Wanting to be close to the groom’s home may have been the initial reasoning behind Sara and Alex’s Verona wedding, but we’re pretty sure getting married in one of the most beautiful places in the world made it an easy decision. The couple’s destination wedding took on a Black Tie Gatsby-inspired theme with a little bit of alternative flair. Both the bride and groom wore custom wedding styles on their big day, further personalizing the romantic Italian wedding. Dan Stewart Photography masterfully captured each and every moment that made Sara and Alex’s wedding a day to remember, from first look to wedding toast.
We wanted our wedding in Italy to be a formal, black tie affair. Since we both love everything vintage, jazz, records and black and white, we decided to go with a Great Gatsby theme, which worked out perfectly for the venue. We had a lovely Jazz band that played vintage tunes, which was timeless and so much fun!
Since Alex is from Italy, and I have had a love for Italy ever since I started studying the Italian language and its magnificent art in college, it was our dream to create a wedding that truly reflected our love for Italy and each other. We wanted to create a day that allowed our friends and families to come together from all over the world, and experience the best of what Italy has to offer – the best food in the world, 16th century architecture, wonderful wine and amazing hospitality.
Surprising to both of us, both Alex and I enjoyed the ceremony the most. It was the part of the day that we were both the most nervous about, especially since it was all in Italian, but it was truly the perfect blend emotions, tears of joy to bouts of laughter – it was truly the most special part of our celebration. Though there was a crowd of people throughout the garden, it felt like just the two of us sharing in these special vows, which was truly special.
We gave out traditional Italian wedding favors called “confetti,” which are also known as Jordan Almonds. Each guest is given 5 pieces to signify Children, Happiness, Health, Longevity and Wealth. We were able to find them in white and gold, which worked out perfectly with our theme!
Don’t forget to eat! We spent months and months preparing the perfect menu, like many brides and grooms do, and we didn’t want to miss out on all the delicious food! It was hard to make time to sit down and enjoy the meal, but make sure you do, too much hard work goes into it!
Anyone who says a barn wedding can’t be elegant hasn’t seen Ashley and Caleb’s understated Michigan wedding at Historic Barns Park. The DIY rustic wedding incorporated delicate gold, blush pink, and sage green décor from centerpieces to the newlyweds table. Dan Stewart Photography beautifully captured the intimate moments Ashley and Caleb will always remember from their wedding day.
Natural, simple elegance. I didn’t want the decor to distract from what was taking place, rather, add to the feel and atmosphere that we were trying to create. I wanted to play off the historic architecture of the reception venue, which was incredibly stunning.
The Moments:
The celebration afterward; being with all the lovely people that make our lives great. And just taking little moments to soak in the details, to reflect on later.
After a romantic proposal overlooking the Dallas city skyline, Brian and Taylor decided that in their home state of Michigan, surrounded by friends and family, would be the perfect place to hold their elegant wedding. Their relaxing beach wedding at the Bay Harbor Marina Lawn Panel was filled with light pink and peach florals, gold table settings, and an incredible dessert table that had a large assortment of colorful sweet treats! We love how Dan Stewart Photography stole the couple away for a bit to capture genuinely beautiful moments of the new husband and wife on the beach!
Our wedding is best described as elegant. We used golds and peaches as our main colors.
The Moments:
Our favorite moment was when we were arriving to our reception in a pontoon boat and first saw all of our wonderful friends and family.
The Couple Recommends:
Yes, I believe our photographer, Dan Stewart, really stood out. He and his team were great to work with. Very nice, charismatic, fun, and making sure we got every shot we wanted.
So you’ve got the ring, named the date and chosen the perfect dress. What’s next? It’s time to grab your fiance and that scanner, and start shopping! As you’ve probably heard, gone are the days of simple crystal and china wedding registries. While the traditional gift registries are still the most popular, many couples have branched out to more unorthodox options. We’ve compiled a list here of our favorite registries of all kinds, for our newlyweds-to-be.
Traditional Registries:
Traditional wedding gift registries are perfect for the couple who needs all the necessities for their newlywed home. From the kitchen to the dining room to the bedroom, a traditional registry will provide you with all the basics and then some. Many couples who already have the essentials simply register for better quality items. This is your chance to get that KitchenAid you’ve always wanted or those luxurious 1000 thread count sheets you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re looking for the bare necessities or just adding to your collection, a traditional registry is right for you. The most popular traditional registries include Macys, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Sur La Table.
Charity Registries:
Many couples are now using their nuptials as a way to give back to the community. Guests can visit the couples online charity registry to donate to various organizations and good causes. This is a trend that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. The I Do Foundation and Changing the Present are two ever popular choices.
Honeymoon Registries:
If you already have all the things you need for your home, or maybe even two of everything since you moved in together, think about ditching the traditional and going tropical! Honeymoon registries can allow guests to purchase gifts of anything from airfare to sunset dinners on the beach. This is a great idea for the couple who loves to travel. Besides, lets be honest, everyone needs a good vacation after the chaos of a wedding. Visit HoneymoonWishes, Honeyfund, and Travelers Joy to make your honeymoon dreams come true.
Out-of-the-Box Wedding Registries:
You might be surprised by these creative options! REI has its own registry where adventurous and active couples can register for any item in the store. Get that new mountain bike or set of ski boots you’ve had your eye on so you can stay active together. If you’re more of an epicurean, consider a wine registry. That’s right, guests can get you everything from your favorite vintage to a set of glassware through the registry at BottleNotes. Looking to buy your perfect home? Hatch My House allows guests to contribute towards a down payment or a renovation of a home for the happy couple.
Words of Wisdom:
For wedding etiquette basics, consider the following tips for your wedding gift registering process:
Be sure to register for gifts soon after you announce your engagement to provide guidance for all prewedding events.
Register for gifts in a wide range of prices to cover every budget.
Consider your guest list and how that will affect the amount of gifts you need to register for.
Keep a watchful eye on your registry as your prewedding events approach; some couples will need to add more items after the bridal shower, or as the big day draws near.
Wedding etiquette experts consider it a faux pas to include wedding registry information on the wedding invitation. Word of mouth generally works the most effectively, but it is also acceptable to include links to your registries from your wedding website.
Some people refrain from registering because they feel that they already have everything they need, or perhaps they feel uncomfortable asking for gifts. The truth is, having a gift registry helps your guests and is actually considered good wedding etiquette. Your friends and family want to buy you gifts that they know you’ll enjoy and appreciate – providing a registry gives them guidance and reassurance. You can even choose multiple places to register if you want to appeal to your grandmother’s sense of tradition as well as your friends budgets and creativity.
Just remember, whatever you do choose, there is a registry out there for you. Really consider your lifestyle and register for what you want as a couple. Are you just starting out? Are you already a homeowner? What are you passionate about? Not everyone begins marriage from the same place in life, so choose what is right for you.
So, today’s the big day! Whether you are an early bird or you enjoy a slow morning, the time has come to start your momentous, special, once-in-a-lifetime wedding day! We know you’ve planned for every detail of the big event to be flawless, but we want to make sure that you’ve planned to ease into it with a little you-time, a lot of pampering, and a few special moments that begin before the time stated on your invitations.
It goes without saying…but you got eight hours of sleep last night, right? Before leaping out of bed from all that good rest, take a deep breath and let the joy of the day fill your heart. There is so much to look forward to – the first time your fiance glimpses you in that dress; your friend that flew into town last night that you never get to see often enough; the huge hug that Grandpa will give you, and twirling around the dance floor all night. Have a quiet cup of tea or coffee, savoring this amazing morning!
You’ve been planning, anticipating, and getting ready for so long, that you might have forgotten that you are supposed to stop the preparations now and ENJOY the day! For some, that’s easy. For others, you might need some sort of activity that signifies a break in the march toward the wedding. You’ve actually arrived!
Start the morning with some yoga, a meditation session, or a massage. A relaxing, centering activity can be calming and restful, and will set the tone for the rest of the day.
How about a wedding day breakfast with your girls, or even your parents? Some brides love the chance to treat their friends to a fun morning meal, sharing the giddy excitement of the great day to come. It also is a nice time to spend a few last moments with the people that have nurtured and supported you, before they send you off on the next phase of your journey. It can be fun to give them a few more moments of knowing you are all theirs!
While I’m not about to suggest a serious workout session (I’m allergic to those even under the best of circumstances), a short walk in the crisp morning air can clear your head, get your blood pumping, and might be just the thing to get you energized for the day!
And that breakfast thing? Make sure to get some protein for long lasting energy that will sustain you throughout the festivities.
Now, it’s time to get down to the business of getting beautiful!
Gather the women you want with you to witness your transformation into a bride. You can all enjoy the pampering and intense girl-time together.
Designate one area of your gettng-ready room for everyone to put their belongings, in a tucked-away location. Your photographer will probably take pictures at some point in the process, so you’ll want things neat and tidy.
Schedule in lots of time for last minute hair and make-up adjustments, fastening the hundreds of gorgeous buttons on the back of your dress, and a quick protein-filled snack before you head down the aisle. You don’t want to be rushed or frantic at any point of the day, and things do usually come up!
Mandy and Mason adore traveling together, and their hearts beat for Cartagena, their most cherished city in the world. It was the dream spot where they tied the knot, surrounded by its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and undeniable romance. When planning their wedding, they aimed to infuse it with authentic Colombian traditions while adding their unique touch. With a romantic vibe, breathtaking flowers, and rich colors, their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales wedding was a celebration where love truly flourished in every detail.
In the heart of the Old City, the couple exchanged vows in the renowned 16th-century church, setting the stage for a magical ceremony. They transformed the historic venue into a fairytale setting, adorning the aisle and altar with abundant flowers. The enchantment continued into their courtyard reception, where a stunning display of white and red blooms adorned elegant tables illuminated by flickering candles. Under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, they savored delicious food, danced, and celebrated their love long into the night.
The Stewarts Roam did a fantastic job capturing every detail of the pair’s special day. It’s a magical event you won’t want to miss seeing!
It was really important to Mason that we write and say our own vows during the ceremony. Writing them was much harder than I expected because there was so much I wanted to say. Ultimately, I pretended it was just the two of us there and spoke from the heart. We both had a difficult time holding back tears during our vows.
Blending Cultures and Traditions at Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding
I have always had a deep passion for traveling, and now Mason and I have crossed many countries off our bucket list. We knew we wanted to plan a destination wedding weekend with multiple events to ensure we could spend plenty of time with each of our guests. Our favorite city in the world is Cartagena, and we knew it was the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and romance for our wedding. We planned a rooftop welcome party at Movich Hotel and a private island beach party at Blue Apple Beach Club, in addition to the wedding day. While designing the wedding, we wanted to incorporate some authentic Colombian traditions while also bringing our own flare. The ceremony and reception venues themselves offer stunning architecture, and we opted to design the aesthetic to highlight the natural beauty of the spaces.
Navigating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Mishaps with Grace
We tried to keep our planning fun. At the end of the day, this event is about celebrating your love and commitment to one another. Though it can be stressful, we tried to use it as an excuse to have a planning “date night” together. One valuable piece of advice I received and would happily pass on is this: things might not always go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. Hardly anyone even notices! For instance, our welcome bags were supposed to be shipped from the States but never arrived. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, we had our weekend itinerary cards handed out as guests entered the welcome party. To our surprise, many attendees approached us to express how delightful it was, completely unaware that there should have been welcome bags in the first place! Ultimately, because I wasn’t fixated on achieving absolute perfection, I found it easier to shrug off minor mishaps and enjoy the occasion to the fullest.
Celebrating the Bride’s Grandmother’s Presence as Their Flower Girl
We were so proud of my 85-year-old grandmother for traveling to Colombia and being our “flower girl.” We have an extraordinarily close relationship, and it meant the world to me to have her as a part of our day. She was an absolute rockstar.
Elevating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Experience With a Midnight Surprise
We surprised our guests with a Colombian tradition called “Hora Loca” (Crazy Hour). At midnight, there were suddenly costumed performers, feathered dancers, lights, and wild entertainment. It got everyone energized, and the dance floor was packed.
A reliable wedding planner and a great team of vendors are essential for handling challenges and low stress levels. If you’re just beginning your journey of planning a destination wedding, look at our guide. It’s the secret to having an excellent “I do” experience!
Planning a wedding can be a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, as Stephanie and Alexander discovered in their quest for the perfect celebration. Their plans took an unexpected detour when Alex’s suit colors clashed with their original vision. But this sudden change ultimately led them to their modern Cape Hotel wedding. Inspired by their Caribbean roots and love for wine, their choice reflected their refined tastes and paid homage to their shared experiences and passions. And it turned out to be an amazing decision!
With its unparalleled views of the sea and the surrounding tropical landscape, the luxury resort became the ideal venue for their special day. With asymmetrical floral pillars framing the ocean backdrop, the terrace was ready for a romantic waterfront ceremony. The following reception seamlessly combined modern architecture, minimalist decor, and natural elements. To achieve a vineyard-like vibe, they completed the look with an installation of greenery and candles in glass baubles hanging above a tablescape covered with gauzy linen, white blooms, and more candles.
And to top it all off, the couple filled their day with personal touches—from handwritten thank-you notes for each guest to heartfelt tributes for absent loved ones. They made sure every detail had meaning and purpose, and you can see all these special moments in the stunning photos taken by Junebug member Daniela Ortiz.
We’ve been together for eight years, so our tastes are similar. We both love a clean, modern style. When we picked our wedding colors, we went for classic seasonal greens, whites, and a touch of gold. Since we both lived in Europe and enjoyed wine, we wanted our reception to feel like a vineyard, honoring the beautiful venue. It was just the right size and matched our vision perfectly. We’re both from the Caribbean and wanted to include our heritage in our wedding. We had Caribbean-inspired drinks and played mostly Caribbean music. We aimed to give our guests an unforgettable experience rather than just a typical event.
How They Found Their Dream Wedding Location
We decided to hire a wedding planner who took us to visit three potential venues. All of them were beautiful, but the third and final one truly took our breath away. When we approached the entrance of the Cape Hotel, we exchanged glances and instantly felt that this was where we wanted to exchange our vows. The stunning views, delightful fragrances, warm hospitality, and outstanding cuisine won us over completely. Our priority was staying true to ourselves amidst the overwhelming array of options on social media. The key was choosing a venue that authentically represented who we were.
Making Their Cape Hotel Wedding Ceremony Special and Unique With Personal Touches
Our most cherished wedding moment was when we exchanged our vows. Being naturally private and reserved, we read our vows to each other privately before the ceremony, accompanied by our pastor. This allowed us to truly absorb each other’s words without the pressure of an audience. During the ceremony, we shared traditional vows with our guests. We also added personal touches to our wedding, crafting custom programs that told our love story and other details about us. To honor our Caribbean heritage, we conducted a sand ceremony, symbolizing our eternal union by blending two vases of sand. Our sister-in-law read 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a, one of our favorite Bible verses, and our pastor, a close family friend, played a unique role in the ceremony.
Navigating the Challenges of Planning a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding was challenging, especially when choosing the right venue in Mexico. We knew we wanted to marry there but struggled to pick a city. We considered Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas, and after visiting them all, we decided Cabo was the perfect fit for the atmosphere we wanted. It was a proud moment because we come from a small Caribbean island, the Cayman Islands, where many people choose to get married. We wanted something unique and had always admired Mexico. We overcame language barriers with the help of our amazing wedding planners. They made everything turn out as we’d imagined, sometimes even better. We were grateful to our guests for making the not-so-easy trip to Mexico, and seeing our friends and family come together to celebrate our special day brought us immense joy.
Incorporating Special Tributes and Creative Keepsakes Throughout Their Cape Hotel Wedding
Our wedding date is a special combination of our parents’ anniversary dates, a tribute to the strong marriages that inspire us. We thanked each guest with handwritten thank-you notes during the reception, making them feel loved and appreciated. These notes differed from the usual post-wedding thank-yous and lifted everyone’s spirits. We included unique decorations like candles with their names and a photo of Steph’s mom on her bouquet to honor absent family members. We also created a photo book showcasing the day we got engaged for our guests to enjoy. To capture heartfelt messages, we had an audio guest book for guests to leave phone messages. Despite the challenges of traveling with luggage, we added personal touches like designing wedding programs and bar signs for the cocktail hour and reception.
Wedding planning comes with its ups and downs. You can plan everything perfectly, but something may still go wrong. Alex and I agreed that what truly mattered was getting married and having a great day, which we did. It’s easy to get caught up in the details and others’ opinions, especially with Pinterest around, but honestly, none of that truly matters in the end. Don’t let the downs overshadow this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s okay to feel all the emotions, but remember to have fun, too. On the day, everyone told us it would go by in a blur, and we wouldn’t remember much. So, we made sure to have special moments just for us, like reading our private vows and taking a few minutes together before entering our reception, to make the day even more meaningful and unforgettable.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Alexander on their modern Cape Hotel wedding, with nods to their favorite people and things. A special thank you to Junebug member Daniela Ortiz for capturing all the special moments that made their celebration one for the books. To see more of her exceptional work, check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
Take inspiration from this couple’s story. If your wedding isn’t exactly how you imagined it, don’t hesitate to make adjustments. It’s perfectly fine to pivot and find a new path that aligns better with your vision. Plan a day that authentically celebrates your unique love using our guide as a starting point.
Music has the power to set the scene and stir up feelings on your big day. That’s why, when it comes time to create your wedding playlist with your professional DJ, your choice of tracks better be on point. But hey, we’re not talking about those reception songs that’ll get your guests up on the dance floor. We’re here to help you select that one special song that’ll play as you walk down the aisle.
Whether you’re searching for an upbeat anthem or a slow song that’ll leave the whole room in tears, there’s a tune for every style. And you’re just one scroll away from the ultimate aisle anthems that’ll have your heart skipping a beat.
Wedding Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to
1. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
2. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
3. “You Are The Reason” — Calum Scott
4. “Love” — Lana Del Ray
5. “If You Love Her” — Forest Blakk
6. “The Sweet Sound of You” — The Paper Kites
7. “Beautiful in White” – Shane Filan
8. “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay featuring Justin Bieber
Truly, this list could go on and on forever. But let’s focus on what really matters, your DJ choice. Before you can finalize your wedding playlists, you’ll need to hire a DJ. Not sure where to start? Click here to find out exactly what you should be looking for when hiring a DJ and how to add them to your vendor team.
Mary and Rosalie initially planned a grand wedding in the city. But when the pandemic hit, they did a complete 180-degree switch by jetting off to Scotland for an elopement. And this romantic alternative couldn’t have worked out more perfectly! With endless towering mountains, mysterious misty skies, and a beautiful cloudy sunset—their Glencoe elopement is proof that all you need are your closest loved ones and, of course, epic views to have the adventure of a lifetime.
The pair and their small group of guests braved the wind and rain for a long hike to their ceremony destination. At the top of the mountain they were rewarded with brief clear skies as the two pledged their love for each other. After spending the rest of the day exploring and taking stunning mountainside portraits, they all retreated to the Clachaig Inn for a night of feasting, speeches, and a whole lot of whiskey.
From postponements and travel restrictions, to cloudy skies and rain showers—this Glencoe elopement shows us that you can take a series of unfortunate events and turn it all around. Scroll through these spectacular images captured by Raini Rowell Photography and read on to know more about their incredible journey to “I do”. If mountains, hiking, and dancing in the rain is your thing, then this one’s for you!
The Couple:
Mary and Rosalie
The Wedding:
Clachaig Inn, Old Village Road, Glencoe, Ballachulish, UK
How Their Glencoe Elopement Came To Be
The pandemic put a wrench in our wedding plans. We were seeing wedding venues in our home city of New York until the day of the shutdown. We realized that we needed to turn our 150-person wedding into an elopement. After much discussion and tears, we realized this terrible event could be an opportunity to run away and get married. There were people we missed on that day, but we made the most of escaping to and exploring Scotland with our small party. We really turned the idea of a grand wedding on its head. Our dresses were both purchased secondhand. I did my own hair and makeup, and one of our friends, a makeup artist, did Mary’s. We ate dinner at a famous highland pub, and our friends put together our bouquets with flowers from the local co-op. We stripped away all the theatrics and had the celebration we always wanted. There were a lot of steps (and a shutdown) between that moment and us standing on a mountainside, but we got our wish. We felt like we were the most important people in the world yet connected and part of something bigger all at once.
Why They Decided To Elope To Scotland
What was important was the travel aspect. We were cooped up for over a year in our tiny New York City apartment. We were looking forward to being in the mountains in a different part of the world. We’d been stuck in our little apartment, which truly felt like a lifepod. We were desperate for as much of the opposite as we could find. Open air, having our people close, whether they were there physically or not, feeling safe in a country that had and was taking the pandemic seriously and who accepted us and celebrated our marriage everywhere we went.
Personalizing Their Glencoe Elopement With A Handfasting Ceremony
We found a fabulous humanist celebrant, Alyson Stewart. She guided us through some ceremony traditions, and we decided to include drinking from a quaich and a handfasting. We asked our loved ones, especially the ones who couldn’t make the journey, to send us a piece of ribbon or fabric which we then used to create our own handfasting cords. One representing each side of the family. They were all with us that day as we (literally) tied the knot.
Exploring The Mountainside For Stunning Portraits
After our ceremony, we took photos with just our photographer and videographer, married couple Raini and Dave. Those moments with just my new wife were so joyous. We celebrated by climbing mountains, running in the rain, and trekking through the scenery, just the two of us. We had been pen-friends with Raini for over a year, and meeting her and her husband Dave felt like meeting up with old friends. They took us to explore some of the most beautiful countryside I’d ever seen. I’ll truly never forget it.
Advice: Find Out What’s Important And Focus On That
Hopefully, no one else will have to derail their wedding plans because of a pandemic, but we were forced to strip away everything and focus on what we really wanted. We were suddenly facing a much smaller budget, no large gatherings, and a desire not to put our marriage on hold. If you can do some soul searching, find out what’s important to you and the person you’re marrying. Understand that not all traditions will work for you both. What mattered to both of us was being able to travel and have a honeymoon and our wedding photos. Find what is important to you, and the rest won’t matter. Mary: Find vendors who can take the reins on the wedding day. Not only did we find Raini, who was immensely knowledgeable about the area and ready to capture every single second that she knew would matter to us later on, but we also found an incredible celebrant, Alyson Stewart. Alyson is wickedly funny, and she created a beautiful ceremony for us. Before I even stepped on the plane, I knew that, between those two, all we had to do was show up, and everything else would be in trustworthy hands.
Surprising Their Guests With Welcome Bags And A Tour
We had welcome bags for everyone upon arrival at the wedding hotel. Each bag was custom-made with a list of friends who became more than friends (think Ross and Rachel, Ron and Hermione) as that’s our love story too. We filled them with local snacks, a reusable water bottle, woolen socks, and a small gold ring with the person’s initials engraved or whisky. We also prefer experiences to gifts, and since everyone was coming such a long way, we wanted to ensure everyone had a highlands experience. Instead of a rehearsal dinner, we hired a Rabbie’s tour to take the eleven of us on a day tour the day before our wedding. We had an archery lesson, visited Oban, had a whisky tasting, and saw Kilchurn castle. Our guide was awesome, and it was such a great way to welcome everyone to our wedding weekend.
Their Photographer Was Key To Creating Their Adventure Glencoe Elopement
After our video calls with her, we felt like another friend was coming to our wedding. Raini and Dave knew the area well, and Raini ensured we got every picture on our wish list. Raini made the day—she was goofy and kept us out of our heads once the cold started to seep in. She encouraged us to go galavanting down hillsides and any other whim that caught and always joined us in the muck and the joy. Raini sent us a list of locations she thought might suit us, and she was spot-on. Her knowledge of the area was super helpful in deciding on the perfect place. We cannot recommend her highly enough.
They Hosted Their Reception At A Local Pub
We had our wedding dinner in the famed Clachaig Inn, a highland pub always on every best-of-Scotland list. It did not disappoint. We loved the informality and the homeyness of it. We loved that it wasn’t a private dining room and that we were sitting in the middle of a packed pub. They have an incredible selection of whiskeys, and the staff was lovely.
Congratulations to Mary and Rosalie on their rainy Glencoe elopement. And many thanks to Raini Rowell Photography for capturing all the intimate moments that prove sometimes less really is more.
If you’re thinking of skipping the big wedding, we don’t blame you—especially after catching one glimpse of this small celebration. But, there’s a lot that goes into bringing to life an adventure-filled celebration in a faraway destination. To kickstart your planning process, check out our elopement guide to creating a one-of-a-kind wedding day!
Kevin and Emily initially planned to get married at a museum, but when the pandemic nixed those plans, they reevaluated what would be the best wedding venue for them and got creative. Without realizing that the change might actually have been meant to be, ultimately, they chose the Truist Field—where they had their first date. Switching to a new venue a month before the big day was no easy feat but the couple–along with their planner Caroline of Mint To Be Weddings–were able to pull off an amazing and totally unique baseball field wedding.
The couple exchanged their vows on the home plate as friends and family seated in the bleachers cheered them on. And their beautiful tented rooftop reception featured romantic drapery, dreamy string lighting, and gorgeous cascading foliage with a mix of deep red and white florals. Not to mention the fireworks display against the Uptown Charlotte skyline–a wonderful way to end the night.
Last-Minute Change of Plans That Turned Into A Blessing
Having the wedding in October 2020 presented a few challenges. Due to the ongoing and ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, we were forced to adjust many aspects of our wedding just a little over a month before the big day. Our previous venue was more than accommodating, but we would have given up too much to have the wedding we wanted. What started as a crazy idea became something bigger than we could have ever originally planned when we were presented with a wonderful opportunity to get married at the place where we had our first date. Grace and the Truist Field staff seamlessly worked with our previous vendors and our planner Caroline of Mint To Be Weddings to put on a wedding that was beyond what we could have hoped for.
A Baseball Field Wedding That Beautifully Breaks Tradition
We personalized our big day in a few different ways. We chose our own music—Kevin walking out to Pump up the Jam and his groomsmen walking out to Jump Around. I am an avid Pink Floyd fan, so my father and I walked out to an instrumental version of Brain Damage—which I thought was a little tongue-in-cheek given that we were walking across the grass. We also had one of our very good friends marry us. He and Kevin went to rival colleges, so it provided lovely commentary throughout the ceremony, ending with Kevin and I reciting our own vows. After we changed venues, we talked to the baseball staff and they were able to print tickets for us on official ticket stubs that we were able to send out with new information prior to the wedding.
Working With The Stewarts Roam
When we met The Stewarts back in early 2019, we knew immediately that’s who we wanted. They were so fun, down to earth, and their photography approach was what we were looking for. As the day approached, we discussed further some specific photos that Kevin and I wanted. On our wedding day, they blended in with everyone else and were able to capture everything seamlessly as it was happening. When the sun went down, and I wanted some night photos, they were all about getting some more photos—whatever we wanted to do, they were all for it. When we got our photos, it was like reliving our wedding.
A Fun Wedding Mascot To Get The Party Started
Kevin is a HUGE UNC Tar Heels Fan. He graduated from there a few years ago, and I have always made fun of him for his passionate obsession. We always joked about having Ramses show up at the wedding due to his undying love. Fortunately, Kevin’s sister was a cheerleader at UNC and put me in contact with Ramses. After dinner and toasts, Ramses came out to kick off the dancing, and it was amazing! It was definitely a surprise–as only myself, my parents, his sister, and his mother knew. It was a great way to kick off the reception and keep it fun with the smaller number of people. It also helped that we had a lot of NC State fans there to antagonize him.
Congratulations to Kevin and Emily on their totally unique baseball field wedding. Many thanks to The Stewarts Roam for capturing all the details this couple put their heart into and sharing these with us! Saying “I do” doesn’t always turn out exactly as planned. Sometimes, making a change can be exactly what you need. And just like Kevin and Emily–it all worked out beautifully! Whether you’re a couple who’s drawn to unconventional wedding ideas and romantic unexpected venues or if you simply want to infuse your personalities into your big day—a celebration that represents you and your partner will be special and memorable no matter what.
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