Judy and BJ’s Hoyt Arboretum wedding style is classic and timeless. We are loving Judy’s bridal look with a bold red lip and soft updo created by Kiss and Makeup Artistry and Swept Away PDX. Her Liz Martinez wedding dress has a modern twist that goes perfectly with the geometric arch where she and BJ exchanged vows. Staying true to the arboretum’s view, they added touches of greenery to their ceremony space as well their reception. They kept the celebration going at Coopers Hall where they had beer on draft, an ice cream cart, and whimsical flower arrangements styled by Foraged Florals. HaleyNord Photography was there from beginning to end, capturing all of the beauty in Judy and BJ’s wedding day.
Hire a wedding planner! We were so fortunate to have the help, support, and guidance of Kelsey and her team at Vanity Affair Events. We live in San Francisco and had our wedding in Portland, OR. It would not have been possible without the team at Vanity Affair Events. Additionally, as stressful as the lead up and day will inevitably be, we took the approach of “whatever isn’t done, wasn’t important.”
When it came to wedding colors, I couldn’t really decide or commit to colors. We went with what organically worked together and didn’t stress specific colors. I wanted some dark deep flowers against some lighter flowers to create a romantic feel. Our groomsmen wore navy suits and the BMs wore white gowns. We didn’t see our “colors” until the wedding day when the florals arrived.
What was most important to us when we were planning our wedding was to create an atmosphere that was fun and inviting. We wanted our loved ones to feel like they were at a dinner party with old and new friends. With that, making sure we had really good food served family style and great drinks for everyone to enjoy.
We had 144 guests and only 1 lived in Portland. Needless to say, we wanted to make sure our guest experienced Portland. We had the Salt and Straw cart at our reception and fresh donuts for dessert. We also passed out cones of fresh french fries while everyone was dancing.
My husband wanted a blue grass band at our wedding – it was the only thing he asked for. I worked with Vanity Affair Events to book a blue grass band behind is back and we went through the entire planning process telling him it was not in the budget. We surprised him at cocktail hours. He walked in to the band playing our wedding song – Harvest Moon. Our photographer captured the moment of pure excitement. It was everything!
Part one was so much fun that we’re back at it with our favorite weddings of 2017 – part two! These 10 weddings have a little bit of everything: heartfelt moments, mind-blowing design, jaw-dropping fashion, and breathtaking images. So basically, scrolling through these weddings is good for the mind, body, and soul! Which one is your favorite?
Olga and Chris’ Free-Spirited Sauvie Island Wedding
Where it took place: Sauvie Island, Portland, Oregon
Why we love it: It will be years before we forget Olga and Chris’ free-spirited wedding thanks to its punchy color palette and casual-cool details. Olga’s bridesmaids rocked short white dresses while Chris’ groomsmen looked like true rockers in their denim jackets and floral ties. We know you loved this wedding too because it’s one of our absolute most-popular posts of the whole year!
Why we love it: We referred to Béatrice and Alex’s wedding again and again this year when looking for inspiration for creating a cozy reception from the ground up. This pair married in a blank-slate studio space that they transformed with beautifully-curated furnishings, hanging macramé, and a neutral color palette. It doesn’t hurt that this bride and groom are the coolest couple on the block!
Alissa and Michael’s Emotional Portland Wedding that Took Place at the Bride’s Childhood Home
Where it took place: Private Residence, Portland, Oregon
Why we love it: We’re all about emotion-driven celebrations and none got us right in the feels quite like Alissa and Michael’s wedding at the bride’s childhood home. As soon as the bride and groom shared their “first touch” around a door, we knew we needed a full box of tissues to get through the rest of the heartfelt moments in this wedding!
Why we love it: Kaitlin and Bryce’s Wind Wolves Preserve wedding honestly looks like it came out of an Anthropologie catalog and we’re not mad about it one bit! From the getting ready teepee to the reception decor, every detail was on trend and perfectly in line with the couple’s boho style.
Naomi and Bryan’s Floral Inspired Antigua Wedding at the Santa Clara Ruins
Where it took place: Santa Clara Ruins, Antigua, Guatemala
Why we love it: Naomi and Bryan filled their day with so many elegantly unexpected details that it’s hard to choose a favorite! For starters, the rich color palette against the pale backdrop of the Santa Clara Ruins was a dramatic choice we can’t get enough of. From the venue itself to the flowers to the favors, there’s a whole lot to love in this destination wedding!
photos by Joseph West Photography, event planning by Gladys and Olga of Saguzo Eventos, venue: Santa Clara Ruins, floral design by Hugo Mejicanos, catering by Porta Antigua, cake by Sofia Cobian, officiant: Joanna Priestly, DJ: Blessure, live music by Luis Guarcasas, hair and makeup artist by Melissa Collins of Golden Studio Antigua, wedding dress by Ivory Bridal, bridal accessories by BHLDN, bridesmaids’ apparel by BHLDN, groom’s apparel by M Penner Houston, rings are vintage, rentals by Porta Hotel Antigua, transportation by Antigua Tours, favors by Carry Green
Christie and Brayden’s Chic and Creative Garden Wedding at The Grounds of Alexandria
Why we love it: Modern fashion choices, a bold color palette, and neon signs – what’s not to love about Christie and Brayden’s totally chic garden wedding? Whether you’re looking for unique bridesmaids inspiration or creative ideas for your fashion-forward wedding, there’s plenty to pin from Christie and Brayden’s take on The Grounds of Alexandria.
Lacy and Billy’s Absolutely Enchanting Southern DIY Wedding at Aurora Acres
Where it took place:Aurora Acres, Nashville, Tennessee
Why we love it: If dreamy light and beautiful greenery is your thing, we guarantee you’ll love Lacy and Billy’s enchanting wedding as much as we do! The couple transformed their Southern venue with gorgeous DIY details and an abundance of natural elements.
Why we love it: While 2017 was a big year for neutral color palettes, Sarah and Luke went for vibrant colors in full-force! Their jewel tone wedding is filled with floral inspiration from the bride’s flower crown and bouquet to their sweet ceremony arch, dessert table backdrop, and cake accents.
Jenelle and Johnny’s Moody Fairy Tale Wedding in Southlake, Texas
Where it took place: Private residence, Southlake, Texas
Why we love it: Jenelle and Johnny turned your traditional fairytale wedding on its head with their glorious moody celebration. The purple color palette was ahead of its time (hello, 2018 color of the year!) and was seemingly inspired by the subtle lavender tint to the bride’s mega-gorgeous Hayley Paige gown. From florals to bridesmaids’ fashion, it’s safe to say we’re obsessed!
Why we love it: Leah and Skyeler’s villa wedding is a breath of fresh air! While it took place in California, this Tuscan-inspired fête captures the ease and romance of the Italian countryside. We love the use of soft blue tones paired with the venue’s natural flora including towering cacti and beautiful bougainvillea.
Is there anything more exciting than the release of a new bridal collection? If you answered yes, then you haven’t yet seen the new Etheria collection by Dreamers & Lovers. The Los Angeles-based designer, known for their simple bohemian signature gowns, has done it again with a wildly beautiful collection. Etheria features luxurious lace, silk, and cotton gowns in a variety of flattering silhouettes that manage to be both form-fitting and unrestrictive.
Here’s what the designer had to say about the creation of Etheria:
Etheria is about touching the intangible and telling the secrets of love, with a wisp of lace that catches air the way he catches your soul; with a dress that expresses more than just your sense of style; with a laid-back dress that expresses what you’re feeling in a vision, which words cannot describe.
In the spirit of Dreamers & Lovers, we’ve stayed true to our bohemian roots by incorporating only the softest truest, most luxuriant lace. Cotton, silk, sumptuous but supple; form fitting but easy to wear and with no detail spared in the synergy of aesthetic harmony and physical comfort.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect boho dress for your dream wedding, Etheria has exactly what you’re looking for.
While all Dreamers & Lovers dresses are designed and crafted in Los Angeles, you non-LA based brides can take advantage of the brand’s at-home try-on service! Which gown are you dying to try on?
*This post is sponsored by Dreamers & Lovers. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Junebug Weddings!