Your wedding day is one of the most memorable occasions of your life, and choosing the right florist can make all the difference in creating the perfect ambiance. From delicate bouquets to elegant centerpieces, flowers play a crucial role in setting the tone for your special day. However, like with any other wedding vendor, finding the ideal florist amidst a sea of options can be overwhelming.
That’s why Junebug exists. We’re here to match you with your dream vendors for your big day–including your florist. Before you find the perfect match for you, there are a few things you should know. From when to hire your wedding florist to what you can expect to pay, this is all the information you need to go into the hiring process feeling confident. We even roped in some Junebug-approved florists to give us their advice.
When Should You Hire Your Florist?
Although many weddings have been planned in the span of just a couple of months, if you want to maximize your options when it comes to vendors, we recommend starting your search as early as possible. Many vendors, including florists, book out far in advance.
When we asked Estelle of Les fleurs d’Alkonost her thoughts on the matter, this is what she had to say on the timeline, “From my experience, the best time for couples to hire their wedding florist is eight to ten months before the wedding day. It gives florists time to dive into the floral design project and get to know the client’s needs. It also gives us time to source any special furniture and vases needed to make the day memorable. The sooner you contact a florist, the better to get a high level of details curated.”
The cost of hiring a wedding florist can vary widely depending on various factors, including your location, the season, the complexity of your floral arrangements, and the florist’s experience and reputation. On average, couples typically allocate about 8-10% of their total wedding budget to flowers and decor.
When meeting with potential florists, be transparent about your budget from the outset. A skilled florist will work with you to create stunning arrangements that align with your vision while staying within your budgetary constraints. Remember to account for all aspects of floral design, including bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony decor, reception centerpieces, and any additional floral installations.
If you’re trying to make the most of your floral budget, we highly recommend repurposing your florals. Estelle agrees, saying, “Budget is often the first question we ask couples because it helps florists build a coherent design proposition from the beginning. In the last three years, flowers have become much more expensive, and floral budgets can feel overwhelming for couples. Our job is to advise couples about what’s important and where you can save costs. We always recommend having a beautiful statement floral piece to catch the eye–this piece really makes a difference as it has a “wow” effect on your guests. We also recommend, when it’s possible, to use ceremony flowers after the ceremony, moving them to another space to enjoy the flowers longer.”
How to Choose Your Wedding Flowers
Selecting the perfect color palette and flowers for your wedding is a personal decision that should reflect your style, personality, and overall theme. Here are some tips to help you navigate this creative process:
Consider your wedding theme – Whether you’re planning a whimsical outdoor wedding or a sophisticated ballroom soirée, your floral choices should complement the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Take inspiration from your venue, season, and decor to guide your color palette and flower selection.
Listen to professional advice – Don’t be afraid to lean on your florist’s expertise. They can offer valuable insights into which flowers are in season, what will work best with your chosen color scheme, and how to achieve your desired look within your budget.
Think beyond the blooms – While flowers are undoubtedly the focal point of a wedding’s floral design, don’t overlook the importance of foliage, greenery, and other botanical elements. Mixing textures and incorporating non-floral elements can add depth and visual interest to your arrangements.
Be open to alternatives – If your dream flowers are out of season or exceed your budget, be open to alternatives. Your florist can suggest similar blooms that offer a comparable look and feel while staying within your parameters.
When asked about tips for choosing flowers, Estelle said, “The tip I give to all my couples is to choose decorations that fit their personality. If you like simple things and minimalism in your everyday life, you should go for soft tones and flowers with intention. If you like colors and maximalism, then go for it! Doing so will help so that the couple doesn’t feel like they blindly followed a trend proposed by the wedding industry without really liking it. Your florist will get to know you and propose a mood board that explains the style and colors they will use on your wedding day. Try not to get too specific about flowers–your florist knows which are the best seasonal flowers to use to last all day long. ”
Junebug vendor Jessika Fragoso of Flora Wedding Studio put together a small list of questions to ask a florist before hiring them. Of course, if you have other questions in mind, feel free to ask them. But if you’re looking for a good start, try some of these out:
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? (It’s very important to see a portfolio)
How do you work the florals? (Directly in the workshop or directly in the venue?)
What do you think about the style and flower selection for the weather we’ll be in?
She also recommends putting together a meeting with your vendors (specifically the planner, rental company, and florist) to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
How Much to Tip a Wedding Florist
We understand that tipping wedding vendors may be a confusing topic. While we want to clear up any confusion for you, it’s also important to note that how much you tip your florist depends entirely on your preference and where the wedding takes place. For example, tipping is not a common practice in many international countries. That means if you’re having a destination wedding, tipping is likely not necessary.
If you’re having a wedding close to home, whether or not you tip is entirely up to you. While it is always appreciated, it’s not expected. The same can be said about the percentage that you tip. Florals can be expensive; even a ten percent tip can add up quickly. If you want to thank your florist for their hard work, choose an amount you feel comfortable with, place it in an envelope, and pass it off to your planner to give them on your wedding day.
Choosing the right wedding florist is a crucial step in bringing your floral vision to life. By following these tips and trusting in the expertise of your florist, you can create breathtaking floral arrangements that enhance the beauty and romance of your special day. To get in touch with the contact with the florist of your dreams, start with our highly-vetted directory of florists from around the world!
Izaskun and Robert had always thought an intimate Las Vegas wedding was the route they would take. However, when Robert proposed, their dreams took a different turn as they began envisioning a grand celebration. They shared their initial plan with their wedding planners, who embraced the idea of bringing a touch of Las Vegas to Spain. True to their word, their El Monasterio del Espino wedding became a vibrant affair, featuring bold colors, glittering decor, neon signs, disco balls, and even tattoos! It was a celebration that perfectly blended their original edgy idea with the grandeur of a big wedding.
This couple definitely knew how to leave a lasting impression, beginning with their outdoor ceremony. They transformed a white vintage convertible into an iconic altar, beautifully adorned with cascading red blooms. The elegance continued into the tented reception, where a unique light strip centerpiece added a touch of sophistication. And the fun didn’t end there! At the barn after-party, they danced the night away, embracing the lively disco atmosphere and keeping the party vibes alive until dawn.
If you dream of blending fun Vegas vibes with whimsical wedding charm, this celebration could be the perfect inspiration you’ve been searching for! If your wedding style leans towards the unconventional and out-of-the-box, you won’t want to miss out on scrolling through to see all the delightful details captured by Junebug vendor People Truelove Tellers.
How Two Friends Crafted a Personal and Meaningful Ceremony
For our ceremony, we were blessed to have not one but two officiants: Irati and Joy, two of our dearest friends who dedicated themselves to crafting the perfect ceremony. Their efforts paid off as they seamlessly blended funny and heartfelt anecdotes about us, making the ceremony incredibly personal and meaningful. Evidently, their words came straight from the heart, reflecting the depth of our friendship and connection.
Personalizing the Wedding Experience Through Music, Food, and Fashion
Our wedding day was super special, full of love and happiness at every turn. But what made it stand out was the live music during dinner and the after-party. It was amazing when Third Floor Rock played “Oh Darling” by The Beatles. Everyone was so into it, and it’s a memory our guests still talk about. What we’re proudest of is that we stayed true to ourselves. We did things our way, like wearing clothes from ASOS and having a vegan menu. It was a bit risky since most weddings have different food, but our guests loved it. Our wedding really showed who we are, and we’ll always remember it as a special day.
Finding Their Dream El Monasterio del Espino Wedding Venue Through Instagram
We saw El Granero de San Francisco on an Instagram post and loved it. The thing is that we had the picture, but no references about the name or location. When we started looking for venues, our wedding planners asked about what type of venues we liked. We showed them the picture of El Granero de San Francisco, and they told us they knew the place and shared all the information. A few weeks later, we visited it and fell in love with it.
Navigating Challenges Through Building Trust and Collaborating with Their Vendor Team
Trusting our suppliers and working closely with them as a team was paramount for us. We had two main goals: ensuring our suppliers could also enjoy the wedding and creating a sense of closeness among everyone involved. This approach not only led to a better end result but also made us feel supported throughout the planning process. Despite already living together, being from different parts of Spain meant we needed help finding a suitable location for our wedding. Hiring a wedding planner was a clear choice, as they could assist in organizing everything within our budget. With their guidance, we efficiently allocated our resources, allowing us to indulge in extras like tattoos while still staying within our maximum budget.
Bringing Vegas to Life Through Non-Traditional Choices
We aimed to capture the spirit of Las Vegas in our wedding, not just in the decor but also in our fashion choices. Seeking elegance with a fun touch, we opted for a non-traditional style. Despite the March cold presenting a challenge, everything fell into place perfectly. Three non-negotiables for our special day were live music, a DJ who matched our vibe, and tattoos. Third Floor Rock was an easy pick for the band after hearing them at an event during our engagement. With the help of our wedding planners, we found a DJ and tattoo artist who aligned with our vision, ensuring every aspect of our celebration reflected our personalities and love for a good time.
Keeping Everyone Cozy with Blankets
Given the chilly March weather during our wedding, we wanted to ensure our guests’ comfort. We provided blankets for everyone to combat the cold, ensuring they stayed cozy and warm throughout the celebration. It was a simple yet thoughtful gesture to ensure everyone felt comfortable and could fully enjoy the day despite the temperature.
This couple’s ability to focus on what really mattered instead of following the usual rules made their day genuine and heartfelt. The secret? Choosing a theme they loved right from the start, setting a fun tone for the day. If you’re ready to start planning your own special celebration, take a look at our planning checklist and budget guide for helpful tips and tools.
Image by Vivian Chen. Keep scrolling to see the best California wedding photographers.
Planning a wedding involves many moving parts. You’ll be juggling a million different things, but don’t fret. You’re not expected to do it alone. That’s where your vendors come into play. Ultimately, the vendors you hire will be key to bringing your dream wedding to life–and because it’s such a special day, you want to make sure you’re choosing the right ones.
This is especially true when finding a photographer. Your wedding photos will serve as an ultra-special keepsake that’ll live long beyond your wedding day. So, when it comes to starting the search, it’s not just about where they’re based or what they charge. Before you sign any contracts, ensure their aesthetic and communication style align with your vision.
For those tying the knot on the West Coast, we’ve got you covered with our top California wedding photographers in our vendor directory. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate Northern California elopement or a laid-back desert celebration in Palm Springs, here are our top picks to consider for your big day.
Photography style: A mixture of crafted imagery with journalistic embellishments to give the imagery a fine art feeling.
Good for: Couples who want their wedding photos to be authentic and natural.
Review: “Apollo Fotografie really captured the essence of our love. Andra and the team from day one made my husband and I feel at ease with the whole process. We had no doubt we made the right choice, as Andra, Liv, and the team were there every step of the way from start to finish. Andra made us feel so comfortable during our getting-ready shoot, and for that, we are so thankful because you can imagine all the nerves!! Not only did they capture the moments throughout our big day, they made the whole process so much fun. Can’t thank Apollo Fotografie enough for capturing our love in photographs that we’ll always cherish. They are one of the best wedding photographers in San Francisco hands down.”
Photography style: Photojournalism with keen attention to detail.
Good for: Couples dreaming of a photographer who prioritizes authentic moments and focuses less on getting the perfect curated shot.
Review: “Cassie is so passionate about her work and made our day extremely special! We felt very comfortable working with her, and she had us all laughing, smiling, and relaxed the day of our wedding. Her close attention to detail leading up to the wedding day made us feel very well taken care of and significant. She communicated with us quickly and regularly and walked us through every step of what our day would look like. We, our families, and friends are overjoyed with the quality of photos she took and edited. Cassie is a true professional, and we cannot recommend her enough to everyone considering her for your wedding day, engagement photos, and all other special occasions!”
Photography style: Fusion of photojournalism and fashion(-ish) photography with a good dose of humor and quirkiness.
Good for: Unconventional couples that don’t want boring wedding images that everyone else has. Those wanting a photographer who spends time getting to know what’s most important to you while capturing real, honest, and unforced wedding images
Review: “Sarah was great to work with. We initially met over video call to meet with her, and she got a feel for our wedding style and what we were looking for in terms of which photo ops had the highest priority. On the day of, she and another photographer met at our respective getting ready locations and then continued to document our day with great professionalism and timeliness. We got all the important shots (portraits), and the candids were great as well. Lots of pictures of happy faces. We included our dogs for our ceremony, and we can’t thank Sarah enough for her patience in getting them to look in the direction of the camera. Overall, great work and lovely pics. Thanks, Sarah!”
Good for: Couples with a passion for travel and nature.
Review: “Where do I begin? Vivian photographed our September wedding in Sonoma, and every picture is STUNNING! We love the portraits, but her candids are what really took things over the top. All of our guests look like they’re glowing in her photos! She truly captured the joy of the day. I could not stop smiling while scrolling through our gallery. She went above and beyond to include a photo of all of our guests. Vivian is super cool. She made sure everyone was comfortable, and she kept things on time on the wedding day. We were tight one time, but she got my “getting ready” pictures done in minutes. You would never know by looking at them what a short timeframe she had. Vivian already had a strong working relationship with our wedding videographer. That partnership made things run smoothly from a logistical perspective, but more importantly, it showed how respected Vivian is in the industry. We’re so happy we booked her for our big day!! You won’t be disappointed working with Vivian.”
Good for: Couples that don’t want typical posed wedding photos.
Review: “We could not be more grateful for Julia! First, she is extremely communicative and punctual. You never realize how important this is until you deal with vendors who aren’t! Second, she has a true knack for lighting, posing, and capturing the scenery around you. She knows what angles best compliment you, and her creative mind allows her to capture the most stunning photos- the ones you see in magazines! She’s adventurous and has no fears, which means she’s ready to go anywhere: the edge of that cliff, in that freezing cold water, over that chasm, into that cave- you name it, she’s up for it! Finally, Julia is genuinely kind. This is very important, as it makes you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Whether it’s your first experience or you are a pro, she dampers the anxiety and makes it an unforgettable and fun experience. It was a pleasure working with such a talented and friendly soul.”
Photography style: Vivid, sincere, and timeless storytelling.
Good for: Couples who envision soft, romantic wedding photos.
Review: “Tori and Remi were a Godsend as soon as we began searching for a wedding photographer. They were able to meet us ahead of time and allowed us to customize a package that was perfect for us. They are down to earth, personable, professional, courteous, skilled, and ultimately happy to perform their magic: photography. They checked in with us to make sure we got everything we needed and even more. On the day of the weddin, they were prompt, efficient, and exceptional in their work. Every angle we wanted, we got. We are eternally grateful for the abilities Tori and Remi have and are glad they captured our special day. I would highly recommend anyone to use Tori and Remi for their services.”
Photography style: Timeless and true-to-color love stories.
Good for: Couples that want their wedding albums to tell the true story of their wedding day
Review: “Danya has the vision for everything. She comes well-prepared and has the timeline down to the minute. She had already photographed our wedding venue prior, so she knew all the spots that would really have us shine. We had an outfit change near the end of the session and she was so encouraging of it; she really got to capture the moment and the fun we had. Within three days, we had already gotten a sneak peek of some of the photos, and they looked amazing. Thank you so much Danya!”
Photography style: Laidback editorial with a sprinkle of film.
Good for: Couples that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Review: “If you’re looking for a sign to hire AshGabes… DO IT! Ashley is incredible! Right from the start, we could tell she was the perfect fit for us. She’s warm, hilarious, and fun, going out of her way to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. She initially took our engagement photos, so we got to know her from the early wedding planning stages. She does her homework and really learns about the couple, their friends, and their family so that she can both work efficiently and make everyone feel like they’re working with a friend. Our wedding photos were beautiful, we loved the wedding teaser shots (which we received incredibly quickly), and the full set of wedding photos was magical. There are so many, and they are all perfect!! We could not recommend her more!”
Photography style: Photojournalistic digital and film.
Good for: Couples who dream of a gallery full of film photos.
Review: “Michael’s photography stands on its own – it’s beautiful, and he clearly has talent and skill. What we most appreciated about having Michael as our elopement photographer was the immediate warmth of his personality on our first call, his true passion and love for the art itself, and his lightheartedness and kindness on our special day. He genuinely wanted to get to know us as a couple, brought ideas on location (and was willing to try a couple of our ideas), and helped us stay true to our personalities. Michael is truly a lovely person, and we couldn’t imagine having anyone else join us on our special day.”
Photography style: Creative and candid storytelling.
Good for: Couples who love moody photos.
Review: “We’re SO glad we picked Jed to do our wedding photography in Big Sur. As a bride who was anxious about things turning out the way I had envisioned, I think I asked him about a million questions leading up to the day of the wedding, but he was always so kind and willing to answer. Not only did Jed nail what I had envisioned, but he EXCEEDED what I hoped for. Our photos came out absolutely stunning!“
Good for: Couples planning an adventurous elopement.
Review: “Will was the best choice we could have made for our Yosemite elopement photographer. We knew right from the initial consultation that he was the right choice for us. He is an amazing photographer, professional, and accommodating, and he worked with us to create our dream day at Yosemite. His knowledge of the park helped to pick the perfect spot for our sunrise first look and for our ceremony. Working with him was a dream, and we still can’t stop looking at our pictures. Will is an amazing person and went above and beyond to make our day special. Hands down one of the best decisions we made for our wedding was hiring Will. Would recommend him to everyone.”
Good for: Couples that aren’t afraid to be unconventional.
Review: “We reviewed many photographers, and I am so grateful we found and chose Teri! From the first call, she was calm, encouraging, and as excited as we were (even though she works in the wedding industry full-time!). We have all of the lovely posed photos and so much more- photos capturing spontaneous and fleeting moments like the father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and so many exchanges with our loved ones throughout the day. During my wedding day, I also had a special moment with Teri when I joked about her capturing more of my “good side,” and she immediately squashed the negative self-talk and helped me feel beautiful. It was worth every penny to have such a kind, artistic, and talented person responsible for capturing these once-in-a-lifetime memories.”
Photography style: Romantic editorial, with a side of classic or retro flair.
Good for: Couples that want their photos to be magazine-ready.
Review: “Shannon and her photo/video team are outstanding. From 4-wheel driving up a mountain to getting the perfect engagement photos to boudoir and intricate details on our wedding day. This woman and her team can do it all! She ran with every one of my ideas, even when they were out there. She is an absolute blessing and an amazing person. I was honored to have her be a part of the day that I dreamed of since I was a child. I will be using her and her team for every milestone in my life. I now consider them friends, and they will have a special place in my heart forever!”
Photography style: Photojournalist, cinematic, and editorial
Good for: Couples that don’t want “perfect pictures” but perfectly imperfect ones that showcase their authentic selves
Review: “We’ve done multiple photoshoots with AJ Photography 760 and can not say enough great things about how amazing she is! Her locations are beautiful, and she makes the entire session feel so comfortable, as if you’re hanging out with a friend! The end result of our photos is always so beautiful and makes the best keepsakes of the different stages of our life! The entire process, from booking, deciding on locations, taking the photos, and receiving them, was a breeze! Can’t wait for her to take my wedding photos next year!”
Good for: Couples who aren’t afraid to be a little edgy.
Review: ”Sydney is so fun, down-to-earth, insanely easy to work with and be around, and I have never felt less stress in a photoshoot! We didn’t have to do any thinking at all. She directed us confidently but was also willing to play and totally encouraged us to be our weird selves. We couldn’t stop looking at the photos and had no idea we could love them so much. I would shoot with Sydney a hundred more times and can’t recommend her more highly!”
Good for: Couples who want the smallest moments captured.
Review: “I think Cassandra’s work speaks for itself- she captures all the gorgeous natural settings of northern California coastline and surrounding areas, and also seems to find a wide range of raw human emotions which present themselves on one’s wedding day- both were things I would like to remember from my wedding day. She is extremely warm yet professional. For my elopement, she really went above and beyond for her sense of adventure. She was with us the entire action-packed day, starting with a walk in the redwoods, a picnic at a winery, and even going out on a kayak with us as we free-dove the kelp and explored some other features of the coast. What a great sport! I doubt many photographers would do that, on top of having great skills. I can’t thank her enough for helping us with our special day and for capturing it all so well. I look back on our photos nearly daily to remember it.”
Photography style: Cinematic and photojournalistic/].
Good for: Couples who embrace the quirky, surprising, and different sides of life.
Review: “Photography is such an important piece of the wedding, being that it’s one of the only physical memories after your special day. Working with Fitz was absolutely wonderful. Fitz was communicative, helpful, and his creative vision was just what we wanted. Fitz suggested ideas out of the wedding norm, and they all gave great photos. From our engagement session to day of wedding, Fitz was awesome to work with. He always made us feel comfortable and provided great feedback on poses/being natural. We could not wait to get our wedding photos, and it was so worth it. The photos are beyond amazing and better than we could have even imagined. We would recommend Fitz to anyone looking for a wedding photographer.”
Good for: Couples who are tired of boring wedding photos.
Review: “IF ONLY we could have Carmen by our side all day, every day, to hype us up, spread her positive, fun vibes & make us look & feel as good as she did on our wedding day! I’ll put it simply – it really can’t get better than Carmen – and her human touch is what makes her stand out. We left our wedding feeling like we had a new family member in her. AND THE ALBUM! Absolutely blown away. Every adjective I’d use to describe our day – joyous, FUN, emotional, silly, colorful, upbeat, heartfelt – was fully captured in the pictures she took, leaving us with the best artifact we could ever ask for. The gift of pictures from your wedding day is worth every penny, so do yourself a favor and hire our gal, Carmen!”
Good for: Couples wanting images that capture all the emotions.
Review: “We absolutely loved Julie. She was such a joy to work with both leading up to and including the wedding. We initially hired her after looking at her portfolio and seeing her unique eye – we were in awe of the photographs she took. On the day of the wedding, she was a lot of fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and Julie’s mellow nature suits that. She also was great at finding little improvised spots where the lighting was interesting. Some of our favorite photos were from times when she had us stop to grab a few more pictures. My wife was literally gasping at many of the photos when we got them back. Everyone has said they were some of the most stunning photos they’d seen.”
Photography style: Timeless and artistic editorial.
Good for: Those looking for a photographer that brings an elevated luxury to your outdoor wedding.
Review: “I could not have imagined a better photographer for our wedding. Chris truly exceeded our expectations, and her photographs captured the essence of our special day. Her passion and professionalism were unmatched, and she made us and everyone feel so comfortable in front of the camera and it truly showed through our pictures. There is not one photo from our wedding or engagement shoot that I don’t love. I swear, everyone I know who’s getting married, I recommend Chris because I truly don’t think there’s anyone better to capture those big life moments!”
Good for: Couples who appreciate beautiful landscape shots as much as portraits.
Review: “Josh was absolutely fabulous to work with for our Big Sur wedding. He was calm, kind, professional, and fun to be around. Our family and friends all enjoyed his presence on the day off and raved about the experience of working with him. On top of being awesome to work with, we received our sample gallery almost immediately, and the pictures are far beyond what we could have imagined. As someone who doesn’t like being photographed, I was blown away at how beautiful our pictures are and can’t stop looking at them. Josh listened to our vision for candid photos and lighting and absolutely nailed it. He made it look easy to photograph our logistically complex wedding and is a true professional. We are so happy we worked with Josh and highly recommend him to anyone wanting a great experience and beautiful wedding photos.”
Good for: Couples that can’t decide between editorial and photojournalist.
Review: “Karla and her team are truly amazing! She has an eye for photography that is truly unmatched. We are obsessed with our wedding photos! We just received a hard copy of our wedding album in the mail, and it exceeded our expectations. The photo and print quality are just amazing. I’m very happy with Karla’s work and would recommend her and the rest of the awesome Kape team! Thank you for everything!”
Good for: Couples who love colorful wedding photos.
Review: “I can’t say it enough…if you have the chance to book Lauren for your wedding, DO IT!!! She is worth every penny, and you will NOT regret it. She is a true artist and MAGICIAN. Her photos are pure joy and magic. They are more than just photos; they evoke emotion and capture priceless moments. I knew from the first time that I saw her work that I HAD to have her shoot my wedding. It brings me to tears, again, going through all of my wedding photos.”
Photography style: Photojournalistic mix of digital and analog.
Good for: Couples who embrace all things creative and outside-the-box.
Review: Gina is, first and foremost, an incredible person. Then, she’s a stellar photographer. It was Gina or bust for us. We knew she was our photographer when we chatted with her to talk through her work and our vision. It was a match made in the sky. Gina listened to us and added her experience and the result was pure magic. When we got our photos, we were blown away by just how many were perfect. We love everything about them. From top to bottom, Gina captured every moment (from the USPS driver shooting congrats to my little nieces to our home and neighborhood, to our goofy faces, our love, our community, etc). The photos are somehow both vibrant and timeless.”
Good for: Couples who appreciate all things old-school.
Review: “I can’t recommend Matthew David Studio enough! Christina did the most beautiful job capturing our wedding. Christina made us feel at ease throughout the whole process, and you can tell how much care and heart she puts into her craft. The photos turned out so STUNNING! Countless friends and family all shared the photos looked like something out of Vogue magazine and were a perfect blend of artistic, classic, editorial, and “glowy.” You won’t regret booking Matthew David for your special day!”
Good for: Couples who are nervous about being in front of a camera.
Review: “Nayza is amazing! Our wedding photos came out absolutely beautiful, and we are so glad we found her! This was our first time doing a professional photoshoot, and it was a bit nerve-wracking to have so many people staring at us, but we really appreciated that Nayza took the time to get to know us, guide us, and understand our comfort levels. She was so patient the whole time! Her photography style & the way she captures you and tells your story through her photos are incredible! We can’t stop staring at them! Thank you so much, Nayza! You are truly the best!”
Good for: The couples who aren’t afraid to break the rules.
Review: “We loved working with Catalina from the very beginning. She’s totally spunky (in a great way), brings lots of energy, is super punctual, and has a super keen eye for making us look amazing. Aside from the photo shoot sessions throughout our wedding (which make awesome photos, too), she’s mostly like a fly on the wall or in a room, so a lot of pictures feel candid, which was exactly what we were looking for. She was able to really capture emotions, highlighting all the feelings from our wedding. Plus, she was VERY dedicated to snapping the most amazing sunset photos, which were SO worth it, especially given the perfect weather and venue we were at. Thank you thank you for being a part of our wedding and documenting the most amazing time we get to cherish forever.”
When it comes to assembling your dream team of wedding vendors, you deserve nothing but the best. While these California wedding photographers are just a start, you’ll find more Junebug-approved experts in our vendor directory. From wedding planners to florists, you’ll find everything you need in one easy-to-access spot.
Gaby and Colton always dreamed of making their wedding a memorable experience for everyone. With their background in weddings, they wanted a tropical feel that exuded luxury while remaining financially savvy. They started by picking a villa in Bali as their venue, where they’d also stay. Using their own style and the villa’s vibe as inspiration, they carefully planned every detail to fit in. The outcome? A beautiful Nanuku House wedding that told their love story and captured the beauty of the locale perfectly.
In the tropical garden, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, like something from a dream. They walked down a path strewn with petals to an altar decorated with beautiful flowers, marking the moment they said, “I do.” After their touching ceremony, they enjoyed an outdoor reception. Above a long table adorned with lush blooms, candles, and earthy touches, white lanterns hung, casting a magical glow.
The couple spared no effort crafting a wedding that would leave a lasting impression on their guests. Luckily, we have breathtaking photos taken by Junebug vendor Helopixel Photo, capturing every cherished moment of this remarkable destination wedding.
How They Turned Their Villa Stay Into Their Dream Nanuku House Wedding
We live on the beach in California and have worked in the wedding industry here, so we wanted something tropical but within our budget. We started by picking the villa we wanted to stay in for part of our trip and made it our wedding venue. I designed the event to match our style and the vibe of the villa, and it all came together perfectly. We always knew we wanted our wedding to be an experience for all our guests.
How Letting Go Led to a Wedding Beyond Their Dreams
Planning our wedding was a blast! We loved getting creative with the design part, but we trusted our planner to handle it all for the rest. Since our wedding was in Bali, we knew we couldn’t control everything from afar. Surprisingly, everything turned out even better than we imagined! Our advice? Have fun designing your big day, and let go of the rest—it’s worth it.
From Near and Far: Cherishing the Moments That Made Their Nanuku House Wedding Truly Special
It was amazing to see everything fall into place despite the distance. What made our wedding special was the intimacy and the fact that everyone knew each other from the events leading up to the big day. Having so many loved ones travel such a long way for us made it incredibly meaningful—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Staying true to ourselves, whether sharing private vows before the ceremony or ending the night with a pool party, made it all the more unforgettable.
How a Destination Wedding Can Stretch Your Dollars
Opting for a destination wedding in a country where the dollar stretches further can be a savvy move. Coming from the wedding industry in California, we had a good grasp of typical wedding costs. Choosing Bali proved to be an intelligent financial decision, with expenses two to three times less than hosting a backyard wedding back home, plus you get a memorable trip out of it. One key piece of advice is to discuss and agree on a budget with both families beforehand, treating any contributions as gifts. Our families gave us a set amount, empowering us to plan the wedding we truly wanted, free from external pressures or opinions. This approach allowed us to create an authentic celebration that reflected who we are as a couple.
After seeing these gorgeous pictures, you might be eager to begin planning your own dream getaway celebration. The great news is you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help with our complete destination wedding planning guide and a list of reliable vendors who can bring your vision to life.
Planning a destination wedding tends to be more complicated than a traditional wedding close to home. With having to book flights and secure accommodations, all while planning from thousands of miles away, this probably comes as no surprise. Bringing to life a far-away celebration will inevitably require a lot of preparation for you and your guests. While your wedding day is still ultimately about you, there are some destination wedding etiquette rules that couples are encouraged to follow to be considerate of loved ones invited.
Whether you’re jetting off to a castle in Scotland or dreaming of an oceanfront all-inclusive venue in Mexico, here are the top destination wedding etiquette tips to consider following during the planning process.
1. Send Wedding Invitations Early
Guests must book flights, accommodations, time off work, and potentially childcare to attend your destination wedding. Sorting out all these details is not only expensive but also time-consuming. Give them ample time to prepare and get their ducks in a row.
For local weddings, sending invitations at least two months in advance is standard. For destination weddings, however, you should send your invitations at least three to four months beforehand. This means couples should post save-the-dates eight to twelve months prior to their big day, giving guests time to book everything and renew passports if necessary.
Destination wedding invitations require more information than those for traditional weddings. Your invitations will need to break down all the events planned during your extended celebration. We highly suggest accompanying your invitations with a wedding itinerary, including all the dates, times, and locations for each event. This will give attendees a transparent breakdown of how long they should expect to be away while also allowing them to accurately gauge transportation and lodging costs.
Destination weddings are expensive for everyone involved. Loved ones with the financial means to cover costs are willing to pay for those things because they love you! But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to alleviate some of the costs. One of the biggest ways is to explicitly let your guests know that gifts aren’t required by writing a short message on your wedding website or invitations.
Make it known that their presence is enough. Celebrating your marriage with loved ones is priceless and can’t be topped by anything you’d add to a wedding registry.
4. Provide Lodging Recommendations
Paying for your guests’ accommodations isn’t required. It’s expected that if attending, they’ll pay their own way. While fronting the costs for your guests would be helpful, it isn’t the only way to lend a hand. Taking time to scope out accommodation options at different price points is also a thoughtful way to help ease their booking process. You can include this information in your invitations or on your website. Any stress you can take out of the travel planning process will be huge for your guests.
If you have extra room in the budget, covering transportation costs is a great place to allocate that money. It’ll help guests financially and give them one less thing to worry about when they arrive. Depending on your destination and the expected number of guests, you can hire a bus or van to pick up loved ones from the airport. Uber is also a great way to simplify wedding logistics. They make it easy to send vouchers to your guests to cover transportation costs.
Welcome bags are a sweet way to show appreciation for guests trying to attend your faraway celebration. Your loved ones have done a lot to celebrate you, and a welcome bag is the perfect way to thank them. Add local staples, destination recommendations, and some practical items they can use on their trip.
Are you planning a beachy wedding at an all-inclusive resort? Include custom towels, sunscreen, and wedding-themed floaties. For those having a winter wedding in the mountains, include a blanket, a smores kit to use during the reception, and a custom beanie. This is your chance to get creative based on your wedding location and theme.
7. Answer All Questions on Your Wedding Website
For those planning a destination wedding abroad, odds are your guests will have many questions. Adding expected questions to your wedding website is destination wedding etiquette that’ll help prepare your guests and keep your phone from blowing up. You’ll want to address time changes, exchange rates, cultural nuances, safety, and so much more.
When creating your site, simply add a section with all information specific to your destination so guests can easily find and reference it as they prepare for their trip. For those wanting to go above and beyond, consider adding restaurant recommendations, sightseeing spots, and anything else your guests might enjoy.
Who says you have to wait until the big day to start celebrating? Get the party started as soon as all your loved ones have arrived. Hosting a welcome party is an enjoyable way to kick off the festivities and show appreciation for those who have traveled to be with you during this special time.
If guests arrive on different days at varying times, this might be trickier to orchestrate. Instead, consider planning a post-wedding brunch. This is a sweet way to spend more quality time with loved ones and bring the celebration to a close.
9. Pay for All-inclusive Resort Passes for Guests Off Property
This tip won’t apply to all destination weddings, but it is important to consider when planning a celebration at an all-inclusive resort. While most guests will stay in the same hotel, this won’t be the case for everyone. Some guests may choose alternative hotel options to save money.
If guests decide they can’t or don’t want to stay on the same property, make room in your budget to cover the required day passes they’ll need to purchase to attend the wedding. This is something you’ll be able to arrange ahead of time through your wedding planner or the resort coordinator.
10. Plan a Post-Wedding Party
When hosting a lavish destination wedding, you must understand that not all guests can attend. Whether it’s due to time or financial constraints, this is just something you’ll need to come to terms with. Although it’s unfortunate, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice celebrating with those special people. When you return home after your destination wedding, host a local post-wedding party to celebrate with those unable to attend.
These ten destination wedding etiquette tips are key to pulling off your far-away wedding without a hitch. Another crucial component is hiring trusted vendors locally. And if you’re looking for top-rated wedding professionals, our vendor directory is the place to start. With Junebug vendors on your team and this destination wedding planning guide, you’ll be well on your way to making your dream wedding a reality.
Image by Matei Horvath Photography. Keep reading to learn what to expect when attending an Indian wedding.
If you’ve received an invitation to attend an Indian wedding, then you might be wondering what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect. No two Indian weddings are alike, but they are always filled with lots of tradition and culture, so you’re truly in for a unique experience. With all the amazing food, beautiful colors, breathtaking florals, and incredible music, we know you are going to have an amazing time.
We want you to focus on having a great time, which is why we’ve put together this guide. It has all the information you’ll need as a guest, so keep scrolling to see the eleven things to expect when attending an Indian wedding.
11 Things to Know When Attending an Indian Wedding
1. It’s a Long Celebration
Indian weddings can last anywhere from three days to a full week, depending on the ceremony. There are pre-wedding rituals leading up to the 2 to 3-hour-long marriage ceremony. If you’ve been invited to an Indian wedding, make sure you bring enough outfits for all the days—and definitely bring comfortable shoes. You’ll also want to make sure you read which events you’ve been invited to. Some guests are invited to all events over the course of the wedding, while others may only be invited to the last day.
2. You’ll Want to Dress Conservatively and Appropriately
For Indian weddings, it is best to dress both conservatively and appropriately. Before you buy an outfit, check with the couple and ask for their expectations. If they say to wear something traditional, then you’ll want to wear traditional Indian wedding attire. If that’s the case, you can rent these outfits from companies like Glamourental and All Borrow.
Some couples are comfortable with traditional Western wedding attire, so you’ll want to aim for color. Indian weddings are filled with color, so you’ll want to stay away from neutral black-and-white looks. Plus, white is seen as a mourning color, and black is bad luck, so definitely steer clear of these colors. We recommend a colorful suit or a colorful dress.
Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to dress on the conservative side. Avoid showing off too much of your legs, shoulders, or cleavage. Instead, go big and show your personal style through jewelry, colors, and patterns. Keep in mind that you’ll want your most formal outfit to be for the wedding day/reception.
Shop conservative dresses:
3. The First Two Days of Events
The first day includes a ceremony known as the Ganesha Pooja—an intimate Hindu ceremony that takes place with close family and friends only. The second day is for the sangeet, or Mehendi ceremony, and will often have guest participation. The sangeet is a night of dancing where all the guests join the bride and groom to celebrate their marriage and the union of two families. This is also traditionally when the bride is adorned with henna tattoos on her hands and feet.
After the first two days of wedding events, the third day is reserved for the Hindu wedding ceremony. This ceremony, which is typically held in the morning, can last anywhere between one and a half to two hours, followed by the reception. The entire third day can last 16 hours, so make sure you stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.
5. There are a Few Cultural Rituals
Every Indian wedding is full of rituals, each holding deep cultural significance. Some notable ceremonies include:
Kanyadaan: A poignant moment where the bride’s father gives her away, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility.
Saat Phere: The couple circles a sacred fire seven times, each round representing a vow they take for their married life.
Sindoor and Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor (vermilion) on the bride’s forehead and ties the mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around her neck, signifying their marital union.
Saptapadi literally translates to seven steps, and this part of the ceremony is very important. The couple walks seven full circles clockwise around a fire pit. This represents the seven sacred vows and promises that they are making to one another. Each mantra is then recited to the couple. There isn’t normally an exchange of vows performed at these weddings. Think of the seven steps as the couple’s ‘vows’ that they will hold during their marriage.
7. You Should Get Involved
Yes, we do mean dance, laugh, eat, and be merry. Indian weddings are a huge celebration, and the last thing you want to do is sit at your table. Don’t be afraid to get up and partake. If you don’t know what is going on, ask! Besides dancing and eating, you’ll also be expected to participate during steps in the ceremony as a show of blessing the couple. Getting involved as a guest shows your love for the couple.
Get ready for lots of food. Indian weddings have a huge feast for everyone to enjoy. When you first enter the wedding venue, you’ll be treated to appetizers and snacks. Don’t be coy—you’ll want that snack, or you will be the person in the audience with a growling stomach.
Once the wedding is over, the main course will be served. As far as what to expect, there are regional variations for foods. For many West and South Indian weddings, vegetarian food is served. But for many North and East Indian weddings, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served.
9. There Might Be No Alcohol
You read that right. Traditionally, alcohol is not served at Hindu weddings, especially if the wedding is held at a temple. More modern Indian weddings sometimes include alcohol during the pre-ceremony festivities and the reception. Alcohol won’t be present during the ceremony, though, depending on the couple’s religious beliefs. When in doubt, politely ask them before the wedding.
10. Give the Gift of Money
After the wedding ceremony, the reception party is where the couple receives blessings and gifts from everyone at their wedding. If you’re wondering what to get the couple, a traditional wedding gift is money. This is the most thoughtful gift as it helps the couple to start their lives together. Find an embroidered bag or lovely pretty envelope, write down some best wishes, and place the money in. Always give money in an amount that ends in one. This is very important as one is a blessing that wishes them prosperity and good fortune.
Hindu brides traditionally don’t wear white on their wedding day. Instead, they wear red and gold to symbolize fertility and commitment. However, more modern Indian brides are often opting for other rich, saturated colors like pastel florals, bright yellow, or even a bold blue.
12. Men Should Not Dance With the Bride
We understand that traditionally, it’s normal to head to the dance floor and dance with the bride—especially if she is your friend. However, at traditional Indian weddings, men should resist the urge to dance with the bride. In Indian culture, brides shouldn’t dance with other men on their wedding day.
We hope this guide has helped you understand a few customs and traditions and will help you get ready when attending an Indian wedding. We want you to focus on having a wonderful time celebrating the couple, dancing, and eating. And if you want to see some real examples to get an idea of what to expect when attending an Indian wedding, check out this pastel Cameron House Indian wedding, this bright Guyanese and Fijian Hindu wedding, and this romantic Indian wedding in Cancun.
Whether you’re planning a wedding in your home country or you’re jetting off to Mexico for a destination wedding, one of the most important aspects of wedding planning is finding a wedding photographer. This can be especially difficult when you’re hundreds of miles away. Thanks to social media (and things like Junebug’s highly-vetted vendor directory), seeing a photographer’s portfolio is easier than ever. So, if you’re looking for your dream photographer, you’re in luck. We’re rounding up some of the best Mexico wedding photographers to help capture your special day.
Review: “We were lucky to have Fer and his second shooter (Mike) as our wedding photographers for our three-day multicultural celebration in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From the moment we saw his work, we knew he had a unique talent that is very difficult to match. One thing that struck us from the very beginning is that he approaches every wedding as an experiment, aiming to create something novel. We wanted someone who would have the passion and the skills to capture the essence of the day in a way that is utterly distinct and personal. Fer has the ability to create something extraordinary out of nothing. He can really transform simple moments with usual backgrounds into stunning works of art. Throughout our wedding festivities, he seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once, effortlessly capturing every precious detail without ever being intrusive. It feels like he possesses an ability to anticipate the perfect shot before it even happens.”
Good for: Couples who want beautiful photography AND videography
Review: “It’s hard to put into words how much MC Weddings means to us! From the moment I spoke with them, I knew they would be a great fit. They went above and beyond, scouting gorgeous locations, accommodating our schedule, and giving us the most amazing gift of photos we will cherish forever.”
Good for: Couples who want the little moments captured
Review: “If I could imagine the perfect photographer, Julieta would be even better. Her artistic vision is incredible, and she makes you feel so comfortable. She knows exactly how to capture the perfect images and is soooo sweet. I highly suggest hiring her and Fede; having her photograph one half of the bridal party while he works with the other was perfect! When we got our sneak peeks, my husband and I both started crying… imagine your dream wedding photos, and they will be even better!”
Good for: Couples who want to feel every emotion possible while flipping through their wedding album
Review: “Sebastián and the Visual Art team really knew how to capture the best day of our lives. Their professionalism and dedication are evident in the quality of the work they delivered to us. Sebastian listened to everything I told him that he wanted, and he was always available to talk about ideas and make sure we were happy with the work. Super punctual, with an excellent attitude and excellent work, I highly recommend them. The photos and videos will last a lifetime, I really recommend them!”
Good for: Couples who want their love portrayed in a raw, real way
Review: “I cannot express how much I am OBSESSED with my wedding photos. Amber and Alejandro did work beyond my wildest dreams! She is a must-hire for your wedding day. Her attention to detail and capturing moments is so beautiful. I truly cannot say enough good things. Looking through each picture, I am screaming with joy. I have a million favorites. Thank you, Amber and Alejandro, for everything! You guys are artistic geniuses!”
Good for: Couples who want someone who pays attention to the little details
Review: “Mau photographed our intimate wedding in Cabo, and we would recommend him to anyone. He is kind and fun, and everyone in our party loved his presence. Mau also made an effort to get to know us, our relationship, and what we were looking for before our wedding. The resulting pictures were exactly what we wanted — Mau captured the joy and beauty of that night for us with an artistic eye. The hardest part will be choosing which ones we love the most to frame!”
Review: WOW! Not sure where to start. Daniel R. is the ultimate professional. Upon initially meeting, we knew we wanted to work with him. He is very professional and passionate, and you can tell that he genuinely enjoys his work and takes immense pride in his art. Super easy to work with and so respectful of your space and time. THANK YOU, Daniel and team! We loved having you document our wedding day. You made it extra special. The photos and videos were beyond anything we could have imagined. This man has vision and leads an amazing team. Daniel will run to make sure he gets you the right shot that he has in mind (I have video evidence of this). He is dedicated and committed!
Good for: Couples who want wedding photos that look like they belong in Vogue
Review: “Terrified of stiff, awkward, corny photos, we met Ana and knew it would all work out. She lights up the room: her incredible energy and lightheartedness are contagious, and she takes you from nervously posing to enjoying a shoot in a second. As corny as it may sound, Ana captures magic. She makes thousands of memories of the 687 emotions you are too overwhelmed to understand you are going through in a wedding day. Looking through our photos, we couldn’t believe how she had put on a screen exactly how we felt; the mood of the wedding and just opening our gallery took us right back. Ana brought tears to our eyes and the most overwhelming joy. Ana came into our lives to stay. We will never trust anyone else to treasure our most important moments, and after such an adventure together, we are privileged to call her a friend.”
Review: Gaby” is an exceptional photographer, her work is amazing. At our wedding, she did much more than we asked, and her final work made us cry with the great pictures she took of us and the whole wedding. The delivery of our wedding gallery surprised us as well since she included an extra slideshow, which we didn’t expect. During this special day, she was very helpful in keeping me comfortable and calm and also taking care of my family. She noticed I was having trouble walking with my dress and took the initiative with her associate to help me with it. She is just the kind of person you want to cover such a special day as a wedding. I absolutely recommend her, and by now, I am quite sure I will hire her again for special events.”
Good for: Couples who want wedding photos that will never go out of style
Review: Alex” was the most amazing wedding photographer for our destination wedding in Oaxaca City. He is incredibly detail oriented and walked us through the whole process from beginning to end. He took the time to get to know us as a couple so that we could have the most personalized experience, and we felt so comfortable in his hands. Added bonus that all of our guests loved him too! We are so thrilled with our wedding photos, and we can’t recommend him more highly.”
Review: “David, our wedding photographer, exceeded all expectations. From our initial meeting to the final delivery of our breathtaking photos, he displayed unmatched professionalism and talent. His attention to detail ensured he captured every moment beautifully, leaving us with timeless memories. David’s warm personality made us feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process. He seamlessly incorporated our ideas and preferences into his work, resulting in a collection of images that perfectly reflected our special day. If you’re searching for a photographer who combines skill, passion, and dedication, David is the one. We’re endlessly grateful for his exceptional service and stunning photos.”
Good for: Couples who want authentic wedding photos
Review: “It’s no secret that Adrian has a very high level of photographic talent. He has a great artistic eye and knows how to capture a shot; he’s gifted. After taking a quick look at his website, we knew he would be the ideal choice for our wedding. Adrian was very accommodating when we needed to change the date last minute and moved it to a year after the original date. Our photos are truly stunning, and we will treasure these memories for the rest of our lives.”
Good for: Couples who appreciate the finer things in life
Review: My husband and i are from Iowa and decided to have a destination wedding in Cabo, Mexico. We had no prior knowledge or recommendations of photographers/videographers to use for that area. I found Celia on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her work! We got a quote for a VERY reasonable price, especially when compared to other photographers in the area, and decided to move forward with her and her team. We purchased the package with 8 hours of photography and videography, which in turn included 576 photos, a one-minute video, a four-minute video, and an hour-long video. When I tell you we could not have been happier with the outcome, I TRULY mean it!!!! She blew our expectations out of the water! We have people telling us that our pics should be in a magazine! We are SO thankful for her and her team. We will cherish these photos and videos forever. I could not recommend Celia and her team enough! You will not regret hiring her! INCREDIBLE WORK!”
Good for: Couples who want a photographer who’s been in the industry for years (aka they know what they’re doing)
Review: “Dani and her team were amazing! We got married in Cabo on a Friday and already had sneak peeks in my email before we left on Monday. She made everyone feel comfortable and got right to work when we walked in the bridal suite! She came with an assistant who was able to shoot the groom and groomsmen while she shot me and the girls. She was very knowledgeable about the hotel and the best places for scenery and lighting on the property. I requested her come with me for an outfit change during the reception and she had so many cute intimate ideas for me and the groom. I would hands down recommend her for future weddings and give her 5 stars!! She was amazing!”
Good for: Couples dreaming of film wedding photography
Review: “The Kape team was SO SO fun to work with and have at our wedding and welcome party. They are friendly, fun and professional. We had a blast with them. They got EVERY shot! I am blown away at how they captured every portion of our wedding day and our welcome party so perfectly. These photos take me back to the feeling of it all instantly – that is priceless! I truly cannot pick favorites because all the photos turned out SO GOOD. They were so easy to work with day of and kept the vibe very chill. You cannot go wrong with Kape. These are photos we will cherish forever!”
Good for: Couples who are willing to let a photographer guide them to create magic
Review: Josefina and her team” were fantastic to work with. She was responsive and made me feel comfortable leading up to the wedding. We went with her largest package that included photography and videography and I am SO glad we did. The video exceeded all of my expectations! I love Josefina’s photography style. She made my husband and me feel comfortable during photos, and the photos turned out romantic, natural, and passionate. Can’t recommend Josefina and her team enough!”
Good for: Couples who want their photos to tell a story of their wedding day
Review: “Fer is an exceptional photographer; he is extremely professional, both before, during, and after the event. The photographs are extraordinary, each one is like a painting. Fer gave us the photographs very quickly after the event. Our guests agreed on his discretion, professionalism, and the quality of the photographs. He made us feel at ease very quickly with his kindness and availability. Thank you very much, Fer, for helping us immortalize the emotions and moments we experienced.”
Good for: Couples who appreciate a clean, sleek look
Review: Madi and Alan“Choosing for our wedding was the best decision we made! We are so grateful that they were willing to travel to Canada for our special day. Their attention to detail and creative eye captured every precious moment beautifully. The photos and videos truly reflect the emotions and joy of the day. They were super professional, yet made us feel so comfortable. From our engagement shoot to our wedding day, we couldn’t be happier with the stunning memories they’ve given us to cherish forever.”
Review: Take It Photo’s“From the moment we clicked on Instagram and blog, we immediately knew they were the photographers we wanted for our Mayakoba wedding. This feeling was solidified after meeting Lupe and Augustin in person. They made us feel so confident in understanding the style of photos we wanted and what we wanted out of our wedding photos. Augustin and his team were so patient with us on our wedding day and ensured we got every photo we wanted. I was BLOWN away at the quality and angles they were able to get without even noticing them. I am so thankful we decided to use Take it photo. They truly captured our wedding in a way that gives us feelings of being back at our special day. We are constantly reminded by friends, and family about how great our photos turned out. I truly couldn’t recommend them more”
Good for: For couples who aren’t afraid to get a little artsy
Review: “Martin was extremely friendly and professional the whole time working together. He was very responsive and checked in on numerous occasions to be sure we had everything we needed and that we shared any/all details of our vision for our wedding so he could capture it. He sent a husband and wife team who were GREAT! They were fun and easy to work with, and most importantly – the pictures turned out incredible. Small details to major moments were captured beautifully. We are so happy with working with Martin and his team. My husband and I highly recommend.”
Good for: For couples who are nervous about being in front of the camera
Review: “I was an admirer of MemoryBox well before I got engaged. There was no doubt in my mind I wanted to hire them for our wedding day. Mel and Fred were absolutely wonderful to work with, making the process seamless. They made us feel incredibly comfortable in front of the camera and provided all the necessary guidance. Their energy and positivity helped me feel at ease. The work they produce is nothing short of stunning. We couldn’t have had a better experience and would choose them over and over again. Don’t think twice about hiring them. They’re spectacular.”
Good for: For couples who appreciate landscape shots just as much as portraits
Review: “Romana and Mariano are absolutely amazing!! Romana is so sweet and very responsive through email. On our wedding day, she made sure everything was perfect before taking pictures; her attention to detail is phenomenal. We have gotten our sneak peek photos, and they are absolutely beautiful! They are the best photographers, and we’re so happy that they captured our special day.”
Good for: For couples who love all things Old Hollywood
Review: Adriana“Where do we even begin… is not only one of the kindest people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, but she is also one of the most talented photographers, and we are so grateful that she was there for our big day. She perfectly captured the energy, essence, and beauty of our day. You can feel the rawness and emotion in the photos and now, every time we look back at them, we’ll be teleported back to the most magical day. She made us feel so confident and comfortable and her eye for capturing beautiful moments is so unique and special. There are not enough words to explain our appreciation and happiness with choosing Adriana. We could not recommend her enough!”
Good for: For couples who want bright and bold photos
Review: “Mariana is a dream – she captured my wedding perfectly with magic, beauty, humor, and fun. Her energy is incredible, and she takes the most beautiful images. She makes you feel comfortable instantly and is very trusting. Your wedding pictures are the only thing you have to remember your wedding — making the photographer your most important hire, and I would highly recommend Mariana. I want her to take photos of all my future life events moving forward! She was positive, fun, and productive throughout the whole day, and incredibly generous.”
Now that you’ve seen some of the best Mexico wedding photographers, it’s time to think about your venue. The country is full of beautiful options, but we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites as a starting point!
Emiliano and Eduardo had a brilliant idea: escape to Iceland alongside their closest family and friends for a truly unique wedding experience. Surrounded by stunning scenery, from majestic waterfalls to enchanting forests, their intimate Gluggafoss wedding was nothing short of magical.
They found themselves in the ideal setting to exchange heartfelt vows backed by the breathtaking natural beauty of a waterfall. With the summer Icelandic landscape as their witness, they sealed their love in an unforgettable ceremony. After officially becoming partners for life, they all reveled in the joy of the moment, coming together for an outdoor picnic. It was the perfect conclusion to a day filled with love, laughter, and some incredible groom fashioninspiration.
If you and your partner have been dreaming about going on an amazing adventure to a stunning place, then you’re in luck! Look through these incredible photos taken by Sunday & White Studio. They’re sure to make you excited about what’s to come. And to learn more about what happened during this special day, let’s hear from the Junebug planner, Pink Iceland.
The Couple:
Emiliano and Eduardo
The Wedding:
Gluggafoss, Iceland
Junebug Planner Pink Iceland’s Insights on this Intimate Gluggafoss Wedding
As wedding planners, we absolutely loved the choices of the couples regarding what they wanted their wedding to be. Intimate, relaxed, fun, and so much about spending time with their guests. Most of the wedding picnic drinks were non-alcoholic, with different options like Icelandic sparkling tea, different options of juices infused with fruits, and Arctic herbal tea to keep the guests warm; it was a real hit. We can’t let their incredible wedding outfits go unmentioned; we’re so in awe of the glamor, beauty, and creativity of the outfits. They are just magnificent, and they look so great against the beautiful Icelandic nature backdrop. We still keep in touch with this wonderful couple, and they send us sweet messages reminiscing about how wonderful the day was. They also shared with us that their families are still bringing it up and wish to go back. This day gave us so much as planners, seeing and feeling the emotions of our couple—it’s the best part about being a wedding planner.
From Waterfalls to Picnic Tables: Crafting a Unique Reception Experience
The surroundings were perfect for this setup! The waterfall, the lake, and the trees. Greenery all around, keeping it so intimate and beautiful. You don’t have to have the traditional sit-down reception dinner in the evening. Why not try something different, use the evening sun in Iceland, and plan a reception picnic outdoors with great food and drinks? It is relaxing and fun, something different but very Icelandic. Icelanders love camping in the summer/fall, listening to music while eating, and drinking in good company throughout the evening. As it was a group of all ages, it was brilliant to have chairs and picnic tables for those who wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting on picnic blankets and pillows.
Congratulations to Emiliano and Eduardo on their intimate Gluggafoss wedding. Many thanks to Sunday & White Studio for capturing all their celebration’s memorable moments and incredible details. And, of course, a special thank you to Junebug planner Pink Iceland for planning their big day! To see more of their remarkable, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding planners.
When planning your wedding, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Choose things that show off your style, whether it’s stylish outfits or a cool picnic reception, just like this couple did. Take a look at our guide for some fun ideas to make your big day extra special and as unique as your love story.
Mandy and Mason adore traveling together, and their hearts beat for Cartagena, their most cherished city in the world. It was the dream spot where they tied the knot, surrounded by its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and undeniable romance. When planning their wedding, they aimed to infuse it with authentic Colombian traditions while adding their unique touch. With a romantic vibe, breathtaking flowers, and rich colors, their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales wedding was a celebration where love truly flourished in every detail.
In the heart of the Old City, the couple exchanged vows in the renowned 16th-century church, setting the stage for a magical ceremony. They transformed the historic venue into a fairytale setting, adorning the aisle and altar with abundant flowers. The enchantment continued into their courtyard reception, where a stunning display of white and red blooms adorned elegant tables illuminated by flickering candles. Under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, they savored delicious food, danced, and celebrated their love long into the night.
The Stewarts Roam did a fantastic job capturing every detail of the pair’s special day. It’s a magical event you won’t want to miss seeing!
It was really important to Mason that we write and say our own vows during the ceremony. Writing them was much harder than I expected because there was so much I wanted to say. Ultimately, I pretended it was just the two of us there and spoke from the heart. We both had a difficult time holding back tears during our vows.
Blending Cultures and Traditions at Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding
I have always had a deep passion for traveling, and now Mason and I have crossed many countries off our bucket list. We knew we wanted to plan a destination wedding weekend with multiple events to ensure we could spend plenty of time with each of our guests. Our favorite city in the world is Cartagena, and we knew it was the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and romance for our wedding. We planned a rooftop welcome party at Movich Hotel and a private island beach party at Blue Apple Beach Club, in addition to the wedding day. While designing the wedding, we wanted to incorporate some authentic Colombian traditions while also bringing our own flare. The ceremony and reception venues themselves offer stunning architecture, and we opted to design the aesthetic to highlight the natural beauty of the spaces.
Navigating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Mishaps with Grace
We tried to keep our planning fun. At the end of the day, this event is about celebrating your love and commitment to one another. Though it can be stressful, we tried to use it as an excuse to have a planning “date night” together. One valuable piece of advice I received and would happily pass on is this: things might not always go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. Hardly anyone even notices! For instance, our welcome bags were supposed to be shipped from the States but never arrived. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, we had our weekend itinerary cards handed out as guests entered the welcome party. To our surprise, many attendees approached us to express how delightful it was, completely unaware that there should have been welcome bags in the first place! Ultimately, because I wasn’t fixated on achieving absolute perfection, I found it easier to shrug off minor mishaps and enjoy the occasion to the fullest.
Celebrating the Bride’s Grandmother’s Presence as Their Flower Girl
We were so proud of my 85-year-old grandmother for traveling to Colombia and being our “flower girl.” We have an extraordinarily close relationship, and it meant the world to me to have her as a part of our day. She was an absolute rockstar.
Elevating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Experience With a Midnight Surprise
We surprised our guests with a Colombian tradition called “Hora Loca” (Crazy Hour). At midnight, there were suddenly costumed performers, feathered dancers, lights, and wild entertainment. It got everyone energized, and the dance floor was packed.
A reliable wedding planner and a great team of vendors are essential for handling challenges and low stress levels. If you’re just beginning your journey of planning a destination wedding, look at our guide. It’s the secret to having an excellent “I do” experience!
Choosing the right venue for your special day is crucial as it sets the mood for the entire celebration. It influences everything from the color palette and decor to the overall atmosphere, and this was the case for Savannah and Bennett’s Villa Valentini Bonaparte wedding. They envisioned their day as a charming garden dinner party, with only their nearest and dearest in attendance. With the help of Junebug vendor and planner The Tuscan Wedding, they absolutely nailed it!
At their garden ceremony, a gorgeous pathway lined with pastel flowers led to a gazebo overflowing with blooms, creating a lovely setting for their heartfelt vows. But the floral influences didn’t stop there. The party afterward featured tables adorned with lush arrangements and the soft glow of candles. Adding to the enchantment, sparkling fairy lights wrapped around, making the whole celebration feel like a magical storybook scene.
The special touches, paired with the beautiful setting, made this event truly remarkable, filled with love and individuality. For a closer look at all the beautiful moments and unique details from this romantic celebration, continue scrolling through these stunning photos captured by Elle Reaux.
Bringing their Dream Villa Valentini Bonaparte Wedding to Life With the Help of Trusted Vendors
Our design evolved over the almost two-year planning process. The villa was such a huge focal point that we wanted to keep our color palette within the same family and add complimentary pops of color. Overall, we wanted our day to feel like a romantic garden dinner party with an intimate guest list of only our closest friends and family. From the lush garden-style ceremony to the al fresco dinner overlooking the Tuscan hills, our team of vendors helped us bring our vision to life!
Personalizing The Ceremony Through Collaboration With Their Officiant and Custom Vows
We personalized our ceremony by working closely with our celebrant, Diana, to write vows reflecting our love for each other. Diana also met with us multiple times to better understand our love story and put it beautifully into words in our ceremony. We worked on these vows separately and heard each other for the first time at the altar. They were also beautifully transcribed by our talented calligrapher, Asha. After the ceremony, we were driven away in a white Maggiolone convertible, a personal touch that added some fun to our day.
Defining Priorities and Collaborating With a Trusted Vendor Team
Set your priorities early and decide what is and isn’t part of your dream wedding. For example, we compromised by having a small guest list (less than 40 people total) and getting married earlier in the year, before peak season. Having the right team makes all the difference. Our wedding planner connected us to some of the top vendors and explored our ideas with complete transparency and her knowledge of the wedding industry. Our photographer had an uncanny sense of our wedding vision.
Villa Valentini Bonaparte: A Venue Steeped in History and Romance
Villa Valentini Bonaparte is both a beautiful venue and a love story. One of Napoleon’s nieces constructed it to be closer to her husband, who was in exile in Florence. Savannah and I connected to this history because we spent years apart due to our careers, as we each knew we would build a villa for the other.
Setting the Scene with a Romantic Welcome Party Dinner
We would be remiss not to mention our welcome party dinner. Set in the evening, as our guests arrived, the atmosphere was relaxed but lively. The vibe was more earthy and organic, with a nod to the Tuscan scenery. All guests were seated around one long table, making the night feel like a long-awaited return home of loved ones. We wrapped up the night, joining in on a long-standing Italian tradition, the making of the Millefoglie.
This wedding shows how important the venue is in creating a memorable celebration. As you plan your big day, remember that where you choose to have it matters. Check out our complete guide for helpful tips and advice on picking the perfect spot. Your path to a dream celebration starts with finding the right backdrop!
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