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Classic Black and White Cape a Thompson Hotel Destination Wedding

June 12, 2024 | justine

Erika and Brad had their hearts set on crafting a remarkable experience for their cherished guests. Opting for Mexico as their destination, they teamed up with seasoned professionals to transform their dream wedding into reality. Adorned with timeless hues, enchanting florals, sophisticated decor, and trendy attire, their Cape a Thompson Hotel destination wedding became an unforgettable affair, leaving guests with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Their rooftop ceremony, with the magnificent sea as a backdrop, was a sight to behold. An aisle adorned with delicate flowers guided the way to a lush arch framing the breathtaking views. The exchange of vows was a moment of pure sweetness, marking the start of their shared journey. The following reception was a vision of timeless elegance. With stunning centerpieces and gentle candlelight, each table exuded an air of intimacy and romance.

Erika and Brad seamlessly blended timeless sophistication with their unique flair on their special day, and let us tell you, it’s a visual treat not to be missed. Thankfully, Junebug vendor MemoryBox Photography was on hand to immortalize every enchanting moment of their special day.

The Couple:

Erika and Brad

The Wedding:

Cape a Thompson Hotel, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Recommended Reading: 10 Perfect Wedding Shoes

Making Their Loved Ones an Integral Part of Their Cape a Thompson Hotel Destination Wedding

We always said the day was about us, but it was also about our friends and family. We wanted them not just to be present for the wedding but to be a part of the wedding. Everyone was putting in a lot of time and effort to travel to Cabo, so we wanted to ensure they were thought about throughout the wedding weekend.

How Flowers Became the Heart of Their Cape a Thompson Hotel Destination Wedding Design

We worked closely with our wedding planner to curate our design. We knew we wanted a clean black-and-white palette with a creamy hue and a few statement pieces and moments to liven it up. The vibe mirrored the style, which was elegant but added some entertainment. We splurged on the flowers. And there is not a single bud that I would have changed. The foundation of our wedding’s “look” was the flowers and how they were incorporated throughout every space.

Designing a Wedding Experience Where Guests Glide Effortlessly from Ceremony to Reception

We had searched many venues over the years of visiting Cabo, but we were always drawn to the Cape. The rooftop view is stunning, and the backdrop for the wedding is unbeatable. The reception and dance floor setup was exactly what we wanted for an intimate but fun after-party. Their food is excellent, with a little flare, and the service is top-notch. The Cape was accommodating to us, wanting to take over the rooftop. The goal was for the guests to be kept from being shuffled around but to seamlessly move from one area to the next, from the ceremony to cocktail hour, then reception.

Combined Seating Charts and Wedding Favors with a Personalized Mezcal Touch

We incorporated the seating chart with the wedding favors. We came to enjoy Mezcal from our trips to Cabo and thought it would be a personal touch to include it. The seating chart was adorned with personalized Mezcaleros that our guests could take a shot of to sample and take home with them as souvenirs.

How The After-Party Became the Highlight of Their Cape a Thompson Hotel Destination Wedding

Our most memorable moment was the entire after-party. The tone was set from the beginning with fireworks and ended with a neon saxophone player. We will always appreciate seeing our friends and family enjoying themselves on the dance floor, dancing, singing, and being together at that moment.

Why Having a Trusted Wedding Planner in Cabo Made Their Destination Wedding Experience Truly Special

If you are doing a destination wedding, pick a wedding planner you like. They are your advocates. You work closely with them from start to finish, and it becomes a personal relationship. We trusted our planner to put our vision into place, and there is so much behind the scenes that you cannot keep track of from a distance or on the wedding day. You must know that if something is not going perfectly, they will make it work however you want without asking. Not only did we have the best wedding planner in Cabo for our wedding, but we gained a friend in the process.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – MemoryBox Photography
Event Planning – Carena Trampe from Amy Abbott Events
Venue – Cape a Thompson Hotel
Floral Design – Cristina Gonzalez Florals
DJ – DJ Alex
Videography – Wild Oak Films
Invitation Design – Peppermint Press
Makeup + Hair Styling – Piel Canela Make Up Studio
Wedding Dress – Galia Lahav
Rentals – Cristina Gonzalez Rentals

 

Congratulations to Erika and Brad on their stunning Cape a Thompson Hotel destination wedding. A big thank you to Junebug vendor MemoryBox Photography for beautifully capturing every detail and memorable moment of their special day. For more elegant celebrations like this, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Considering a destination wedding? It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with your nearest and dearest while creating lasting memories. But here’s the deal: to ensure an exceptional experience, team up with experienced vendors who can elevate your big day. Ready to get started on your adventure? Explore our selection of top-tier wedding professionals from across the globe!

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The Top 14 Vancouver Wedding Photographers

June 11, 2024 | riley
Vancouver wedding photographer hero image

Image by The Godard’s

Every love story deserves to be told through stunning visuals that you’ll be able to cherish for the rest of your life–which is why choosing the right wedding photographer is so important. Whether you’re tying the knot in the heart of the city of Vancouver or you’re running to the mountains for your next adventure, there are countless Vancouver wedding photographers to choose from. That’s why we’re breaking down 14 of Vancouver’s best. These professionals are known for their ability to capture the magic of weddings, no matter the size or venue, so you can feel confident knowing that they’re the perfect fit for your special day.

14 Vancouver Wedding Photographers to Consider For Your Wedding

1. Photos by Pala Mikayla

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples looking for a built-in best friend with their photographer

Review: “As a photographer myself, I had really high standards for who would take our wedding photos, and so I knew Pala would be the perfect person for the job. Her work is fantastic, and her style of vibrant, true-to-life colors was gorgeous and exactly what I wanted. She is also just an amazing, funny, and wonderful human, and it was so lovely to have her with us on our big day. She did such a great job making everyone laugh and keeping things organized during family photos. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer.”

2. Shari + Mike Photographers

Photography style: Moody editorial

Good for: Couples looking for award-winning photographers

Review: “Shari + Mike = best wedding photographers ever. Our photos are BEAUTIFUL. Actually, though, they exceeded our expectations. We keep getting compliments on the photos and photo style. They capture genuine and real moments, and they were truly a pleasure to hang out with on our wedding day. They have wonderful personalities, they were completely punctual, and made photo-taking fun! Thank you so much.”

3. Nomad by NK

Photography style: Documentary with a sprinkle of editorial

Good for: Couples who want every candid moment captured

Review: “Nat and Kerstin are two of the most talented photographers I’ve ever met. They’ve photographed my engagement shoot, wedding, maternity, and now newborn photos, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What I love most is their ability to capture candid moments, make us feel comfortable (even my husband, who doesn’t love being photographed), and ALWAYS keep you laughing, which makes for the best photos! Love you two, thanks for capturing all of my most precious moments!”

4. henry f.

Photography style: Artistic storytelling

Good for: Couples looking for whimsical, film-like photos

Review: “When looking at Henry’s sample of work – I was immediately impressed and drawn to the vintage style of his photos. My partner and I are so happy to have gone with him as our wedding day photographer. He is professional and patient and encouraged us to be natural and comfortable during our photo sessions. He has a great eye for scoping out locations and framing photos to make ordinary spots look cinematic. During our event, he was able to capture many beautiful candid moments and was not distracting at all. We are so pleased with the final photos. Thank you, Henry!”

5. The Godard’s

Photography style: Journalistic editorial

Good for: Couples who want magazine-worthy photos

Review: “Being a wedding coordinator in the industry, I knew the importance the right vendors would make on the big day. So when it came to photography, something that both my husband and I valued high on our list, I HAD to suggest my faves the Godards, and luckily, he felt the same way. Having worked with them before, I was able to experience their professionalism, care for couples, easy-going attitudes, and amazing talent firsthand. The galleries that they would produce were beautiful and timeless and captured the essence of the weddings in a way that felt natural and real. So when it came to our engagement shoot and wedding, I was once again in awe of the way that they put us both at ease and captured who we are as a couple. We are so grateful to have such beautiful photos that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you, Danaea and Silas, for being a part of this milestone season of our life together and we couldn’t imagine sharing the experience with any other photographers.”

6. Meghan Hemstra Photography

Photography style: Photojournalistic editorial

Good for: Couples planning a timeless wedding

Review: “Choosing Meghan as our wedding photographer was one of our best decisions when planning our wedding! She is super personable, organized, and great at communicating. From the moment we met we felt at ease and like we had made an instant friend. Her approach to taking photos makes you feel so comfortable and like you’re the most beautiful person in the room from start to finish. Her work is thoughtful, artful, and completely stunning. Her talent is incredible and I feel like I can’t put into words how happy I am with all of the photos we got back. She captured our day so perfectly, and there’s no one I’d recommend more! We love you, Meghan!”

7. Sara Rogers Photography

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples celebrating their love with an outdoor adventure

Review: “My partner and I had the good fortune of booking Sara for our wedding last fall, and I cannot recommend her enough! We had a fairly small wedding, and she did an amazing job candidly capturing the intimate day and making sure she made time for just the two of us. Sara is super friendly, works great with kids, and really helped us relax on the big day, knowing she was there to capture everything. Sara was super professional throughout the entire process, and the resulting photographs were unbelievable! If you are lucky enough to book Sara for your occasion (wedding or otherwise), you won’t be disappointed!

8. Laura Berkenpas Photography

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples who love the old-school feeling of film

Review: “Laura is so sweet and does incredible work! She did both our engagement photos and our wedding photos. I will, without a doubt, hire her again for any other photoshoots we wish to do. I couldn’t recommend her more.”

9. Ronnie Lee Hill Photography

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples who want a photographer who will take the time to get to know them before their big day

Review: “Ronnie was the very first vendor we booked for our wedding- before we even knew the date or the venue, once I saw her portfolio, I knew she had to be our photographer- my new husband and I are both professional artists so we were both very particular about who we chose to capture our big day. Ronnie’s work is NOT your cookie-cutter wedding photography- she plays with light and composition in a way that makes your wedding feel editorial and glamorous yet natural and romantic. Not only is her photography exemplary, the way she made my usually camera shy partner laugh and be comfortable in front of her camera was great and allowed us to get some wonderful, natural shots. I loved that Ronnie wanted motion, fun, and adventure during our sessions- she was absolutely perfect and so lovely to work with for both our engagement and elopement sessions! I feel so privileged to be captured by Ronnie’s lens, and I highly recommend her for any photography you might need! THANK YOU RONNIE”

10. Marlon Castle Photography

Photography style: Luxury editorial

Good for: Couples who want photos that will never go out of style

Review: “From the moment we contacted Marlon, We knew we made the right choice in choosing him as our photographer. Marlon is absolutely amazing and his vision for pictures are unmatched. He is friendly, professional, and always quick to respond. His passion for photography is very apparent and he makes you feel so comfortable during the process. Marlon also went above and beyond for us by agreeing to stay over our agreed time even when he needed not to. We had a great experience with him and could not picture our wedding without him.”

11. Na Lia Weddings

Photography style: Timeless editorial

Good for: Couples who want photos that are the definition of sophisticated

Review: “Shardey has the most generous and great heart, and it shines through her professionalism and her photographs! Shar has such a good eye for beauty–all the angles, props, and locations are carefully thought out for the most amazing shots! She is GREAT with lots of people, even demanding families, she won the hearts of all our guests and took the most beautiful photos of everyone – Our wedding would not have been the same without her – would highly recommend!”

 

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12. Sea to Sky Studios

Photography style: Bright editorial

Good for: Couples who are always up for an adventure

Review: “We cannot thank Ben + Britt enough for the AMAZING photos. We were truly in love with all the photos they took. We loved the way their pictures told the story of how our day unfolded. We are so thankful to have these pictures to look back on so we can relive our day forever. Ben + Britt were both great to work with on the day and made us feel very comfortable throughout the whole process. We were very lucky to have them along for the ride with us! We cannot recommend Ben + Britt enough if you are looking for wedding photographers.”

13. Freya Photography

Photography style: Unique cinematography

Good for: Fans of Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrick

Review: “My partner and I recently had a shoot with Kristen and were blown away by how incredible the experience was. In addition to her outstanding photography skills, she also has a talent for making everyone feel comfortable and at home during the shoot; from laughing and joking and hyping us up to the curated music playlists, no detail is overlooked. Kristen’s passion for what she does is clearly evident and makes for an amazing experience in front of the camera. If you’re looking for someone to shoot your wedding, or otherwise capture you and/or your love on camera, look no further! I can’t wait to shoot with Kristen again in the future”

 

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14. Lonely Wolf Productions

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples looking for a photographer and videographer duo

Review: “Wow! 2 years later, and I am still obsessed with our wedding video. I tear up every time! Josh was easygoing and worked in unison with our photographer to capture so many special moments. We received our video in a very timely manner (earlier than I was expecting!) and it was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I was also pleased that he had filmed our speeches that I originally had said I didn’t want a copy of because once I heard them, I knew I needed a copy, lol. He was way ahead of me and had recorded them “just in case.” Would definitely recommend Josh again, 10/10.”

These are just some of the best wedding photographers in Vancouver. From venues to florists, our highly-vetted vendor directory is here to help you find every kind of vendor you need to make your dream wedding come to life!

Image by Meghan Hemstra

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Colorful La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Full of Small Personal Touches

June 10, 2024 | justine

Jamie and Sami fell in love with Antigua when they got engaged there. As they planned their wedding, they wanted to capture the adventure, excitement, and love they felt during their first trip. They knew they had to share the beauty of Guatemala with their loved ones. Set in a luxurious historic venue, their La Casa de la Ruina wedding featured a vibrant color palette, showstopping florals, and festive decor that perfectly complemented the old-world atmosphere of their unique location.

A standout moment of the wedding was the ceremony location. The stunning courtyard ruins provided an enchanting backdrop for the couple’s heartfelt vows. And that’s not all. A Mariachi band serenaded and led the entire wedding party through the quaint streets to the garden reception. The tables were meticulously adorned with vibrant centerpieces, each adding a pop of color to the already picturesque setting. However, stealing the show was the unique and vibrant dance floor, where the newlyweds and their guests had a blast all night long.

Even though it was a destination wedding, the pair were determined to infuse it with the cozy familiarity of home and the vibrant spirit of Antigua and Central America. They wanted their guests to feel like they were stepping into their backyard for a relaxed and intimate celebration, and they succeeded brilliantly. Thankfully, Manuel Aldana was there to capture every moment, ensuring that the essence of their special day would be beautifully preserved for all to see.

The Couple:

Jamie and Sami

The Wedding:

La Casa de la Ruina, Antigua, Guatemala

Recommended Reading: Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Dress Shopping

Crafting a Meaningful La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Ceremony Through Personal Touches and Emotional Surprises 

For the ceremony, we opted for a short, non-traditional approach. My uncle officiated, incorporating a brief meditation, poetry readings, and a unique passing of the rings ceremony, where each guest blessed the rings with well wishes. We exchanged heartfelt speeches and custom vows, adding a personal touch to the moment. With the help of our planner and our vendors, I surprised Sami during the ceremony, executing the plan flawlessly. We had the talented local violinist Mariana Bustamente play a playlist we curated together, covering everything from Harry Styles to beloved Harry Potter soundtracks. As a nod to Sami’s love for Lord of the Rings, I suggested incorporating “Concerning Hobbits” into our walk down the aisle, a moment that moved Sami to tears, as expected.

Honoring Roots and Adding Extra Flair Throughout Their Big Day

We had a lot of favorite moments throughout the day. As we walked from the ceremony to the reception venue, a Mariachi band serenaded and led the entire wedding party through the streets—a nod to Jamie’s time in New Orleans, famous for its Second Line celebrations. Stepping into the reception venue for the first time filled us with awe, seeing all the small details we’d discussed come to life. We laughed our way through but successfully nailed our choreographed first dance—a huge triumph. After that, the wedding party let loose on the amazing dancefloor for the rest of the night, having an absolute blast. We especially enjoyed joining in with the belly dancers we brought in, paying homage to Sami’s Middle Eastern roots and adding an extra touch of fun to the celebration.

Destination Wedding Essentials: Why You Need a Wedding Planner

If you’re planning a destination wedding, hiring a wedding planner is a must! I Do, Guatemala were instrumental in making our weekend unforgettable. They helped us connect with local artists and vendors we would have needed help finding. Remember, it’s your day, so there are no rules. 

How They Made Their La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Truly Theirs

Our favorite wedding moments always revolve around speeches, so we spread them throughout the events, giving each one value and importance without overwhelming guests. Instead of traditional Father-Daughter/Mother-Son dances, we invited our families onto the dancefloor, creating unforgettable moments. Later in the night, we had belly dancers, and our DJ seamlessly integrated traditional Middle Eastern music into the playlist. Our menu was eclectic: ceviche, Thai food, a ravioli bar, steak, and a taco station. Groomsmen wore their own suits, and bridesmaids picked their own dresses. By focusing on what mattered most to us, we created a day that was uniquely ours, ignoring many traditions to stay true to ourselves.

Crafting La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Luxury Within Limits

We weren’t aiming for a million-dollar wedding, and we ensured our wedding planner knew our budget and expectations. Despite that, our day felt like pure luxury, both in the moment and looking back at the photos. Before meeting with our planner, we researched wedding budgets and read blogs from weddings we admired to set realistic expectations. We found it helpful to break down our budget into specific items rather than seeing it as one big expense, which helped us stay on track while choosing vendors and details. Though I spent more on my wedding dress than planned, I saw it as a special treat for myself. Setting up payment plans for big expenses was a lifesaver, with our wedding planner handling 75% of the payments. We were incredibly fortunate to receive help from both sets of parents, which we hadn’t expected when we decided on a “big” wedding. Throughout the year leading up to our wedding, we saved and budgeted our personal finances to cover most of the costs, making our dream day a reality.

Discovering Antigua’s Charm: How They Found Their Dream Wedding Venues

We selected our venues after exploring Antigua on a scouting trip with our planner. Over three days, we toured various locations, from city streets to mountainsides, all meticulously prepared by Diana based on our preferences. We envisioned a natural, outdoor setting that embodied the unique charm of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its preserved ruins and gardens. Among the many ruin sites available, we sought lush vegetation and symmetry for our ceremony—a traditional aisle. Eventually, we settled on two venues: La Casa de la Ruina Santa Rosa for the ceremony, where Sami instantly fell in love during our scouting trip. Its allure was further enhanced by the option to rent the entire property for the weekend, providing accommodations for our loved ones. For the reception, we took a leap of faith with Jardin Real de Santiago, a chosen sight unseen due to Antigua’s in-person reservation process. Despite initial reservations, the space exceeded our expectations with its expansive, private setting enveloped by beautiful trees and verdant foliage. This strategic choice allowed us to allocate less of our budget to florals, freeing up resources to focus on other decor elements.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Manuel Aldana
Second Shooter – Javier Piedrasanta
Assistant + Drone Pilot – Abner Piedrasanta
Event Planning – I Do, Guatemala
Ceremony Venue – La Casa de la Ruina
Reception Venue – Jardin Real de Santiago
Floral Design – Fileas
Catering – Fresh & Local Catering + Evelyn de Batres
Cake – Diamond Cakes
DJ – Project Vibez
Live Music – Mariana Bustamente
Videography – Gaston Bevaqua
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Gaby Aguilar
Wedding Dress – Pronovias via White Magnolia Bridal
Bridal Accessories – CBG Designs
Rings – Jewelry Studio of Wellfleet
Rentals – Relaxed Lounge Service + Vla Fabric + Art Deco Eventos Guatemala
Lighting – Erick Trujillo
Dance Floor – Imagen
Belly Dancers – Rashida
Tour Guides – Trips and Tips Guatemala
Hotel – Los Pasos Boutique Hotel

 

Congratulations to Jamie and Sami on their vibrant La Casa de la Ruina wedding, brimming with heartfelt personal touches! A sincere thank you goes out to Manuel Aldana for skillfully capturing the beauty of every moment and the intricacies of this joyous celebration.

Make your wedding truly special by embracing what makes you and your partner unique. The key to tying all of those elements together into a cohesive theme? A reliable team to bring your vision to life seamlessly. With careful attention to detail and a touch of creativity, your wedding will create unforgettable memories for both you and your guests.

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