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Glamorous Four Day Wedding in Italy

November 22, 2021 | riley

Brenda and James’ four day wedding is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous in its own right. It started with a fun and traditional pizza and pasta party to welcome friends and family, followed by a fabulous trip to Capri Island on a beautiful boat the next day. 

The ceremony and reception at the panoramic terrace of the Villa Oliviero, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by lush cascading foliage and white flowers, was nothing short of magical. They wrapped up the celebration with a relaxing day at the beach club on the spectacular Amalfi Coast. The couple pulled out all of the stops when it came to their glamorous four day wedding in Italy. 

The well-traveled couple had never been to the striking and enchanting town of Positano. But with the help of their planner and Junebug member Erin Lindeman, all the planning and coordinating was an amazing and seamless experience. Florist Giuseppe transformed their luxury cliff top villa with the most beautiful floral installations, making every corner divine, romantic, and picturesque. Scroll down and be inspired to plan your dream destination wedding with these stunning photos by Rachel Black.

The Couple:

Brenda + James

The Wedding:
Positano, Italy

 

An Exciting First Look

I had been waiting so long to show my dress to him during our first look. Finally it came and we took a little buggy into town, down the mountain, and it was so magical. I had never been happier to take photos and just have a moment with just the two of us. 

 

 

A Personalized Ceremony

We wrote our own vows and had my sister and my husband’s best friend say a verse from the Bible. We also had our children pour sand with us into a jar to blend our family as one, uniting us all together. It was really special.

Creative Wedding Favors

We gave cigars and personalized matches for the guys, as well as hand-calligraphed agate place cards personalized for each guest. They were beautiful, simple, and easy to travel back home with. 

DIY Wedding Scrapbook

My Maid of Honor made a scrapbook and had it set up for each person to sign with Polaroid cameras on the table to take a photo and paste it into the book. I look at it all the time!

Planning A Four Day Wedding with Erin Lindeman

I am someone who usually loves to do the planning myself but the best decision I made was hiring Erin, our wedding planner. She was everything and more. Don’t always feel like you need to do it all yourself, especially for this huge event. Find the right people for everything, be patient, and everything else will fall into place.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Rowanberry Lavender
Event Planning – Lindeman Weddings and Events
Venue – Villa Oliviero
Floral Design – Floragarden
Officiant – Iole Celebrant
Live Music – Marco Cantarella
Invitation Design – Momental Designs
Makeup Artist – Nicole Story
Wedding Outfits – Rue de Seine
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – BHLDN

 

Congratulations to Brenda and James and their two adorable children! And thank you to Rachel Black for capturing every awesome detail and moment in this four day wedding.

A destination wedding is a once in a lifetime and unforgettable experience you can share with your loved ones. Let yourself dream big and make your destination wedding dream come true with our planning guide.

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Lavish Marigny Opera House Wedding

October 4, 2021 | Junebug Weddings

Having a wedding on New Year’s Eve definitely calls for watching the ball drop and throwing a lavish party. Chelsea and Ross envisioned a Gatsby-style New Years’ Eve extravaganza to celebrate their nuptials and ring in the new year, so they did just that. Wedding planner Nouvelle Fete Celebrations brought the glam of the roaring 20s to their Marigny Opera House wedding. 

With vintage details like the bride’s dress, faux fur shawls, and a champagne tower, it feels like we stepped straight into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book. To personalize their Gatsby wedding, they had an interfaith marriage ceremony that included a gospel choir singing, a rose-drenched chuppah, and the breaking of the glass. Thankfully, Junebug members Erin & Geoffrey captured every inch of this wedding to share. 

The Couple:

Chelsea and Ross

The Wedding:

Marigny Opera House, New Orleans, Louisiana

An Interfaith Marriage Ceremony

​​We are most proud of the ceremony. Ours was an interfaith marriage honoring the traditions of both the Christian and Jewish faiths. My father was the officiant, which made it very meaningful for us. The ceremony was a wonderful expression of the mutual respect Ross and I have for each others’ faith, too.

A Memorable Marigny Opera House Wedding

Our wedding was filled with so many special moments that will forever be engraved in our hearts. One that is unforgettable was standing under the chuppah, hand in hand with my future husband, while my father pronounced us husband and wife. The Voices of Greatness Gospel Choir performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” while friends and family stood in celebration of that special moment.

Entering A Dazzling Celebration

Another memory that’ll always bring a smile to our faces was the “Second Line.” The band, Kinfolk, led the entire wedding party along with over 200 guests through the streets of the Marigny neighborhood. Upon reentering the Opera House, guests were enthralled by the venue transformation and welcomed to a dazzling New Years’ Eve celebration.

 

 

Wedding Planning Advice: Get A Planner

A wedding planner is essential! Finding your perfect wedding planner is a crucial decision as you’ll be working very closely together throughout the entire wedding planning period. Meet with your wedding planner early and often. Ours, Dustin Castrinos from Nouvelle Fete Celebrations, not only helped us realize my dreams of a Gatsby New Years’ Eve extravaganza, but also helped us create an appropriate budget for the event. His advice allowed us to secure our bands, caterers, florist, and a host of other vendors who would have certainly been booked had we delayed those decisions.

Old Hollywood Wedding Day Fashion

The wedding day fashion of the wedding party was a reflection of our theme. The men in our wedding party wore Calvin Klein Tuxedos with classic bowties while the bridesmaids were fashionably attired in gold lamé dresses with Old Hollywood hairstyles. The groom wore a custom tuxedo by Bill Walker Clothier. My bridal gown was designed by Lazaro. I continued to mirror the Gatsby era style of the evening in both hair and makeup thanks to the wonderful ladies at Faces of Virtue.

 

Having a Gatsby Style Wedding

Our wedding theme arose from my personality. I had an early vision of a Gatsby-style New Years’ Eve celebration. Each and every vendor played a crucial role in making this dream come true. The vision was evident in every aspect of our wedding—a true Gatsby vibe!

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Erin & Geoffrey
Event Planning – Nouvelle Fete Celebrations
Ceremony Venue – Marigny Opera House
Getting Ready Venue – Hotel Peter and Paul
Floral Design – Paradise Florist
Catering – Messinas Catering
Cake – Bywater Bakery
Live Music – Phunky Monkeys, The Voices of Greatness Gospel Choir, and Kinfolk
Invitation Design – Shop Aurea
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Faces of Virtue
Wedding Dress – Lazaro
Groom’s Apparel – Bill Walker Clothier
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Betsy & Adam
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Calvin Klein
Rings – David Yurman and Simon G
Transportation – Trinity Trolley

 

Congratulations to Chelsea and Ross on their lavish Marigny Opera House Wedding. Big thank you to Junebug members Erin & Geoffrey for capturing and sharing this day with us. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our directory of photographers from around the world. 

Love the roaring ‘20s celebration? Get more inspiration from this old Hollywood glam backyard wedding and then check out our wedding planning guide to start planning your Gatsby-style wedding. Cheers, old sport! 

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How Much Does A Wedding Videographer Cost

September 29, 2021 | riley

Image by Jessi Lancaster. See more of this real elopement here

Despite how much time goes into planning a wedding, the day seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. Before you can even begin to process what’s happening, the day is over and all you’re left with is the memories. That’s why we’re firm believers that a videographer is an absolute must-have for every wedding. 

Wedding videographers capture soundbites and intimate moments that you don’t want to forget, which we believe is absolutely priceless. However, if you’re on the fence, we’re here to break it down for you so you can understand why the extra wedding expense is worth it.

How Much A Wedding Videographer Costs

The average cost of a wedding videographer varies depending on your location, whether or not it’s peak wedding season, how many hours of coverage you want, and how experienced the videographer is. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, with the average falling right around the $1,800 range.

What’s Typically Included In The Price

Videographers typically offer packages, although these can be personalized based on what you’re looking for. However, the four things that you’re paying for and can expect from a videographer are high-quality equipment, videography services, post-production editing, and a final copy.

If you find that the videographer that you want to hire doesn’t include extras that you’re interested in within their packages, ask them about a la carte additional services. These extras can include:

  • Drone footage – Drones are popular, especially at destination weddings. They have the ability to film hundreds of feet in the air which also makes your wedding video more unique. The extra equipment needed for this can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000
  • Travel – Just because you’re getting married in a far-off place doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream videographer. Just be prepared to pay for their travel. You will likely pay for their accommodations, meals, and travel
  • Extra edits – Videographers spend hours editing your final wedding video, so if you request any additional edits, it’s likely going to cost you
  • Filming before and after the wedding – Whether your wedding is a weekend long affair or you host a brunch for your friends and family the day of the wedding, filming these moments is going to be additional cost. Discuss plans with your videographer as soon as possible so they can check their availability and they can give you a total for your wedding budget
  • Tipping – Tips are always welcomed even if they’re not expected. Your videographer puts in a lot of time and effort into capturing the beauty of the day, so any gesture of your appreciation will be welcomed.

Image by Tahnee Jade Photography. See more of this real wedding here

What Impacts Their Prices

As we mentioned earlier, there are a variety of things that can affect a videographer’s prices. Some of the most common include:

  • Time – This is going to be the one that impacts pricing most. Most packages include the time that they will spend filming. The longer they film, the higher the price 
  • Staffing – If you choose a well-established videographer, they may bring along an assistant or second shooter. This helps ensure that they’re able to capture every moment without missing a beat. The more staff present, the higher the pricing may be
  • Wedding season – If your wedding is taking place in peak wedding season–which is typically May to October–prices may be higher because of the demand

Why Hiring A Wedding Photographer Is Worth It

Having both a wedding photographer and videographer may seem like a bit too much, but we promise it’s worth it. Photos do an incredible job of capturing memorable moments, but they can’t capture everything. Videographers capture the emotions of your guests while you exchange handwritten vows, the hilarious speeches that your wedding party makes, and the epic dance battle that breaks out at the end of the night. That’s something you just can’t put a price on. 

To find your dream videographer, be sure to check out our directory of videographers from around the globe! And don’t forget to check our in-depth reasoning as to why you need a videographer.

Image by Winsome Photos. See more of this elopement here

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Our Favorite ManiMe Group Manicures For Weddings

August 30, 2021 | riley
manime group order example

image provided by ManiMe

We’ve mentioned gifts for your bridal party that will make your photos better before and we’re here to tell you more about our new favorite addition to that list—ManiMe press-on nails. 

Ensuring your wedding party has salon-perfect nails for your wedding is a small touch that many couples don’t take advantage of. Getting manicures done before the wedding used to be a hassle but now you can do it at home with your wedding party, whenever you want with the help of our friends at ManiMe. The best part? You can do these high tech manicures in five minutes or less.

Who Is ManiMe?

Co-founder and CEO Jooyeon Song was tired of watching her nails be damaged by tools and drills while sitting in a salon chair for two hours in a chemical-filled room. She thought stick-on nails might be a good solution but quickly realized that they weren’t a seamless fit for her nail size. She mentioned these troubles to her Stanford Business School classmate, David Miro Lopis, who was excited and wanted to find a solution.

With that excitement, ManiMe was born. Today, Jooyeon, David, and the whole ManiMe team are on a mission to make manicures that are accessible, healthy, and as easy-to-change as your shoes. The gels last up to ten days and use proprietary 100% Korean gel that is 10-free, leaping bunny certified, and can be applied or removed without UV lights or harsh chemicals. 

ManiMe manicure shown on hand with wedding ring

image provided by ManiMe

How Does ManiMe Work?

ManiMe’s stick-on gel nails are impossibly easy to use. To get started, just snap a few images of your hands while holding a credit card (for size reference). Then choose your designs and check out. In four to seven business days they’ll ship gorgeous custom fit manicures straight to your door. 

Application is also seriously easy and takes less than five minutes. All you have to do is clean your nails, apply the custom-fit gels, press and smooth them onto your nail, clip or file off the excess, and then seal it with a top coat. Presto! You and your wedding party have salon-perfect manicures for your wedding day. 

manicure on a hand

image provided by ManiMe

Placing a Group Order

They’ve thought of everything when it comes to placing a group order. ManiMe makes it easy for you to coordinate everything your wedding party will need. Getting custom-fit gel manicures for everyone in your group takes four easy steps.

Step 1. Build Your Group Gift Kit

You’ll fill the group gift kit with all of your favorite manicures, pedicures, and nail care essentials.  You can choose anything from their gallery of over 100 different nail designs for the group. Many of these designs include beautiful nail art that was designed exclusively for ManiMe by professional nail artists. 

Keep in mind that you’ll get free shipping on kits over $30, so be sure to take advantage of that.

image provided by ManiMe

Step 2. Enter Your Groups’ Email Addresses

All you need to send these gifts are your recipients’ email addresses. That’s right, you can send these to as many recipients as you want without needing promo codes, and you’ll save up to 30%. 

With ManiMe’s group gift option, the more gifts you give the more you’ll save. So go big and consider including your future in-laws in on the fun.

image provided by ManiMe

Step 3. Your Recipients Redeem Their Gift Kit

Your wedding party will each receive a unique link to scan their nails with. After they’ve confirmed their nail scans, their gift kits will ship in four to seven business days. 

Step 4. Get Your High Tech Nails On

Gather your group together and have everybody do their nails together! This fun and easy step can happen in the week leading up to the wedding since these press-on gel nails last up to ten days.

All you have to do is clean your nails, apply the custom-fit gels, press and smooth them onto your nail, clip or file off the excess, and then seal it with a top coat. 

Order Your ManiMe Gift Sets Today

Avoid chipped polish in your wedding photos by gifting your wedding party salon-perfect nails with ManiMe. Get started on your group order today on their website.

ManiMe group manicure graphic

image provided by ManiMe

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Bright And Beautiful Cape Cod Backyard Micro Wedding

April 15, 2021 | Junebug Weddings

Will we ever tire of backyard micro weddings? Probably not, especially with a quaint one like this. Bethany and Jeff opted for a more intimate wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family. With a naturally bright and green landscape, this couple created a backyard micro wedding that included a bold blue color palette, strung lights, and crisp white florals. We also loved seeing Jeff in a bright blue suit—we’re suckers for a colorful suit moment.

With the help from wedding planner Cape Cod Celebrations, their backyard was transformed into a gorgeous wedding venue. Complete with a minimalistic wedding altar and a reception in a pitched tent, this wedding was absolutely dreamy. If you’re planning a micro wedding of your own, get ready to pin images from Lynne Reznick, who captured this ceremony beautifully.

The Couple:

Bethany and Jeff

The Wedding:

Yarmouth Port, MA USA

Planning A Backyard Micro Wedding

We wanted a big, fun party where our guests felt important and welcomed, but I also wanted to incorporate thoughtful details. I wanted to get married on the Cape because it’s been an important part of my life and an important place for my family. We also only wanted to include wedding traditions that felt meaningful to us. The elements we chose to include were homages to our relationship and the people who matter to us. I was raised Catholic and Jeff is Jewish, but we ended up deciding not to include aspects of either religion’s wedding ceremony. The plans for the big, fun wedding changed, but the emphasis on guest experience and having the event be a reflection of us did not.

Tear-jerking Handwritten Vows 

The most memorable moment for me was our vows. Although we were always planning to write our own, we somehow ended up on opposite ends of the house writing them the day before the wedding. They were hard to write! But I’m so glad we stuck to our plan. Exchanging them in front of such an intimate group made them even more special. The ceremony was very emotional for Jeff, which is a side not often seen of him. I didn’t know if he was going to make it through his, but he did!

Changing Wedding Plans

I’m really proud of how we pivoted our original plans and put the safety of our guests first. It allowed our families to play a starring role in the day—likely a larger role than they may have played in the original plan. We got married at my Aunt Mairead and Uncle Bob’s house—two of the most important people in my life. My uncle Bob, who is also my godfather, officiated our ceremony.

Advice for Planning A Micro Wedding

For couples in a similar position—wondering how to pivot in these uncertain times—my advice would be to ensure all of the elements you care about are still present, even if it looks different. After 2020, it is important to not take anything for granted. So if certain things matter to you, my advice is to do them, even if you feel silly wearing a silk ball gown in a backyard with your immediate family. You won’t regret it. And no one will bat an eye if you wear that dress again at your larger celebration if you choose to have one later.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lynne Reznick
Event Planning – Cape Cod Celebrations
Floral Design – Leslie Lee Floral Design
Catering – Cape Cod Private Dinners
Videography – Harborview Studios
Invitation Design – Minted
Makeup Artist – Alexandra Dale Makeup
Hair Styling – Crystal Pray Hair
Wedding Dress – Romona Keveza from Allegria Boston Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Adamas
Rentals – True North Event Rentals
Favors – Modern Vintage

 

Congratulations to Bethany and Jeff on their Cape Cod backyard micro wedding. And a major shout out to Cape Cod Celebrations for sharing this day with us. Planning a micro wedding or a backyard wedding? Check out our ultimate guides for planning a micro wedding and planning a backyard wedding! 

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9 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony

February 9, 2021 | Junebug Weddings

Congratulations on your engagement! It’s time to start planning a dreamy wedding to celebrate your love. Since this day is about you and your partner, add your own personal touches to it and make it unique to your relationship. A wedding doesn’t have to just be during the ceremony, or even a grand surprise—although most people love a good surprise. We have rounded up nine unique ways to personalize your wedding from the smallest details to a grand gesture. 

1. Skip The Traditions

Wedding traditions may not fit you and your partner’s style. If there isn’t a specific tradition that feels authentic to you and your partner, then opt out of it. There aren’t any rules that say how to throw a wedding, so don’t feel pressured to follow traditions that aren’t unique to your love. 

Sit down with your significant other and go through a wedding planning checklist—be sure to stay at a high level. This will help you figure out what traditions you’re not interested in following, and then lean into your interests when you create a wedding mood board. Find colors you both love, things you want to do to celebrate your union, and then lay it all out there. 

couple eloping and their personal wedding vows

photo by Phan Tien

2. Write Your Own Vows

Here at Junebug, we’re huge advocates of writing your own vows. These words are straight from the heart and they make the ceremony extra special. Whether you use quotes from a song, write a poem, or just share why you love your partner, this is such an intimate moment that truly celebrates your love. 

Plus, it helps make the ceremony truly feel yours. You don’t have to be the world’s greatest writer to tell your partner why you love them, so even if you’re not confident that writing your own vows is for you, give it a try. Grab that pencil and paper and profess your love—it’ll be worth it. 

Shop vow books: personalized wedding vow book ($24+); set of 2 wedding vow books ($25); leather wedding vow book ($20)

3. A Family And Friend Photo Wall

RSVPs are in, but not everyone on your list can make it. There’s still a way to make it feel like they’re there on your special day—a photo wall. When sending RSVPs—or after receiving regrets—request images from those who can’t attend to print and hang.  Whether you decide to display the photo wall at the ceremony or reception, this can also honor any late loved ones who you wish could be there. 

4. Ask A Friend Or Family Member To Officiate

When it comes to officiants, picking out the perfect one can be difficult. Officiants are there to both help express the love between you two and also serve in a legal capacity to make sure you’ve done everything to tie the knot. If you can’t find the perfect officiant for your wedding, ask a close friend, or a close relative. 

There’s something special about asking someone you love to officiate your wedding. It always adds more personality when they tell the story of your relationship, narrate cute moments, and the day you both decided to spend the rest of your life together will be brighter for it. 

5. Pre-Write Thank You Cards For Guests

A thank you card to your guests on your wedding day is a simple, sweet gesture that makes them feel especially welcomed. Leave them for your guests to find when they find their seats for your ceremony or reception.  Obviously, a thank you card for any gifts is thoughtful after your wedding day is over, but this is both unique and personal to you and your guests.

 

6. Leave A Shoe Note

If you haven’t seen the infamous shoe note all over Pinterest, don’t worry. The “shoe note” is a little love note or poem that you write on the bottom of your partner’s wedding shoes. 

This note may not last until the end of the night—especially if the dance floor is popping—but it’s a fun and unique way to remind your partner that you love them before you say “I do”. Try writing it on the bottom of their shoe, or leave a tiny card inside of it, and get ready for happy tears! 

7. Add Small But Meaningful Details 

Think of something meaningful. Picture it in your mind. Now, find a way to incorporate that meaningful item into your wedding day. Whether it’s a family heirloom, your late grandfather’s favorite shirt, or maybe even seashells from your first date, including heartfelt items into your wedding makes it that much more—well—special. Add the heirloom to your bouquet. Stitch the shirt into your dress or suit. Put the seashells in a vase on the couple’s table. Get creative while you’re brainstorming places to use these meaningful items. 

8. Personalize The Escort Cards

It’s likely that you’re planning to put guests’ names on escort cards to help them find their seats. That’s not what we mean by personalizing them. Go the extra step and add a memory or an inside joke onto each guest’s card. Or turn their escort cards into faux Polaroid pictures that they can keep after the wedding. 

Whatever you choose, don’t feel obligated to have the escort cards match exactly with your wedding aesthetic. They can be as unique as the guests who will take those seats.

9. Include Your Pets

We all love pets, so include them. If you’re able to bring them to your wedding there are many ways to include them on your special day. A few of our favorite options include walking down the aisle with them or posing for pictures with them. 

Of course, not every wedding allows for all pets to join in on the fun. Pay homage to any late favorite pets by including them on small details at your wedding. Try adding a photo or sketch of your pet on the napkins, drink menus, coasters, or your stationary. Whether it’s your dog, cat, reptile, or any other of your lovable animals, it’s a fun way to make it feel like they’re at your wedding.

Shop Etsy products: pet illustration napkin ($34.80); pet wedding tag ($10); save the date pet portrait ($198)

As your head down your wedding planning journey, remind yourself that this is you and your partner’s wedding. Stay true to who you both are and make it your own. To help, we have a guide on how to plan a truly wedding unique. This guide will help you plan the perfect wedding and navigate the decision-making process. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

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Use This Wedding Flower Checklist to Incorporate Flowers Throughout Your Day

February 6, 2021 | riley

Image by Jumi Story. See more of this real wedding here

One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is figuring out the florals. They’re a beautiful, natural, and easy way to dress up your venue, wedding party, and everything in between. However, they also take up a large part of a wedding budget. If you’re meeting with your florist soon, have a checklist of all of the arrangements you want to be included in your big day. 

For some, this may just be bouquets and centerpieces. Other couples may want to deck out the space in florals galore. Whatever floral design you have envisioned, this wedding flower checklist will help you consider every type of wedding flower arrangement available to include for your “I do’s.”

Wedding Flower Checklist

Image by Me and Georgia. See more of this real wedding here

Wedding Bouquets

The bouquet is arguably one of the most important florals for your wedding day because it’s photographed throughout the day. If you’re going to splurge on any bouquets, make it this one. The wedding party’s bouquets will also get photographed. However, there’s nothing wrong with keeping them simpler if you want to save money.

Junebug Floral Tip: 

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive. The cost of the specific fresh flowers you choose will make the price tag increase. 

Boutonnieres

Boutonnieres are an easy way for couples to match one another and the wedding’s color palette. Because these are typically smaller, you don’t need to worry about going over the top. If you prefer simple boutonnieres a flower or two will do. This also applies to any wedding party boutonnieres as well.

Image by The Tinsley Co. See more of this real wedding here

Aisle

If you want to decorate your ceremony space without spending a fortune, having floral aisle markers at the beginning and end of the aisle may be the perfect choice for you. This is an easy way to make a space feel decorated without being overwhelming. This is also ideal if you plan on having an intricate backdrop because it won’t take away from the decor.

Backdrop

Backdrop florals will be just that—the backdrop to your vows. They’ll be in every photograph taken of the ceremony so you want to make sure that you love them. From flower arches to a flower-covered chuppah to a hanging floral ceiling, there are many different ways to go about it. 

If you’re looking to save money on your wedding day, many other creative backdrop options don’t require flowers. This is entirely up to personal preference.

Tossing Petals

After saying “I do” and making your way down the aisle, you can give your guests fresh flower petals to throw during your wedding ceremony exit. Tossing petals make for memorable photos but they aren’t required. You can also use leaves, bubbles, streamers, or simply have guests clap during the recessional. 

Image by Sara Rogers. See more of this real wedding here

Bar Decor

If you’re having a bar at your wedding, there’s a good chance that many guests will spend a lot of the evening visiting it. So personalizing it with some floral arrangements is an excellent way to make it pop. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to do this is to repurpose flowers from your ceremony space.

Table Centerpieces

Your centerpieces get a lot of attention during the reception. Your guests will be looking at them all night long while they eat and socialize. Because of this, you’ll likely spend most of your flower budget on these pieces.

You also want to consider your sweetheart table. Many couples opt to have their sweetheart table florals differ from the centerpieces to help it stand out. For example, if you have large floral centerpieces on all of the tables, try a long floral garland for your table. This incorporates your flowers and differentiates the tables.

Cake

When putting together a flower budget, many couples forget about the cake. If you like the look of florals on your cake be sure to talk to both your baker and your florist during wedding planning. 

Image by Robert J Hill. See more of this real wedding here

Extra Wedding Florals 

One of the best parts about planning a wedding is making it entirely your own. This means the location, type, and size of flowers you choose are up to you, too. The ones we listed above tend to be the more traditional floral arrangements included in a wedding. But the sky is the limit!  

Here are other types of flowers to talk to your florist about.

Hair

Much like bouquets and boutonnieres, any hairpieces or accessories you wear will be in every single wedding photo. So if you want flowers in your hair, bring it up with your florist as part of your wedding flower checklist.  Work with your florist and hair stylist to determine how to include them so that the flowers stay in tip-top shape the entire day.

Guestbook Table

Along with the bar, the guestbook table will be a popular spot for your guests as they enter your ceremony, during dinner, and through the reception. Adding an arrangement or two is an easy way to dress up the table instantly. This is another table that would be an easy spot to repurpose wedding ceremony florals as well to save money.

Image by May Iosotaluno. See more of this real wedding here

Signage

From welcome signs to seating charts, there’s a lot of signage included at a wedding. And while flowers are definitely not necessary for signage, it’s an easy way to make a functional piece of decor stand out.

Now that you have a wedding flower checklist for your special day, it’s time to make a trip to your florist! To prepare for your consultation, be sure you have your mood board put together and ready to go over together. 

Image by Maria Bryzhko Photography. See more of this real wedding here

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Perfectly Green Los Angeles Urban Jungle Wedding

December 23, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

City lights, the hustle and bustle, and eccentric muraled walls—welcome to downtown Los Angeles! Valerie and Charles’s ceremony brought a whole new meaning to “urban jungle” with luscious greenery, strung lights, and exposed brick walls at the heart of the city. In a city full of gorgeous and unique wedding locations, Valerie and Charles chose one of our new favorites! 

Staying in theme with their venue, the couple opted for a green color palette mixed with dark and light greys for a minimalistic and warm feel. Wedding planner Leilani Weddings helped create a beautiful experience complete with a gorgeous reception—and polaroid pictures. Scroll down and let Gina & Ryan Photography transport you to this urban oasis! 

The Couple:

Valerie and Charles

The Wedding:

Millwick, Downtown Los Angeles, California

Personalized Urban Jungle Wedding

We personalized all of our invitations and name cards with our own wedding logo and had a projector screen slideshow for our guests. Our guests received custom pins as wedding favors that my husband made.

Making Memories in Los Angeles 

The most memorable part of our wedding was walking down the aisle and exchanging our own personal wedding vows.

Luscious Green Color Palette

Our wedding colors were dark and light gray, white, and sage green. The venue itself had beautiful greenery and we wanted our colors to compliment the natural ambiance.

Wedding Advice for Everyone

The earlier the planning, the better. Don’t be afraid to put personal touches throughout your wedding.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Gina & Ryan Photography
Event Planning – Leilani Weddings
Venue – Millwick
Floral Design – The Little Branch
Catering – Hungry Bear Catering
Cake – Mr. and Mrs. Creamery
Officiant – Jacob Jurado
DJ – DJ Wrex 
Videography – Shore and Wave
Makeup Artist – Julian Morales
Hair Styling – Tee Hair
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Pretty Little Thing
Groomsmen’s Apparel – The Black Tux
Photobooth – Pacific Photobooth
Bar – The Whaling Club
Rings – Cartier
Wedding MC – Mitchell Deguzman
Rentals – La Pinata Party

Congratulations to Valerie and Charles on your beautiful, urban jungle wedding. And big thank you to Leilani Weddings for sharing this ceremony with us. Love this unique venue? Then check out these 15 cities for cool wedding day vibes and this guide to help find your perfect venue!

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Earthy PNW-Inspired Wedding at Lake Creek Lodge

November 25, 2020 | riley

We’re all about sustainable weddings here at Junebug, and Alex and Wolf’s earthy PNW-inspired wedding at Lake Creek Lodge is no exception. The couple—who love everything outdoorsy—hired planner AE Creative to turn the historic cabins into a wildflower wonderland. Alex and Wolf planted flowers along the pathway to the ceremony while florist Summer Robbins filled the tented reception space with an abundance of greenery and sunflowers. Not to mention, hand-made and hand-delivered Alex’s intricate flower crown. 

Although we could go on forever about the natural and DIY touches the couple added to the day, we think Abby of AE Creative summed it up perfectly. 

Abby of AE Creative On The Day

The wedding was a wildflower woodland dream. Alex and Wolf are avid outdoors lovers and skilled climbers. The year leading up to their wedding, they lived in their converted van with their rescue dog, Dude. They spent the year traveling to national parks, climbing, and living life to the fullest. They try to tread a lighter footprint for their wedding day–literally by being barefoot the majority of the day–which also encouraged guests to kick off their shoes and enjoy the forest floor beneath their feet. 

We created camping mugs with a custom design of their van on the side that guests used to find their seats and toast to the couple. Every detail was thought through with nature in mind. All of the florals were locally grown, their food menu used local organic ingredients, and no single-use plastics were used. The venue has onsite cabins for about 60 people, so most of the guests were able to stay onsite together for a true wild Oregon wedding weekend!

Ready to frolic through the flower fields with us? Then keep scrolling to see the enchanting photos captured by Anna Caitlin.

The Couple:

Alex and Wolf

The Wedding:

Lake Creek Lodge, Camp Sherman, Oregon

Natural Wedding Day Vibes

We wanted an approachable and naturally beautiful wedding that welcomed our loved ones and brought them in to celebrate our love. Our lives are centered around the outdoors and the peace it can bring. Because of this, we wanted natural elements in every possible place. We even planted native wildflowers along the pathway guests walked to the ceremony site. The ceremony set the stage for the whole day, taking place in the forest along a stream. We stood under giant douglas fir and ponderosa pines with beautiful floral installations that appeared to have grown over our archway and along the aisles. We wanted everyone to feel comfortable while being surrounded by love and nature.

An Emotional Walk Down The Aisle

The most memorable part of the day was seeing my husband tear up at the ceremony as my Dad and I walked down the aisle. We both felt so relaxed. I was barefoot walking through the forest toward my partner on pine needles. It was unbelievably peaceful. I was so calm and happy from the inside out.

The Bride Emphasised The Importance of a Planner 

Try to find a wedding planner that really understands your dynamic and that values what you both think is important. Our wedding wasn’t large, but the opportunity to have a full planner—and her team—helping us made the whole experience less stressful and full of joy. A planner is more worth it than an expensive dress or cake, in my opinion.

Custom Wedding Favors

We gave camp mugs created by Abby at AE Creative that had a custom graphic of our Pro-master van we lived in. They were pure magic. I’ve seen guests using them to this day and they’ve even been used as basil planters. That connection to the earth makes us smile.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Anna Caitlin
Event Planning – AE Creative
Venue – Lake Creek Lodge
Floral Design – Summer Robbins
Catering – White Pepper
Cake – Foxtail Bakeshop
DJ – Flip Flop Sounds
Live Music – The Riverside Folk
Videography – Benjamin Edwards
Calligraphy – My Fair Letters
Makeup Artist – Stephenie Jayne Makeup Artistry
Hair Styling – Head Over Wheels Hair Co
Wedding Dress – Willowby by Watters
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – BLHDN
Groom’s Apparel – Nordstrom
Tent – West Coast Event Productions
Event Staff – The Broomsmen
Rentals – Archive Rentals
Bar – Crafted Life

 

Congratulations again to Alex and Wolf on their earthy PNW-inspired wedding at Lake Creek Lodge. We’re so thankful that Anna Caitlin was there to capture every magical detail and that AE Creative shared it with us! If you’re planning your own DIY nuptials, check out our DIY wedding guide: everything you need to know about planning your own!

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This Gorgeous Italy Wedding at Borgo Stomennano Takes Luxury to the Next Level

November 23, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

Bringing magic to life is no easy task, but wedding planner House of Luce did just that for Samara and Stephen. This Borgo Stomennano, Italy wedding was every bit of luxury with baroque touches, a dark red color scheme, a flowing champagne tower, and sparkling chandeliers. There was even a bit of Dolce and Gabbana—always a fabulous addition to any wedding.

While keeping the theme Italian-chic, this wedding is a Pinterest board in itself. Thankfully, David Bastianoni captured every inch of it. Don’t let us spoil all the fun—  keep scrolling to be whisked away into by this gorgeous wedding at Borgo Stomennano.

The Couple:
Samara and Stephen

The Wedding:
Monteriggioni, Tuscany, Italy

Why The Couple Chose Borgo Stomennano

We wanted our wedding venue to be at a real Tuscan-style venue where guests could experience history. We didn’t want it to be modern, but rather monumental and majestic. Being surrounded by vineyards, beautiful nature, and a feeling of peace and calm was important to us. Having a beautiful and impressive entrance, specifically, a long driveway surrounded by typical cypress trees was a must have, too. We found all of our requirements in one place and were instantly sold. We really wanted the day to be a magical and beautiful experience for us and for our guests. Approaching venues with the idea that it would feel like a little holiday weekend all together—surrounded by our loved ones—where time stood still for a little while really helped in choosing.

An Ode to Italian Fashion 

For the styling of the groom, bride, and wedding party, we liked to keep it Italian chic, elegant, and light. We wanted everyone to be in the same colors. My husband wore a handmade suit from Loro Piana made by Oger Amsterdam and shoes from Carmina. I had my bridal crown custom made and designed by Mignonne in France and my earrings were from Christie Nicolaides in Australia. I love the baroque style and wanted it to match my wedding dress from Covers Bridal Boutique with wild pearls. My wedding dress was comfortable and light—which I loved—and was covered with appliqués of beautiful 3D flowers, paillette, and beads. It had three layers of lace, tulle, and sparkle. I hand-stitched real sweet water pearls and crystals onto the dress, as an extra special touch. I absolutely loved my matching cathedral length veil, which I wish I could have worn forever. 

Welcome Wedding Gifts And Goodbye Recovery Kits

We had a welcome bag for each guest filled with lavender soap, mints, water, a welcome note, mini tic tac toe in a bag, jelly beans, and mosquito repellent spray. For the ceremony, we gave out fans for the guests to keep cool. As a goodbye gift, we handed out little “recovery kits” that were filled with cool bandaids, Advil, Alka Seltzer, a footbath tablet, candies, and a Vitamin C shot. For our parents, we gave them slippers, kimonos, and Cartier perfume. The bridesmaids got slippers and matching kimonos and the groomsmen got flasks, ties, and tie clips.

Wedding Advice for Brides-To-Be 

Start planning earlier than you think you should and don’t use a wedding planner you don’t absolutely love. A good wedding planner is everything! We switched twice before we found our dream wedding planner. I recommend investing a lot of time into searching and contacting many vendors to compare and have options to choose from. Don’t wait too long—popular vendors get booked very quickly.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – David Bastianoni
Event Planning – House of Luce
Ceremony and Reception Venue – Borgo Stomennano
Catering – Rolands
Cake – Sugarcups
Officiant – Celebrants Italy
DJ – Kaleydo
Live Music – Italian Market Trio
Videography – 2become1
Invitation Design – La Lettre Kalligrafie
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling – Samara Beesemer
Wedding Dress – Crystal Design
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Woná & Jarlo London & Lack of Color
Groom’s Apparel – Oger & Carmina
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Loro Piana
Rings – Cartier
Rentals – Tuscany flowers
Presents – Eat My Art

 

Congratulations to Samara and Stephen on their gorgeous wedding day! Big thank you to Lucette Sforza from House of Luce for sharing this incredible ceremony with us. If you’re looking to throw an opulent destination wedding, get inspired by this wedding in Puerto Rico, or consider a cool city in the US! 

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