare
Day-of Event Coordinator – Eventures Hawaii
Ceremony Venue – Four Seasons Resort Oahu Ko’olina Pohako Point
Reception Venue – BOWA Restaurant
Videography – Projektna Produkcija
Wedding Dress – Inbal Dror
Groom’s Apparel – Georgio Armani
Rings – Monique Pean
Favors – Fran’s

Congratulations, Kerina & Ivan, and many thanks to Derek Wong Photography for sharing their wedding at Four Seasons Resort Oahu with Junebug! For more Hawaiian wedding inspiration, we think you’ll love this retro Hawaiian wedding at Kuola Ranch.

This Jacksonville Wedding at The Glass Factory Flawlessly Mixes Charcoal Grey and Greenery

December 18, 2019 | Junebug Weddings

dark red gold gray ivory sage green

Ali and Wesley blended bohemian, industrial, and edgy elements to create a romantic and unique look for their wedding at The Glass Factory! If you’ve been dreaming of ways to add a little spice to your day — look no further than these gorgeous images Stefanie Keeler Photography captured of this sweet couple’s day. We’re tearing up at Ali’s sweet first look with her dad and the one of the cutest “Flower Grannies” we have ever seen. Talk about a fun way to honor your grandmother! With stunning bohemian florals designed by The Wild Thistle Co that warmed up the industrial venue, a (spoiler alert) SURPRISE SANTA, and an exit outfit that lit up the night, we’ll be swooning over this wedding at The Glass Factory forever!

The Couple:

Ali & Wesley

The Wedding:

The Glass Factory, Jacksonville, Florida

Fashion is such an important expression of creativity to me so choosing my wedding day look was one of the harder (and longer) decisions for our day. My dress was a two-piece – skirt and top. The skirt was a billowing cream linen with lots of asymmetrical layers so it had a very whimsical, light feel about it. The top was a silk, blush spaghetti strap top that tucked into the skirt giving it a romantic feel with a little edge since it was a non-traditional color. I finished off the dress with a belt that had opal and greens in it to give it the exact formal touch it needed.

For my hair, I did beach-y waves with a front braid that came over to one side with gold and silver beads woven into it. I chose to forgo the traditional veil and instead wear a bold, bohemian floral piece on the side of my head. It was quite possible my favorite element of my wedding day look! With the busyness of my outfit and hair, I did very minimalist accessories. No bracelets or necklaces and simple silver ear climbers for earrings.

Our floral designer, Sarah, is one of the most talented creatives. She helped us achieve the edgy, wild florals we were going for from big displays at the ceremony to the wild green garland on the tables. I actually teared up when I saw my sprawling, bohemian bouquet for the first time. It was perfect.

SHOP THIS LOOK:

I had two most special moments of our day. The first was when Wes and I read our letters to each other about an hour before the ceremony. We did not do a first look, so we stood around the corner from one another and exchanged a letter. I cried a lot and was overwhelmed with the man the Lord had given me to share life with. My second favorite moment was when I saw my dad for the first time in my dress. My dad and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember and seeing him so emotional over his youngest daughter getting married was such a sweet moment.

We had a modern bohemian ceremony with a hex arch, artisan rugs, and wild florals. Our venue was a blank canvas for us to express ourselves however we wanted. Our inspiration was wanting a blend of bohemian, industrial, and edgy elements to create a romantic and unique look for our day. We did not have a specific color palette, rather a general color wheel of many shades and variations because I love to mix-match color and texture. We primarily used bohemian neutral colors – tans, creams, blushes, and merlot with a mass amount of greenery all over.

We had a “Flower Granny” as a way to honor my amazing 90 year old grandma and naturally she stole the show in the best way possible!

Wedding planning advice from the couple: Do you!!! Don’t listen to what others day you “have to do” or “should do”. Your day is YOUR DAY. You should express yourself uniquely and make decisions based on what you like. Reality is, no matter what you decide to do, we’re all going to look back 10 years after and say “I cannot believe I wore that!!” Secondly, once your day actually arrives, ENJOY IT. At that point, there is no more planning or orchestrating that you need to do. All of your people are there to celebrate you so embrace that and get out on the dance floor and have the best night of your life. I would re-live our wedding day one thousand times over if I could!

When our guests walked in to our wedding at The Glass Factory, we had modern, oversized canvas fabric hangings that read our favorite verse. Those canvas hangings now live in our master bedroom and we get to look at them everyday.

Moving further into the space, we had a lounge area with vintage couches and chairs paired with bohemian rugs. Our tablescapes were minimalist and modern. We had long, banquet style tables with plain green garland and candles along the center. Each plate was a silver pizza platter with a hand-dyed grey napkin (yes, we hand-dyed 300 napkins in our backyard), a personal thank you note, and a river rock that represented the refining and smoothing actions of nature on rough items, just as God has refined and smoothed us.

We wanted a lot of unique elements that made for a memorable and totally “us” day. Each guest got a personal thank you note of how they’ve impacted our lives at their seat when they sat down. We had a craft pizza food truck that made unique pizzas and salad as our food and craft donuts as our dessert.

We had Santa make a guest appearance (a total surprise to me) who danced to Fireball by Pitbull and threw mini bottles of Fireball to the guests. Definitely a huge highlight to the night.And as we left our wedding, our “getaway” vehicle was a powder blue Vespa scooter, the perfect ending.

My “exit outfit” was one of my favorite elements of our day. Just before our sparkler exit I changed into a full, rainbow, sparkly jumpsuit with high top black vans. It was so fun to come down the row of our guests in a spunky, unique outfit! My only regret is not changing into it sooner!

The Wedding Team:
Photography – Stefanie Keeler Photography
Event Planning – Coastal Coordinating
Wedding Venue – The Glass Factory
Floral Design – The Wild Thistle Co
Videography – Joseph Hardin Films
DJ – Legacy Events 119
Makeup Artist – Steph Murray
Hair Styling – Braid Bar St. Augustine
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Show Me Your Mumu
Rentals – FarmHaus Co

Congratulations, Ali and Wesley! We’re grateful for our talented Junebug member Stefanie Keeler Photography who shared this couple’s wedding at The Glass Factory with us. For more of Stefanie’s amazing work, check out her profile in our directory of top photographers from around the world.