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Nature Did All the Work at This Rustic Mountain Wedding in the Eastern Sierra

June 26, 2026 | justine

Amber and Andrew’s celebration began long before they exchanged vows. Guests gathered for days of boating, live music, campfires, and time spent together in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, creating an experience that felt more like a getaway with family and friends than a traditional wedding.

The location played a big role in that. The couple chose to host their Eastern Sierra wedding in a region that had been part of their relationship for years. They had spent countless days hiking, camping, climbing, biking, and snowboarding in the area, making it an easy choice when it came time to decide where to get married.

Between the mountain views, lakeside setting, Scottish traditions, and pizza reception, every part of the celebration reflected what matters most to them. Keep scrolling to see how Amber and Andrew brought it all together.

What We Love About This Eastern Sierra Wedding

  • A full wedding weekend that felt more like a mountain getaway
  • Pizza, campfires, and lake adventures replacing more formal wedding traditions
  • Thoughtful nods to both Scottish and Hong Kong heritage
  • Guests staying together on-site throughout the celebration

A Relationship Nearly Two Decades in the Making

Amber and Andrew first met in Santa Barbara in 2008 while they were both students. Andrew was attending the Marine Dive Tech Program at Santa Barbara City College, while Amber was studying Communications at UC Santa Barbara.

Mutual friends brought them together for a movie night, and the connection was immediate. A few months later, they started dating and have been together ever since. “Being together was so easy and we were always laughing and learning together,” Amber shared.

By the time they started planning their wedding, they had already spent years building a life together through travel, outdoor adventures, and countless memories with friends and family.

Choosing a Place That Already Felt Like Home

The location was the first and most important decision. Over the years, the couple had spent countless weekends hiking, camping, climbing, biking, and snowboarding throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains. When they found Cardinal Village Resort, they knew they had found the right place.

The venue offered everything they were looking for: a beautiful meadow for the ceremony, accommodations that allowed many guests to stay on-site, and a laid-back atmosphere that fit their personalities perfectly.

It also happened to have a pizza oven, which later became one of the most talked-about parts of the reception. With guests staying together all weekend, the celebration felt more like a mountain getaway than a traditional wedding.

Keeping the Wedding Design Simple

With the mountains providing a dramatic backdrop in every direction, Amber and Andrew didn’t feel the need to add much decor. 

Greens and white florals framed the ceremony and reception spaces while the surrounding landscape remained the focal point. The restrained approach felt natural for a couple who wanted the setting—not elaborate design elements—to define the atmosphere.

The result was understated, relaxed, and perfectly suited to the location.

Featured Vendor:
Datura Photo

A Ceremony That Honored the Past and Celebrated the Future

The ceremony quickly became one of the most emotional parts of the weekend. The couple exchanged personal vows reflecting on their years together, the adventures they had shared, and the life they had built side by side. Their longtime friend Helen Trickey officiated and incorporated a traditional Scottish handfasting ceremony, where the couple’s hands are bound together, a custom often associated with the phrase “tying the knot.”

One of the most memorable moments came when Andrew honored both of his parents. Just two weeks before the wedding, his mother had passed away after a battle with cancer. During the ceremony, Andrew surprised Amber by scattering a small amount of both his mother and father’s ashes, creating a deeply personal tribute that left few dry eyes among the guests.

A Dress, a Kilt, and Fashion With Personal Meaning

Amber knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding-day look: something elegant that complemented both the setting and Andrew’s traditional Scottish kilt.

She found her Grace Loves Lace gown secondhand through Stillwhite and paired it with a cathedral veil and braided updo for the ceremony. Later in the evening, she changed into a playful Betsey Johnson reception dress, complete with white heart-shaped sunglasses and Dolce Vita platform heels made for dancing.

For Amber, one of the most anticipated moments of the day was seeing Andrew waiting at the end of the aisle in his kilt. Since the beginning of their relationship, she had imagined that moment. “It lived up to my dreams and more.”

The welcome dinner featured its own fashion highlights. Andrew wore a custom embroidered shirt designed by a local artist that incorporated the national flowers of Hong Kong, Scotland, and California—representing the places he has called home. Amber paired a lace dress with one of her favorite custom hats from a local maker.

 

Sneaking Away for Pizza and Lake Photos

Before joining the reception, the newlyweds carved out a few quiet moments together.

They shared a private pizza dinner in their cabin while guests settled in for the evening, then headed to the lake with their photographers after boat rentals had ended for the day.

The brief break gave them a chance to take everything in before returning to the celebration.

Once they made their way back, the focus shifted entirely to dancing.

Turning the Wedding Into a Full Weekend Experience

Creating a memorable experience for guests was one of Amber’s biggest priorities throughout the planning process. The festivities began on Thursday evening at a local brewery and continued through a farewell brunch on Sunday morning. Friday served as the main welcome day, beginning with an afternoon on Lake Sabrina before guests gathered for a welcome dinner featuring a carnitas taco bar and live guitar music. 

The evening quickly turned into an impromptu dance party. “We both had such a great night of food, speeches, and dancing; we were nervous how Saturday could top it.” That focus on hospitality carried through the entire weekend. From the open bar and live music to the late-night campfires outside the cabins, the goal was simple: create plenty of opportunities for people to spend time together.

Incorporating the Things They Love

Throughout the weekend, small details reflected the different influences that have shaped their lives together.

Double happiness cups paid tribute to Andrew’s Hong Kong heritage. Guests received custom koozies featuring an AM logo that Andrew designed and matchboxes designed by Amber.

The signature drinks also carried personal meaning:

  • Old Fashioned for Amber
  • Hong Kong Gunner for Andrew
  • Mischievous Margarita for Bandit

Combined with plenty of wine, Coors Light, and mountain views, the details felt personal without ever feeling overdone. 

A Night of Dancing, Light-Up Batons, and Beer Shotguns

Amber and Andrew created a custom playlist filled with songs they genuinely loved, giving the DJ a soundtrack that felt true to them.

Guests hit the dance floor with light-up headbands, glowing batons, and plenty of enthusiasm. At one point, Andrew gathered a circle of friends for a rally cry and a celebratory beer shotgun before everyone returned to dancing.

The evening ended with a sparkler exit and an Auld Lang Syne circle, another meaningful nod to Andrew’s Scottish roots.

One Last Unexpected Moment

Not everything went exactly according to plan. At one point, the ring bearer made it down the aisle without the rings, sending his mom on a quick dash back to a nearby cabin to retrieve them. Thankfully, everyone laughed, the rings arrived safely, and the ceremony continued without a hitch.

From the welcome dinner and afternoon on Lake Sabrina to the sparkler exit and Auld Lang Syne circle, every part of the celebration reflected the things Amber and Andrew enjoy most: spending time outdoors, bringing people together, and creating memorable experiences for the people they love. With guests staying on-site, afternoons spent on Lake Sabrina, and campfires continuing long after the reception ended, Amber and Andrew created the kind of gathering they had envisioned from the start—one that gave everyone plenty of time to enjoy the mountains and each other’s company.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Datura Photo
Wedding Content Creator – Bianca Schleicher
Venue + Catering – Cardinal Village Resort
Floral Design – Viola Floral
Cake – Nothing Bundt Cakes
Live Music – Giacomo Timbrello
Wedding Dress – Grace Loves Lace
Bridal Accessories – Bone by Dawn
Groom’s Apparel – Traditional Kilt + Ash of All Trades

 

Sponsors
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This North Shore Oahu Wedding Is the Most Cinematic Hawaii Elopement We’ve Ever Featured

June 24, 2026 | justine

For Eryn and Vance, the appeal of eloping was simple: it gave them the chance to focus on each other. “We met in a way that felt completely natural, and from the beginning, everything just felt easy,” they shared. What started as something simple grew into a partnership where they became each other’s constant. That led them to Oahu’s North Shore for a Hawaii elopement, where dramatic landscapes, shifting weather, and quiet moments together set the scene for a wedding day that felt romantic, personal, and entirely their own.

What We Love About This Hawaii Elopement

  • Regency and Victorian-inspired fashion that feels timeless without looking theatrical
  • A rainy ceremony that became one of the most memorable parts of the day
  • The decision to let Hawaii’s natural beauty replace traditional décor
  • Cinematic portraits that look like scenes from a classic romance film
  • A wedding built around meaningful moments rather than a packed timeline

Why an Elopement Felt Like the Right Choice

For Eryn and Vance, wedding planning was about creating a day that reflected who they are as a couple. Since it would be just the two of them, they had the freedom to approach things differently. Instead of worrying about logistics, guest lists, or expectations, they focused on finding a location that would allow them to slow down and enjoy every part of the day.

“We focused on choosing a place that felt meaningful and allowed us to slow down and be present,” they said. That mindset guided every decision that followed. Rather than building a strict schedule, they left room for the day to unfold naturally and embraced whatever came with it.

Featured Vendor:
Cinematica Weddings

Bringing Regency Romance Into Modern Wedding Fashion

Rather than following current bridal trends, Eryn and Vance looked to Regency and Victorian fashion for inspiration. Eryn wore a lace-trimmed gown with voluminous sleeves, a veil, and gloves, while Vance’s relaxed suit kept the overall look from feeling overly formal. Paper parasols added another subtle nod to the period influences they loved.

The styling also tied into the mood they envisioned for the day. Romantic illustrations helped inspire the overall aesthetic, while symbolic details like apples referenced themes of curiosity, temptation, and connection. Paired with the rain and muted landscape, the result felt distinctive without requiring elaborate décor or heavy styling.

Letting Hawaii’s Landscape Set the Tone

When choosing where to elope, Hawaii immediately stood out. The couple loved the feeling the islands gave them: open, calm, and removed from everyday distractions. Once they settled on Oahu’s North Shore, they realized they didn’t need much else. Instead of bringing in extensive decor, they allowed the surroundings to do most of the work. The coastline, changing skies, natural textures, and soft light created exactly the atmosphere they were hoping for.

Their color palette remained understated, allowing the scenery to shine. Every part of the day felt connected to the landscape around them, which made the celebration feel even more personal. It’s one of the reasons this Hawaii elopement feels so timeless. Nothing was added simply for the sake of decoration. Every choice worked with the setting rather than competing against it.

When Rain Turns Into the Most Memorable Part of the Day

Many couples spend months hoping for perfect weather. Vance and Eryn’s wedding had other plans. As rain moved across the North Shore, it changed the mood of the day in a way neither of them expected.

“The rain added to that intimacy,” they shared. “It slowed everything down and made the moment feel even more real, like the world around us faded away.” Rather than seeing it as something to work around, they welcomed it. The weather became part of the story, adding an extra layer of emotion to an already meaningful day.

Their ceremony ended up being the moment that stayed with them the most. It was quiet, deeply personal, and focused entirely on their commitment to one another. Since there were no guests and no traditional first look, every part of the day felt special. As Eryn explained, “There wasn’t a single big reveal—just a continuous sense of being present together, which made everything feel more meaningful.”

Advice for Couples Worried About Things Going Off Plan

One lesson Eryn and Vance hope other couples take away from their wedding is that not everything needs to happen exactly according to plan. Weather changes. Timelines shift. Unexpected moments happen.

Instead of trying to control every detail, they recommend leaving room for the day to surprise you. “Don’t feel like everything has to go exactly as planned. Some of the most beautiful moments come from letting go of control. Our day didn’t follow a perfect timeline, but that’s what made it feel real.”

For couples planning a Hawaii elopement, especially one that takes place outdoors, that flexibility can make all the difference. Sometimes the moments you never planned for become the ones you’ll remember most.

Investing in Photos Instead of Traditional Wedding Extras

With a simple wedding day came a simple approach to budgeting. Rather than spending money on traditional wedding elements, Eryn and Vance focused their investment on the things that would last beyond the day itself. For them, that meant preserving the memories through photography.

From the beginning, they knew they wanted Junebug vendor Cinematica Weddings to document their celebration. “We fully trusted his artistic vision and storytelling approach,” they said.

Finding someone who embraced changing weather and understood the mood they were hoping to capture made the entire process feel effortless. That trust allowed them to focus on each other while Alex documented the day as it naturally unfolded.

What They’ll Remember Most About the Day

The rain wasn’t part of the original plan, but it ended up becoming one of the most memorable parts of the day. Looking through the photos now, it’s hard to separate the wedding from the weather. The misty scenery, paper parasols, and overcast skies became part of what made the celebration feel so distinct.

For Eryn and Vance, that’s exactly what made the day special. There was no pressure to stick to a timeline or create a perfectly polished version of a wedding day. Instead, they spent the day together on Oahu’s North Shore, taking things as they came and embracing the unexpected along the way.

What started as a simple decision to elope became a celebration filled with the kinds of moments that can’t be planned. And years from now, those are likely the details they’ll remember most.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Cinematica Weddings

 

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An Immersive and Sacred Cenote Wedding in Tulum

June 22, 2026 | justine

When Mel and Kim met at a St. Vincent concert, neither of them expected they’d eventually end up together, planning a wedding from a Sprinter van while traveling across the United States. They spent two years as friends before realizing there was something more between them. Once they started dating, the next decade seemed to fly by.

“From the beginning, it felt like we had been best friends our whole lives,” they shared. “It felt less like meeting someone new and more like reconnecting with someone we had somehow known forever.”

Over the years, they built a life full of adventure, including cross-country travel, van life, and countless experiences together. Along the way, they discovered that home wasn’t tied to a place. It was simply wherever they were together. That perspective would eventually inspire their decision to plan a cenote wedding in Tulum, where family, nature, and culture could all come together in one unforgettable celebration.

What We Love About This Cenote Wedding in Tulum

  • An entire wedding planned while traveling the country in a van
  • A sacred cenote ceremony that honored Mel’s Mexican heritage
  • Bilingual vows that brought both families into the moment
  • Thoughtful personal details, from pet cocktail napkins to café con pan
  • A reception that ended with guests jumping into the cenote

Starting the Celebration Before the Wedding Day

Because so many guests traveled for the wedding, Mel and Kim wanted everyone to spend time together before the ceremony itself.

The festivities began with a group outing to nearby cenotes and ruins, which quickly became one of the highlights of the weekend. Guests who had never met before had the chance to explore together and get to know one another. That evening, everyone gathered on the rooftop of Kimpton Aluna for a rehearsal dinner filled with mezcal, traditional Mexican food, and warm jungle air.

By the wedding day, it already felt like one big group of friends celebrating together. The couple also welcomed guests with cocktails upon arrival, setting the tone for the relaxed and joyful celebration ahead.

Planning a Wedding From the Road

When people ask how they planned their wedding, Mel and Kim can’t help but laugh. “We are both aggressively type-B people.” Despite that, they managed to plan the entire celebration in six months while traveling around the country in their van.

There were definitely moments of uncertainty. Planning from another country came with plenty of challenges, especially when internet connections weren’t always reliable. Thankfully, they had support from Natalia, Vesica’s coordinator. “Natalia was truly our saving grace.”As they worried about flowers, decorations, and whether they were doing enough, Natalia kept reminding them that the venue was already beautiful on its own. 

When they finally arrived in Tulum and saw everything in person a few days before the wedding, they realized she had been right all along. “It somehow looked even better than we imagined.”

Choosing a Wedding Location That Already Feels Special

From the start, Mel and Kim knew they wanted guests to experience more than just a wedding day. If people were traveling all the way to Mexico, they wanted them to feel connected to the destination itself. Tulum quickly rose to the top of the list.

“We really wanted the wedding to feel connected to nature,” they explained. “We knew we wanted somewhere beautiful where our guests could fully experience the environment around them, not just come to a venue and leave.”

For Mel, there was another layer of meaning. She wanted to feel connected to her Mexican heritage, and getting married beside a cenote felt especially significant since cenotes are considered sacred places.

After looking at numerous venues, they found Vesica Tulum. “We kept coming back to the idea of getting married at a cenote.” The venue offered exactly what they had been searching for: jungle surroundings, open-air spaces, earthy architecture, and a setting that didn’t need much added to it.

Bringing Family, Culture, and Spirituality Into the Ceremony

Some of the most emotional moments happened before the ceremony even began. Both brides shared first looks with their fathers before seeing each other, creating memories that quickly became some of their favorites from the day. Then came their first look together. “We were both just standing there completely in awe.”

Then came the ceremony, where the couple exchanged personal vows in front of all their guests. But Kim had one surprise planned. She read her vows in both English and Spanish so Mel’s family could fully understand every word. The gesture meant the world to Mel.

Their officiant also incorporated Mayan symbolism into the ceremony while keeping it spiritual rather than traditionally religious. Then came a moment neither of them could have planned. “At one point during the vows, a butterfly flew right beside us with the cenote behind it. It felt fake honestly. Like something out of a movie.” For a moment, it seemed as though the jungle itself had joined the ceremony.

Two Wedding Dresses and a Few Last-Minute Alterations

One thing Mel and Kim agreed on immediately was that they both wanted to wear dresses. “Honestly, there’s nothing better than two women getting married in dresses.” Kim chose a gown from Anthropologie’s wedding collection, while Mel selected a dress from Shona Joy.

Ironically, the dresses ended up being one of the last things they finalized. Not long before the wedding, both discovered that their outfits needed adjustments. Thankfully, Mel’s dad stepped in to help. “Somehow he worked actual magic.”

For hair and makeup, they kept everything natural and effortless. Hairstylist Daiana Saucedo and makeup artist Maida Bello helped create looks that felt polished without feeling overly glamorous.

Featured Vendor:
Adri Mendez

Decorating Around the Landscape Instead of Over It

The overall look was romantic, earthy, intimate, and warm. Tropical greenery, terracotta tones, candlelight, natural fabrics, wood, and stone all complemented the existing surroundings. “We didn’t want anything overly polished or super traditional.”

Every design decision pointed back to the setting itself. The jungle sounds, sacred waters, and open-air architecture naturally created the atmosphere they had imagined long before they ever stepped foot in Tulum.

Where They Chose to Spend and Save

Like many couples, Mel and Kim had to make decisions about where to spend and where to save. Their biggest priorities were the venue and photography. “We knew we wanted a beautiful place to celebrate with the people we love, and we wanted photos that captured the feeling of the day.”

Because the venue already offered so much natural beauty, they skipped oversized floral installations and elaborate decor. Food, however, was non-negotiable. “If you’re getting married in Mexico, the food has to be good.” According to the couple, Vesica’s traditional Mexican menu exceeded every expectation. Instead of stretching their budget across dozens of details, they focused on the elements guests would remember most.

Ending the Reception With a Jump Into the Cenote

After the ceremony, Mel and Kim intentionally stepped away for a few quiet moments together before joining the reception. “It all went by so fast that having a quiet moment together ended up meaning a lot.” The celebration quickly shifted into party mode after that.

Guests danced all night thanks to a DJ who somehow managed to keep every generation and culture represented on the dance floor. Personal touches appeared throughout the reception, including handmade signs, party favors, cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s pets, and a late-night serving of café con pan. 

But nothing topped the final surprise. At the end of the evening, everyone jumped into the cenote. Kim and Mel went in wearing their wedding dresses, surrounded by friends and family who happily followed them into the water. “There could not have been a more perfect ending to the night.”

Throughout the night, Mel kept turning to friends and family saying, “This is literally the best night of my life.” All considered,  it’s easy to see why.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Adri Mendez
Venue – Vesica Tulum
Floral Design – De Flores Corazon
Officiant – Mystery Ceremony Cancun
Makeup Artist – Maida Bello
Hair Styling – Daiana Saucedo
Wedding Dress – Anthropology + Shona Joy
Rings – Norm Jewels

 

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Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
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