With a 13th-century palace venue, an owl ring bearer, and an overall “Game of Thrones” vibe—Cynthia and Loic’s Dalhousie Castle wedding is an old-world dream come to life! The couple initially planned to get married in France, but after laying their eyes on the riverside estate, it was love at first sight. There was no question that they’d found the perfect venue for their happily ever after.
Complete with a handfasting and quaich ceremony, the pair was adamant that their wedding would incorporate Scottish traditions, but with a unique twist. On top of the gorgeous and moody aesthetic, their attire was on point, and it’s definitely a must-see! Loic rocked a vintage three-piece suit while Cynthia was stunning in her long sleeve gown with embellished bodice and faux fur shrug.
They achieved this exquisite affair with the help of their trusted vendor team, every step of the way. And thankfully, Junebug member Sean Bell was there to capture every well-thought-out detail that filled their special day. After one peak at these photos, we guarantee you’ll spend the entire day daydreaming about your own fairytale castle wedding.
We were looking for a place to get married in France. But we couldn’t find anything that suited us. Later, we came across a video showing a French couple who had gone to get married in Scotland. This was the trigger for us. We’ve always been drawn to this beautiful country. I don’t know how to explain it. So, seeing that it was possible to get married in Scotland, we talked and found out how to make it possible. That’s when we came across our planner, Gabrielle Plasman’s page. From there, there was no more doubt.
Why They Chose To Get Married In Dalhousie Castle
We saw Dalhousie Castle on our planner’s Instagram. We liked the castle very much, and the chapel for the ceremony seemed perfect. We also noticed the possibility of having the wedding rings delivered by the resident owl Bonnie. We found this idea really beautiful. And also, the place is not far from Edinburgh, so it was perfect for guests to arrive at the venue quite easily. We wanted a romantic atmosphere, an “old world” aspect, with Scottish traditions—handfasting with the ribbon in the colors of the Ramsay clan that owned the castle and the quaich.
Incorporating Scottish Traditions While Personalizing Their Ceremony
The celebrant gave us ceremony models he had made for other weddings, and I changed them to fit us. I wrote when we would exchange our vows, when we would receive our rings, and when we would do handfasting and quaich. So while he was reading the ceremony, I recognized my own words. It was a little strange, but at the same time, I was a little less stressed since I knew the order in which it was going to take place. The most memorable part was undoubtedly the ceremony. In particular, the exchange of our vows was intense and full of emotions and love.
A Unique Ceremony Surprise By The Castle’s Resident Owl
The whole day was perfect. The ceremony left the biggest impression on us. What we liked the most was seeing our guests’ reactions when our rings were delivered by the magnificent owl of the castle, Bonnie. We didn’t tell anyone to keep the effect of surprise. No one expected it, and it was funny to hear our guests say wow when they saw her make her entrance.
Choosing Attire That Complemented The Venue And Old World Vibe
We wanted a style that matched the venue and vibe we were going for—old-world and romantic. Loic chose a midnight blue suit with embroidered details and a beautiful brooch. For my dress, I chose a dress with a beautiful volume and glittery details under the tulle of my dress, a pretty train with a long veil. My makeup and hairstyle tied into the “game of thrones” vibe. I also had a faux fur bolero, strengthening the GOT aspect a little. All that was missing was our wolf. (We have a wolf dog.)
Themed DIY Vow Books And Labels
I made our vows books myself because we couldn’t find what we wanted. So I bought blank black notebooks and forest green ribbon. I wrote on the notebook myself with gold felt and made a white and gold wax seal with our two initials. I also made the labels to stick on the guests’ whisky flasks, always in the theme of forest green and gold.
Advice From The Newlyweds
The most crucial aspect of this journey was having our closest loved ones with us, and we are so grateful that they did. And thanks to our wedding team, we enjoyed every minute of it. We recommend that other couples plan ahead to avoid too much stress and have enough time to find the best vendors. Additionally, it would be ideal if you hire a wedding planner.
Congratulations to Loic and Cynthia on their Dalhousie Castle wedding infused with Scottish traditions, classic attire, and a whole lot of personality. It truly has us dreaming of a castle celebration—who’s with us? Whether you want a small affair or a big soiree, you can make finding the perfect fairytale venue a breeze by checking out our guide to hunting down the perfect wedding location.
Are you on the hunt for the most romantic place to say your precious vows? The key is to pick a location that holds your most priceless memories. And when your childhood home is a breathtaking estate with expansive grounds, manicured gardens, and lush landscaping, you’ve got the perfect wedding venue. This was the case for Maria and Gilberto when they decided to host their big day at their family’s picturesque property. By using a dreamy color palette, lush florals, feathery pampas, and earthy luxe decor—it would be an understatement to say that they didn’t hold back in making their dream Coahuila wedding a reality.
They decked out every entryway of the property with dramatic arches and lined the walkway to their garden ceremony with lush arrangements on pillars. Meanwhile, their grand marquee reception featured tablescapes filled with opulent centerpieces, rattan pendant lights and pampas clouds, and suspended fabric streamers. Thanks to their talented vendor team, there was no shortage of show-stopping elements at every turn. On top of the jaw-dropping aesthetic, they kept the party vibe going with live music and drinking games. It’s no wonder the celebration lasted until 3 AM!
Keep scrolling to see every luxurious detail captured by Junebug member David Lack to know exactly what we’re talking about. We guarantee you’ll want to spend all day scrolling through these amazing photos.
The Couple:
Maria and Gilberto
The Wedding:
Coahuila, Mexico
How Their Coahuila Wedding Came To Be
I always dreamt of having my wedding in my house. The style was country-elegant, with lush florals, all in autumn colors. It matched perfectly as it was in a garden, and the leaves started turning into fall colors. The dance floor was hand-painted in the same colors, and we had rattan lamps hanging from the canopy, lined with hanging fabric streamers.
Having Loved Ones Participate In Their Ceremony
The priest who married us was my teacher in high school, so we were close, and he knew all my bridesmaids. He asked two of them to write a few words for us. Since they are my two best friends, they spoke beautifully about us and brought everyone to tears. He also asked our parents and grandmas to talk during the ceremony, which really moved us.
How The Festive Vibe Kept The Party Going Until 3 AM
The mood of the whole party was awesome. Everybody danced the entire day and night. Everyone looked so happy for us, and we were. For our first dance, we chose the song “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay because that spoke to us since the first time we heard it, and dancing it in front of the people we love was just amazing. It was a day-long wedding that lasted until 3 AM!
Giving Each Other Meaningful Gifts
I had a men’s watch my late grandma bought ten years ago as a present for one of my uncles, but she didn’t give it to him. She gave it to my mother to save for a special occasion. My now husband is a watch lover, so I gave it to him that day. He loved it. We also exchanged handwritten letters for us to read as we were getting ready.
Advice From The Newlyweds
Our advice: try to stay calm. It sounds simple, but it’s the best advice. We trusted our wedding planner, and it made everything easier. We realized that if something wasn’t perfect, we wouldn’t be able to fix it, so we didn’t stress at all.
Congratulations to Maria and Gilberto on their elegant Coahuila wedding. And a special shout out to Junebug member David Lack for capturing all the swoon-worthy details and festive vibe. To see more beautiful luxurious weddings like this, check out his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
An experienced team is crucial when putting together a lavish event like this. Whether you go all out or add just a hint of glam, the right team will ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. Lucky for you, you’re just one click away from the top wedding vendors from around the world.
Image by Savanna Sturkie. Keep scrolling for our 12-month wedding planning timeline.
You’re now officially engaged. Congratulations! After you’ve shared the good news with your loved ones and given yourselves time to bask in newly-engaged glory, it’s time to start the wedding planning. This year-long journey involves many details—from finding your vendors to writing your vows—and it is no easy feat. But with the right systems in place, the time leading up to your wedding can be exciting, not stressful. And luckily for you, we broke down the 12-month process into an easy-to-navigate wedding planning timeline.
A wedding timeline is crucial to ensure everything goes according to plan. It also holds you accountable for completing all tasks on your to-do list at the right time. Depending on priority, availability, and requirements, some should be completed at the very beginning, while others can wait until closer to your wedding day. We’ll begin our timeline from the 12-month mark. But if you have a shorter engagement, write the tasks down in order of priority, and adjust the timeline to fit your schedule.
You’ll lay the foundation for your wedding preparations during these initial months. We can’t stress enough how crucial it is to begin by setting your budget before considering anything else. Your budget will help narrow down the list of venues to consider, dictate how large your guest list can be, and help you prioritize what’s most important to you and your fiancé. Because talking about money has the potential to be stressful, we highly recommend making a date night of it with dinner at home, a bottle of wine, and a totally open mind.
Once you hammer out those all-important numbers, you can move on to more fun things, like creating your mood board, touring venues, and researching vendors. The key in this 10-12 month timeframe is to align your values and expectations and do your research so the rest of the planning process can be smooth sailing. Here are some of the big-picture items you should start getting checked off your list:
Figure out what type of wedding planner is best for you and hire a planner that will fit your needs
Browse our lists of the best wedding vendors around the world to research wedding photographers, wedding videographers, bands and/or DJs, caterers, florists, and rental companies
You’ve spent the last four months setting your budget, creating a vision for your day, deciding who will stand beside you, and doing tons of vendor research. Now is the best time to hire your photographer and videographer as soon as possible since they book up quickly. Consider arranging an engagement session. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer, practice being in front of the camera, and capture this unforgettable time in your relationship forever.
This 8-9 month window is also when you’ll focus on guest-specific tasks, such as creating a wedding website, registering for gifts, and reserving hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Since guest lists are one of the most challenging elements of wedding preparation, continue to work on them to decide if you want to stagger invites to narrow down your list. Junebug Tip: Find the perfect design suite and elegantly communicate with your wedding guests every step of the way with Lovebird. Do this 8–9 months before the wedding:
Now that you’ve got many big decisions crossed off your list, you’ll be focusing on assembling your vendor team, choosing wedding day fashion, and announcing the wedding with save-the-dates in the next several months. You must finalize your guest list because everything from here on out depends on knowing how many guests to plan for.
If you get too overwhelmed with that decision, remember the end goal and start thinking about that honeymoon. This is the perfect time to research honeymoon destinations around the world and decide if you want your honeymoon to be full of adventure or straight-up relaxation. Here’s what to do 6-7 months before the wedding:
Finalize your wedding guest list and compile the list of addresses in a spreadsheet
Buy your wedding invitations (if not already bought last month)
You’re officially more than halfway through the wedding planning process—congratulations! Now is the time when most of your details will start to fall into place, so be prepared for a whirlwind of decision making. You’ll want to set everything up for the rehearsal dinner, including deciding who will be invited so you can prepare invitations.
You’ll also want to focus on your bridal look by setting up your first dress fitting and getting your groom’s look squared away. As a reward for making so many decisions, now is also the time to eat all the cake so you can pick the perfect flavor and start thinking about your bridal shower and the bachelorette/bachelor parties. Decide who you want to invite to each event, and then start putting together inspiration to create your perfect party looks. 4-5 months before your wedding, you have to:
Do a cake tasting and order your cake
Check on the status of your wedding invitations (if staggering, send your first round of invitations now)
At three months out, it’s time to cross off some of those tiny details that can easily get overlooked, such as finalizing your food and printing menus and ordering favors. Trust us. You’ll be glad you got these little things out of the way so you can focus on bigger details in the coming months. Since there are fewer big-ticket items to book or buy, this is also the perfect time to plan your wedding ceremony.
Schedule a night to choose your ceremony readings together. Find readings that speak to you as a couple and reflect your feelings about love and marriage. Then, when you meet with your officiant to plan the rest of the ceremony, discuss other ways you want to make your ceremony personal, and ask for advice if you’re feeling stuck. The ceremony is, after all, the most important moment of the wedding day, so take as much time as you need this month to make sure it will be exactly what you’ve envisioned. Here’s what to do three months before the wedding:
Work with your caterer to finalize the menu for your reception dinner
The time has finally come to send all of your wedding invitations. Since this isn’t quite crunch time yet, use this month to meet with or get in touch with all of your vendors to ensure everyone is still on the same page and send as many final payments as possible.
We recommend meeting with your photographer to discuss day-of planning and final questions. You’ll also need to meet with your DJ or live band to finalize the playlist and provide them with songs you do and don’t want to play during the reception. Then it’s time to party! You’ve earned every bit of relaxation and fun your wedding party has in store, so live it up at the bach parties and let the stress of wedding planning melt away for the night (or the entire weekend). Next month is crunch time, so rest up now! Do this two months before the wedding:
Send out your wedding invitations (or a second round of wedding invitations, if staggering)
Meet with your photographer to discuss wedding day plans
Review the playlist with the DJ or band and give them your “don’t play” and “must play” lists
You’re officially one month away from the best day of your life, and this is the month that all of those details that are still on your to-do list will be checked off. Most importantly: get your marriage license. Laws vary from state to state and country to country on how far out you need to get your license, so make sure you know the ins and outs of making everything legal.
In addition, you’ll want to schedule your final dress fitting and buy all the accessories you need, decide if you’re going to change into a reception dress (and buy one if you do), create your wedding day timeline, create your seating chart, and buy gifts for everyone on your list. You should also have received lots of RSVPs by now, so update your spreadsheet, call anyone you have yet to hear from, and prepare a final list for the caterer. Here’s what to do one month before the wedding:
Get your marriage license
Have your last dress fitting and buy your accessories (veil, jewelry, lingerie, and shoes)
As you get into the right mindset for your wedding day, there are just a few last-minute things to cross off your list or delegate to your loved ones. This week, spend your time circling back with vendors, the wedding party, and any other family or friends who need to be in the loop to ensure everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what to do on the wedding day. You’ll need to get the final guest count to the caterers and plan for day-of payments.
We recommend filling out checks and putting them in marked envelopes that you can easily hand off to your coordinator. Then, finally, it’s time to indulge in some last-minute relaxation, packing for the honeymoon, and getting everything together, so you’re feeling your absolute best come your wedding morning. Here’s what to do one week before the wedding:
Check in with all your vendors one last time and ensure they have the wedding day timeline
Delegate any last-minute tasks to friends and family
Send your wedding day timeline to everyone in the wedding party
Send the final guest list to the caterer
Break in your wedding ceremony and reception shoes
Ensure you have checks ready for day-of payments and vendor tips in clearly labeled envelopes
Book a day at the spa
Pack for your honeymoon
Schedule a date night for you and your fiancé to de-stress before the wedding day
Review our tips for feeling your best on your wedding day
Your only responsibility on your wedding day is to be fully present and enjoy every minute of the day. All the details are planned, you’ve handed off your phone and email to a friend or family member, and your planner or coordinator has everything under control. You just need to bask in the glow of being pampered, spending the day with everyone you love, and marrying your best friend.
Now that you’re home from the honeymoon, there are just a few loose ends to tie up before you settle into newlywed life. Don’t worry. There are few things left to do. The most important is circling back with all your vendors to ensure everyone has received their payment. If you have any outstanding balances, this would be the time to pay them all off.
Then you can move on to more important things, like opening gifts you received on the wedding day and sending “thank you” notes. To ensure you remember everybody, we recommend using your guest list spreadsheet to note all the gifts you received. That way, all the information is in one place when you start writing notes. Here are the last few things to wrap up after the honeymoon:
Take advantage of registry discounts to buy any registry items you didn’t receive
Officially change your name (if you choose to do so)
Research life insurance plans and figure out the right coverage for your relationship
It can be tempting to begin planning your wedding as soon as you are engaged. How far in advance you start planning for your big day will determine how long it takes. Some couples decide to have a lengthy engagement, while others could be ready to tie the knot right away. There’s no need to rush into planning if your wedding is more than a year away.
Planning your wedding is a huge undertaking, so don’t try to do it all at once. You want to remember your wedding as an incredible and beautiful time in your life, not as a stressful one. And our 12-month wedding planning timeline will allow you to sit back and enjoy the process.
From pandemic lockdowns to hurricanes, Susan and Madison faced quite a few challenges when planning their wedding. Initially hoping for a micro wedding in Scotland, the two had to stay closer to home due to COVID, opting for an Asheville wedding. But when Hurricane Ian was supposed to hit three days before their big day, they were forced to change plans yet again, leading them to their Citizen Vinyl nuptials that were effortlessly cool and casual.
Taking on most of the planning themselves, their special day was full of DIY touches. From signage to colorful pampas grass that acted as their ceremony backdrop to custom corn hole boards, every detail was carefully curated by the two newlyweds. Even their stunning wedding attire was custom-made by Angela Kim Couture–talk about unique!
Despite all the changes, the vinyl pressing facility was turned into their dream wedding venue in a pinch. So if you’re looking for modern, colorful wedding inspiration or you can’t get enough of a good DIY project, you’re going to want to see these photos, all beautifully captured by Nathan Rivers Chesky.
Custom Coordinating Attire For Their Asheville Wedding
We were incredibly fortunate to have our dream wedding attire custom-made by Angela Kim Couture. Neither of us saw one another’s attire until our first look, but Angela made sure we coordinated, although we have two different styles. We worked with Angela for months iterating on our perfect fit, and we could not have been happier!
COVID And A Hurricane Changed Their Plans
After getting engaged in November of 2019, we had planned to have a destination wedding with a small group of family and friends in an estate in Scotland, but COVID interrupted those plans. However, we were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be married in Asheville with even more family and friends by our side. Our original plans were an outdoor wedding with an incredible circle across a bridge, a pavilion for dinner, an open lawn area for yard games and food trucks, and a small amphitheater with a fire pit for s’mores and stargazing. We selected gem tones for our color palette, dried pampas and flowers, rich rugs, and soft seating areas strategically placed to have a warm cozy feeling among the beautiful fall landscape. Fast forward to three days before the wedding, and Hurricane Ian decides to make a path straight for Asheville. We were forced to move our wedding indoors and found Citizen Vinyl to host our event. We quickly sprinted into creative mode, where we transformed a vinyl pressing facility/coffee & cafe bar into our dream wedding.
Advice From The Couple
Plan, plan, plan. Ensure you book the food vendors you want months ahead of time. Always have a backup plan if your wedding is outdoors. Carefully interview wedding planners and make sure they are not just day of coordinators. And if you do select day of coordination, ensure they have enough staff to make your day effortless. Additionally, make sure you have time with your significant other (even just for 5 minutes) alone before the ceremony or immediately after just to be still in the moment as a married couple before joining all your loved ones. We will never forget that time right before our ceremony when we meditated and reflected upon our journey from then until now, living that moment in such gratitude that our day had finally arrived to be married.
The DIY Touches That Brought The Day Together
We DIY’d most of our favors and created our own signage and labels, but the thing we are most proud of is we DIY’d our own florals, from the large arrangements to the small ones. We procured all of our own dried pampas and flowers, candles and stands, all the decor, etc. We also made our invitations. Susan’s Dad also made custom corn hole boards with mountains landscape and custom ring toss games that were a huge hit at the wedding.
The Biggest Surprise Of The Day? Wedding Crashers
We had wedding crashers! We have always heard about this but didn’t know if it really happens, but we can verify it does. There was a sign outside Citizen Vinyl that said “Closed for Private Event,” yet two (what appeared to be tourists) waltzed into our reception, proceeded to visit the pretzel cart, and began shoving pretzels in their mouths. When approached by our officiant and asked, “So which one of the brides are you here for?” they both quickly looked at one another and said, “Both?” Our officiant knew immediately they were wedding crashers and politely asked them to leave. They had to be asked several times with some sternness but finally left. Madison and I saw them leaving, and they did not look happy. We laughed and were amused, and it makes a great story and memory!
Congratulations again to Susan and Madison on their Citizen Vinyl Asheville wedding! We’re so thankful that Nathan Rivers Chesky was there to capture the beauty of the day. If you’re looking to add some DIY touches to your own special day just like these two, be sure to check out our DIY wedding guide to help you nail yours!
Colorful weddings have taken the industry by storm, and it’s a trend that we don’t see going anywhere anytime soon. And Deana and Ross’s colorful Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam destination wedding is just one example of why it’s so popular. With pastel blooms and an abundance of greenery in the heart of the botanical garden, their special day was the perfect balance of natural and whimsical.
Surrounded by 35 of their closest loved ones who made the trip across the world to celebrate them, the pair said “I do,” surrounded by a sea of baby’s breath and roses in various colors, in a ceremony that can only be described as magical. After they exchanged vows, they hopped on a boat cruise for their cocktail hour to soak up the incredible views of the city’s canals. The two ended the night with an intimate dinner with their friends and family and a golden hour champagne tower–the perfect way to “cheers” their way into married life.
So, if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in a faraway place and you’re looking for inspiration, you’re going to want to see these photos beautifully captured by Kim Captein.
A Custom Wedding Gown For A Bride Who’s Worked In The Industry For Years
I’ve worked in the bridal industry for ten years, so finding a wedding gown was incredibly difficult for me (I’ve seen too much). We didn’t focus on anything traditional for our wedding, and I really wanted something unique. I ended up with a one-of-a-kind, custom-made Christian Siriano gown that I found at Loved Twice in Beverly Hills. I loved that it was something so different and sustainable. I’m also a lover of dramatic sleeves.
Why They Chose A Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Destination Wedding
The Hortus Botanicus is a breathtaking venue, and we immediately fell in love with it. It’s incredibly charming at almost 400 years old and houses so many rare and old plant species! We love gardening in our spare time, so this was a great fit for us. We wanted a playful yet timeless wedding that had an organic, elegant touch (think muted tones with pops of color). Because the venue is a historic, gorgeous botanic garden, we really wanted to bring out its beauty.
A Surprise From The Officiant That Left Everyone In Tears
During our relationship, we’ve moved a lot, visited so many places, and did long-distance for months at a time. Our amazing wedding officiant included this in our ceremony and created a visual “timeline” of our relationship by adding the flags of all of the different cities/countries to a long ribbon and ended it by saying she couldn’t wait to see where we go next. It was so thoughtful and special–we had no idea she was going to do any of that! I looked around the room, and half of our guests were in tears!
Traveling Post-Pandemic & Including Women Vendors Made For A Memorable Day
After the pandemic, travel restrictions were so back-and-forth, and we had no idea if we were going to be able to celebrate our wedding as planned. The fact that we celebrated safely, with our loved ones, and without restriction felt amazing after a long period of uncertainty. I also want to note that most of our wedding vendors were badass women (some in traditionally male-dominated roles) who helped make our day so memorable!
Congratulations to Deana and Ross on their stunning Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam destination wedding. And thank you to Kim Captein for capturing every mesmerizing detail. If you’ve dreamed of your very own destination wedding but you’re unsure of where to begin, check out our guide, where we break down everything you need to know–from marriage requirements to finding your dream vendors!
Will and Vijay wanted an intimate and carefree big day, so an elegant boho Quinta de Sao Thiago wedding was perfect for them. It was important for the couple to center their celebration in nature. And by relying on their trusted vendor team, they pulled off a stunning setup using an earthy color palette, dreamy arrangements of pampas and blooms, and rustic chic decor.
Set on the grounds of a 16th-century country house nestled in the heart of the Sintra mountains, the pair chose the perfect location to host a magical weekend with their closest loved ones. In a shady spot in the garden, the couple exchanged vows underneath the trees. Following their intimate ceremony, guests enjoyed the picturesque views of rolling hills and the lush woodland at the poolside reception. Meanwhile, crystal chandeliers hanging over the tablescape elevated the whimsical vibe of the outdoor setting.
The inviting atmosphere and ethereal aesthetic made the day absolutely magical. Every part of this beautiful day was meticulously planned, and thankfully Junebug member It’s All About captured all of it. So scroll on to see all the gorgeous details up close—from the pampas installation to the rattan peacock chairs and woven charger plates—and find your favorite ideas for your own boho-inspired outdoor affair.
Will and I wanted an informal, relaxed, and carefree day with a small guest list. Nature was a big part of our plans, and we wanted to incorporate the beautiful surroundings as much as possible. We knew we wanted to get married abroad and have always loved Portugal. We used a venue finder based in Portugal who sent us the details for the Quinta de Sao Thiago, along with a video. We decided to visit on a trip and fell in love with the place. Our venue was perfect—the extraordinary scenery and accommodations and had everything we could require. We wanted a family-friendly wedding, and we are so happy that our nephews, nieces, and friends’ children all added their own special part to our day. There wasn’t a single aspect of our wedding that we did not love, from the delicious brunch and outdoor seating to the cake and sparklers. All of it was marvelous.
Trusting Their Planner To Create A Memorable And Stunning Ceremony Setting
Our most memorable moment was the actual wedding ceremony. We let our wedding planner create the setting and atmosphere for our ceremony with just a few details of what we had in mind. It was beyond what we expected and was a secret, as both Will and I had not seen the setting beforehand. It was breathtaking for us both, and one of our guests compared it to a movie scene. Our time capsule was a wonderful addition to the celebration, filled with beautiful wine from Portugal and handwritten messages from our guests. We intend to open this on our anniversary, drink the wine, and read the lovely messages.
Choosing Attire That Lets Their Personalities Shine Through
Vijay wanted to celebrate his Indian heritage, so he wore a traditional sherwani, and his family wore Indian suits. I wore a relaxed, informal suit, and we told our guests to wear whatever was comfortable. Some dressed up for the occasion others wore shorts and flip-flops.
How They Created Their Wedding Budget
We had a budget in mind and tried as hard as possible to stick to it. We always kept in mind that there were extra things that we didn’t think of, so using a wedding budget planner can help. We kept costs down as much as possible by completing some stuff ourselves, like our wedding invites.
Advice From The Newlyweds
For us, it was more than a wedding. It brought our closest family and friends together to help celebrate our partnership and enjoy a weekend with us. And everyone involved in our wedding needs to be congratulated on providing us with the wedding of our dreams. Our advice to other couples who are just starting their wedding planning journey: the day will come, and it will be a blur. So remember to pause and take in every moment if you can!
One of the first big decisions when it comes to planning your wedding is decorating your venue according to your vision. Whether you’re looking to add a few special touches or want to go all out with your chosen theme, use our decor guide, along with the expert advice of your trusted team, to help you get started.
Despite a downpour the morning of their wedding day, Grace and James decided to nix plan B and embraced the elements. The unpredictable weather couldn’t keep them from celebrating their love in the most beautiful way possible with their closest loved ones. Complete with stunning pop-up glamping tents, a traditional South-African braai, and lush florals in homage to the groom’s family protea farm, every detail of their three-daySunwolf wedding day was simply magical.
Armed with chic clear umbrellas, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of their friends and family. Following their ceremony among the trees, their guests were treated to a marquee reception. From the towering florals to the tea lights in hanging glass terrariums and the canopy of string lights, the pair absolutely nailed the enchanting woodland vibe.
Instead of fighting the weather, they rolled with the punches and stayed focused on one another the entire time. And these gorgeous images by Junebug members The Godard’s prove that a rainy day affair can still be dazzling. So keep scrolling to find out why rainy weddings are unique and for stunning ideas on making the most of it.
Why They Wanted A Three-Day Sunwolf Wedding Retreat
We wanted our guests to “walk into our world” with an epic three-day-long wedding retreat in the woods. The look and feel of this weekend were top of mind throughout the planning process, and we made every decision with the goal of a magical carefree experience. And Sunwolf Riverside Resort was truly an escape that provided a feeling of remoteness in a forest setting without leaving creature comforts behind.
Embracing The Rain On Their Big Day
We didn’t get bogged down in the stress of the day. We decided to embrace the elements and say our vows in the great outdoors. The rain added so much emotion to the ceremony and made the decor glisten and shimmer. Clear umbrellas were the true heroes of this day and allowed us to move forward with a beautiful ceremony in the rain without obscuring the view or interfering with photos. And now, we couldn’t even imagine our day any other way!
Keeping Guests Entertained With A Photo Booth
Instead of favors, we opted for a photo booth to provide a more personalized experience for our guests to create and keep memories. This allowed for a carefree and fun-loving atmosphere.
Congratulations to Grace and James on their rainy three-day Sunwolf wedding. And a big thank you to Junebug members The Godard’s for beautifully capturing all the special moments and incredible details, despite the weather. To see more beautiful weddings like this one, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
Because you can’t have a rainbow without a bit of rain, even the most carefully planned out wedding can encounter a few snags. But with a positive outlook, a few adjustments to your original plans, and of course, the expertise of your trusted team, a rainy wedding day can be just as spectacular and magical.
Drawing inspiration from the gardens of Tuscany, Morgan and Chris brought the beauty of Italy to Atlanta using a romantic color palette, show-stopping florals, and timeless ensembles. These swoon-worthy details, combined with the old-world charm of the mansion and lush greenery of the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s historical grounds, resulted in a dreamy affair to remember.
Their garden ceremony featured elegant Louis chairs and an aisle lined with ground florals, leading to a lush floral arch perfectly framing the moment the couple said their vows. Following their sweet “I dos,” they made their way to the great hall, where a stunning reception awaited. Dramatic drapery, a floral chandelier, and cascading tablescape greenery were the standout features that beautifully tied everything together.
If your idea of a dream wedding includes a gorgeous mansion surrounded by manicured gardens, then this is the perfect inspo for you. Keep scrolling to see all the exquisite details that’ll sweep you off your feet, all captured by Hellen Oliveira.
How Their Gardens Of Tuscany Inspired Atlanta Wedding Came To Be
The inspiration for our wedding came from our love of gardens and flowers. We thought of infusing the dreamy, chic, and effortless vibes of Tuscany into the design of our wedding. We knew Callanwolde would be the perfect place to bring our vision of a garden wedding to life. Our talented vendor team transformed the garden with Louis chairs, beautiful pink and cream flowers lining the aisle, and lush green foliage to the birch square arch. And for the reception, dramatic draping drew the eyes to the floral chandelier while the tables were adorned with greenery garlands and candles.
Going For Timeless And Elegant Attire For Their Atlanta Wedding
One of our favorite parts of the wedding was the fashion. “Less is more” was the motivation behind the fashion and beauty of our wedding. I chose to wear a form-fitting dress from Bridals by Aimee. It was ivory with stunning crystal detailing interwoven into the flowers on the top, and a veil from Mexico to live for. My “bride babes,” as I refer to them, wore gorgeous artichoke silk dresses with cowl neck halter tops—very chic and effortless vibes for the garden. As for Chris, he wore a clean, classic black tux custom-made from the Miguel Wilson Collection. His groomsmen wore a custom version of a classic black tux from the same collection.
Showcasing Their Caribbean Culture Through Music And Food
We wanted to infuse our cultures into the wedding because I am Trinidadian, and Chris is Jamaican. So we chose to serenade our guests during cocktail hour with a live steel drum player and added Caribbean dishes to showcase our heritage.
Advice: Pace Yourself And Trust Your Vendor Team
Before you start the planning process, pray over your spirit, as it will get tested for most. The idea is to make it to the altar, so you’d like to start as relaxed as possible. Understand that even with the best intentions, there are things that are beyond our control. Just realize that the most important thing is the union and the fact that you both are excited and willing to be one forever. That’s the beauty of it all. But definitely, your planner and the rest of your trusted vendor team will help you and your fiancé navigate this process more effortlessly.
Congratulations to Morgan and Chris on their gardens of Tuscany inspired Atlanta wedding. And a big thank you to Hellen Oliveira for capturing all the gorgeous details couples who’ve just started on their wedding planning journey can use as inspiration.
Victoria and Max wanted to take their favorite people on a literal trip down memory lane by hosting a wedding weekend at the places most significant to them. The pair also wanted their celebration to feel like an intimate night in with friends or a laid-back gathering with family for the holidays. Choosing a quaint bakery turned cocktail bar–one they considered their home away from home–as the setting for their big day, their multi-day Bread Bar wedding was exactly how they envisioned it.
To kick off their wedding weekend of nostalgia, they hosted their welcome party at their favorite restaurant. The following day, with the pair dressed to the nines, they headed to the iconic Bread Bar for a romantic and ethereal porch ceremony. Delicate florals and candles lined the aisle, while towering trees and mountains made for a breathtaking backdrop. Using the same space for a cozy reception, their small group wined and dined under the warm glow of string lights.
Their laid-back bash truly was the epitome of a relaxed and easygoing celebration, but it also featured beautiful details of an elegant affair. If you and your partner love the idea of a carefree yet stunning extended celebration, scroll through these gorgeous images captured by Mimi McCormick.
Choosing our venue was extremely easy. We’ve been going to Bread Bar since our second date. It’s been our home away from home in the mountains. It’s nestled in a quiet mountain town, with a train still running nearby to an adjacent town. It’s felt like a place out of a fairy tale for us since we first started going, and many of our guests agreed with the sentiment. As far as decor goes, we relied heavily on the aesthetic of our venue. Our welcome party venue was at our favorite restaurant, which evokes the feeling of prairie living and the old west. While our wedding venue is in an old mining town that was at one time the town’s general store, now converted into a cocktail bar.
Their Multi-Day Bread Bar Wedding Was A Literal Trip Down Memory Lane
We wanted our nearest and dearest to experience our relationship–like what a normal date night for us would be (i.e., going to our favorite restaurant, which iswhere we hosted our welcome party). We also took our guests to the place we had our second date for our ceremony. It’s a place we’ve returned to repeatedly afterward, and it feels like a second home to us. We wanted to share those personal moments between us with the people that matter most to us.
Their Ceremony Was Tailored To Showcase Their Love Story
For the ceremony, our officiant is a very good friend of ours and took the role incredibly seriously. He interviewed our guests before the big day to learn more about our relationship. He recounted memories from our past and humorous anecdotes of our formative years, taking our guests and us through the history of our lives. We succeeded in keeping the ceremony short but memorable. We allowed our guests and ourselves to enjoy the day and focus on what mattered most to us—being together in one of our favorite places.
Advice: Don’t Overthink Things And Try To Savor Every Moment
Don’t worry about the details. You’ll thank yourself if you intentionally don’t get lost in the weeds. You won’t remember who your great aunt was next to or the liquor selection served at cocktail hour. But you will remember how you felt, so choose to bask in the joy of it all and leave the stress of the logistics behind. We recommend going with your gut when making decisions about the day and simply appreciating the anticipation that comes with preparing for your marriage.
Congratulations to Victoria and Max on their laidback multi-day Bread Bar wedding. And a big thank you to Mimi McCormick for capturing all the love and beauty of their special day. Like this wedding, a relaxed celebration can still have all the stunning and elegant elements of a formal event. Make it an extended affair, and you’ve got an epic wedding weekend to remember! Make sure your multi-day wedding goes off without a hitch by checking out our planning and budget guides.
There’s something so special about exchanging heartfelt vows in a setting where so many special memories have been made. After getting engaged at the bride’s childhood home, Hannah and Lindsay knew that there was no other perfect spot to tie the knot than the place that holds significant meaning to both of them. With stunning views of the countryside, romantic garden florals, and a few disco balls thrown in for fun, their relaxed English backyard wedding was everything they dreamed of and more!
For their marquee ceremony, the couple kept the decor simple, letting the picturesque scenery and their love be the highlight of the day. After their sweet “I dos,” they moved to the Raveningham Barn down the road for an intimate reception. With the help of their trusted vendor team, they pulled off the aesthetic they envisioned using long farmhouse tables filled with romantic garden blooms and greenery, vintage crockery, and gold cutlery. And finally, mirror balls, fairy lights, and soft draping tied the look together and added a whimsical feel to the space.
Wanting to make their big day extra special, the pair’s loved ones helped with some of the DIY wedding details—from the place cards to the guest book. Everything came together so beautifully, and thankfully, Georgia Rachael Photography was there to capture it all. Planning to get married at home? There’s nothing sweeter than hosting a wedding at a spot that holds a special place in both your hearts. Keep scrolling for backyard wedding ideas that will spark inspiration to help you plan the most memorable celebration.
The Couple:
Hannah and Lindsay
The Wedding:
Norwich, United Kingdom
How Their English Backyard Wedding Came To Be
We chose to have the ceremony in the garden of Hannah’s childhood home, where we also got engaged in January 2020. We had canapes, Pimms, and beer served in the garden from our family pub, The Tipsy Cow. The evening reception was held at Raveningham Barn down the road. We chose the barn as it is such a beautiful and intimate setting, as well as a blank canvas that we could work with. Our wedding was so much more beautiful than we ever imagined in every way possible. We were going for an intimate, relaxed English garden style with blush pinks, daisies, gold, and a hint of terracotta, plus a few disco balls thrown in for fun. Our dress code was “black tie/get dressed up to the nines.” Even though it was summer, we loved it. It just looked so lovely having everyone dressed up, and it translated so well in the photos and video.
Doing A First Touch Instead Of A First Look
We didn’t exchange gifts, but we did a “first touch,” which sounds funny. It’s like a first look, but we didn’t see each other. We stood back to back and held hands. We read each other a personal letter. This was such a special moment for us both to have with each other before the ceremony.
Personalizing Their Ceremony With A Ring Warming Ritual
We chose a celebrant wedding to have a more intimate and personal ceremony. Our lovely celebrant India FaceTimed us and provided us with a couple’s questionnaire and individual ones, plus a face-to-face meeting. India felt like an old friend by the end. She helped with many suggestions, one being a “ring warming.” Our wedding bands were tied on a ribbon and passed around to every guest. Each guest got time to say a prayer, blessing, or good thought over the rings. So the rings were “warmed” with love before we gave them to each other. We also had Hannah’s wonderful friend Amber read the poem “You are the Bubbles” by Rachel Bright.
DIY Details Were A Collective Effort From Loved Ones
We created the terracotta place cards with the help of family and friends. Hannah’s brother Douglas created the design of the table plan. Our sister-in-law Katya and friends Jodie and Esther helped create glass guest books. Our friends and family really were a blessing to us in preparation for our wedding.
Advice From The Newlyweds
Our number one piece of advice is to 100% only invite people you genuinely want there—not who your parents want or everyone and anyone’s plus ones. We had fifty-five guests, and it was perfect. Secondly, create a mood board. This helped us see the vision and style of our wedding and how it would all come together. Thirdly, the small, thoughtful details make the day special but don’t get caught up in them. Remember, everyone is there to celebrate you and this new chapter of your lives as a couple. Fourth, use Google spreadsheets for all your vendors to keep track of spending and pay everyone on time. Fifth, have your wedding cake as dessert. This saved us money and avoided waste. Plus our cake was incredible. Sixth, Have an unplugged ceremony. And finally, enjoy it—the planning and the day. Give your phone to a friend and be in the moment as the day goes so quickly.
Hiring A Coordinator Made For A Stress-Free Wedding Day
One of the most important things for us when planning our wedding is that we wanted a stress-free day that flowed as seamlessly as possible. For this, we sourced Emily Andrew Events for day-of coordination. They provided much-needed support before the wedding. No question went unanswered, and they were fantastic on the day. Highly recommend it if you are having a marquee/garden wedding or one not at a traditional wedding venue.
Congratulations to Hannah and Lindsay on their relaxed English backyard wedding. And a big thank you to Georgia Rachael Photography for capturing all the beautiful moments and stunning details they can look back on and cherish for the rest of their lives.
A backyard wedding is a sweet, sentimental, and truly one-of-a-kind way to tie the knot. But keep in mind that it still involves a fair amount of logistics to pull off, so use your team of pros for their expertise to ensure your celebration is stress-free and one for the books!
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