Searching for

WEDDING BLOG

This St. Lucia Elopement Brilliantly Mixes Luxury and Minimalism

January 6, 2016 | Junebug Weddings

St. Lucia is one of the most magnificent destinations in the world, so it’s no wonder and Tracy and John decided to escape to the island to say “I do.” Their St. Lucia elopement at Jade Mountain was designed to highlight the contrast between the organic nature of Soufriere and beautifully luxe wedding details. Photographer Matt Lien captured the effortlessness of the day, including the couple’s intimate vow exchange inside 18th century remains of a nearby plantation and their sunset dinner on the shore.

The Couple:

Tracy and John

The Wedding:

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

While we eventually had a more traditional wedding stateside, we decided to elope to celebrate our love in a more intimate setting. I love contrasts and wanted something beautiful, luxurious, but at the same time simple and rustic. Jade Mountain and the surrounding town of Soufriere certainly fit my vision. And no wedding would be complete without an amazing photographer to capture all our moments. We were so fortunate to find Matt Lien and that he had these few days free in an otherwise packed year. As they say, the stars aligned.

As I mentioned above, I love contrasts and wanted something beautiful, luxurious, but at the same time simple and rustic. Jade Mountain and the surrounding town of Soufriere fit my vision. We were able to enjoy the luxuries of a private in-room infinity pool, butler, insane architecture and James Beard restaurant (we love good food!), but at the same time our room had a natural vibe as it was open to the elements (no air conditioning, plenty of birds). And in beautiful contrast surrounding the resort itself were the enchanting ruins of Anse Mamin (an old sugar plantation) and the colorful town of Soufriere.

Our photographers were amazing! The pictures speak for themselves. We actually saw some of Matt’s photographs on Junebug and he was top of our list for photographers. Since this was a last minute elopement, he was pretty much booked up except for the few days we requested — so we knew it was meant to be. We loved working with Matt because he was so easy-going and was open to non-traditional shooting locations, but was professional, understood our vision, and captured our vibe perfectly. We look back at these photographs, smile and say “wow” thats us, what a magical time. Actually, everyone we know who has seen these pictures, has said “wow, that looks amazing!”

Our favorite moment happened the following day in Soufriere when many people called “congratulations” as we walked around. Two men even wanted a picture! When we returned to the hotel one of the staff members told us he had seen us on Facebook as his friend was one of the men we took a picture with. Everyone’s happiness for us made the day even more special.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Matt Lien
Venue – Jade Mountain
Wedding Dress – Badgley Mischka via BHLDN

Congrats to Tracy and John on their St. Lucia elopement at Jade Mountain! For more of Matt Lien‘s destination wedding photography, be sure to check out Emily and Marcus’ romantic elopement in Italy.

Casual Minimalist Wedding at Sky Gallery

November 22, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

dark pink lavender orange yellow

Dave and Noella’s unique wedding style was centered around a minimalist design. The couple focused on the special moments and allowed their excitement for the whole day fill the room with brightness. S ky Gallery in Brooklyn, New York was the perfect space for this free-spirited couple to exchange vows. Not missing a single moment, photographer Carole Cohen Photography documented their urban wedding perfectly!

The Couple:

Dave and Noella

The Wedding:

S ky Gallery, Brooklyn, New York

From the couple: We wanted our wedding design to be minimalist. Fresh flowers, vintage glassware, and art courtesy of Sky Gallery. We fell in love with the light and the space at Sky Gallery, and our goal was to keep it simple: profess the love, eat/drink well, and turn all those good things into a dance party.

From the couple: For wedding day fashion, minimalism was again the theme. We wanted something modern, classic, and comfortable; no excess. Noella chose to work with an amazing local designer for her dress, and Dave built his look starting with a pair of Aldens he’d been eying. We wanted to look good, be able to dance, and avoid looking like traditional wedding toppers.

The Wedding Team:
Photography – Carole Cohen Photography
Venue – S ky Gallery
Floral Design – Edleweiss
Catering – Palo Santo & Taco Santo
Cake – Baked
Makeup Artist – Jill Freeman of Shen Beauty
Hair Styling – Michelle Casino of Fringe Salon
Wedding Dress – No. 6
Groom’s Apparel – Theory (suit), Alden (shoes), Brooks Brothers (shirt), Ralph Lauren (tie) American Apparel (socks)
Rings – Catbird (groom)

A huge thanks to Carole Cohen Photography for sending Dave and Noella’s simply beautiful wedding our way! Want to see more urban wedding inspiration? Check out this low-key Toronto wedding at Bellwoods Brewery!

3 Glam Bridal Looks for Any Wedding Style

October 9, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

It’s no secret that we’re a little obsessed with bridal style here at Junebug Weddings, so when Brazilian photographer Tati Pinho sent over these bridal inspiration looks, we were so excited to share them with you. While all three looks are perfect for any bride, they have one thing in common: glamour. We like to call them natural glamour, vintage glamour, and bohemian glamour.

1. Natural Glamour: this look is characterized by loose waves, a clean face, and a bold lip. If you want all eyes on your brilliant smile as you laugh and kiss through your day, this beauty styling will emphasize your natural beauty while drawing attention to your perfect pout.

2. Vintage Glamour: If retro vibes and old Hollywood flair are exactly what you envision for your wedding day, look no further than this vintage glam look. The red lip, silver shadow, and demure birdcage veil masterfully balance the class and playfulness that vintage style is known for.

3. Bohemian Glamour: A loose up-do and flower crown are essentially synonymous with bohemian style. We love that the crown was adorned with bold blooms in jewel tone hues, making for an undeniably glamorous look for any free-spirited bride. Warmer colors on the bride’s eyes and cheeks, paired with a more neutral lip, maintains a look that is beautiful without being over-the-top.

The Talented Team:

Photography – Tati Pinho
Venue – Mama Rusia
Floral Design – Studio Lilly
Hair & Makeup Artist – Estúdio De Beleza Katley Menezes
Wedding Dresses – Martu, Mariana Kuenerz
Film – Bia Vasconcelos

A big thanks to Tati Pinho and her team for sharing these gorgeous glam bridal looks with Junebug! Be sure to check out Melina and Nicholas’ Brazilian engagement in the forest for more of Tati’s stunning photography!

Stylish Mountain Engagement at Mount Rainier National Park

September 28, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

Four outfit changes, two adventurous lovebirds, and one talented photographer made this Mount Rainier National Park engagement session utterly romantic and incredibly captivating. Molly and Fednold ventured into the endless Washington mountain range where the sun glowed beautifully around them and Robert J Hill Photography captured their intimate embraces. A light breeze and the sunset were the prettiest accessories Molly and Fednold could have asked for during their engagement session and the natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park definitely provided!

Thanks to Robert J Hill Photography for sharing Molly and Fednold’s gorgeous Washington engagement! For more mountain engagement inspiration, be sure to check out Nicolette and Colby’s free-spirited engagement session in the Uinta Mountains.

Tuscan Inspired Wedding at Sassafras Springs Vineyard

September 19, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

bright red dark blue gold

After meeting while backpacking through Europe with friends, Sarah and Patrick knew they had met an adventure partner for life. The couple pulled design inspiration for their wedding from Tuscany, Italy, since that’s where they first met. The Sassafras Springs Vineyard in Arkansas was dressed in rich-red florals and gold touches. NewlyWifed Photography perfectly captured the beautiful moments!

The Couple:

Sarah and Patrick

The Wedding:

Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale, Arkansas

The Inspiration:

Since we met in Tuscany, we used that as our inspiration for the event. We wanted for our wedding to be casually elegant and to feel welcoming and authentic. Little details like hand watercoloring all of the invitations were meant to show our guests that each one of them were valued and unique parts of our lives. We also made completely customized program booklets where we could share anecdotes of our family and wedding party. The venue we picked out was reminiscent of the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany and we served Italian fare throughout the night, beginning with an aperitivo hour where wine and Peroni were freely poured and nibbles of antipasto were laid out on wine barrels. We decorated lightly with lots of olive branches, shimmering wine bottles, and mix-matched frames holding our engagement photos.

The Moments:

My favorite moment of the night was dancing to the last song (Beyonce’s Love on Top) with everyone and then being sent-off through a tunnel of friends and family not-so-delicately tossing birdseed at us as we dove into our limo. We continued to find birdseed everywhere several days into the honeymoon.

The Couple Recommends:

Jordan Rock (photographer) was absolutely first class. Her artistic eye lead to authentic and beautiful photographic memories of the day and her laid-back, fuss-free style was perfect for my nerves!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – NewlyWifed Photography
Venue – Sassafras Springs Vineyard
Floral Design – Pigmint
Catering – KFB Events
Cake – Rick’s Bakery
Officiant – Kevin Rusack
Live Music – Jason Polley
Videography – Pragma Productions
Makeup Artist – Jamie Mashburn
Hair Styling – Jamie Mashburn
Wedding Dress – BHLDN
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – harsuccthing
Groom’s Apparel – J.Crew, Walker Brothers
Groomsmen’s Apparel – J.Crew, The Tie Bar
Rings – Cecil’s Fine Jewelry
Rentals – KFB Events

Thank you to NewlyWifed Photography for sharing Sarah and Patrick’s Tuscan styled wedding at Sassafras Springs Vineyard in Arkansas! Love vineyard weddings? Head over to this organic autumn Tallahassee wedding!

Rustic Bohemian Wedding at Elodie Farm

August 1, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

orange yellow

Curtis and Charlotte were best friends before they started dating, and for that reason they knew that once they took that next step their relationship would quickly turn into love. Their casual, bohemian wedding at Elodie Farm in North Carolina was a beautiful day filled with raw, natural decor and simple attire. Wishing for their son to be a part of the ceremony, Curtis and Charlotte’s favorite moment will make you love this special day even more! We can’t believe how perfectly Kasey Lofti n Photography captured the incredible love on the big day!

The Couple:

Curtis and Charlotte

The Wedding:

Elodie Farm, Durham, North Carolina

The Inspiration:

When we decided to get married, there was no other choice in our minds but to have the ceremony at the goat farm that we spend most of our free time, and the place where we feel in love. The farm is really what set the tone for our inspiration, a casual yet intimate gathering for our closest friends and family, with the sweetest feel. We are in the food and hospitality industry so we wanted to incorporate local vendors and friends as much as possible. My dad and our friend/ restaurant owner provided the food/pizza, a local farm supplied the flowers, and all of decor was from the farm. The style (decor and fashion) was effortless bohemian with authentic rustic touches, providing a romantic yet free-spirited look and feel to our day, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Moments:

When I think back to our wedding there is always one exact moment that comes to mind and brings me to tears almost every time. Instead of doing a candle lighting ceremony or a sand ceremony, we chose to do a “blessing of the hands” ceremony in which Curtis and I placed our hands on my belly and the officiant read the blessing. It was important for us to incorporate our son into the ceremony and we thought that this reading was the perfect way to do so. It talks about how these hands will protect you, honor you, cherish you, and love you eternally. While the officiant was reading the passage and our hands were placed on my stomach, our son began kicking. Curtis and I both looked at each other, smiled and then started crying. It was such an intimate and special moment and to know that our son was experiencing it with us is something I will truly never forget.

The Couple Recommends:

Definitely our photographer Kasey. She has such an amazing energy and spirit about her that is contagious and made our day so much more fun. Since we did everything for our wedding ourselves it was so nice to just leave this piece up to her, and she truly exceeded our expectations. By the end of the day we were laughing and talking with her like we had known her for years, and we now consider her a friend, which is so special to us, and which is why I would recommend her to anyone planning a wedding. We can’t thank her enough for the time and effort she put into our special day.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kasey Lofti n Photography
Event Planning – Charlotte Dunn
Venue – Elodie Farm
Floral Design – Bluebird Meadows
Cake – Katie Moss
Officiant – Maggi Grace
Invitations – Mary Dunn
Wedding Dress – Kite and Butterfly

A huge thanks to Kasey Lofti n Photography for giving us a glimpse into Curtis and Charlotte’s sweet wedding at Elodie Farm in North Carolina! Love the balloons and rustic simplicity at this wedding? Check out this sweet wedding in Warsaw!

Floral Inspired Wedding at Pharsalia in Virginia

May 24, 2015 | Junebug Weddings

dark blue dark red orange

Sweet apple orchards, lush, richly colored florals, and sparklers all came together to create Renee and Logan’s dreamy wedding. The bride wore a mesmerizing textured gown that had been woven with gold thread. All aspects of this whimsical wedding were rich in detail and pigment. We’re so happy Chelsea Diane Photography was there to expertly capture all the beautiful moments!

The Couple:

Renee and Logan

The Wedding:

Pharsalia, Tyro, Virginia

The Inspiration:

I drew inspiration from pre-Raphaelite paintings, which to me celebrate feminine beauty in a wild, natural, honest way. There’s a lot in the way of flowers (flower crowns and lush floral landscapes) — in no particular arrangement. That informed a lot of my choices — from table arrangements to the wedding dress. That combination of sprightly, bright florals and dark, lush textures; so dreamy. It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but my dress is actually woven with gold thread, it’s not a traditional white. The space we chose was a garden, full of fresh flowers and uniquely arranged garden vignettes. It didn’t require much tweaking or fussing about; we could let some places be arranged and others loose and carefree. Choosing to have the wedding in the Fall allowed us more room to weave darker details into the garden setting.

The Moments:

Right after we walked back down the aisle and got pelted with lavender, we snuck off to a nook right outside of the main house and hid behind a thicket of tall bushes to breath everything in, touch each others rings, and be together before we went back out into the social scene. There was just the sound of birds and people talking far off in the distance, but the world was ours right then. It was a moment just for us.

The Couple Recommends:

My wedding planner and florist — who is also a friend who happens to work in the wedding industry — was our saving grace. She did an incredible job making our florals out of 95% locally grown and foraged flowers and greenery. They were absolutely stunning. And our caterer went above and beyond with making our food delicious and creative — our menu was pescatarian and gluten free. It should also be mentioned that our cake designer makes the BEST gluten free cakes. Ours was coconut with homemade lemon curd. And she even made it dairy free for us! It was magnificent.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Chelsea Diane Photography
Event Planning – Mary Edmonds
Venue – Pharsalia
Floral Design – Mary Edmonds
Catering – Roadside Chive Catering
Cake – Bake Love Bakery (Gluten Free)
DJ – Grits and Gravy
Live Music – Jake Hull
Videography – With Lavender and Lace
Invitations – Jolly Edition
Makeup Artist – Fielding Biggs
Hair Styling – Fielding Biggs
Wedding Dress – BHLDN
Bridal Accessories – T.J. Maxx
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – ASOS, Dillard’s, Nordstrom
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino (custom made)
Favors – Frolic Chocolate

A huge thank you to Chelsea Diane Photography for sharing Renee and Logan’s whimsical wedding at Pharsalia in Virginia! Looking for more wedding inspiration like this! You have to check out this Scottish bohemian wedding at Errol Park!

Rustic Crested Butte Wedding

November 22, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

aqua brown tan yellow

Illuminated by the golden leaves surrounding the ceremony location, Mackenzie and Jeromey’s rustic Crested Butte wedding is a breath of fresh air. Limelife Photography captured absolutely stunning portraits of the couple in front of the fiery backdrop. We love the sweet aqua and yellow color palette, which perfectly complements the natural landscape, and also provides a soft playfulness to the wedding décor. Mackenzie’s unique bridal style is rustic chic and reflects her personality beautifully. We love when a couple chooses a wedding location that represents them. Jeromey was raised in the mountains, so Crested Butte was the ideal spot for their special day.

The Couple: Mackenzie & Jeromey

The Wedding: Crested Butte, Colorado

The Inspiration: “Jeromey grew up in the mountains, his soul lives there and I love the feeling of being tucked up an away in the mountains. We both agreed that using our venue as the focal point would be best, utilizing the amazing scenery and of course the Crested Butte trees changing in color. Making sure not to overpower the landscape, I wanted to accent it with vintage and very personal details.”

The Moments: “Oh wow, a favorite single moment? Is that possible? At diner during the speeches, I (Mackenzie) was defiantly crying. I was so overwhelmed with love. Sitting next to my now husband, surrounded by all my favorite people in such an amazing place, literally took my breath away. That all these people where here for us! I kept thinking, I just want this night to last forever! How many times in a lifetime will you be in one of your favorite places on earth with all your favorite people? Not many, that’s why that moment will always be the most vivid in my mind from our wedding.”

The Couple Recommends: “They were all AMAZING, but Jamie with Blue Bird Events and Weddings made it all happen. She was a dream come true, as she literally made our dream come true. She and her team went above and beyond making every last detail perfection and most of all made our day stress free! And of course Becky and Jesse with Limelife Photography. Without them and their amazing talent, we would not have these breathtaking photographs to remember our special day!”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Limelife Photography
Event Planning – Blue Bird Weddings & Events
Ceremony Venue – Hidden Meadow at Mount Crested Butte
Reception Venue – Uley’s Cabin
Catering – Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Cake – The Local Market
Live Music – Todd Blythe
Invitations – Wood Chick
Hair Styling – Mandy Perusek
Wedding Dress – Pronovias
Bridal Accessories – Rosy Posy Designs
Groom’s Apparel – J.Crew
Transportation – Alpine Express Shuttle
Rentals – Crested Butte Events

Thanks Limelife Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with Junebug! For more Colorado wedding inspiration, don’t miss Laura and Mark’s fall elopement in Colorado.

British Wedding with Kalabari After-Party

September 23, 2014 | Junebug Weddings

champagne gray kelly green yellow

We’ve got a fun wedding to share today! Victoria & Sotonte decided their day should reflect their heritage along with their fun personalities, hence their traditional British ceremony and wildly fun Kalabari after-party. All beautifully captured by Pixies in the Cellar, Victoria & Sotonte’s special day captured the beauty of two cultures coming together to celebrate love. Enjoy!

The Couple: Victoria & Sotonte

The Wedding Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Church Harrogate

The Inspiration: “I would describe our wedding as a very simple, elegant and traditional British wedding during the day followed by a chaotic Kalabari party in the evening.”

Vendor Recommendations from the Couple:

“The professionals I would recommend would be Pixies in the Cellar and the staff at Rudding who dealt with a very chaotic wedding trying to co-ordinate two very different cultures and lots of guests and last minute changes but they dealt with everything that was thrown at them with professionalism and a smile. Rudding Park ensured that every detail was perfect and stress free and Pixies in the Cellar captured every moment of our day in a way that reflects who we are as a couple.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Pixies in the Cellar
Ceremony Venues – St. Joseph’s Church Harrogate
Reception Venue – Rudding Park
Floral Designer – Lizzie Reynolds at Tigerlilly
Officiant – Fr Neil Byrne
Catering – Rudding Park
Cake – Marks and Spencers
Wedding Dress – Juston Alexander
Hairstylist – Unity Hair Pudsey Leeds
DJ – Hi Life Entertainment
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Twobirds
Groom’s Apparel – Ottavio Nuccio Gala
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Moss Bros
Live Music – Event Music Company
Transportation – Ostler
Favors – Charbonnel et Walker
Rentals – Simply Bows and Chair Covers
Rings – Rennie and Co Hatton Garden
Caricaturist – Paul Flatley

Thanks so much to Victoria & Sotonte for sharing your fun wedding with us! For more after-party inspiration for your wedding, check out Katrina & Brandon’s Intimate Moroccan Inspired Wedding and Surprise Dance Party Reception!

How to Choose Your Signature Cocktail – Expert Advice and Recipes from Oregon Bartending Service Mint and Mirth

July 11, 2014 | lexi

Choosing the perfect libations to celebrate your big day can be daunting, especially if you’re trying to please a big crowd. Luckily, we spoke with Joni Whitworth from the award-winning Portland, Oregon bartending service, Mint & Mirth, who gave us some insider tips as well as yummy recipes for trendy and tasty cocktails. These summery drinks are all twists on classics and are sure to start your reception off with a kick!

“The Early Picnic” Signature Cocktail:

2 oz tequila
3/4 oz meyer lemon shrub
1/4 oz lime juice

What advice do you have for couples selecting their signature cocktails?

Joni: If your budget is relatively tight, consider selecting just one light (vodka, rum, gin) and one dark (whiskey, bourbon, etc.). You’re sure to please nearly everyone! If you have kids and teen guests, remember that most cocktails can be made into mocktails by substituting juice or soda for alcohol. That way kids and teens can still feel like they are part of the action. Also, check out distilleries in your local area. Tell them you are getting married and want to design cocktails for your wedding, you may be able to get a free tour and tasting!

“Change Your Clocks” Signature Cocktail:

1 1/2 oz Hendricks gin
3/4 oz mint shrub
topped with sparkling limeade
add a lime wheel garnish

“Fresh Cut” Signature Cocktail:

1 1/2 oz gin
1/4 oz green chartreuse
3/4 oz lemon juice
dash of rhubarb bitters
tonic
add a lemon peel garnish

What are some of the trendiest ingredients in wedding cocktails this season?

Joni: Last summer I made variations on Meyer lemon drinks, such as Meyer lemon margaritas, Meyer lemon gin and tonics, and Bee’s Knees. This summer, I’m crafting my clients’ wedding menus around herbs, such as our tangerine thyme margarita.

“Miss Margarita” Signature Cocktail:

1 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz cointreau
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz peach shrub
add a salt rim or dash of jacobsen salt

“Cherry Blossom” Signature Cocktail:

3/4 oz Luxardo
1 oz brandy
1/2 oz green chartreuse
garnish with cherry

What advice do you have for couples who are trying to find a wedding bartending service as professional and unique as Mint and Mirth?

Joni: I would advise them to spend an extra 10-20 minutes of up-front research. Reading up about potential cocktail catering companies will answer common questions and give you some insight as to that company’s style and process. The person you work with should have excellent manners, be prompt, communicate clearly, and have a list of references you can contact. Lastly, always put everything in writing!

“Northern Fjord” Signature Cocktail:

1 oz brandy
1/2 oz aquavit
1/2 oz orange juice
1/2 oz lime juice
1/4 oz grenadine
add an orange peel garnish

What is a go-to drink that is always a crowd-pleaser at weddings?

Joni: I love to make a nice Rhubarb Gin and Tonic or a Kentucky Mule. These are simple, fast drinks that are exceptionally easy to make, yet have a big aesthetic impact!

The Photo Shoot Team:

Shoot concept and cocktails by Mint & Mirth
Photography: Myles Katherine
Floral: Bella Bloom Floral
Design: CK Wedding and Event Design
Venue: Commissary Cafe
Hair and Makeup: Gina Campbell
Gowns: Lena Medoyeff

Many thanks to Joni Whitworth from Mint & Mirth for these delicious recipes, advice and for sharing this adorable shoot. Happy Friday, Junebugs!

Photographers

Planners

Videographers

Venues

Florists

All Vendors

Searching for

WEDDING BLOG

This St. Lucia Elopement Brilliantly Mixes Luxury and Minimalism

Casual Minimalist Wedding at Sky Gallery

3 Glam Bridal Looks for Any Wedding Style

Stylish Mountain Engagement at Mount Rainier National Park

Tuscan Inspired Wedding at Sassafras Springs Vineyard

Rustic Bohemian Wedding at Elodie Farm

Floral Inspired Wedding at Pharsalia in Virginia

Rustic Crested Butte Wedding

British Wedding with Kalabari After-Party

How to Choose Your Signature Cocktail – Expert Advice and Recipes from Oregon Bartending Service Mint and Mirth

Wedding Vendors

Photographers

Planners

Videographers

Advertise With Us

Junebug Member Blogs

Published on Junebug?