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Colorful Summer Brunch Micro Wedding in the Dolomites

June 9, 2024 | justine

Ashlyn and Alex were well aware that opting for a destination celebration would narrow down their guest list. Despite the challenge, they made a conscious decision to prioritize intimacy over numbers. With only 20 cherished loved ones in attendance, they ensured that each guest shared in the joy of their special day. Dreaming of a mountain setting, they chose the picturesque Dolomites as their backdrop. Surrounded by vibrant wildflowers, they tied the knot in a heartwarming summer brunch micro wedding, shared only with their closest circle. Though small, their big day was simply perfect, filled to the brim with love and joy.

The couple selected the most breathtaking backdrop for their special day. With the majestic peaks as their witness, they exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Their outdoor reception was equally enchanting, with the same awe-inspiring backdrop setting the scene. As guests gathered around a long table adorned with colorful wild blooms, they savored every moment of this picturesque celebration with brunch and a wine tasting.

Excited for some intimate wedding inspiration? Check out these beautiful photos by Junebug vendor Christin Eide. They’re proof that all you need for a memorable day is a beautiful location and your loved ones around you.

The Couple:

Ashlyn and Alex

The Wedding:

Como Alpina Dolomites, Italy

The Journey to a Summer Brunch Micro Wedding in the Dolomites

We wanted our wedding to be intimate with our closest family and friends. We chose the Dolomites and a venue with a view of Seceda as the focal point. The vibe of the wedding was a summer brunch. Our florist used wildflowers from the Dolomites, pulling the whole look together. Nothing looked out of place. It was like we were having a beautiful picnic in the Dolomites.

Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Wedding advice to other couples: Go with the flow! Things will not always go according to plan, and there is so much outside of our control. To truly enjoy your wedding day, you have to go with the flow and enjoy all the perfect moments.

How Their Destination Brunch Micro Wedding Became the Ultimate Vacation

Our guests say my wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the best vacations of their life. It was challenging to decide to have a wedding out of the country, knowing we would have to cut the guest list to about 20 people and that many people wouldn’t be able to make it. Many people had opinions about us having our wedding so far away, but at the end of the day, we did what we wanted to do and made the day truly about us. It ended up paying off for everyone that was able to attend.

Finding Perfection in a Venue Amongst the Dolomites

We spent so much time looking for the perfect venue. We knew we wanted to get married on the mountain, but we also wanted a beautiful view of the Dolomites for our reception. We found the perfect venue, which had both an indoor and outdoor venue with plenty of space for music, apps, brunch, dancing, mingling, etc. I first saw Seceda walking down the “aisle” to my husband. It completely took my breath away. It was such a fantastic moment to experience beauty while walking down the aisle to get married.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Christin Eide
Event Planning – Makeda Wedding Planner
Venue – Como Alpina Dolomites
Floral Design – Florale Werkstatt
Cake – Garage Patisserie
Officiant – Giuliano Bonelli

 

Congratulations to Ashlyn and Alex on their colorful summer brunch wedding in the Dolomites. Their small and cozy celebration allowed them to enjoy every moment, focusing on what truly mattered—their connection. Thank you to Junebug vendor Christin Eide for beautifully capturing their happiest memories. Check out more of Christin’s work by visiting her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!

Choosing a micro wedding creates a more intimate and heartfelt experience for you, your partner, and your loved ones. Whether it’s about the venue or decor, our guide is filled with ideas and tips to make your big day truly special and personal.

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Colorful and Tropical Casa Risa Intimate Wedding

June 8, 2024 | justine

Afonso and Ron picked their cozy boutique hotel as the spot for their wedding. It’s where their love story began, so saying “I do” there felt just right. Their intimate Casa Risa wedding was cozy, with only 30 of their nearest and dearest. The place had a chill, natural vibe that mixed perfectly with the lush garden surroundings. It felt like a tropical paradise right in their backyard, and amazingly, they planned everything in just one month.

With their trusted team of vendors, the pair transformed the poolside area into a cozy ceremony venue. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, they shared sweet vows that melted guests’ hearts. Then, it was time to party! The garden reception was filled with laughter, dancing, and joy that lasted all night long.

With guests arriving from all over the world to share in their joy, the couple added their own special touch to their intimate celebration. Junebug vendor Pedro Filipe Fotografia captured their love and happiness perfectly. If you want fresh ideas for your own big day, check out their magical celebration!

The Couple:

Afonso and Ron

The Wedding:

Casa Risa, Portugal

Embracing a Relaxed Atmosphere at Their Casa Risa Intimate Wedding

We wanted to honor the mood of our venue by having a ceremony and reception that matched it. When we invited only our closest family and friends, we wanted them to feel relaxed and at home. Our planner suggested a relaxed and natural style that perfectly fit Casa Risa and us. It was like a tropical vibe that seamlessly blended with the garden. Since Casa Risa brought us together, it felt only right to get married there.

Making the Most of Rainy Moments

The wedding took place on October 28, and the weather was uncertain. We knew it might rain but decided to take the risk anyway. After enjoying a wonderful sunny day, the rain unexpectedly arrived during the garden party. However, nobody let it spoil the fun, and those five minutes under the light rain actually helped to cool down the temperature. It added a memorable and refreshing touch to the celebration.

Wedding Wisdom: Start with a Planner

The best advice we can give is to find a wedding planner as soon as possible. Our planner helped us plan our entire wedding in just a month, and they guided us through everything, from budgeting to vendor research.

Keeping It Intimate with a Thoughtful Guest Selection

Since most of our guests are from abroad, coming from the US, Brazil, and France, we decided to limit the guest list to our closest friends and immediate family. We wanted everyone to feel truly welcome and at home, not just as observers but as part of our love and celebration.

Customized Wedding Keepsakes That Doubled as Name Cards

We gave our guests personalized Portuguese tiles with their names on them, which doubled as name tags. It was a special touch that added a unique and meaningful element to our wedding celebration.

Keeping It Real with Comfortable Wedding Attire

We wanted to feel true to ourselves and be comfortable on our big day. Afonso rocked a stylish blue suit, a crisp white shirt, a bolo tie, and a pair of sharp shoes. As for me, I opted for a more relaxed look, sporting jeans, a smart blazer, a bolo tie, some classic Cowboy boots, and topping it off with a leather hat (a true Missouri touch).

Creating a Personalized Ceremony by Honoring Their Love Story

The ceremony was the most unforgettable part of our day. Our officiant, Mafalda, worked closely with us to craft a ceremony that truly reflected who we are. We focused on our vows, the special moments of the day, and the heartfelt words shared by our witnesses. It was a deeply meaningful and personal experience that we’ll cherish forever.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Pedro Filipe Fotografia
Event Planning – Mio Oliveiraa Wedding Planner
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Casa Risa
Floral Design – Ely Flowers Weddings
Catering – Algarve Fine Food 
Cake – Adoçar Atelier
DJ – DJ Dhanny 
Live Music – BIXENTE SIMONET
Videography – Rendez Vous 
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Mariana Felizberto
Rentals – BC Planning
Favors – Tile Passion

 

Congratulations to Afonso and Ron on their colorful and tropical Casa Risa intimate wedding. Many thanks to Junebug vendor Pedro Filipe Fotografia for capturing every moment of their special day. To see more of his talent, be sure to check out his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

If you’re thinking about having a small celebration instead of a big wedding, many others feel the same way. With a trustworthy team supporting you, you and your partner can shape your wedding day exactly how you’ve always imagined, and maybe even better!

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How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

June 6, 2024 | riley

Pet parents know just how important their furry friends are to them. For many, these animals are like family, and the idea of including them on your wedding day is just another step you can take to make your celebration truly yours. While we know that many–especially those hosting a wedding far from home–can’t bring them along to celebrate, we also know that more and more couples are opting to incorporate them into the big day in some way, shape, or form. 

Junebug has an extensive vendor directory full of professionals who see weddings day in and day out. So, we thought it would be worth asking them how to include your dog in your wedding. Jamie of Brisbane Celebrants and Brisbane Wedding Decorators kindly put together ten tips to ensure that bringing Fido into your wedding goes as smoothly as possible!

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

1. Groom them

Chances are you and your partner spend quite some time preparing for the wedding–your pets should do the same. When creating your to-do list for the week leading up to the big day, include a professional cut and bath for your pet. This way, they are freshly groomed and smell good on the big day.

2. Assign a dog concierge for the day

You’re going to be pulled in a hundred different directions on your wedding day, and the last thing you want to do is add more stress to your plate. While pets don’t require too much attention at home, they are going to need constant attention when at a special event. That’s where a dog concierge comes in.

Your dog concierge is responsible for watching and caring for your pet throughout the day. For some, this may be a family member or friend. We understand, though, that for some, you may not want to add that work to your loved one’s plate. That’s when you may want to consider hiring a professional pet wedding assistant who solely focuses on the animals. Not only will this allow your friends and family to enjoy your special day, but a professional can also ensure that your pet is returned home safely after the ceremony.

We understand that finding a professional you trust may be difficult, so if you’re unsure where to look, ask your officiant for recommendations. 

3. Dress to impress

As we mentioned earlier, we’re going to bet that you spend a lot of time and money looking your best on your wedding day. Your dog deserves that same treatment. We’re not saying you need to spend hundreds of dollars on an outfit. However, consider a flower crown, lei, mini dress, bow tie collar, or a full-on ‘black tie’ tuxedo. You can find quite a few outfit ideas for pets on Etsy.

4. Organize transportation

You’re going to have your hands full from sunrise to the end of the day, which is why it’s wise to organize transportation for your pup. Of course, this is about choosing who’s going to drive them. But it’s also important to consider whether or not you want them in a crate, booster seat, etc., when in the car. 

5. Keep essentials on hand

Though dogs aren’t going to require too many necessities, there are a few things to have on hand to help the show run smoothly. Ensure whoever is watching your furry friend is well equipped with a leash, water bowl, a large water bottle (you will most likely be able to get water from the venue for them; however, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared), some wipes to clean their paws should they want to say hi to guests, and of course, some treats to reward them for being so good.

6. Choose a dog-friendly ceremony venue

If you know early on in the wedding planning process that you want to include your dog in your wedding, it’s important to set yourself up from the very beginning. When touring venues, be sure to ask whether or not they are dog-friendly. Even if you are unsure whether or not it’s something you want to include, you’re better off asking ahead of time versus finding out it’s not an option closer to the big day. 

7. Maintain your dogs routine

Dogs can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to keep them happy and relaxed as much as possible.  Maintain their current routine as much as you can, including meal times, walks (particularly pre-ceremony), etc. This helps keep them on their best behavior and reduces the chance of an unscheduled bathroom break. 

8. Ensure the florals are safe

If you’re including florals for your pup or you know that they’re going to be spending some time near your decor, it’s essential that you research how “dog safe” your preferred blooms are. Many flowers can be highly toxic and dangerous for dogs to ingest, so err on the side of caution. Let your florist, planner, and/or designer know that you will be including your dog, so their health is a priority for your florals. 

If the flowers you’re dreaming of including are toxic to pets, you’ll want to discuss this with your pet concierge or whoever is responsible for watching your dog on the big day to ensure that they’re not getting into something potentially life-threatening. This may require the petsitter to keep an even closer eye on them.

9. How to include your dog as the ring bearer

If you’ve decided to include your pup as the ring bearer, Jamie has found that the safest way to include them is as follows: 

The officiant will ask, “Can [dog’s name] please present the rings?” The petsitter then walks the dog up to the couple, and the couple gives the dog a pat, hug, or kiss on the head. The dog concierge hands over the rings, or the couple unties the rings from the dog’s collar. 

This makes for some pretty incredible photos that we know you will cherish for years to come.

10. Include them in your wedding photos

Lastly, make the most of having your dog present by bringing them into some of your wedding photos. While you should get some of you and your pet with just your partner, it’s also a lot of fun to include them in group shots with your wedding party. Talk with your photographer beforehand to let her know that these are some must-have photos for you, and they can make sure to find the best location and include it in their shot list. 

With the help of the right vendor team, including your furry friend in your big day is an easy way to personalize your ceremony and create memories that you’ll have for a lifetime. To help them get dressed to the nines, we’ve rounded up some of the best wedding dog attire and accessories on Etsy!  

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