WEDDING BLOG

Vibrant and Lush Bali Wedding at Villa Suami

May 1, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

When you fall in love in Bali, it only makes sense to return for an intimate wedding of your dreams…and that’s exactly what Tian and Paul did! We’re swooning over this couple’s vibrant and lush day at Villa Suami. The Wedding Mood helped this adorable couple pull off an incredibly designed day, complete with a custom double entrance arch adorned with branchy blossoms and delicate blush fabrics. If there’s one thing that totally blew us away, it’s the couple’s ceremony altar space! We’re swooning over the incredible soft-colored arrangement WIB Flowers masterfully created to decorate the space Tian and Paul would say their “I do’s.” And that’s just the ceremony space! If you’ve been dreaming of a wild and romantic day, we can’t wait for you to get inspired by every detail of the decor and beautiful photos Terralogical captured of this most elegant day.

The Couple:

Tian & Paul

The Wedding:

Villa Suami, Bali, Indonesia

We really wanted a wedding that felt more like an intimate gathering of our friends and family at our own house, which really influenced our choice of venue. Villa Suami has a lush, green lower level that allowed us to create a secret garden vibe for the ceremony, and we framed the entrance to the space with arches and drapery to create a sense of arrival and ceremony for the guests. The villa’s upper level gets great sunset views so its large lawn and pool deck was a natural setting for thew wedding party to follow. We had two separate visions for the florals as well — a wild, elegant and neutral-toned arrangement for the ceremony and a bright, unassuming mismatch of vibrant florals for the reception space.

RECOMMENDED READING: Unique Wedding Readings to Reflect Your Love

JUNEBUG TIP:

Before everyone heads off to cocktail hour, have your officiant ask everyone to rally around for a huge group photo. You’ll love having a remembrance of all your loved ones who attending your most special day!

RECOMMENDED READING: The Perfect Cocktail Hour Playlists for Any Mood

We really liked that Henny was so open to our own ideas when planning the wedding. She allowed us to explore many ideas without shooting them down, but remained realistic when guiding us through all the decisions. The amazing florals for example, were the result of us working closely with Henny and her wonderful Florist Devy to create the concept we had in mind.

We created little booklets for each guest, which contained a handwritten note and lyrics from the songs used for the ceremony and first dance. We thought a personalized note would be a great way to show our appreciation for joining us especially as it’s hard to find one-on-one time during the wedding day!

SHOP OUR FAVORITE INSTANT CAMERAS: Polaroid Originals OneStep+ i-Type Instant Camera ($140); Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Camera in Black ($100); Fujifilm SQ6 Instax Square Instant Camera ($99)

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Terralogical
Event Planning – The Wedding Mood
Venue – Villa Suami
Floral Design – WIB Flowers
Catering – Watercress
Espresso Bar – Nutbrown Coffee
Second Bar – Potato Head Bali
DJ – DJ Phi Unit
Videography – Leura Film
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling – Yeanne Hair & Make-up Art
Venue Lighting – Vitrtuoso
Rentals – Bali Event Hire

Congratulations, Tian and Paul, and many thanks to Junebug member The Wedding Mood for sharing their day with us! If you’re swooning over The Wedding Mood’s work, be sure to check out their page in our directory of the world’s best wedding planners.

6 Ways You Can Support Your Engaged Friends During COVID-19

April 30, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Michelle Lyerly Photography

These are some tough times to be engaged. On one hand, couples are filled with excitement and expectation for your upcoming wedding day. But, on the other, it’s a very uncertain time to be planning anything for the future — especially an event in which hundreds of people might be in attendance. If you’ve come here searching for ways to support your engaged friends (or maybe you’re an engaged couple needing a little something to nudge their friends in the right direction), we’ve got your back.

1. Be there to listen

Sometimes the greatest thing we can do for our friends is just listen. Don’t feel like you have to give them advice — because, if we’re being honest, none of us really know how to handle this season anyways. Empathize with your friends by letting them know you agree, “it sucks.” Let them cry, or laugh, or joke. However they might be handling their emotions is valid, and the best thing you can do is lend a listening ear until it seems appropriate for action to be taken. If they want your advice, offer it.

2. Organize a virtual happy hour with friends

If your friends are planning a wedding, especially during the current pandemic, they might be slightly overwhelmed. Especially if they’re the friends who usually pull everyone together for happy hour or a group hang, take that task off their plates. They’ll surely appreciate having one less thing to do. Plus, a happy hour with friends might be just the thing they need to lift their spirits!

photo by Amy Fanton Photography

3. Call them to talk about things other than the wedding

You were probably friends with this person before their wedding planning was a thing and before COVID-19 was a thing. So, remember to check in with them about things other than their wedding. Ask them how they liked binging Tiger King (or whatever the latest Netflix craze is at the moment). Tell them about something funny that happened during the day. Or even sending a silly meme or Tik Tok video can be helpful to give their mind a little break from the stress of wedding planning.

4. Write a letter

Where are our super sentimental friends at? If you’ve got a lot on your heart that you want your friend to know, you might consider writing them a letter. Yes, a handwritten note. You might be surprised how impactful walking to the mailbox and receiving a letter from their friend might be during this time. This way, they can also keep it forever, rather than a text that will get lost in a few days after you send each other 100s of GIFs and quarantine memes.

Bonus tip: Ask their close family and friends to all write them letters and create a scrapbook for them to cherish and read together.

photo by The Quirky

5. Throw a virtual bachelor / bachelorette / engagement party

We know a lot of couples are getting engaged during quarantine, just as quickly bachelor and bachelorette parties are getting cancelled. But there’s always a way to celebrate. Send your couple some decorations to spruce up their house with, hire a Zoom DJ, grab the cocktails, whatever you would usually do for a party—do it! Then, send out invites and start hyping everyone up for the big event.

6. Send a care package

For our gift-givers, we want to set you up for success with the ultimate care package for your engaged friends! We’ve gotten pretty good at knowing what the “typical” engaged person might like (especially if they are spending a lot of time in the house these days), but remember to throw in a few things that are just them.

Here are Junebug’s favorite (and most creative) things to send your engaged friends:

These highly rated hooded robes they will basically live in.
A couple’s love journal that prompts them with new topics every day.
This healthy and wholesome cookbook for every night of the week.
A diamond ring cleaner pen to keep that engagement ring shining bright.
Silk pillowcases so they can get a good night’s rest and wake up looking their best. We also recommend these Olly Sleep Gummy Vitamins.
Any of these modern wedding planning books.

If you follow even just one of these tips, we’re sure your friends will be feeling oh-so grateful to call you theirs! Searching for more wedding planning ways to support your engaged friends? Let them know about these 10+ Wedding Brands Supporting Couples During COVID-19

photo by Michelle Lyerly Photography

Everything You Need for a Cozy Facetime Photo Shoot

April 28, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Brooke Taelor Photography

Ready to shake up your quarantine with something fun? Today we’re sharing all the tips and tricks you need for a successful Facetime photo shoot. What’s that? Facetime sessions are the latest trend in quarantine photography that allow you to safely commemorate this unique time in your relationship. In light of wanting to avoid front porch sessions, which can ultimately be dangerous, many wedding photographers are offering 30-minute photo shoots using Facetime. Whether you’re married, engaged, co-isolating, or even just want some solo photos (hello, boudoir shoot!), Facetime photos are a great way to capture your experience at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does a Facetime photo shoot work?

Rather than a screenshot, Facetime has a feature that allows you to snap an actual photo of what you see on your screen. Photographers are using this technology to help them document your memories without having to even leave their house! Responsible and creative? We’re all about it!

Once you’re on the call, your photographer will ask you to do a quick tour of your home to get an idea of the space and lighting. From there, they will give you all the direction and posing guidance you need to take some seriously gorgeous and intimate photos — all through your phone! After your call, your photographer will edit the photos in their own style and deliver your gallery for you to share and cherish.

Facetime photos can be great for couples, families, or even just for you! We know this has been a difficult time, from cancelled plans to being apart from loved ones. Getting photos done not only gives you a way to look back on how you spent these uncertain days, but also gives you something to celebrate in the moment when it may feel like there’s not a lot to celebrate.

To help you feel prepared going into your virtual photo sesh, we’re walking you through everything you need to know about nailing your Facetime photo shoot at home!

P.S. Are you a photographer wanting to offer Facetime sessions but don’t know how to get started? This post is for you!

photo by By Mari Photography

1. Book your dream photographer

Is there a photographer you’ve always wanted to work with? With a Facetime session, you don’t have to worry about travel fees, so you can hire your favorite local photographer or your dream photographer who lives on the other side of the country — or the world! Need help choosing the right photographer fit? Check out our vendor directory of the best wedding photographers from around the world!

photo by Emily Kaar Photography

2. Ensure you’ve got great light

The key to great photos is great light. While your photographer would usually do the work of scouting out perfect light for your photos, you know your home best! Pay attention to the light in your home at different times throughout the day to see how the light changes in different rooms you want to use for your shoot. Schedule your session around when the light is best in your house or apartment — not every home is well lit at the same time!

Need a little extra help in the lighting department? A ring light can brighten your space with clean, even light that you can control depending on where you want to shoot! You may not be able to move the sun to shine into your favorite corner, but a ring light on a stand will do the trick!

SHOP RING LIGHTS: Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm ($89.99); 8″ Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Cell Phone Holder ($54.99); 10″ Selfie Ring Light with 50″ Extendable Tripod Stand & Flexible Phone Holder ($69.99)

photo by AB Stills Photography

3. Practice positioning your phone

With your photographer not physically present, you’re going to need a way to position your phone for them to take your photos. This is not a selfie situation, y’all! If you’ve always wanted to have one of those cool tripods for your iPhone, now is the perfect time to get one. (Our favorite options are linked below!)

Next, think about what you can set your phone or tripod on in your home to achieve different angles. Practice putting your phone on a shelf, coffee table, etc. to see what photos look like from a variety of perspectives. Sometimes a stack of books or shoebox can help you get the shot!

Bonus tip: Have you ever noticed that the quality of your selfies is lower if you use your front-facing camera? The same is true for photos taken in Facetime, so we recommend practicing photos using your phone’s main camera on the back of your phone. This will help your photographer get the best possible photos with the technology available!

SHOP PHONE TRIPODS: Flexible Phone Tripod with Wireless Remote Shutter ($19.99); 51″ Extendable Tripod Stand with Bluetooth Remote for iPhone & Android Phone ($29.99); 12 Inch Flexible Cell Phone Tripod Stand Holder with Wireless Remote Shutter & Universal Phone Mount ($23.99); Portable and Adjustable Camera Stand Holder with Wireless Remote and Universal Clip ($17.95); 50-inch Extendable and Lightweight Aluminum Tripod Stand with Bluetooth Remote Shutter and Phone Clip ($26.99)

photo by Hey Tay Photography

4. Curate a cozy backdrop

You are, of course, the star of your photos! But that doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personal style through the backdrops of your photos! Spice up your space with texture and color using art, shelving, plants, and more. Hanging some string lights adds a touch of magic to not only your room but the photos too! We recommend choosing 1-3 backdrops in your home — like the nook where you eat breakfast together, your favorite reading corner, or your bedroom — and styling a vignette in each that highlights your personality using some of your favorite things.

Looking for a few finishing touches to style your backdrop? Here’s some home decor we’re loving right now!

The Little Avocado Macrame Wall Hanging via Etsy

36″ x 10″ Artificial Snake Plant in Standing Planter via Target

Magical Thinking Woven Wall Mirror via Urban Outfitters

Round Pintuck Pillow via Urban Outfitters

Explicit Design Pinky Swear Art Print via Urban Outfitters

Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant via West Elm

Crescent Moon Wall Shelf via Urban Outfitters

LED Curtain String Light Warm White via Target

Curious Prints Vintage Cactus Illustration Pull Down Chart via Etsy

Willow Woven Base Hanging Planter via Target

photo by Summer Leigha Photography

5. Dress for the occasion

Alright, it’s time to change out of last night’s pajamas into your cutest pair of sweats! Just kidding…unless? We think a great way to capture this unique time in your life is by leaning into your stay-at-home wardrobe and putting together an outfit that’s ultra-cozy and cute. If your current rotation of leggings and oversized tees could use a little boost, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite loungewear for her and for him below!

Of course, you can also get all dressed up for the occasion and rock the outfits you planned for your pre-COVID engagement session or get dressed to the nines in your fanciest attire for a cheeky juxtaposition with your setting. What’s most important is that you feel like yourself!

Bonus tip: keep in mind that you’ll be snuggling up in poses you’re maybe not used to having photographed, so be sure to check your outfit in the mirror both sitting and standing so you know you’ll feel confident in whatever you choose to wear.

For Her:

Show Off Set via Free People

Nightbird Burnout Kimono via Free People

FP One Adella Bralette via Free People

Aerie Play Pocket High-Waisted Legging via Aerie

Estelle Slate Blue Ribbed Lettuce Edge Romper via Lulu’s

Cropped Baby Bamboo Tee via Free People

Cashmere-Blend Shorts via H&M

For Him:

Slim Fit Round-neck T-shirt via H&M

Regular Fit Sweatshorts via H&M

Patterned Resort Shirt via H&M

Slim Fit Joggers via H&M

Slim Fit Henley Shirt via H&M

Basic Joggers via H&M

RECOMMENDED READING: Bridal Loungewear for Comfy Wedding Planning at Home

photo by Chelsea Hafner Photography

6. Give yourself something to do with your hands

Last but not least, give yourselves something to do! Lifestyle sessions are best when they capture you in your true state. Plus, if you’re doing something in your photos, you’re more likely to appear natural and be less worried about what to do with your hands!

Here’s a list of “prop” ideas based around your normal home activities:

Sip coffee from your favorite mugs
Make cocktails in pretty glassware
Read from the books on your nightstand
Share a bowl of cereal or ice cream
Bake cookies in your kitchen
Play a card game or put together a puzzle
Snuggle up with a blanket (or your pet!)
Put on a record and dance in your living room

Feeling stumped? Here’s a few products we’re loving for in-home photo sessions!

Cold Hand Ceramics White Speckled Mug via Etsy

Areaware Little Puzzle Thing via Urban Outfitters

Aden Tufted Throw Blanket via Urban Outfitters

Travel Backgammon Game via Anthropologie

Enjoy 10 oz Retro Mug via Urban Outfitters

Sunnylife Lucite Tic-Tac-Toe Game via Anthropologie

Looking for a soundtrack for your Facetime photo shoot? Check out our wedding planning playlist for something chill and energizing and our roundup of cocktail hour playlists for any mood!

photo by Irina Konkova

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