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An Effortlessly Elegant Sicily Wedding Inspired by the Mediterranean Landscape

June 14, 2025 | justine

It all started on one of those warm summer nights in Sicily—the air thick with jasmine, the sea just close enough to hear. Edoardo and Charlotte spent hours talking about travel, food, and photography, completely losing track of time. From that night on, they were inseparable. So when it came time to plan their wedding, returning to Sicily felt like the most natural way to honor where it all began.

They envisioned a day that felt authentic and unforced, rooted in the natural beauty of the island. They found it in a rustic countryside villa surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. “We loved how the space felt warm and inviting, especially with all the orange-toned flowers that made everything glow,” they shared. With the help of a trusted team of vendors, Edoardo and Charlotte brought their vision to life—a celebration that felt both deeply personal and perfectly at home in the Sicilian landscape.

What We Love About This Sicily Wedding:

  • A venue that blended rustic architecture with sweeping views of vineyards and olive groves
  • A warm, earthy color palette of terracotta, dusty rose, olive green, and creamy white inspired by the Sicilian landscape
  • A relaxed aperitivo hour with live folk music, local bites, and Aperol Spritz in the garden
  • An open-air reception that fully embraced the beauty and ease of the surrounding countryside

Featured Vendor:

Nucleika

Designing a Sicily Wedding That Felt Like a “Dreamy Escape”

“We wanted our wedding to feel like a dreamy, intimate Mediterranean escape,” Charlotte shared. Inspired by the landscapes of Sicily, they chose a soft, earthy palette that felt at home among the olive trees and golden light.

The floral design was a highlight of the day. “A joyful explosion of textures, colors, and scents. Elegant yet wild, romantic but full of character.” Though they didn’t take the DIY route, their wedding felt personal. “We entrusted everything to Tearose. From the very beginning, they understood our vision even better than we did.”

Thoughtful Wedding Style With a Mediterranean Touch

Charlotte wore an ivory gown with a deep V neckline and dramatic draped sleeves. Lightweight and easy to move in, it was just right for the warm outdoor setting. “I wanted something soft and comfortable that still felt special,” she shared. She paired the dress with a long veil and kept her hair and makeup minimal, opting for a natural look that suited the relaxed atmosphere.

Edoardo opted for a navy suit with a white open-collar shirt, sharp but relaxed. His groomsmen wore beige suits with light blue shirts, no ties, and dark loafers, which suited the warm weather and the overall feel of the day.

The wedding party wore dresses in earthy tones—burnt orange, dusty rose, olive, and ochre. Each look was different, but together they created a palette that fit right in with the surroundings and floral design without feeling too coordinated.

A Ceremony Full of Heart and Humor

Edoardo and Charlotte exchanged vows in a lush garden courtyard framed by olive trees and soft golden light. Garden chairs were arranged beneath the trees in tidy rows, creating a peaceful amphitheater-like setting surrounded by nature. Instead of a traditional altar, bursts of wildflowers in sunny yellows and creamy whites lined the aisle, giving the space a fresh, organic feel that complemented the Sicily wedding setting perfectly.

Guests were dressed in summer-appropriate attire—relaxed yet elegant—adding to the effortless mood of the celebration. The ceremony struck a balance between emotional and lighthearted, especially when the couple accidentally tried to put rings on the wrong hands. “Everyone burst into laughter, including us.”

Creating a Guest Experience Full of Sicilian Flavor

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed an open-air aperitivo hour with Aperol Spritz, traditional Sicilian bites, and live folk music. “It was the perfect transition into the evening,” Edoardo shared. “People wandered the gardens, took photos, and just soaked it all in.”

As the sun began to set, guests made their way to the reception where long tables were dressed in crisp white linens and topped with minimalist centerpieces in soft shades of peach, coral, and pink. The styling was simple but intentional, allowing the landscape—and the food—to take center stage.

Dinner was served al fresco under a pastel sky, with a menu that highlighted seasonal local dishes and Sicilian wine. As night fell, the mood shifted from relaxed to lively. A band flown in from Paris kept the energy up as guests danced beneath string lights and stars. “It was everything we dreamed of. The energy, the food, the people, it all came together perfectly.”

Advice for Couples Planning Their Own Sicily Wedding

Looking back, Edoardo and Charlotte are grateful they trusted their local planning team and stayed true to the kind of experience they wanted to create. “We worked with a wonderful local coordinator who helped bring everything together smoothly. And it really paid off.”

Their biggest takeaway? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the feeling you want your day to have—and let the beauty of a Sicily wedding do the rest.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Nucleika
Event Planning + Floral Design – Tearose
Venue – La Dimora Delle Balze

 

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Six Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Decor From Ceremony to Reception

June 14, 2025 | Junebug Weddings

Read on for six creative ideas to repurpose your wedding decor without sacrificing style or impact. Image by SoulShine Photo & Film

Wedding decor is one of those details that can quickly stretch your budget. But here’s the good news: you don’t need twice the decor to make both your ceremony and reception unforgettable. With a little creativity, the same pieces that wowed your guests during “I do” can keep the celebration going all night long. Think of it as designing smarter—not bigger.

Six Ways to Repurpose Your Wedding Decor from Ceremony to Reception

1. Bridesmaids Bouquets Become Centerpieces

Once the ceremony and portraits are done, don’t let bouquets sit and wilt. Have your coordinator or florist place them in vases around the reception space. They can become centerpieces, cocktail table accents, or even floral touches for the bar. Choose sturdy blooms—like roses, dahlias, or eucalyptus—that last through a long day of celebrating.

2. Ceremony Backdrop Becomes Statement Reception Piece

That stunning backdrop you carefully designed for your vows? It doesn’t need to disappear after the ceremony. Move it to frame your sweetheart table, highlight your cake or dessert display, or mark the entrance to your reception. If it’s freestanding, even better—it’ll move easily and look intentional in multiple spots.

3. Ceremony Seating Becomes Reception Seating

Seating pulls double duty with the right planning. Those wooden chairs or benches your guests used during vows? Have them reset for dinner or styled in lounge vignettes. It keeps your design consistent while also cutting rental costs. Just make sure to check with your rental company or planner for smooth transitions.

4. Ceremony Decor Becomes Table and Lounge Decor

Candles, lanterns, and aisle markers are too good to use once. Cluster them down banquet tables, add them to the sweetheart setup, or mix them into lounge corners for a cohesive look. The key is choosing items that look equally good lining a walkway or anchoring a tablescape.

5. Aisle Rugs Become Lounge Area Rugs

Rugs are one of the most versatile decor pieces you can invest in. The runner you walked down the aisle? It can later anchor your sweetheart table or warm up a lounge corner. Statement rugs instantly transform any reception space, especially if you’re working with an outdoor or blank-canvas venue.

6. Signs & Lighting That Move With You

From acrylic welcome signs to glowing neon phrases, signage doesn’t have to stay in one spot. Relocate your sign from ceremony entry to reception entry, or reuse your neon behind the bar after it’s lit up your dance floor. Lighting elements like lanterns, fairy lights, and hurricane candles are portable and flexible enough to shape-shift throughout the night.

Repurposing decor isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating flow. With a little strategy, the same pieces that framed your vows can define your reception, weaving your celebration into one seamless and unforgettable experience.

Pull inspiration from this styled shoot. Image by SoulShine Photo & Film

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Three-Day Wedding Extravaganza in Los Cabos Featuring a Drag Queen Superstar

June 12, 2025 | justine

What happens when a political powerhouse and a Hollywood comedian fall in love, survive a pandemic together, and plan a “more is more” wedding celebration? You get Estevan and Michael’s unforgettable Los Cabos three-day wedding. Three days of pure joy, vibrant fashion, heartfelt performances, and a surprise appearance from none other than RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Alyssa Edwards.

Set in stunning paradise, their wedding weekend was designed as a true reflection of who they are: bold, joyful, sentimental, and endlessly stylish. From a white-themed garden fiesta to a disco-inspired beachfront reception, the couple created a once-in-a-lifetime experience that celebrated their love, their culture, and their creativity.

Their relationship began in the most unexpected way and was built through backyard dates, socially distanced hikes, and late-night conversations through a global pandemic. “If we could survive all that,” they said, “we knew we could thrive in marriage.”

The wedding itself? That vision started with a single spark—sequin jackets in cheetah and snow leopard prints from Dolce & Gabbana. “That became the entire foundation for the look and feel of the day.” Pink and green, inspired by Michael’s favorite color and Estevan’s love for Cabo’s natural beauty, set the tone for everything from the florals to the monogram. And Estevan had one non-negotiable: fireworks. “Everything else was built around that.”

With the help of an incredible local team who matched their bold ideas and kept them grounded, Estevan and Michael brought their spectacular special day to life and gave their 102 guests a celebration they’ll never forget.

What We Love About This Three-Day Wedding:

  • The three-day celebration that included a Fiesta Blanca, Jungle Chic dinner, and “Haute Tamale” disco-themed wedding
  • Their sequin Dolce & Gabbana tuxedos and how their fashion inspired the wedding decor
  • Estevan’s surprise performance of “Make You Feel My Love” and Michael’s standup set that had everyone in tears and stitches
  • Custom design touches like a hand-painted dance floor
  • The iconic Alyssa Edwards performance that kicked off the party in style

 

                            Featured Vendor:                           LA76 Photography

Creating a Three-Day Wedding of Magic and Meaning

Their three-day wedding officially began with a welcome party at El Huerto, where guests dressed in white for a garden soirée dubbed “Fiesta Blanca.” Set among blooming greenery, the space was filled with playful Mexican details, including a hand-painted pink bar adorned with hanging piñatas, a friendly Baja donkey, and a Mexican doll whose skirt held—yes—tequila shots. “The hand-painted bar was definitely the highlight of the day. It immediately set the tone: fun, colorful, and full of heart.”

For the rehearsal dinner, the couple leaned into a “Jungle Chic” theme at the tropical paradise of Acre. After spending time with rescue pups on the property, guests gathered in the open-air Blue Room, surrounded by natural textures and warm, earth-toned florals. It was the perfect mix of casual and curated.

But nothing topped day three—the wedding day itself. Held at The Cape Hotel, their “Haute Tamale” vision came alive in a dramatic beachfront setting with the Sea of Cortez and Land’s End as the backdrop. The vibe? Masculine-meets-maximalist, with tropical disco flair. Pink orchids, lush greenery, mirror balls, and custom menus inspired by their Dolce & Gabbana tuxedos created a high-fashion experience grounded in love and joy. The space was completely transformed into a vibrant, immersive celebration.

Using Fashion as a Starting Point for Their Three-Day Wedding Vision

Estevan and Michael’s Los Cabos wedding wasn’t just fashionable, it was fashion. Their entire design vision was born on a spontaneous stroll through Rodeo Drive, where they spotted sequin jackets in bold cheetah and snow leopard prints at Dolce & Gabbana. “That was the basis for the wedding vision. We wanted everything—menus, florals, signage—to reflect our style.”

And they meant it. Their looks were thoughtfully curated for each event and set the tone for the celebration’s vibrant aesthetic. For the welcome party, they wore custom Zegna suits paired with Gucci and Versace accessories. The rehearsal dinner brought a cooler, earthier vibe with tailored Bode suits and shoes from Tom Ford and Taft. But the showstoppers were their wedding-day Dolce & Gabbana tuxedos, complete with sequined jackets and statement shoes from Alexander McQueen and Christian Louboutin. Those tuxes didn’t just turn heads; they inspired the floral design, color palette, even the custom dance floor.

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a quiet, emotional first look at the Rooftop Penthouse of The Cape Hotel. With sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez and the iconic Land’s End in the background, the moment gave them a chance to soak it all in together—just the two of them—before the celebration kicked off. It was, as they put it, “magical.”

Making the Ceremony the Heart of Their Celebration

For Estevan and Michael, their Los Cabos wedding wasn’t just about the aesthetics. It was about emotion, intention, and unforgettable moments. And while their celebration was packed with jaw-dropping design, it was the love at the center of it all that truly stole the show.

The ceremony space was thoughtfully simple, letting the beauty of Los Cabos shine. A pink floral arch framed the couple as the Sea of Cortez sparkled behind them. “We really let the ocean do most of the work.” Guests entered through doors adorned with their custom invitation logo, a personal touch that tied the entire experience together.

Much to the guests’ delight, the surprises kept coming.Estevan, once a professional musical theater performer, serenaded Michael with Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.” 

“Michael had never heard me sing before,” Estevan said. “It meant so much to surprise him like that.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Then, Michael brought the house down with a surprise stand-up set. “By the end of my set, everyone’s cheeks were sore from smiling and laughing so hard,” he said. 

After their emotional vows, they slipped away for golden hour portraits by the sea. “We went to the beach right after the ceremony. It was the most magical moment—just the two of us, soaking it all in.”

 

Celebrating Their Roots Through Design

While Estevan and Michael’s big day was undeniably stylish, it was also thoughtfully curated. “We wanted vibrant colors that represented Mexico. The style was organic and loose, modern and tropical.” Their custom pink and green monogram brought together Michael’s love of pink and Estevan’s appreciation for Cabo’s natural beauty—a theme that echoed across all three days of celebration.

Florals played a starring role in the design. As the sun dipped behind the Sea of Cortez, the reception space transformed into a lush, tropical disco. Exotic blooms in bold shades of pink and crimson were paired with leafy greens, tropical fruits, and glittering disco balls. To balance the vibrance, black tables and chairs were mixed with natural wood for a look that was both elevated and approachable.

But this wasn’t just a beautifully styled wedding, it was an immersive experience. “The buildout required a lot of coordination. From the hand-painted dance floor to the grand piano to the custom LED wall, we wanted every detail to surprise and delight.” Towering floral installations, moody lighting, and cascading greenery made the entire space feel alive—exciting and elegant all at once.

The Cape Hotel Cabo Destination Wedding Photos

Why the Right Venue (and Planner) for Their Three-day Wedding Changed Everything

For Estevan and Michael, choosing Los Cabos as their three-day weekend wedding destination was both personal and practical. “We’re both Mexican, and our mothers immigrated from Mexico, so having a Los Cabos wedding felt like returning to our roots,” Estevan shared. “Plus, I love the water, and Michael loves a party. Cabo gave us everything we wanted.”

The couple spent 18 months planning their celebration with the help of an incredible local wedding team who matched their personalities and helped bring their bold ideas to life. “The mantra of our wedding planning process was more is more, and we’re glad to say we were right.” 

Their biggest advice? Hire a planner. “You’ll never regret it, and you’ll save yourself a few gray hairs.”

Go Big or Go Home (Yes, That Includes Fireworks and Drag Queens)

If you’re wondering what truly made this Los Cabos wedding stand out, it’s hard to top fireworks and drag royalty. Estevan had only one non-negotiable when venue hunting: it had to allow fireworks. Once they found the perfect spot at The Cape, everything else followed.

As if all that wasn’t enough, they flew in Alyssa Edwards of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame to get the dance floor going. “Flying in Alyssa was one of the most unique parts of the night. Our guests were completely blown away.”

A Final Piece of Advice

Looking back on their three-day weekend Los Cabos wedding, Estevan and Michael agree—some of the most meaningful moments were the quietest ones. “Take a private moment with your partner after the ceremony,” they said. “It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but pausing to soak it all in helped us stay present and truly appreciate what we just experienced together.”

From a long-distance start and pandemic love story to a celebration filled with intention, laughter, and unapologetic flair, Estevan and Michael’s wedding journey is a reminder that there’s no one way to do it right—there’s only your way.

The Wedding Team:

The Grooms – Estevan Jose Montemayor + Mikey Montemayor
Photography – LA76 Photography
Event Planning + Floral Design + Rentals  – Lola del Campo
Venue + Catering + Cake – The Cape Hotel
Venue Day 1 – El Huerto Celebrations + EL Huerto Farm to Table
Venue Day 2 – Acre Resort
Videography – Cinematic Touch
Makeup + Hair Styling – Piel Canela Makeup Studio
Grooms’ Apparel – Zegna + BODE + Dolce & Gabbana + Reiss +
Grooms’ Accessories – Taft + Fratelli Rosseti + TomFord + Gucci + Versace + Jacques Marie Mage + Illesteva

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