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Whimsical and Bold Caruso Destination Wedding

May 14, 2024 | justine

Francesca and Arunan have families from around the world, so they decided on a destination wedding to bring everyone together. They love trying new things, so picking a city they’d never been to for their big day sounded like the ultimate thrill. They wanted their big day to feel like a huge celebration where everyone could enjoy themselves. That’s why they planned everything outdoors so that guests could relish in the fresh air and breathtaking views. When their Caruso destination wedding finally happened, it was like stepping into a colorful dream. With beautiful flowers, stunning fashion, and a lively atmosphere, it was a party nobody would ever forget.

Their ceremony unfolded on a cliffside garden, offering an awe-inspiring panorama of the sea and the town below. Vibrant blooms adorned every corner, delicately framing the space, aisle, and altar where the couple exchanged their heartfelt vows. Following this beautiful moment, guests were welcomed to a garden reception where a stunning tablescape awaited them. Lush arrangements adorned the long table, inviting guests to enjoy the visual feast. Above, chandeliers cast a gentle glow, infusing the atmosphere with a whimsical and enchanting vibe.

If your dream wedding involves elegance, coastal views, and a touch of uniqueness, this Caruso destination wedding is perfect for you. The captivating images captured by David Bastianoni beautifully showcase every swoon-worthy detail of this breathtaking event.

The Couple:

Francesca and Arunan

The Wedding:

Belmond Caruso, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Embracing Differences by Blending Cultural and Religious Elements in Their Ceremony

We come from very different cultural and religious backgrounds, so we wanted to ensure we honored all sides of our families. We gave traditional vows, but a Thali necklace was presented to honor the groom’s side. Then, to celebrate part of the bride’s side, a glass was smashed at the end of the ceremony. We also performed a sand ceremony symbolizing the meddling of our backgrounds and families.

Their Caruso Destination Wedding Was an International Gathering of Loved Ones

We aimed for a lively and colorful celebration, steering clear of neutrals and pastels for a modern yet elegant feel. Our priority was ensuring guests felt relaxed and free to enjoy themselves, with all our loved ones gathered from around the world except Antarctica. The day never lacked excitement; it was genuinely a joyful and beautiful occasion. We embraced a non-traditional approach to design, from the invitations to the dinner table and aisle, which perfectly matched our vision. Guest experience was paramount, reflecting in every detail. With nearly 14 years together, we wanted our wedding to feel like a big party, prioritizing outdoor settings for fresh air and stunning scenery.

Falling in Love with Belmond Caruso for Their Venue

Living near Washington, DC, we struggled to find a wedding venue that matched our personalities. We both come from international families, so a destination wedding was the perfect fit. Being adventurous souls, the idea of tying the knot in a city we had yet to explore excited us. The Belmond Caruso instantly captured our hearts, even through online photos. Its beauty is awe-inspiring, and experiencing it in person exceeded all expectations.

Custom Sandals and Traditional Treats: Sharing Their Love Through Handcrafted Gifts

We adored the idea of handmade Italian leather sandals crafted right at Bottega Eva Caruso. Not only are they timeless and durable, but they also hold a special significance, being native to Ravello. Offering our guests the opportunity to customize their own sandals, tailored to their unique preferences and foot measurements, added a personal touch to the experience. Additionally, we wanted to share a taste of Sri Lanka with our loved ones, so we gifted traditional Sri Lankan love cake delicately packaged in hand-dyed palm leaf cake boxes. These heartfelt gestures, including the sandals and cake, reflected our appreciation for both Italian and Sri Lankan traditions, making our wedding celebration even more meaningful.

How Their Vendor Team Made Magic Happen at Their Caruso Destination Wedding

Our wedding planners were the real MVPs, orchestrating every detail of our elaborate three-day affair with unmatched dedication and skill. The hotel felt like it was straight out of a fairytale, and the service provided to us and our guests was truly exceptional. The flowers were beyond breathtaking; I doubt I’ll ever lay eyes on anything quite as spectacular again. David Bastianoni and his team worked wonders with our photos, capturing moments of pure magic that still leave me in awe. Huge props to the team at Beauty Livery for making us feel like absolute royalty with their sweet demeanor and incredible talent. We’re incredibly grateful to have had such a fantastic team of vendors and artists bringing our vision to life.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – David Bastianoni
Event Planning – VB Events
Venue + Catering + Cake – Belmond Caruso
Floral Design – Flowers Living
Officiant – Giuliano Benelli
DJ – DJ Fabio Vuomo
Live Music – Evo Strings String Quartet + Marco Ruggiero Sax
Invitation Design – Swell Press
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Beauty Livery
Rings – Cartier + Sophie Bille Brahe
Favors – Bottega Eva Caruso

 

Congratulations to Francesca and Arunan on their whimsical and bold Caruso destination wedding. A special thank you to David Bastianoni for capturing all the breathtaking moments that the couple will treasure for a lifetime.

Hosting a destination wedding offers an opportunity for an intimate celebration surrounded by loved ones, creating unforgettable memories. Here’s the insider tip: to ensure an extraordinary experience, collaborate with experienced vendors who can elevate your day to the next level. Ready to kick start this journey? Explore our curated selection of top-tier wedding professionals from around the world!

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This Park Chateau Wedding Was a Garden Come to Life

May 12, 2024 | justine

Danielle and Nicholas dreamed of a wedding that was unique, intentional, and elegant. Their journey began with the bridal shower–hinting at the magic of their upcoming celebration–as they poured their hearts into the theme. It all came seamlessly together at their Park Chateau wedding, adorned with soft earthy hues and gentle pastels, surrounded by lush flowers and greenery. It was as if a vibrant garden had sprung to life, making their special day a breathtaking reality.

The expansive property, boasting a gorgeous mansion and manicured gardens, provided the perfect setting for the couple’s ceremony at the stone courtyard. Against the backdrop of the stunning garden landscape, surrounded by their loved ones, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. Meanwhile, greenery installations and textured arrangements seamlessly brought the outdoors in, softening the opulent aesthetic of their ballroom reception.

If you dream of a wedding adorned with vibrant greenery and blooming flowers, you won’t miss these stunning photos captured by Junebug vendor 4K Wedding Videographer. This celebration is overflowing with inspiration, making it a must-see for anyone planning their dream garden wedding.

The Couple:

Danielle and Nicholas

The Wedding:

Park Chateau, East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

How DIY Touches and a Special Officiant Made Their Park Chateau Wedding Personal to the Couple

We were so nervous that everything would be executed as we envisioned it because we had truly DIYed every aspect of our wedding and coordinated that vision with our vendors. Our favorite part was marrying one another. Nick and I have been together almost nine years after meeting in college. We had envisioned walking down that aisle and seeing one another for the first time for so long. The rabbi who married us has known me my whole life. He did my baby naming, was there for our family in joyous and challenging times, and truly took the time to get to know Nick. Under the chuppah, we kept squeezing each other’s hands, smiling and whispering, “I love you.” It felt so real and personal. We felt like our guests could see how much we loved each other and how excited we were.

Handcrafted Details That Brought Their Wedding Vision to Life

We are definitely most proud of the details. We planned andmade mood boards and PowerPoints for months and months while planning this day. We built every single piece of decor and signage ourselves in our home and even some in our tiny NYC apt before we moved. All our friends and family thought we were in over our heads. Nick and I love to dream, create, and come up with unique ideas, and we have done precisely that for our day. You can see it in the details of all our decor!

Navigating Wedding Planning on a Budget

Nick and I were definitely on a budget when it came to the wedding. I had just finished my medical residency and started working as an Emergency Room Attending Physician, which meant a lot of loans from schooling. We’d also just bought a new home to start a family. We did a great job prioritizing what mattered most and making our money stretch. We made our invitations, spending hours distressing paper, watercolor painting each one, and adding ribbon and wax seals before sending them out. We became experts at DIY projects, from building structures to repurposing items from the bridal shower. Nick’s engineering skills came in handy. Instead of hiring a designer or wedding planner, we did it all, drawing up countless design ideas until everything was perfect. We knew photography was essential, so we didn’t skimp there. Our florist was great at helping us make wise choices with our budget, focusing on critical areas for impact. My cousin’s band, Cause and the Effects, played at our wedding, giving us a family discount. They were terrific, providing live music with their versatile repertoire throughout the event.

How the Bride Kept Her Park Chateau Wedding Look a Secret Until the Aisle

Choosing a dress was a real challenge for me. Having done some bridal modeling before, I had tried on various dresses, but I wanted to find the perfect one for my wedding day. I decided on two, knowing I couldn’t settle on just one style. I also wanted to keep my look a surprise for Nick until I walked down the aisle, which made photos before the ceremony tricky. So, I devised a unique idea: wearing one dress for pictures and changing just before the aisle walk. Only my mom knew about this surprise, keeping everyone else guessing. Nick’s style is simple, traditional, and classic, so I aimed for that during the ceremony with a twist. I was fortunate to meet one of Rita Vinieris’ designers after COVID-19, who made me a custom design, adding a modern, pointed, strapless neckline to a stunning satin dress with a beautiful back adorned with buttons. For my second dress, worn mainly at the reception, I chose a fitted lace gown with intricate applique made by Marina Farbinni, personalized to perfection. For a party look, inspired by my mom’s chic gauntlets from her wedding, I opted for a sleek short dress with a high neck, paired with Loeffler Randall white heels featuring bows, and surprised her by wearing her lace gauntlets. It was such a fun and memorable ensemble.

Transforming a Ballroom Into a Secret Garden Wonderland

One standout feature was the crossing arches adorning the main tables, where flowers cascaded and climbed over, creating a garden-like ambiance down the center. We aimed for height with our florals to add unique flair, opting for a design that stood out from traditional weddings. Our band’s stage was transformed into a living garden, complete with boxes we built, adorned with rattan hanging lights wrapped in vines and flowers. Incorporating our new last name, “Wright,” into our decor became a playful theme: “Welcome, you’re WRIGHT where you belong,” greeted guests, while “WRIGHT this way” guided them to their seats, and “Drinks coming WRIGHT up” beckoned them to the bar. Even our first dance was a labor of love, choreographed to John Legend’s “Conversations in the Dark” after nights of practicing on our checkered dining room floor. We wanted our bridesmaids’ bouquets to evoke the feeling of freshly picked flowers, so we collaborated with our florist to create stunning arrangements in wicker bags. Every detail was chosen with purpose, reflecting our love and intention behind every element of our special day.

The Wedding Team:

Photography  – Jaymo James
Videography – 4K Wedding Videographer
Venue – Park Chateau
Floral Design – TR Floral Design
Live Music – The Cause and the Effects
Invitation Design – The Bride
Makeup Artist – By Alyssaa
Hair Styling – Kristen Okaly
Wedding Dress – Kleinfeld + Wedding Salon of Manhasset
Bridal Accessories – Loeffler Randall
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Rings – Ring Concierge

 

Congratulations to Danielle and Nicholas on their Park Chateau wedding! A huge thank you goes out to Junebug vendor 4K Wedding Videographer for skillfully capturing all the remarkable details and unforgettable moments that made this celebration truly memorable. To explore more weddings like this one, visit their profile in our directory featuring talented videographers from across the globe.

Whether you’ve already selected your ideal garden location or are considering incorporating outdoor elements indoors, explore our floral guide for planning your own flower-filled celebration. Armed with these ideas, a top-notch florist, and a skilled team of vendors, you can create the garden-themed event you’ve always envisioned!

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Whimsical Gardens Meets Black Tie Affair at This Lotos Club Wedding

May 11, 2024 | justine

Jessica and Brian’s Lotos Club wedding embodied the essence of a timeless celebration. With its picturesque venue, abundant blooms and greenery, classic color palette, and chic attire, their special day had all the ingredients of a dreamy wedding. It was a perfect blend of whimsical garden charm and sophisticated black-tie elegance, creating a truly magical atmosphere for their guests to enjoy.

The ceremony unfolded in the Tennyson Room, where the sparkling chandeliers and intricate window details set the stage. After sharing heartfelt vows, everyone gathered in the Ballroom for the reception, which was transformed into a magical wonderland that brought the beauty of the outdoors inside. Soft lighting, elegant table settings, and stunning florals and greenery adorned the space, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. As the night progressed, guests danced the night away in the cozy ambiance of the library.

Thanks to Junebug florist Laura Clare Design,  it had everything they could have hoped for and more. If you’ve been envisioning a classically romantic affair filled with timeless details and personal touches, then this is the perfect inspiration for you. Luckily, Michelle Scott beautifully captured this breathtaking day. These stunning photos are filled with ideas that will never go out of style.

The Couple:

Jessica and Brian

The Wedding:

Lotos Club, New York, United States

Creating Three Modern Yet Timeless Wedding Looks

I had an entire inspiration board for a modern, drapey silk charmeuse dress. I wanted a dress that felt sophisticated since I work in fashion, yet one that would fit in with the old-world aesthetic of Lotos Club. I wore my grandma’s vintage diamond and pearl earrings, my mom’s diamond necklace, and Loeffler Randall shoes. I also added a pair of custom sleeves to my dress to give it an edge. After the ceremony, I changed into a pair of Vera Wang lace sleeves. My after-party dress was a short, sparkly Johnathan Simhkai with sparkly Prada mules. My husband wore a custom-made suit from the notorious Martin Greenfield, which was midnight navy and Magnanni Tuxedo shoes.

Hand-Painted Details Created by the Bride

We hosted an intimate secret garden black-tie affair wedding. Picture enchanted details at every turn—from the fully watercolor invitation suites to the handmade watercolor menus adorned with hand-applied custom crest wax-sealed satin bows. Each romantic detail contributed to the nuanced romantic atmosphere. Every table number was illustrated and placed upon a mossy patch inside of a cloche. The tablecloths were hand-painted, and the napkins were custom-printed. Each hand-painted element, as well as the entire wedding design itself, was imagined and created by me, who is a designer and illustrator.

Discovering Old-World Charm: The Story Behind Their Wedding Venue

Although we initially sought a modern venue, our search led us to the enchanting old-world charm of The Lotos Club in New York City’s Upper East Side. Serendipity brought us here one day while wandering the neighborhood, and we were immediately captivated by its intricate charm, ornate architectural details, and elegant grand piano. Our wedding celebrated with our 75 closest friends and family members was beyond extraordinary—a perfect-sized gathering for a magical affair.

How Jessica Used Her Background in Design to Make Their Lotos Club Wedding Unique

At our wedding, everything was handmade and custom-designed, reflecting our personal touch throughout the event. I took on the task of creating all the branding and design elements myself. From the charming place cards with illustrations and keys to the elegant invitations, save the dates, and menus adorned with custom illustrations and sealed with bows, every detail was crafted with care. I also made the drink menus, signage, programs, party favors, packaging, table numbers, and even the tablecloths by hand. Each element contributed to the cohesive and unique design that made our wedding day truly special.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Michelle Scott
Event Planning + Invitation Design- JH Mintz
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Lotos Club
Floral Design – Laura Clare Design
Cake – Hide and Sweet
Videography – Rever Weddings
Makeup Artist – Amy Kate
Wedding Dress – Katherine Tash
Bridal Accessories – Loffler Randall
Groom’s Apparel – Martin Greenfield

 

Congratulations to Jessica and Brian on their whimsical garden meets black tie Lotos Club wedding. Thank you to Michelle Scott for expertly capturing every timeless detail and offering soon-to-be-wed couples valuable inspiration to share with their team of vendors. A special acknowledgment goes to Junebug florist Laura Clare Design for making this wedding a flower-lover’s dream come true For more breathtaking celebrations she’s helped bring to fruition, explore her profile in our directory of the world’s top wedding florists.

For a timeless wedding, you can’t beat a picturesque venue, lush florals, a classic color palette, and meaningful personal touches. If you and your partner envision an elegant affair like this, explore our planning and budget guides to kickstart your journey!

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