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Warm and Intimate Garden Wedding

March 4, 2022 | riley

When you combine a charming garden, rustic DIY details, two stunning bridal styles, and heartwarming moments you get a unique and memorable experience. With the help of their planner Jade O’Donovan, Leigh and Chloe’s intimate garden wedding was just that. 

Set at a family home and garden, the couple chose to tie the knot in the lush green corner of their backyard. Keeping their wedding dresses a surprise from each other, the brides did a big reveal with a twist so they could both have their moments. And it was well worth the wait—Chloe looked radiant in her off-the-shoulder dress with flutter sleeves and Leigh’s intricately hand-embroidered floral veil was just as beautiful. 

They had one goal in mind for their reception and it was for everybody to have fun. The couple kicked things up a notch by turning their garden shed into a rustic bar complete with a prosecco wall and lots of signature drink choices. Because of all of the drink options and Leigh is a nurse, a hangover kit was a thoughtful (albeit cheeky) preemptive wedding favor given to guests. It had all the essentials—water, paracetamol, and even all the fixings to make the ultimate Irish party snack, the Tayto sandwich!

From the hand-painted place cards and signs to the creative decor and finishing touches, the couple dedicated a lot of time and effort to create a dreamy scene and cozy atmosphere for their loved ones. And their hard work definitely paid off. To see their wedding journey and every romantic hand-crafted detail, scroll through their beautifully captured memories from Susie Kelly.

The Couple:

Leigh and Chloe

The Wedding:

Private Home, Wicklow, Ireland

It Was The Intimate Garden Wedding They Were Dreaming Of

We are really proud of the vision we had and being able to put it into action on the day. We spent hundreds of hours in lockdown making personalized things for the day and for our guests. Everyone told us it was such a unique wedding and the best they had been to. So our hard work paid off!

They Put Their Own Spin On The Big Bridal Reveal

We decided as two brides we both should have that “wow” top-of-the-aisle moment while keeping it traditional. So, we did a reveal. Leigh walked up the aisle first and then a white silk sheet was held in front of her. Then Chloe walked up the aisle and when she got to the top, the sheet was dropped. It was a really emotional moment for both of us as we kept our dresses a secret from each other until that moment.

A Unique Ceremony That Will Give You The Feels

We asked really close family and friends to say a reading, prayer, poem, quote, or anything they wanted. We told them to leave it as a surprise for us on the day. However, we asked everyone to start with “I’m here because” and share how they knew us. It made the ceremony so personal, intimate, and emotional for everyone. We also asked a close family friend to officiate the wedding and she kept what she was going to say a surprise from us. So we chose people individually to take part in our ceremony but the whole thing was a surprise for us both.

 

Thoughtful and Fun Wedding Favors

Our main wedding favor was a bottle of water and two paracetamol, which in Ireland is used as a hangover cure. We wanted to put in this element as a fun nod to Leigh being a nurse. For the end of the night we put together a “make your Tayto crisp sandwich” bag. In Ireland, a Tayto crisp sandwich is a traditional drunk snack. We also put in a box of matches titled “The perfect match, Leigh & Chlo.”

DIY Wedding Details

We did a lot of DIY for the wedding. We both made and painted individual name cards for everyone. Also named each table somewhere special to us. We made the centerpieces out of old wine bottles collected during our planning. The garden shed was transformed into a rustic bar for the night using fairy lights, pictures, and hanging flowers. We placed buckets with blankets in them around the garden, titled “to have and to hold, in case you are cold.” There was also a family and friend slideshow to project on the wall in the garden for everyone to enjoy. There was so much more we designed and planned but the list is very long!

Wedding Planning Advice From The Newlyweds

As stressful as it is planning a wedding, you do have to try to put time aside to organize things. We recommend a wedding planner if it’s in the budget. We had a fabulous planner, Jade O’Donovan, who eased so much stress. But the most important thing is that on the day you have to let go of what was or wasn’t done because it can’t be changed on the day. So just enjoy it. Plan and designate time just the two of you together, too.  It’s your wedding and you have to have time to celebrate as a couple, even just for 20 minutes.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Susie Kelly Photography
Event Planning – Jade O’Donovan
Floral Design – Floral Affairs Arklow
Catering – The Jailers Rest + Eoin Whelan
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Keira Smyth
Rings – T.J Gelletlie Jewellers

 

Congratulations to Leigh and Chloe on their warm and intimate garden wedding. And big thanks to Susie Kelly Photography for capturing the love, the laughs, and everything else in between.

Garden weddings just like this one, can turn out to be quite extraordinary and touching. If you’re looking to put a spin on your own garden wedding that best fits you as a couple, check out our ultimate guide to planning an LGBTQ+ wedding!

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Epic North Cascades National Park Elopement

February 23, 2022 | riley

Cote and David wanted the focus of their wedding to not be on flowers, decor, or centerpieces but on sharing meaningful moments with their loved ones surrounded by beautiful scenery. Because it was the first time that both of their families would all be together in one place at the same time, the couple set out to make their elopement experience to be unforgettable. Thankfully, the spectacular mountain range truly showed up for them during sunrise and sunset at their epic North Cascades National Park elopement.

Although their elopement wasn’t originally the plan, with the breathtaking sea of mountains in the background as they exchanged their vows, it’s safe to say it worked out perfectly. Their beautiful ceremony was followed by an intimate reception at the Misty River Ranch. From the thoughtful wedding menu and homemade wedding cake to the custom gift bags filled with personalized goodies, the couple put a lot of love into each and every detail. Scroll through to find out more about their love story through these breathtaking photos by Henry Tieu.

The Couple:

Cote and David

The Wedding:

North Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA

Challenges That Worked Out In The End

There were moments in the weeks leading up to the wedding where we questioned whether anything would come together. We faced a lot of unexpected challenges in those weeks and spent hours trying to make alternative plans. In the end, every part of our wedding day was perfect—from the 2:30 am wake up to eating leftover cake right out of the fridge at midnight, the day was everything we could have hoped it would be and more.

A Powerful Ceremony Reading About Marriage Equality

We included the passage below from the Supreme Court’s majority opinion in our ceremony. In the opinion, Justice Kennedy writes: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Last Minute Change That Led To Their Epic North Cascades National Park Elopement

Our venue was really chosen out of necessity. After the wildfires forced a change of plans, we had to find a new location days before the ceremony. You can hold an intimate ceremony in any number of places, but where were we going to eat and celebrate? We found a place online just 30-minutes from the new ceremony spot. We were told that they normally don’t accommodate weddings during the week, but when we explained our predicament, this saint of a woman from Misty River Ranch agreed to host us for our reception just two days before the wedding. It wasn’t our original idea, but it was our only option, and it turned out perfectly.

An Adventure North Cascades National Park Elopement With Family And Friends

When we set out to plan our elopement, we knew this would be the first time both our families would all be together in one place at the same time. We knew they’d be traveling long distances, so we wanted it to be a memorable elopement for them as well. In the end, it was effortless. We spent three days together sharing meals, hiking through the mountains, laughing, and creating memories to last a lifetime. 

Working With Henry Tieu Photography

Working with Henry Tieu was an absolute dream. On a day where you’re being asked to express uninhibited love and affection with your person, it’s critical to find someone that puts you both at ease. We joked, shared laughs throughout the day, and got to know Henry for the wonderful guy he is. He provided tremendous instruction and guidance while still allowing us to be ourselves. Henry captured our love story in photographs, and we are forever grateful for that. Our decision to work with Henry was an exercise in trust and gut instinct. Ultimately, he played a critical part in our special day, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our wedding gallery. He’s truly a master of his trade and a phenomenal photographer to work with.

Thoughtful DIY Wedding Details

While we knew the photographer and caterer were areas we wanted to splurge on, we figured the wedding cake was one we could do ourselves. David enjoys baking and, with a few practices and taste tests with friends, got the recipe just right for the occasion. We ended up with a two-tier, semi-naked, Amaretto cake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting finished with fresh flowers and greenery. We also made our boutonnieres. We wanted a small personal detail that represented us and our relationship. We both have a love of beer and met at the annual brew fest in Michigan. Every year, we attend to celebrate another year together. We picked hops from the fields surrounding David’s childhood home for our boutonnieres. The hops were joined by a sprig of rosemary because it represents love and loyalty.

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Henry Tieu
Ceremony Venue – North Cascade Mountains
Reception Venue – Misty River Ranch
Catering – Saskatoon Kitchens
Groom’s Apparel – J. Crew

 

Congratulations to Cote and David on their epic North Cascades National Park elopement. Photographer Henry Tieu beautifully captured the amazing scenery, all the thoughtful details, and the happy moments of their intimate elopement. 

Whether you envision your big day with just the two of you or if you want to share the experience with your loved ones, an adventure elopement like this one allows you to focus on having a celebration that feels more true to you and your partner. And with the right team of vendors, anything is possible!

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Beautifully Boho Astrology Inspired Wedding

February 16, 2022 | riley

 

When Victoria and Michael thought about their wedding and what they wanted it to look like, they knew that astrology would play a big part. With that in mind, they set their sights on all of the details that would make up the astrology-inspired wedding of their dreams. 

With the help of Junebug planner Brehant Creations, that’s exactly what they had. From the crystal seating chart and the moon ukulele guestbook to the perfectly terracotta color palette for it all, these are gorgeously boho nuptials you won’t want to miss. And thanks to the gorgeous photos captured by Abigail Renee Photography, you won’t. So keep scrolling and get your Pinterest boards ready for lots of star sign inspiration.

The Couple:

Victoria and Michael

The Wedding:

The Lace Factory, Deep River, Connecticut, United States

Recommended Reading: Denim Jackets For Any Wedding Style

Astrology Inspired Wedding Vision

We spent a lot of time thinking about the smallest details to make our day special and really curate an entire vibe. We were so lucky that our vendors were so on board with this vision and just as excited about it as we were. My vision from day one was to have a seating chart using crystals for each guest. This was brought to life by our planner and calligrapher, who made the signs. I sourced all the crystals from Etsy and local shops. I specifically chose crystals within our color scheme. This display came out so cool, and the crystals were a really unique favor for guests. 

Special Zodiac Sign Details

With the help of Chrissy Marie Designs, we were also able to get zodiac sign necklaces and boutonniere charms for the whole bridal party. This was probably one of my favorite details. I also DIY’d the place cards, which included guest names and zodiac signs. This was such a fun detail for our guests, and it was fun for us to learn everyone’s signs.

Choosing The Lace Factory As Their Venue

We pretty much settled on The Lace Factory before we were even engaged. We went there one day for brunch and then rode the Essex Steam Train. It was a blast. The Lace Factory had the vibe we wanted and it was so cool that our guests could take the steam train to our wedding. We didn’t get to ride the train with our guests. But the train did come back after our ceremony to take some photos on it with our wedding party. Those ended up being some of our favorite photos so we’re so glad they were able to come back.

 

The Most Memorable Parts of the Day

There were so many memorable moments, but two definitely stick out for us. The first was the actual wedding ceremony. It was incredible to finally be there with all the people we love together in the same place. Our ceremony was officiated by a close family friend who took so much time to write a beautiful and personal ceremony. We had live music from our friends Rad and Kell, which also made the ceremony incredibly special. I walked down the aisle to “Crystal” by Fleetwood Mac, and our recessional song was “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. The other most memorable moment was seeing our reception space. After months of working on all the decor and design, it was awesome to see it all come to life. It was so breathtakingly beautiful and even more magical than we ever could have imagined.

Shop Similar Bridesmaid Gowns:

Their Wedding Planning Advice

If it’s within your budget, get a wedding planner! We hired our planner, Sarah Brehant of Brehant Creations, very early in the planning process. We had a very specific design vision that we knew we could not bring to life alone. Having Sarah kept us sane and on track with the wedding planning process. Wedding planners are especially helpful in those last few weeks leading up to the wedding when your head is spinning with all the final details. Also, having her and her team the day of the wedding allowed us to sit back and relax, knowing everything would go off without a hitch.

Personalizing This Astrological Ceremony

We had a close friend officiate our wedding, and she took the job very seriously. She sent us questions about things like our love story, our favorite things about each other, and where we see ourselves in the future. She also interviewed our family members and even contacted an astrologer that read our birth charts and the astrology of our wedding date to provide insight. Throughout her process, she met with us several times to go over the things we wanted to include, and she wrote rough drafts with different wording for us to choose from. We wanted the ceremony to be spiritual, meaningful, uplifting, and include a hand-fasting ceremony. She worked in everything for us. Before the ceremony, she even came early to cleanse the space with incense. Everything she did really made it such a beautiful sacred space and ceremony for us to share our vows. 

DIY Details For The Astrology Inspired Wedding

I’m an avid DIY-er, but for my own sanity, the number of DIY projects I took on for my own wedding was small. Knowing that I would have enough on my plate as the bride, I didn’t want to be overwhelmed with DIY projects. To keep it at a minimum I only did a few projects like DIY’ing the place cards using acrylic arches I got from Etsy. To do it I painted the backs, used my Cricut to add guest names and zodiac signs, and then fastened a tassel to each one. I also DIY’d the crystal cards for each guest. I made these on Adobe Illustrator and then printed and cut them with my Cricut. Then I sewed the handfasting cord we used during the ceremony using extra fabric from my wedding dress. For the card box, I bought a clear acrylic card box online, painted the inside, and then put our names on it using my Cricut. The last few things I DIY’d were our wedding weekend timeline and wedding welcome bags for the hotel guests. The majority of our guests were from out of town, so it was very important to us to have thoughtful welcome bags for them.

 

The Wedding Day Menu

Cloud 9 Catering served the most delicious meal. While we didn’t do anything special for the menu, the way it was served was very special. When we first toured The Lace Factory, we found out they did family-style meals as a catering option which we loved the idea of. However, once COVID hit, they stopped doing family-style meals. It wasn’t until our final walkthrough where we happened to ask that they told us that family-style dinners were back. We were so excited to have that option for our guests to try both entrees!

 

Especially Special Wedding Favors

We did give out wedding favors, but they were very non-traditional. We had an awesome crystal seating chart where each table was themed with a different crystal. There was a crystal with a card that said the crystal name and its properties at each place setting. This was a way for our guests to take a little magic home with them from our wedding. As an added bonus, they served as beautiful table decor and brought in good vibes.

Congratulations to Victoria and Michael on their beautiful boho astrology inspired wedding. Special thanks to Junebug planner Brehant Creations for sharing it with us. To see more of their incredible work, check out their portfolio in our directory of vendors from around the world.

If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own creative wedding, get started with our unique wedding planning guide! 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Abigail Renee Photography
Event Planning – Brehant Creations
Venue – The Lace Factory
Floral Design – Earth Blossoms Floral & Event Design
Catering – Cloud 9 Catering
Cake – For Goodness Cakes Desserts
Officiant – Teresa Regan
DJ – Signature Sounds DJ & Uplighting
Live Music – Rad and Kell
Videography – Earth + Sun Co.
Invitation Design – Summit & Sage Design Co.
Makeup Artist – Transcendent Makeup
Hair Styling – All Dolled Up
Wedding Dress – Everthine Bridal Boutique
Rings – Lauren B Jewelry
Rentals – Wylde Rose Events
Transportation – Essex Steam Train
Flower Girl Dresses & Place Cards – Sew Knotty Crafts Co.
Bride Jewelry + Hair charms, Bridesmaids Jewelry, + Groomsmen Boutonniere Charms – Chrissy Marie Designs
Mod installations – EMU Studio
Tabletop Rentals – Petals & Plates
Linen – BBJ Linen
Acrylic Signage – Kate’s Calligraphy
Guestbook & Vow Books – Luna Paper Company
Bridesmaids Velvet Robes – Hayden Harlow PR
Cheesecloth Table Runners – Snassy Crafter
Bride Heels – Forever Soles
Bride Hat – Lack of Color
Pocket Squares – ETON

 

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Intimate and Quirky Backyard Wedding

February 15, 2022 | riley

The pandemic may have changed the wedding industry as we know it, but couples all over the world didn’t let that deter them from saying “I do.” After their original 150-person wedding in Malibu was canceled, Kelley and Jonathan hosted a small quirky backyard wedding that was the epitome of personalization.

With ten of their closest friends, the two exchanged vows while their loved ones watched from California on Zoom before snacking on charcuterie, tacos, and chocolate wedding cake from La Patisserie. And although the celebration was small, they didn’t skip out on any detail. The backyard was filled with autumnal toned florals arranged by Wildly Cultivated Floral Design, mini picnic tables, and romantic string lights.

So whether your plans have shifted, you’re planning a wedding on a budget, or you just want to tie the knot at home for sentimental reasons, keep scrolling to see these beautiful photos captured by Junebug member Nikk Nguyen Photo to get inspired.

The Couple:

Kelley and Jonathan

The Wedding:

Austin, Texas

A Change Of Plans That Led To The Quirky Backyard Wedding

Our wedding style was very fun and personal. Because of the pandemic, we had made many changes to our original plans of getting married on the beach in Malibu with a 150-person reception a week later in San Francisco (where we met). However, we were determined to keep our commitment to our original date and not let COVID cancel the beginning of our married life together. Although our family could not join us from California, we made it work with the ten-person gathering restrictions and had our closest friends participate in the day, with our parents, grandparents, and siblings attending via Zoom. Whether it was our officiant, maid of honor, or sage smudger, all our friends really came through to make our Austin backyard magical and romantic.

Warm Autumnal Vibes

We wanted a vintage autumn vibe, so we selected our tableware–a 1970’s Charmware pattern–from Etsy. Our flowers were lovely autumn blooms from Wildly Cultivated with my favorite flower, dahlias, and romantic blush roses and other hues of deep reds, vibrant yellows, and oranges. We also wanted to incorporate accents from our original seaside plans, so I hand-painted champagne flutes with blue watercolors and selected macrame and blue accents to break up the warmer full tones. To make the perfect backdrop, we used our existing porch structure and hung a curtain of flowers behind a triangular shelf, accented with personal decor and the wedding pictures of our parents and grandparents to honor their presence and examples of love and commitment before us.

Wedding Advice From The Couple

The most important advice we can give is to give up on perfection and enjoy the ride that is wedding planning. I got mired down in all the details and really exhausted by the constant curveballs the pandemic threw at us. Once we threw all outside expectations away (thanks to the nudge of a pandemic) and started focusing on the parts of our wedding day that were essential to us–an enjoyable evening with good company to celebrate our love for each other–we created an evening as unique and personal as it was unforgettable.

DIY Care Packages For Those Who Couldn’t Attend

We put together little care packages that we sent out to our remote guests to create a shared ambiance despite the miles between us. I also hand-painted champagne flutes in shades of blue so we could share and keep the decorations. The packages also contained a soy wax candle with our wedding date and hashtag labeled on them and an envelope filled with dried lavender “confetti.”

A Feast Consisting Of The Couple’s Favorite Foods

We all had a part in the wedding menu and what we didn’t make ourselves came from our favorite neighborhood restaurants. I mixed sangria and other cocktails in large bottles the evening before, and our Maid of Honor, Mary, prepared individual charcuterie plates for each table to snack on while the toasts were being made. Jonathan’s brother and sister-in-law from down the street picked up our group order from Fresas on South First, and Best “Man” Chelsea grabbed our 8-inch chocolate wedding cake from La Patisserie next door.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nikk Nguyen Photo
Floral Design – Wildly Cultivated Floral Design
Cake – La Patisserie
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling – Lustre Bella
Rentals – Bee Lavish

 

Congratulations to Kelley and Jonathan on their quirky backyard wedding! And big thank you to Junebug member and photographer Nikk Nguyen Photo for capturing and sharing their special day with us. To see more of Nikk’s work, check out his portfolio in our directory of wedding photographers from around the globe.

To get started planning your own unique backyard wedding, be sure to check out our ultimate guide, which breaks down everything logistical from lighting to yard maintenance and more.

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Vibrant New Orleans Wedding With DIY Galore

February 5, 2022 | riley

Chalise and Madeline admittedly love to DIY pretty much everything in their lives, so naturally, their wedding was no exception. Planning a wedding can be equally stressful and exciting, but the couple had a lot of fun bringing their wedding vision to life. With the help of their family and friends, they did an impressive job at crafting a vibrant New Orleans wedding with personalized DIY details galore.

With its quirky charm, the historic French Quarter Wedding Chapel was the perfect venue for their ceremony. And in true New Orleans fashion, the couple and their loved ones took to the streets to celebrate right after. They incorporated the same fun vibe into the details of their reception by transforming their family backyard with their eclectic styling of bright colored flowers, blush-toned velvet table covers, pink and teal tableware, cute koozies, and tongue-in-cheek note cards. 

All of their hard work definitely paid off—their big day was not only bursting with color and personality, but it looked like it was a total blast too. Check out the creative ways Chalise and Madeline made their wedding uniquely their own, all amazingly captured by Savanna Sturkie!

The Couple:

Chalise and Madeline

The Wedding:

French Quarter Wedding Chapel, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Most Memorable Part Of Their Vibrant New Orleans Wedding

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific moment because the whole day was so magical, but our time at the chapel really stands out. It was just us, our sisters, Madeline’s Mom, and Chalise’s Dad. It was such a beautiful little ceremony. The weather forecast was predicting some heavy rain, and the skies looked very ominous as we approached the chapel, but by the time we finished, the skies were crystal clear.

Wedding Day Surprise

With all the excitement and tension of getting ready and meeting at the chapel, we realized we had left our marriage license at home. Chalise’s dad had to drive back to our house to get it. Luckily we only lived about 10 minutes away. Our service was scheduled for no longer than 30 minutes, but because we had a little hiccup, it was shortened quite a bit. But it all worked out in the end.

Working With Photographer Savanna Sturkie

We knew going into it that finding the right photographer for us was one of our top priorities. We wanted a specific look and someone who was not only open with photographing a queer couple but promoted it as well. Savanna Sturkie was truly everything we could have hoped for and so much more. We saw her portfolio and fell in love with her work, then had our first meeting and fell in love with her. She made us feel so comfortable the entire day. It felt more like a friend than a hired photographer. She was able to capture the most intimate and beautiful moments while also sneaking those candid moments that are priceless.

A DIY Wedding They Can Be Proud Of

We are really proud that we were able to plan this day ourselves. We didn’t have a planner, so everything from the invitations to the menu was created by us. We spent months planning and organizing everything. We are both creative people and had a lot of fun seeing our vision come to life. It really wasn’t until the tables were set up that we saw all our hard work had paid off. Madeline’s mother was kind enough to allow us to use her backyard as our venue. And with help from our family and friends—it all came together perfectly.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Savanna Sturkie
Venue – French Quarter Wedding Chapel
Floral Design – Florstead Company
Cake – Michelle Van Boogie
Videography – Lauren Terry
Hair Styling – Jessica Jackson
Wedding Dress – Pinup Girl Clothing
Suit – Top Man

 

Congratulations to Chalise and Madeline on their vibrant New Orleans wedding. And big thanks to Savanna Sturkie for capturing the fun vibe and all the other unforgettable moments of the happiest day of their lives! Whether it’s keeping wedding traditions that are important to you or finding creative ways to show your pride, your big day should be as unique as you and your partner are—so celebrate your day your way!

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Gorgeous Portugal Sunset Greenhouse Wedding

January 30, 2022 | riley

When it came time to plan their wedding, Sara and Victor knew they wanted a welcoming and sustainable experience for them and their guests. They did just that in a sunset greenhouse wedding at the Rio do Prado. The couple transformed the hotel into a warm, natural wedding venue complete with wildflowers and greenery arranged by Flower Love Wedding, luxe wood decor, and a deep green and yellow color palette. 

So if being eco-friendly is important to you on your big day, keep scrolling. Because these photos–beautifully captured by Junebug member Mémorelle Wedding–are proof that you can be environmentally friendly and still throw the wedding of your dreams.

The Couple:

Sara and Victor

The Wedding:

Rio do Prado, Leiria, Portugal

Why A Sunset Greenhouse Wedding At Rio do Prado

Victor is from Spain, so many guests were coming from there to Portugal. Because of this, we were looking for a place where guests could stay–and it couldn’t be far from Lisbon. The minute we entered Rio do Prado, we fell in love. It’s a hotel but not a conventional one. They built the furniture and the decor themselves. They are concerned about the environment, just like us. We felt like we belonged there. 

Recommended Reading: Small Changes to Have A Sustainable Wedding

Highlights Of The Day

There were three highlights from the day for us–the ceremony, the moment we gave gifts to friends that helped us with the wedding (accompanied with the song Amigos Para Siempre by The Manolos), and Victor and his friends dancing for me.

Recommended Reading: Sustainable Wedding Brands For Your Eco-Friendly Celebration

Working With Junebug Member Memorelle Wedding

Barbara and Tiago are friends of ours, so it was like hanging out with friends. Even if they weren’t our friends, we would choose them again and again. We are in love with all the photos they captured. Mémorelle is for sure the best choice!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Mémorelle Wedding
Venue, Cake, Catering – Rio do Prado
Floral Design – Flower Love Wedding
Invitation Design – Create Your Future Studio
Wedding Dress – Otaduy
Bridal Accessories – LOA Bijoux
Groom’s Apparel – Santa Eulália Barcelona
Rings – Ourivesaria Atlantis

 

Congratulations again to Sara and Victor on their sunset greenhouse wedding! We’re so thankful that Junebug member Mémorelle Wedding was there to capture every romantic detail of their day. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the globe. And don’t forget to check out these small changes you can make to host your own environmentally-friendly wedding.

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Sophisticated and Elegant Beach Wedding

January 19, 2022 | kailey

Paris and Jayson always knew that they wanted a destination wedding. Though the process wasn’t without its challenges, the couple—along with their planner and florist Moni Junco— had the will and fierce resolve to bring to life the big day they envisioned. In the end everything worked out perfectly. Their sophisticated and elegant beach wedding at the One&Only Mandarina was a beautiful representation of everything they loved and cared about.

Surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, rainforest, and the Pacific Coastthe ultra-luxurious beach sanctuary at the One&Only Mandarina was the otherworldly setting for their ceremony. Their stunning reception at the Canalan Beach Club had the perfect beachfront views and gorgeous airy florals.

From the breath-work workshop and super-personal ceremony to the locally sourced, clean dinner menu—every aspect of their special day truly was a reflection of who they are. If you’re a nature-loving couple whose idea of the perfect wedding is equal parts romance and luxury, these beautiful photos captured by Junebug members Memorybox Photography are the  inspiration you’ve been looking for.

The Couple:

Paris and Jayson

The Wedding:

Sayulita, Mexico

An Elegant Beach Wedding at One&Only Mandarina 

We actually had two ceremonies, one in Louisianawhere I am from, and then the other in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. We specifically decided to do the wedding at One&Only Mandarina because of the beautiful location and also the level of service and experience we knew the One&Only brand would deliver. Having a destination wedding can be stressful because there are so many things you can’t control very much from afar. That’s why choosing a venue that you really trust is important. We knew if all else failed, One&Only would deliver a beautiful, memorable experience for everyone. And they certainly did!

Creating A Great Wedding Guest Experience

The thing we cared about most was bringing our loved ones together and creating a memorable experience for everyone. Because of Covid, we wanted our guests to feel safe and comfortable. This reinforced our decision to have a wedding in a location that was almost entirely outdoors and where nature could be a major focus. We also wanted our guests to feel like they had the freedom to enjoy themselves as they pleased and make the most out of their trip to Mexico. We didn’t want guests to feel like the weekend was over-planned. Everyone’s idea of a vacation is different, so we wanted to leave space for people to make the weekend their own.

Revamping Wedding Traditions

First and foremost, planning any wedding during Covid is something to be proud of! But when I look back to our wedding, the thing I am most proud of is how much our wedding really felt like us. We spent time and energy on the things that mattered most to us and let go of attachment to traditions that didn’t resonate with us. For example, having a big wedding party wasn’t something we cared about, especially because we were having to be super mindful of the number of guests due to Covid.

Personalizing Their Ceremony

The other thing that really made the ceremony personal was our officiant. Her name is Steffy and she is the in-house wellness person. Two days before our ceremony we asked Steffy if she would be willing to officiate our wedding. We knew this wasn’t something she had necessarily done before, but we trusted her and just knew she was the perfect person. To our delight—Steffy said yes to officiating the wedding and it couldn’t have gone better. She made our ceremony so special, finding ways to incorporate our loved ones that had passed and those family members who could not be present due to COVID—which she did with such grace and honor.

Locally Sourced Custom Wedding Favors

Our wedding favors included custom bags with a logo we created as well as these beautiful leather slippers and handmade soaking bath salts. We loved that they were not only custom but that they were made by local artists from Mexico.

Working With Junebug Members Memorybox Photography

Memorybox Photography were incredible! They are friends of Moni and graciously agreed to photograph our wedding after a last-minute cancellation from another photographer—literally a week before our wedding. They were so sweet, very willing to listen, and collaborate on ideas. They made us feel completely comfortable and were an overall joy to be around. They are super real, down to earth, kind souls. They are the type of people anyone would be lucky to be friends with or work with. We absolutely love the pictures from our wedding day. I had high expectations and they totally exceeded them.

Wedding Planning Advice From The Bride

Wedding planning looks and feels different for everyone. I received so much advice and I had this expectation of what it was supposed to feel like to plan our wedding. I found myself constantly feeling like I wasn’t doing a good enough job or that it was harder for me than it should have been. What I eventually learned is that it’s different for everyone, and not every bride is going to enjoy the planning process as much as the next person. If you’re a bride that isn’t obsessed with planning every detail and if you’re just busy, like myself, the best thing you can do is find vendors that you trust. If you find someone you trust for one thing, chances are they will have great recommendations for vendors outside of their area of expertise. Another big piece of advice, in wedding planning and life, is to always ask for what you want, even if it is outside the box. The worst thing that can happen is you get told no.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – MemoryBox Photography
Event Planning + Floral Design – Moni Junco
Ceremony + Reception Venue – One & Only Mandarina

 

Congratulations to Paris and Jayson on their sophisticated and elegant beach wedding. And big thanks to Junebug members MemoryBox Photography for capturing all the stunning details and romantic vibe. To see more of the incredible weddings they’ve photographed, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the globe!

A destination wedding in a beautiful exotic location with the people you love, can be unforgettable and one of the best days of your life. There’s a multitude of decisions you’ll need to make and having it in a faraway place might lead to more challenges than usual. But your special day is definitely worth it. Get started with our ultimate guide to planning a destination wedding and make your own dream destination wedding a reality.

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Stunningly Modern Wes Anderson-Inspired Wedding

January 16, 2022 | riley

Two-part weddings have been a great option for many couples who had to postpone or cancel their weddings due to the pandemic. For Gabriela and Meheer, it started with an intimate ceremony at the bride’s family patio in 2020, followed by a bigger celebration with their closest friends and family a year later. From the quirky style and bold pops of color to the fun, relaxed, and artsy vibe, this couple’s modern Wes Anderson-inspired wedding proves that an unconventional theme and timeline is a great opportunity to make your big day special and memorable. 

Look out for the eclectic tropical ceremony and reception decor, the retro glam ostrich feather mini dress, the unique monstera leaf bouquet, the striking architecture of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and Audre Rae’s amazing photography. If you’re a modern couple looking for something unique, colorful, and a little quirky, then this wedding is the perfect inspiration for you. 

The Couple:

Gabriela and Meheer

The Wedding:

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison, Wisconsin

Making Their Wedding Ceremony Personal

We got legally married in Gabriela’s parents’ patio during 2020, so our ceremony really had no rules or requirements. A good friend who got to see our relationship when we were doing long-distance officiated. For us, it was all about customizing our vows. It can be kind of vulnerable to share them, but getting to do it twice meant we also got to share what we had already learned in our first year of marriage. We also had a friend–who we both lived with in New York and who was the professor that taught the class we met in–to give speeches. It meant so much to have people who had seen us at these pivotal moments in our relationship share in our celebration.

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Being Flexible And Open To Change

The first day we met, someone said to us, “We have a plan; the plan may change.” We’ve held on to that through our entire relationship, and it was certainly our motto while planning this wedding. We had a conversation about what we wanted our wedding to be like and discussed expectations with our families, which helped us get ahead of a lot of conversations! We stayed flexible and were able to remind ourselves what would be important the day after the wedding—being married!

A Venue Change That Really Paid Off

Six weeks before the wedding, we had to find a new venue. Gabriela’s mother was calling every place she could possibly think of. We ended up working with the team at MMoCA, and they were incredible. They did everything they could to answer our questions and work with our coordinator to make the replanning as stress-free as possible. In the end, we can’t imagine having it anywhere else.

Creating A Wonderful Guest Experience

Gabriela is very detail-oriented, so she spent a lot of time thinking about the guest experience. After delaying the celebration for a year, being able to bring our friends and family together safely is something we’re incredibly proud of. Everything after that was just icing on the cake!

A Relaxed Cocktail Reception At The Modern Wes Anderson-Inspired Wedding

We did a cocktail reception because we wanted people to mingle and visit after so long apart. It gave us so much flexibility in food. We did a late-night mac and cheese bar, dessert table, and an old-fashioned bar!

Memorable Wedding Moments

It’s hard not to say everything, in part because the whole day was so special, but also because it went by so quickly! When we did our first look before the wedding, we had a few moments that just felt so special and private. There was also a moment when all of our friends and family were finally together dancing outside under the lights when we looked at each other and felt so happy to have everyone together to safely celebrate finally. We felt so loved then. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Audre Rae Photography
Event Planning – Olive Branch Events Co.
Venue – Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Floral Design – Daffodil Parker
Catering – Food Fight
Cake – Carl’s Cake Shop
DJ – Kuhl Entertainment
Videography – Carly Jo Burson
Invitation Design – factorymade & Tess Barnes
Makeup Artist  & Hair Styling – Arch Apothecary
Alterations – Monetti Tailoring
Wedding Dress – Markarian
Bridal Accessories – Jennifer Behr, Manolo Blahnik & Suzanne Kalan
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Retrofete
Groom’s Apparel – Ted Baker
Rings – Greenwich St. Jewelers
Rentals – A La Crate Rentals
Photobooth – The Pixel Booth
Personalized Napkins – For Your Party

 

Congratulations to Gabriela and Meheer’s stunningly modern Wes Anderson-inspired wedding. Massive thanks to Audre Rae Photography for these beautiful photographs and for giving us a peek into their big day.

Couples now are facing all kinds of different challenges. Having an open mind and being creative is key during times like these. And if the vision you have for your wedding is far from cookie cutter, start with an unexpected venue or unconventional theme —the kind that makes your wedding a unique experience and not just simply an event. Choose a style, venue, and timeline you and your partner vibe with, and let the rest fall into place. 

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Romantic Fairytale Estate Wedding

January 14, 2022 | riley

When Regan and Seth started planning their wedding they knew that finding a great venue would be important for them. Then they found their perfect match. This romantic fairytale estate wedding is a neutral toned paradise. It showcases how working with an incredible venue can be the perfect way to alleviate wedding planning stress. 

From the over-the-top floral arrangements to the bicycle sparkler exit, this is one estate wedding you won’t want to miss. Keep scrolling to see what we mean in the images expertly captured by Junebug photographer, Wonderstruck Media.

The Couple:

Regan + Seth

The Wedding:

Gassaway Mansion, Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Exchanging Thoughtful Wedding Day Gifts

We exchanged gifts to use on our wedding day. Seth gifted Regan Golden Goose tennis shoes that have “love is all we need” written on them. She wore them during the reception. Regan gifted Seth a pair of Taft boots to wear all night long, too!

 

Finding the Perfect Venue for a Fairytale Estate Wedding

We fell in love the minute we stepped on-site at the venue. It’s so romantic and dreamy and the venue team provided so much support. The catering, florals, the tent, and decorations were all provided by them. This was a huge stress reliever because we didn’t have to worry about tracking any of it down. Their team was very accommodating and brought our visions to life. 

A Fairytale to be Proud of

We’re so proud of the color scheme that we created. The decorations that our venue set up were exactly when we envisioned. It was like living one day a fairytale. When we talk with friends and family about our wedding, everyone talks about how much fun they had. Knowing the people we love most had a great night is the best feeling. 

Recommended Reading: Minimalist jewelry to wear on your wedding day

 

Most Memorable Part of the Day

The most memorable moment was when we locked eyes as Regan walked down the aisle. Time stopped. It was when all of our dreams and plans truly came to life. Then we celebrated by dancing the night away and had the time of our lives. Those memories will never fade. 

Their Wedding Planning Advice

Get a wedding planning binder, find an amazing photographer and videographer who know the ins and outs of a wedding day because that knowledge is irreplaceable. Then focus on what you love and how much you love each other. Everything else will fall into place. 

Thank Yous Instead of Typical Wedding Favors

We didn’t give out wedding favors. Most venues informed us that favors are often left behind and we wanted to spend our money on something that we knew would be meaningful. So instead we spent the funds typically allocated to favors to buy customized thank you notes that we left on every guest’s plate at their dinner table. It was important to us that our guests knew how grateful we were for each and every one of them being there. 

Working With Wonderstruck Media Was the Best

Elizabeth from Wonderstruck Media was amazing! Seriously, there aren’t enough words to express how impressed and grateful we are for Elizabeth. We met prior to the wedding day to determine the schedule, define what pictures we knew we wanted, and talk through other details. She was organized, efficient, friendly, and patient with everyone. She captured every photo we could have dreamt of and then some! We fall in love with our photos all over again every time we look at them. If you are getting married, book her. Do it, like right now. 

Use as Many Wedding Desserts as You Can

We opted to do a “naked” wedding cake which means it had less icing and we added doughnuts for decoration because Seth loves doughnuts. We had other little treats too including chocolate chip cookie sandwiches stuffed with fudge, mini raspberry cheesecakes, and lemon bars. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Wonderstruck Media
Ceremony + Reception Venue + Event Planning + Catering + Floral Design + Rentals – Gassaway Mansion
Live Music – Emerald Empire Band
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Flawless Artistry

Congratulations to Regan and Seth on their seriously romantic fairytale estate wedding! Special thanks to Wonderstruck Media for sharing this special day with us. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our carefully curated wedding vendor directory.

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Our 11 Favorite Spots in the U.S. for Epic Engagement Photos

December 15, 2021 | kailey

Image by Maya Lora Photo. 

Deciding to spend forever with your best friend, that’s the easy part. Picking a photo location to kick off your engagement season, that’s where it gets a little more difficult. You want a memorable, intimate, and stunning spot that’ll hold a special place in both of your hearts. And lucky for those in the United States, you don’t have to travel far for engagement photos that go above and beyond. From mountains to beaches, and everything in between—here are our 11 most romantic places for you to nail your engagement photos. 

11 Spots For Epic Engagement Photos

1. Sedona, Arizona 

The red rock formations, incredible weather, and unique hikes are just a few reasons that Sedona is so special. To kick off your engagement the right way, take full advantage of the natural red rock backdrops for your engagement photos. 

For those that want to avoid hiking, look into Bell Rock or the base of Cathedral Rock. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, take on the Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock hikes. You’ll be met with some of the most stunning views when you reach the top—trust us! 

2. Big Sur, California 

A mountain, beach, or waterfall engagement session—why choose one when you could have all three? Big Sur is one of the most beautiful coastlines located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway. The drive to get there is stunning and you’re guaranteed to be met with incredible cliffside ocean views upon arrival. 

3. Joshua Tree, California 

The rigid, neutral rock landscape of Joshua Tree National Park is not what you typically picture when you think of California. That’s what makes this spot the hidden gem of the west coast. Whether you climb the towering rock formations or snap pictures with the bristled Joshua trees, there are sure to be an endless amount of secluded locations that’ll make your engagement photos stand apart. 

4. Cannon Beach, Oregon 

Named one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, Cannon Beach was a necessary addition to our list. This small town is located on the rigid Oregon coast and is known for their recognizable landmark, Haystack Rock—a breathtaking backdrop worthy of commemorating a love as special as yours. After completing your engagement session, pop some celebratory champagne and cozy up for a beach bonfire. 

5. Acadia National Park, Maine 

Spring, summer, fall, or winter—there really is no bad time to snap engagement photos in Acadia National Park. The best part about this location is the variety of trail options, allowing you to customize your session to the max. 

Want a lakefront photoshoot? Jordan Pond is your place. If you’re searching for mountain top views without the treacherous hike, try out Bubble Rock trail. This easy-to-moderate pathway leads you to the perfect mountain-top spot for a golden-hour session. 

6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

From wildflower fields in spring to snow-capped mountains in winter, Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with stunning views all year long. For couples that want to avoid hiking, we recommend Lake Lily Loop or driving the Trail Ridge Road—also called the “highway in the sky”, because it’s the highest paved road in the U.S. 

If you’re wanting a more adventurous feel for your epic engagement photos, Dream Lake is your place. Pose in front of the lake with Hallett Peak towering in the background.

7. Pictured Rocks National Park, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Park is not quite what you’d imagine when you picture the midwest which makes it Michigan’s top hidden gem. From the rigid coastline filled with trees to the crystal blue water, this national park gives us major Cliff of Moher vibes. 

Plus, we can’t think of a better way to kick off your engagement season than capturing photos with Lovers Leap in the background—sounds like good luck to us! 

8. Central Park, New York 

Central Park is the perfect balance of both city and nature vibes. Not to mention it’s a picture perfect location all year round. So whether you’re dreaming of fall foliage with the New York City skyline in the background or a winter wonderland, you’re sure to get it here. Our favorite spots include the Bow Bridge, The Lake, and Bethesda Terrace. 

9. Bonneville Salt Flats

Located in the northwestern Utah region the Bonneville Salt Flats are a perfect neutral background because it’s a white salt crust stretching as far as the eye can see. This sandy landscape is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world, making it a prime engagement photo location. 

10. Yosemite National Park, California 

Spring, summer, fall, and winter—the Yosemite National Park is fit for engagement photos all year round. This national park is packed with views that can easily be accessed by couples regardless of hiking experience. For an easily accessible location without sacrificing epic views, Cook’s Meadow is the spot for you. It’s the perfect spot for those incredible Half Dome views. If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your session, hike up to the iconic ledge at Taft Point. You’ll be glad you did.

Image by Maya Lora Photo.

11. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado 

When you picture Colorado, odds are you picture a rocky mountain landscape. If that’s true for you, then the Great Sand Dunes National Park will throw you for a curve. Located in southern  Colorado you’ll find sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can go. The soft neutral landscape makes for an ideal engagement photo backdrop—you’re the main focus without sacrificing epic views. 

When you get your epic engagement photos back from your talented photographer, you’ll want to share them with everyone. After pasting them all over your social media platforms it’s time to get your save the dates in the works. To make your decision easy, we’ve rounded up fun and unique save the date options to announce your wedding in style.

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