WEDDING BLOG

This Tropical Villa Bokeh Wedding Was Inspired by Valentine’s Day

March 27, 2024 | justine

Ashley has family in Antigua, Guatemala, and when Brice visited for the first time, he fell in love with it, too–so it only made sense that the two tied the knot in one of their favorite places. Thanks to their incredible team of vendors, they achieved the classic tropical atmosphere they aimed for. Set in a restored luxury hacienda, their Villa Bokeh wedding featured a red and magenta color palette and tropical florals and decor that perfectly complemented the historic atmosphere of their venue.

One of the most memorable parts of the wedding was the venue, with its breathtaking gardens, patios, and intertwined ponds. The stunning courtyard ruins created an incredible setting for the couple’s heartfelt vows. But that’s not all. The outdoor reception in the garden was absolutely stunning. The tables were beautifully set with colorful centerpieces, and gorgeous chandeliers hung overhead, casting a romantic glow that perfectly matched the enchanting surroundings.

With guests coming from all corners of the globe to join in the celebrations, the couple infused their three-day extravaganza with their own unique style. They added personal touches inspired by Valentine’s Day to every moment, making their special day unforgettable. Photographer Manuel Aldana expertly captured the essence of their wedding, showcasing the magic of their love and celebration, so. if you’re looking for unconventional inspiration for your own big day, make sure not to miss experiencing the enchantment of theirs.

The Couple:

Ashley and Brice

The Wedding:

Villa Bokeh, San Nicolas, Guatemala

From Family Ties to Tropical Vibes: The Inspiration Behind Their Villa Bokeh Wedding

Brice and I knew Antigua, Guatemala, was the perfect wedding location for us. I still have family living in Guatemala, and as soon as Brice visited for the first time, he loved it. We decided to marry on Valentine’s Day and went for a classic, colorful, tropical feel. We chose magenta and red as our wedding colors and used them throughout the decor and details of our day. This created a beautiful contrast against the plaster, beige, tan, and brown ruins of Santa Clara Convento, where we got married, and Villa Bokeh, where we hosted our reception, dinner, and after-party.

Embracing Classic, Romantic, Playful Styles with Three Stunning Bridal Looks

I had always seen myself as a classic, timeless bride. My dress had a simple fitted silhouette, off-the-shoulder detail, open back with covered buttons, and for the ceremony, I wore a long veil with floral appliqué flowers–14 to be exact–to match our wedding date. My second dress for dinner and the reception was a slinky silk slip gown with a high slit, ruffled chiffon trim, and a train with a low back. It was perfect for our romantic dinner reception and looked beautiful for our first dance. My third and final look was out of the ordinary for me, but I loved it! I paired a red mini dress with floral lace appliqués with strappy pink sandals featuring a magenta pink flower. The look was perfect for a Valentine’s Day after-party, and I felt beautiful wearing a pop of red; my husband loved this dress.

Turning Their Villa Bokeh Wedding into a Memorable Haven Through a Unique Tablescape

Our florist brought our vision to life. For our dinner party, we had a horseshoe-shaped tablescape with vine-wrapped crystal chandeliers, hand-torn menus printed on recycled flower paper made by a local artisan from the Mercado, a wax stamp with our initials, and our signature magenta and red florals lining the tables. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it for the first time. Our vision exceeded my expectations. Most guests flew in from New York, Canada, Europe, and Miami. They knew nothing about Guatemala, so one of the most special parts of the wedding was bringing people to a place they would not usually visit without a reason. We planned everything from afar, and we loved every detail so much that there was not one thing we would change.

From Engagement to “I Do” in Three Months

Enjoy the process and go with the flow when things seem not working out exactly as you had envisioned. We planned our wedding in three months, got engaged in late August, chose Antigua, Guatemala as our location in September, and had our venue reserved by November and sent out save the dates right away. We had to sacrifice some things: we got married during the week, and Valentine’s Day was on a Tuesday, so most of our guests flew in on Sunday and stayed for the week. Weekends were completely booked at every venue we had considered so during the week was the only option for us if we wanted to get married in February 2023. Although I initially thought it was not ideal, getting married on February 14th, 2023, was so special.

Crafting a Three-Day Wedding Extravaganza

I am most proud of the details of all the events we planned for our guests. We hosted three days of celebrations for the wedding. On Monday, February 13th, we hosted a welcome party with typical Guatemalan food, a live music band playing salsa, and our best friends made speeches. There was a volcano erupting in the background while guests danced and mingled, which was something none of the guests had seen before. The 14th included Santa Clara Convento and Villa Bokeh, two stunning locations in Antigua, along with fireworks, pasta with Lorocco prepared byour chef at Villa Bokeh, plus choripan at midnight on the dance floor. On the 15th, we hosted a pool party at Villa Bokeh with a typical breakfast spread, a hot tortilla station, micheladas and caldo de gallina, a typical chicken broth soup, which is excellent after a night out, and mimosas. The pool party was a perfect way to end the three-day party.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Manuel Aldana
Photography Second Shooter – Javier Piedrasanta
Photography Assistant – Abner Piedrasanta
Ceremony Venue – Santa Clara Ruins
Reception Venue – Villa Bokeh
Wedding Planners – LaFolie Events
Floral Design – Flor Morena
Makeup & Hair – Estudio Makeup
Furniture – Relaxed Lounge Service + D’Lux Furniture Rentals
Fireworks – Circus Eventos

Congratulations to Ashley and Brice on their tropical Villa Bokeh wedding inspired by Valentine’s Day. Many thanks to Manuel Aldana for capturing the beautiful moments and amazing details of this exciting celebration.

Craft an unforgettable wedding by venturing beyond the ordinary and embracing distinctive elements. If you and your partner aim for a wedding that mirrors your individuality, check out our guide for planning a personalized celebration. To guarantee flawless execution, entrust the coordination to a reliable team capable of seamlessly blending all the elements and transforming your vision into a reality.

This Minimalistic Masía Aldamar Wedding Was a Fairytale Come to Life

March 26, 2024 | justine

ivory light pink white

A historic winery and oil mill turned wedding venue adorned with lush florals and pared-back decor—Elena and Roberto’s Masía Aldamar wedding combined rustic charm with a minimalist luxurious style. The pair aimed to highlight their venue’s Mediterranean vibe complemented with thoughtful and understated elegance, and they succeeded perfectly. Their big day was just what they dreamed of: beautiful, relaxed, and full of love.

Nestled among tall trees, their ceremony spot was naturally stunning. To enhance it, they lined the aisle with vibrant flowers, leading to a beautiful altar adorned with floral pillars and a cozy loveseat. Later, they created a sophisticated atmosphere at the reception, with all-white tables decorated with delicate centerpieces, elegant table settings, and soft candlelight, setting the stage for a truly romantic evening.

If understated, sophisticated, and elevated sounds like your dream aesthetic, draw inspiration from these stunning photos captured by Junebug vendor and photographers People Truelove Tellers.

The Couple:

Elena and Roberto

The Wedding:

Masía Aldamar, Chiva, Valencia, Spain

Choosing Minimalist-Romantic Vibes for Their Masía Aldamar Wedding

We opted for a minimalist-romantic design that fit with the Mediterranean and relaxed vibe of the venue. We wanted every detail to convey elegance, sensitivity, and movement to give the day a magical aura and wanted each element to have meaning to us within the wedding narrative. I photographed a wedding there as a photographer and saw the possibilities of the space. I fell in love with its clean, Mediterranean details and the flexibility of Plan A, B, or Z. When Roberto saw it on the visit, he also fell in love, so we didn’t have to look anymore. It was our first and only choice.

How the Bride Honored Family Legacy Through Her Reception Dress

I was clear about what I wanted for my wedding dress: a boat neck neckline, simple and elegant, without any embroidery or lace. I wanted a fabric that felt nice and didn’t wrinkle much, with a subtle detail for movement. When I found the dress in the store, it wasn’t flashy or impressive, but it felt like me. I knew I’d enjoy wearing it like it was made just for me. As for the second dress, which we redesigned for the party, it had a special meaning. It was the wedding dress my mother wore 35 years ago in 1989, which my grandmother had designed and hand-embroidered. I discussed with my family the idea of altering it to fit my figure so I could wear it for the wedding dance as a surprise for everyone. They all loved the idea, and it was beautiful to share this secret with them during the wedding preparations. Seeing the excited faces of my parents, aunts, and loved ones at that moment was priceless.

The Unforeseen Value of Hiring a Wedding Planner

If you can, have a wedding planner help you with it. You don’t understand the value of their work until you are a few months away from the wedding, and the tasks and tension increase by the moment. For us, having the help of Ensálzate was essential for the day to turn out as incredible as it did. It certainly made a difference that we could never have achieved alone.

Striking Wedding Budget Balance Through Smart Spending

We set aside money for most of our wedding expenses, except for the banquet, which we planned to cover with gifts from our guests. Our overall budget turned out as expected. We may have spent a bit more ensuring everything was perfect, but we’re delighted with how it turned out. Our wedding day was extraordinary, and we believe it’s worth saving extra for because the memories will last a lifetime. We ended up spending around €35,000 – €40,000. We saved money by skipping live music groups but treated ourselves by splurging on a tower of champagne glasses.

Crafting the Perfect Floral Scheme for Their Masía Aldamar Wedding by Collaborating with the Experts

The color scheme for the flowers and details was clear to me. I met with the wedding planner and the florist to discuss the available flower options for the wedding date, ensuring it would be within our budget. Together, we designed how to decorate the space. We also visited the venue to see how to bring these ideas to life and chose between two options. Their advice and vision were crucial in making the final result successful on the big day.

The Symbolism Behind Their Masía Aldamar Wedding Favors

Inspired by my father’s suggestion, we decided to give the men a bottle of wine. It was our way of symbolizing the continuation of celebrating good times together. For the women, we chose pendants with the symbol of the Tree of Life, a suggestion from my mother-in-law. This symbolized the roots and fruits of life, signifying the special moments we share on a day as significant as our wedding.

Adding Personal Flair: From Paper Masks to Personalized Urns

We embraced DIY projects for our wedding, adding personal touches to make the day even more special. One of our creations was an urn placed at the reception, inviting guests to share their wishes for us as a couple. Each table featured envelopes containing an “Anti-Hangover Kit,” a fun and thoughtful gesture for our guests. Our loved ones also contributed surprise gifts, adding to the warmth and joy of the celebration. Additionally, we crafted paper masks that became a hit at the party, adding an element of fun and playfulness to the festivities. These DIY endeavors added a unique and personal flair to our wedding, making it truly unforgettable for everyone involved.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – People Truelove Tellers
Event Planning – Ensálzate
Venue + Catering – Masía Aldamar
Floral Design – A Flor de Piel
Officiant – Meraki Plan
DJ – Audioprobe
Videography – Yellow Dackel
Invitation Design – Cotton Bird
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Gala Philippe
Wedding Dress – Victoria Colección + Edgar Molina Atelier
Rings – Le Cadó
Rentals – Events & Style
Favors – Ivy Paper

Congratulations to Elena and Roberto on their minimalistic Masía Aldamar wedding that was a fairytale come to life. And a big thank you to Junebug vendor People Truelove Tellers for capturing every detail that made their big day unique and unforgettable. To see more stunning celebrations, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

A minimalist wedding like this shows that simplicity can be truly stunning. With its sleek and clean appearance, there are fewer distractions, letting the spotlight shine on what really matters—your wonderful union. For more helpful advice on planning a wedding that reflects your style and values, take a look at our planning and budget guides!

The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Engagement Rings

March 25, 2024 | riley

Buying a vintage engagement ring can be a romantic and meaningful way to symbolize your love and commitment. These rings offer unique designs and craftsmanship and often carry a rich history. However, buying your dream vintage engagement ring isn’t as simple as you may think. From figuring out which era suits you to choosing a reputable brand to purchase from (hint: Erstwhile), there’s a lot that goes into the decision. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know to ensure the process goes smoothly.

What is a Vintage Engagement Ring?

Vintage jewelry is generally considered to be at least 20-30 years old. However, it can be up to 100 years old. Once it’s over 100 years old, it’s considered antique. Understanding these terms can help you better navigate the market and set appropriate expectations for the age and condition of the ring you seek. It’s also important to note what an estate ring is–aka one that is pre-owned but can be newly made.

When you search online for vintage engagement rings, you may find many results for companies that sell newly made rings meant to look vintage. Many retailers will sell both authentic vintage rings and newly made vintage-style rings set with antique diamonds, so going into the ring-buying process knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help you determine where you need to go to search for a legitimate vintage wedding ring.

How to Buy a Vintage Engagement Ring

Define Your Budget

Before starting your search, it’s crucial to establish a budget. Vintage engagement rings vary widely in price depending on age, craftsmanship, materials, and brand. Setting a budget will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

Research Styles and Eras

Vintage rings often reflect the design trends of their era. For example, Art Deco rings are characterized by geometric shapes and bold colors, while Victorian rings usually feature intricate detailing and romantic motifs. By researching different styles and eras, you can identify which ones resonate most with you or your partner. Keep in mind that rings from different eras often overlap in design, especially when a piece is from a transitional period. For example, the Retro period has elements of both the prior Deco period and the upcoming Mid-century era.

Some popular eras include:

Georgian engagement rings (1714-1837) – These rings are known for their nature-inspired motifs and rose-cut diamonds. They are typically more delicate, making them more difficult to be worn daily, though it is not impossible. However, they require extreme care. This ring is the perfect example.
Victorian engagement rings (1837-1900) – These rings often feature romantic designs with gemstones like pearls and opals. This is when the first round-shaped diamonds, called old mine cushions, began to appear. Cluster rings like this one also became popular.
Edwardian engagement rings (1900-1915) –These rings were characterized by delicate filigree work and feminine designs featuring bright diamonds in two-tone and platinum settings. Look out for special settings featuring pearls and rubies.
Art Deco engagement rings (1920-1935) – These rings showcase geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and bold diamond cuts like the Asscher, emerald, and marquise.
Retro engagement rings (1939-1950) – These rings embraced bold, three-dimensional forms, often featuring oversized gemstones like aquamarines and amethysts in elaborate settings.
Mid-century engagement rings (1950-1960) – These rings embraced a glamorous style with cocktail-inspired designs.

Know Your Partner’s Preferences

Consider your partner’s personal style and preferences when choosing a vintage ring. Pay attention to the type of jewelry they currently wear, their favorite eras or design elements, and any hints they may have dropped about their dream engagement ring. Remember, this ring will be a reflection of their taste and personality, so it’s essential to choose something that aligns with their preferences.

Learn About Gemstones and Settings

Vintage rings can feature a variety of gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more. Educate yourself about the characteristics of different gemstones, such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Additionally, familiarize yourself with different setting styles, such as prong, bezel, pave, and channel settings, to understand how they can enhance the beauty of the gemstone.

Shop from Reputable Sources

When purchasing a vintage engagement ring, it’s essential to shop from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and quality. No matter where you shop, ensure that it’s a well-established company specializing in vintage engagement rings, as these brands will know exactly how to take care of something so precious.

Erstwhile, for example, has been around since 2010 and was founded by fifth-generation jeweler Jared Klusner and his wife, Alisa. They travel high and low to find the most exceptional vintage engagement rings and have spent the last 10+ years ensuring that every ring they come across undergoes a meticulous process to restore it to its original beauty.

Ask Questions and Inspect the Ring

Before purchasing, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the ring’s history, condition, and any necessary repairs or maintenance. Inquire about the ring’s previous owners and any available documentation or certificates. Additionally, if possible, inspect the ring closely for any signs of damage, wear, or alterations, as these can affect its value and longevity.

Factor in Maintenance and Care

Some vintage rings require repairs and ongoing maintenance, which should always be done by a knowledgeable source. There are countless horror stories where 100-year-old rings are polished or prongs redone in a modern way, completely changing the look of the ring. It’s also important to buy something that fits your lifestyle. While many antique and vintage rings are great for everyday wear, some shouldn’t be worn during vigorous activities or showering.

Compare Prices

Remember that the price of a vintage ring can vary based on factors such as age, condition, rarity, and market demand, so it’s essential to do your research. Antique diamonds are very different from modern stones and require a different cost/value analysis. Many are extremely rare and unique, so setting a value depends on the expertise of the jeweler.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a vintage engagement ring that speaks to you and your partner. While it’s essential to consider factors like style, quality, and price, the most important aspect of the ring is the love and commitment it represents. Whether you’re drawn to a particular era, design, or gemstone, follow your heart and select a ring that symbolizes your unique love story and future together.

Our Favorite Erstwhile Vintage Engagement Rings

French Belle Époque Old Mine Cushion Three Stone Ring; 2. Midcentury Old European Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring; 3. Art Deco Dome Diamond Ring; 4. 1920s Emerald Cut Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond

By taking the time to research, ask questions, and explore your options, you can find the perfect vintage engagement ring that celebrates your love and commitment in a timeless and meaningful way. If you’re ready to go shopping for your dream ring, take a look at Erstwhile’s vintage engagement rings and prepare to fall in love.

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