Loading...

After Local Venues Fell Short, This Couple Found Destination Wedding Perfection in San Miguel de Allende

Ryan and Andrew’s love story began in March 2017 when they joined the same kickball team in a local social sports league. What started as a friendship grew deeper throughout the year, and by December, their platonic bond transformed into a romance. “By the end of 2017, we became inseparable,” they shared.

When it came time to plan their wedding, they wanted a day that celebrated their love and allowed their guests to share in the joy. Initially, the pair explored venues in Philadelphia but nothing felt quite right. “We just weren’t excited about any of the local options,” they explained. That’s when a friend suggested a destination wedding, and the idea immediately clicked. Having traveled to San Miguel de Allende in 2022 for Andrew’s 40th birthday, the city’s charm, colors, and energy left a lasting impression. “We quickly fell in love with the city during that trip,” they said. It became clear that this was the perfect place to celebrate their wedding.

In spring of 2023, they connected with Junebug vendor Bougainvillea Weddings to bring their vision to life. “The entire team took our design, ceremony, and reception ideas and ran with them,” the couple shared. “They delivered above and beyond to create the most amazing day of our lives.” Planning a destination wedding could have been overwhelming, but Bougainvillea Weddings made the process effortless. “We loved that they provided an excellent list of pros and gave thoughtful feedback on which ones would best fit the mood and aesthetics of our wedding,” they explained. One of them was Junebug vendor and photographer Fer De Jesus, whom the couple connected with virtually.

Zoom meetings with vendors also proved invaluable. “Because this was a destination wedding, having these calls was important to us,” they said. “We wanted to get to know our vendors as people and discuss what we wanted for our wedding day.”

Featured Junebug Vendors:

Bougainvillea Weddings

Fer De Jesus

The couple kicked off their wedding weekend with a callejoneada, or wedding parade, through Parque Benito Juárez. The parade, complete with a mariachi band, mojigangas (papier-mâché figures of Ryan, Andrew, and their dog Penny), and a burro, led guests through the charming streets of San Miguel de Allendel. “Our friends and family loved it—it was the perfect way to start the weekend and introduce everyone to the culture.” 

The festivities continued with a rehearsal dinner at Casa San Jose, a venue with a stunning outdoor space. Guests enjoyed tacos al pastor under the stars while sharing heartfelt speeches. “It set the tone for the rest of the celebration.” 

yan and Andrew started their wedding day with a laid-back, fun moment getting ready together. They helped each other with their suits, adjusted boutonnières, and straightened ties, all while sharing smiles and a few laughs. It was a relaxed, happy start to the day that set the tone for everything ahead.

Ryan and Andrew’s rooftop ceremony at Terraza Trinitate was nothing short of breathtaking. The venue showcased stunning views of the city and featured a vibrant floral arch in rich jewel tones of fuchsia, orange, and deep blue. The arch framed the rustic wooden doors, creating a romantic focal point. “Walking into the ceremony and seeing all the planning come to life was surreal,” they said. “It was overwhelming in the best way.”

The ceremony itself was deeply personal. “Our incredible officiant met with us individually to craft the perfect summary of our relationship,” they shared. They also included meaningful song lyrics as readings, and both nearly lost their composure during Wolf Alice’s Don’t Delete The Kisses:

Me and you were meant to be in love
I see the signs of a lifetime, you ‘til I die

To add a lighthearted moment, Ryan and Andrew included a unity ceremony featuring Casa Dragones tequila. “Taking that shot was such a fun way to catch our breath, smile, and set the mood for the rest of the night,” they said.

The jewel-tone color palette carried seamlessly into the reception decor, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Tables were dressed with floral arrangements in bold shades of fuchsia, red, orange, and purple, perfectly complemented by vintage glassware, gold flatware, and textured napkins that added a refined touch.

“We wanted the reception to feel like a lively fiesta while still being elegant,” the couple explained. The result was a stunning celebration that not only reflected their personalities but also encapsulated the vibrant spirit of their San Miguel de Allende wedding.

Another unexpected moment was a wedding cake gifted by the Bougainvillea team. “It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the cake was delicious!” they added. Photos of the couple cutting the cake are among their favorites from the evening.

Planning a destination wedding requires trust, and Ryan and Andrew were grateful for their planning team. “Bougainvillea reassured us every step of the way,” they shared. “They kept telling us not to worry, and they were right. Everything was perfect, from the flowers to the food to the overall vibe.”

Looking back on their San Miguel de Allende wedding, the couple’s advice to other couples is simple: “Do what feels authentic to you, and don’t rush the process. At the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Fer De Jesus
Event Planning + Floral Design – Bougainvillea Weddings
Venue – Terraza Trinitate
Videography – Amour Films
Invitation Design – Papier
Makeup + Hair Styling – Itza Marquez
Grooms’ Apparel – Suit Supply
Grooms’ Accessories – Taft + The Tie Bar 
Welcome Party Accommodations – Casa San Jose

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Sage Green Bridesmaid Dresses Your Girls Will Love

February 3, 2025 | marissa

Years ago, the mention of bridesmaid dresses might have conjured visions of giant, fluffy frocks. But times have changed. We’ve entered an era of beautifully sophisticated and wearable options for the best friends joining in on a wedding day.

While neutral tones like champagne, soft pinks, as well as light hues like dusty blue, have long been favorites, there’s one color we simply can’t get enough of for bridesmaid dresses: sage green.

If you’re considering this effortlessly chic hue, look no further than AW Bridal. One of our favorite online stores for bridesmaid dresses, they offer a plethora of sage green options to complement any wedding style or theme. From floral prints to elegant silhouettes like one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder necklines, you’re sure to find the perfect sage green bridesmaid dress in their collection.

Our Favorite Sage Green Bridesmaid Dresses 

Mocha Mousse may be the Pantone Color of the Year, but sage green is truly having its moment. This versatile shade suits a variety of skin tones and hair colors with its soft, cool, and timeless qualities. It’s earthy yet elegant, subtle yet unique. Sage green transitions seamlessly across seasons too—fresh and airy in spring and summer, crisp and cozy in fall and winter. 

Sage green also works beautifully in other aspects of wedding design. From light to dark shades, it can act as an accent color, blending effortlessly through eucalyptus and other greenery in arrangements. Or it can easily take center stage, looking beautiful in invitation suites, drapery, and table settings. If sage green bridesmaid dresses are on your radar, here are some of our favorite, modern styles for your wedding.

Off-the-Shoulder 

Off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses are the perfect mix of elegance and modern. These necklines flatter a variety of body types and add a touch of romance to any bridesmaid dress.

long off-the-shoulder sage green bridesmaid dress

Floral Prints

Solid colors aren’t your only option for sage bridesmaid dresses! Mismatched and printed styles are easy to incorporate and add a memorable detail to your wedding. Whether your entire crew embraces floral prints or just a few, AW Bridal offers a beautiful selection of floral sage green dresses.



short printed sage green bridesmaid dress

Corset Dresses

Corset dresses are a fresh, trendy style that brings fashion to the forefront of your wedding with their figure-flattering designs.

Simple Styles

If you’re envisioning simple bridesmaid dresses that complement your day with minimal details and understated necklines, AW Bridal has plenty of options to choose from.

Other Unique Necklines

Unique necklines like mock neck, asymmetrical, halter, and square designs can bring a fresh twist and a pop of individuality to your sage green bridesmaid dresses. You can opt for a uniform neckline for all or assign different styles to each individual bridesmaid.

Sage green bridesmaid dresses are the perfect blend of modern and timeless, offering a chic look your girls will love. With stunning options from AW Bridal, your wedding party will feel confident and effortlessly elegant on your special day.


Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Couple Ditched the Beach for a Jungle-Inspired, Moroccan Villa Wedding in Tulum

January 29, 2025 | justine

A Moroccan villa, lush jungle vibes, and timeless elegance made this Tulum destination wedding an unforgettable celebration.

When Emily and Jose met at college in west Texas in 2018, they had no idea that morning gym sessions would lead to forever. Jose, a soccer player at the school, first noticed Emily when she would come in with her friend. “After seeing me at the gym, he followed me on Instagram, and we’ve been together ever since,” Emily shares. They knew they were meant to be because of how naturally they clicked and how perfectly they complemented each other. Five years later, Jose proposed on a sunny Miami beach.

Emily knew early on that she wanted a destination wedding—but not a typical beach resort event. “I wanted more of a jungle, earthy vibe,” she explains. After researching cities and comparing prices, they landed on a wedding in Tulum, Mexico. “It was perfect because it wasn’t too far from Texas, and Jose’s family speaks Spanish.”

“I didn’t want the wedding to feel too beachy,” Emily shares. She envisioned a more earthy setting with timeless details. She took her time comparing venues and reached out to wedding planners to help with the logistics. “Since I wasn’t in Mexico to visit places in person, I knew I needed a local wedding planner to help me communicate and recommend vendors.” The couple hired a Junebug Vendor Pride Maya Weddings, who helped bring Emily’s Pinterest board to life. “They were amazing and really understood my vision.”

When it came to selecting vendors, Emily’s approach was thorough. “I would look at their social media accounts to see if their work fit the vibe I was going for,” she explains. For the photography, she focused on finding someone who captured natural, in-the-moment shots with editing that matched her style. After careful research, she found exactly what she was looking for in Junebug vendor Elegance Photographie. “I didn’t want anything too posed—I wanted our photos to feel real.”

Featured Junebug Vendors:

Pride Maya Weddings

Elegance Photographie

To kick off their wedding weekend, Emily and Jose hosted a welcome party and rehearsal dinner. “Even though I didn’t want a beach wedding, I wanted our guests to experience the beach while they were there,” Emily explains. The open taco bar and relaxed atmosphere set the perfect tone for the celebration. During dinner, guests were treated to an incredible sight—baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. “It was such a special experience.”

Emily wanted her look to be timeless. “There are so many trends, but I didn’t want to look back at photos and regret my choices,” she explains. Her wedding dress was simple and elegant, while her reception dress added a touch of fun with its sparkly details. 

The bridesmaids wore pearl yellow dresses, perfect for a wedding in Tulum, that were both subtle and eye-catching against the greenery, and the groomsmen’s tan suits complemented the palette perfectly.

“I saved on my dress because I knew I’d only wear it once, and it would get dirty,” Emily shares. She also prioritized budgeting for photography, food, and flowers. “The photos and videos last forever, and the food really makes the guest experience. Flowers bring the entire design together.”

The couple chose a stunning Moroccan villa surrounded by lush greenery, creating a dreamlike setting for their special day. The ceremony space was set over a serene pool with water reflecting the surrounding tropical foliage. The villa’s white facade, with its arched windows and thatched roof, was adorned with all-white arrangements.

The path leading up to the ceremony was lined with loose petals and string lights The overall look of their wedding in Tulum was modern yet organic, perfectly blending elegance with the natural surroundings. “I liked that the venue was a blank canvas,” Emily says. “It didn’t feel boho, and the architecture—with all the archways and unique details—gave it character.”

Walking down the aisle was an unforgettable moment for Emily. “Seeing my future husband standing there while a Christian song played made it incredibly personal and emotional,” she recalls. The couple wrote their own vows, filling them with personal anecdotes and humor. “Jose added some funny parts that we still laugh about today,” she adds.

The reception took place in an open-air poolside terrace. The highlight of the decor was the checkered black-and-white dance floor, which shimmered beneath a canopy of mirrored disco balls and chandeliers. “It looked beautiful in the photos and added a fun touch to the night,” Emily shares.

The tables were simple yet elegant, with dark wood, cascading runners of baby’s breath, crystal goblets, and personalized ceramic place cards. “We didn’t go overboard with small details, but the ones we did choose felt meaningful and personal,” Emily says. She filled an entire suitcase with personalized items like drink stirrers and napkins featuring her dog’s face.

Emily and Jose ensured their reception felt like a true celebration. “It’s important to make a playlist that’s diverse enough for all age groups,” Emily advises. The couple’s DJ kept the dance floor packed all night. “The checkered floor and disco balls made everything feel so festive,” Emily adds.

When asked for advice, Emily emphasizes the importance of letting go. “Don’t stress about things you can’t control. Everything will work out on that day,” she says. She also encourages couples to stay true to their vision. “There will always be trends and opinions from others, but this day is for you. Do what makes you happy.”

For Emily and Jose, their wedding in Tulum wasn’t just a celebration—it was a way to bring everyone they loved on a memorable adventure. “Everyone felt like they were on vacation,” Emily reflects. “It was a beautiful way to gather our family and friends and celebrate our story.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Elegance Photographie
Event Planning – Pride Maya Weddings
Venue – Ambre Epices
Floral Design – Frida Flowers Tulum
Officiant – INNA Weddings
DJ – Orlando Paz
Makeup + Hair Styling – Sarah Garnier Hairdresser & Make Up
Rentals – Style Me Events

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings