{"id":822438,"date":"2024-06-10T01:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T06:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=822438"},"modified":"2024-06-10T09:55:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T14:55:09","slug":"colorful-la-casa-de-la-ruina-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/colorful-la-casa-de-la-ruina-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorful La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Full of Small Personal Touches"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822483\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/3f\/d5\/3fd54fa38256d413.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie and Sami fell in love with Antigua when they got <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/ultimate-guide-planning-engagement-party\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">engaged<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> there. As they <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">planned<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> their wedding, they wanted to capture the adventure, excitement, and love they felt during their first trip. They knew they had to share the beauty of Guatemala with their loved ones. Set in a luxurious historic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-your-wedding-venue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">venue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lacasadelaruina\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Casa de la Ruina<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wedding featured a vibrant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/6-tips-for-choosing-your-wedding-colors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">color palette<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showstopping <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/use-this-wedding-floral-checklist-to-incorporate-flowers-throughout-your-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">florals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and festive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/use-this-wedding-decor-checklist-to-help-you-nail-every-detail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that perfectly complemented the old-world atmosphere of their unique location.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A standout moment of the wedding was the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-planning-your-wedding-ceremony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> location. The stunning courtyard ruins provided an enchanting backdrop for the couple&rsquo;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/get-inspired-by-these-30-touching-wedding-vows-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heartfelt vows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And that&rsquo;s not all. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-best-wedding-entertainment-ideas-to-consider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mariachi band<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> serenaded and led the entire wedding party through the quaint streets to the garden <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-wedding-reception-timeline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reception<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The tables were meticulously adorned with vibrant centerpieces, each adding a pop of color to the already picturesque setting. However, stealing the show was the unique and vibrant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/this-wedding-reception-playlist-is-guaranteed-to-get-your-guests-on-the-dance-floor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dance floor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where the newlyweds and their guests had a blast all night long.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though it was a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/guide-to-planning-destination-wedding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">destination wedding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the pair were determined to infuse it with the cozy familiarity of home and the vibrant spirit of Antigua and Central America. They wanted their guests to feel like they were stepping into their backyard for a relaxed and intimate celebration, and they succeeded brilliantly. Thankfully, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.manuelaldana.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuel Aldana<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was there to capture every moment, ensuring that the essence of their special day would be beautifully preserved for all to see.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>The Couple:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie and Sami<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>The Wedding:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lacasadelaruina\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Casa de la Ruina<\/span><\/a>, Antigua, Guatemala<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822445\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/73\/bf\/73bf807c9298f19e.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822446\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/c6\/c7\/c6c7c8acac9ae566.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822447\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/9f\/2e\/9f2efd424748ace5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822448\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/de\/bc\/debcd0cb69717bb6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822449\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/28\/ad\/28ad5d817a7322d4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Recommended Reading:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-dress-shopping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Dress Shopping<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822450\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/9e\/a1\/9ea1a47662b88427.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822451\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/f9\/12\/f912748ea49837fc.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822452\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/d6\/97\/d697d10c993fb435.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822453\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/b9\/6f\/b96f2036f78f6a25.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822454\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/ad\/e2\/ade26d1520ec0904.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crafting a Meaningful La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Ceremony Through Personal Touches and Emotional Surprises&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em>For the ceremony, we opted for a short, <a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/5-wedding-traditions-you-might-want-to-rethink-what-to-do-instead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">non-traditional approach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. My <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/how-to-find-and-choose-a-wedding-officiant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uncle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> officiated, incorporating a brief meditation, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/12-romantic-love-poems-to-read-at-your-wedding-ceremony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poetry readings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and a unique passing of the rings ceremony, where each guest blessed the rings with well wishes. We exchanged heartfelt speeches and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/10-unique-tips-for-writing-your-wedding-vows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">custom vows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, adding a personal touch to the moment. With the help of our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/wedding-planners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">planner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vendors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, I surprised Sami during the ceremony, executing the plan flawlessly. We had the talented local violinist <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/violinbymar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mariana Bustamente<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> play a playlist we curated together, covering everything from Harry Styles to beloved Harry Potter soundtracks. As a nod to Sami&rsquo;s love for Lord of the Rings, I suggested incorporating &ldquo;Concerning Hobbits&rdquo; into our walk down the aisle, a moment that moved Sami to tears, as expected.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822466\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/75\/7b\/757b3dab3fa52413.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822465\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/81\/46\/8146a61df5f36009.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822464\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/97\/0d\/970d0a8d4d78ca35.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822470\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/e6\/68\/e66835815a1735c8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822472\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/2a\/26\/2a269de125e18f3e.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822473\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/7b\/b5\/7bb5d19a15aef9dd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honoring Roots and Adding Extra Flair Throughout Their Big Day<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We had a lot of favorite moments throughout the day. As we walked from the ceremony to the reception venue, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-best-wedding-entertainment-ideas-to-consider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mariachi band<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> serenaded and led the entire wedding party through the streets&mdash;a nod to Jamie&rsquo;s time in New Orleans, famous for its Second Line celebrations. Stepping into the reception venue for the first time filled us with awe, seeing all the small details we&rsquo;d discussed come to life. We laughed our way through but successfully nailed our choreographed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/80-first-dance-songs-havent-thought-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first dance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&mdash;a huge triumph. After that, the wedding party let loose on the amazing dancefloor for the rest of the night, having an absolute blast. We especially enjoyed joining in with the belly dancers we brought in, paying homage to Sami&rsquo;s Middle Eastern roots and adding an extra touch of fun to the celebration.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822476\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/49\/68\/4968f02e0f4d6f48.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822477\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/79\/09\/7909e4ae65408bc4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822479\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/45\/03\/4503572bdc06d8d5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822482\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/f9\/9b\/f99b1809dba13f22.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822483\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/3f\/d5\/3fd54fa38256d413.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822484\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/c2\/04\/c204850ae62f1fa6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Destination Wedding Essentials: Why You Need a Wedding Planner<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re planning a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/guide-to-planning-destination-wedding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">destination wedding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, hiring a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/wedding-planners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wedding planner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a must! <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weddingsinguatemala.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I Do, Guatemala<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were instrumental in making our weekend unforgettable. They helped us connect with local artists and vendors we would have needed help finding. Remember, it&rsquo;s your day, so there are no rules.&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822491\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/78\/8b\/788b6dba9f469670.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822492\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/50\/5d\/505db1b732118a2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822493\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/24\/58\/2458bde719b4ccd5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822494\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/89\/0a\/890aa59df661935e.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822495\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/4d\/8e\/4d8e97a57f7a748c.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How They Made Their La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Truly Theirs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our favorite wedding moments always revolve around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-speeches-and-toasts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speeches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so we spread them throughout the events, giving each one value and importance without overwhelming guests. Instead of traditional Father-Daughter\/Mother-Son dances, we invited our families onto the dancefloor, creating unforgettable moments. Later in the night, we had belly dancers, and our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/wedding-djs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DJ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> seamlessly integrated traditional Middle Eastern music into the playlist. Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-catering-options-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">menu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was eclectic: ceviche, Thai food, a ravioli bar, steak, and a taco station. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/fool-proof-groomsmen-outfit-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groomsmen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wore their own suits, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/best-places-buy-bridesmaid-dresses-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bridesmaids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> picked their own dresses. By focusing on what mattered most to us, we created a day that was uniquely ours, ignoring many traditions to stay true to ourselves.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822455\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/08\/61\/0861b48a6215391b.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822457\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/a4\/a6\/a4a691827cd6bc5a.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822462\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/7c\/b9\/7cb91883aa8c2090.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822461\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/b3\/4e\/b34e172f0c08d213.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822460\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/b4\/c5\/b4c57f5eb0091590.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crafting La Casa de la Ruina Wedding Luxury Within Limits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We weren&rsquo;t aiming for a million-dollar wedding, and we ensured our wedding planner knew our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/how-to-create-the-best-wedding-budget-for-you-and-your-partner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">budget<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and expectations. Despite that, our day felt like pure luxury, both in the moment and looking back at the photos. Before meeting with our planner, we researched wedding budgets and read blogs from weddings we admired to set realistic expectations. We found it helpful to break down our budget into specific items rather than seeing it as one big expense, which helped us stay on track while choosing vendors and details. Though I spent more on my wedding dress than planned, I saw it as a special treat for myself. Setting up payment plans for big expenses was a lifesaver, with our wedding planner handling 75% of the payments. We were incredibly fortunate to receive help from both sets of parents, which we hadn&rsquo;t expected when we decided on a &ldquo;big&rdquo; wedding. Throughout the year leading up to our wedding, we saved and budgeted our personal finances to cover most of the costs, making our dream day a reality.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822488\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/cf\/50\/cf50149865ff4eca.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822487\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/7f\/60\/7f60ff7f7fdc5a90.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822486\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/90\/0d\/900dd16ac92838ce.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822475\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/ed\/48\/ed48557767841cef.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822467\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/b4\/a4\/b4a4bdaf77bdde5d.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822496\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/97\/43\/9743ad892151a975.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822497\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/4c\/b9\/4cb985298a86f654.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1049\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discovering Antigua&rsquo;s Charm: How They Found Their Dream Wedding Venues<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"goldbox\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We selected our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-your-wedding-venue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">venues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after exploring Antigua on a scouting trip with our planner. Over three days, we toured various locations, from city streets to mountainsides, all meticulously prepared by Diana based on our preferences. We envisioned a natural, outdoor setting that embodied the unique charm of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its preserved ruins and gardens. Among the many ruin sites available, we sought lush vegetation and symmetry for our ceremony&mdash;a traditional aisle. Eventually, we settled on two venues: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lacasadelaruina\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Casa de la Ruina Santa Rosa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the ceremony, where Sami instantly fell in love during our scouting trip. Its allure was further enhanced by the option to rent the entire property for the weekend, providing accommodations for our loved ones. For the reception, we took a leap of faith with Jardin Real de Santiago, a chosen sight unseen due to Antigua&rsquo;s in-person reservation process. Despite initial reservations, the space exceeded our expectations with its expansive, private setting enveloped by beautiful trees and verdant foliage. This strategic choice allowed us to allocate less of our budget to florals, freeing up resources to focus on other decor elements.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822498\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/2f\/2d\/2f2d12c65800833a.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822499\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/d2\/bc\/d2bc21b316aa5aed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822500\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/f4\/39\/f43972c2b23e1826.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822501\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/35\/40\/354077348864f6c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-822502\" src=\"https:\/\/images.junebugweddings.com\/49\/8a\/498a1095c8e6ddbe.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"goldbox\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>The Wedding Team:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Photography &ndash; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.manuelaldana.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuel Aldana<\/span><\/a><br>\nSecond Shooter &ndash; Javier Piedrasanta<br>\nAssistant + Drone Pilot &ndash; Abner Piedrasanta<br>\nEvent Planning &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weddingsinguatemala.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">I Do, Guatemala<\/a><br>\nCeremony Venue &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lacasadelaruina\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Casa de la Ruina<\/span><\/a><br>\nReception Venue &ndash; Jardin Real de Santiago<br>\nFloral Design &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/fileasgt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fileas<\/a><br>\nCatering &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/freshlocalcatering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fresh &amp; Local Catering<\/a> + <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CateringEvelyndeBatres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evelyn de Batres<\/a><br>\nCake &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/diamond_cakes_forever\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Diamond Cakes<\/a><br>\nDJ &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Project.vibez\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Project Vibez<\/a><br>\nLive Music &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/violinbymar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mariana Bustamente<\/a><br>\nVideography &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/gastonbevacquafilmmaker.pixieset.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Gaston Bevaqua<\/a><br>\nMakeup Artist + Hair Styling &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinkslayantigua.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Gaby Aguilar<\/a><br>\nWedding Dress &ndash; Pronovias via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitemagnoliabridal.com\/palmbeach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">White Magnolia Bridal<\/a><br>\nBridal Accessories &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cbgdesigns_\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CBG Designs<\/a><br>\nRings &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/jewelrystudioofwellfleet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jewelry Studio of Wellfleet<\/a><br>\nRentals &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/relaxedloungeservice.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Relaxed Lounge Service<\/a> + <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vlafabric\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Vla Fabric<\/a> + <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Artdeco_eventos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Art Deco Eventos Guatemala<\/a><br>\nLighting &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ericktrujillo_lighting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Erick Trujillo<\/a><br>\nDance Floor &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Imagen.gt74\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Imagen<\/a><br>\nBelly Dancers &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bellydance_by_rashida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Rashida<\/a><br>\nTour Guides &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripsandtipsguatemala.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trips and Tips Guatemala<\/a><br>\nHotel &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotellospasos.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Los Pasos Boutique Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congratulations to Jamie and Sami on their vibrant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lacasadelaruina\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Casa de la Ruina<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wedding, brimming with heartfelt personal touches! A sincere thank you goes out to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bodasmanuelaldana.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuel Aldana<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for skillfully capturing the beauty of every moment and the intricacies of this joyous celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make your wedding truly special by embracing what makes you and your partner unique. The key to tying all of those elements together into a cohesive theme? A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reliable team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to bring your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/5-steps-making-wedding-mood-board\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vision<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to life seamlessly. With careful attention to detail and a touch of creativity, your wedding will create unforgettable memories for both you and your guests.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jamie and Sami fell in love with Antigua when they got engaged there. As they planned their wedding, they wanted to capture the adventure, excitement, and love they felt during their first trip. They knew they had to share the beauty of Guatemala with their loved ones. Set in a luxurious historic venue, their La Casa de la Ruina wedding featured a vibrant color palette, showstopping florals, and festive decor that perfectly complemented the old-world [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"kia_subtitle":"","footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[1079,1462,1083,1005,1093],"tags":[1107,1103,1106,1112],"class_list":["post-822438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-garden-wedding","category-guatemala-wedding","category-historic-venue-wedding","category-real-weddings","category-whimsical-wedding","tag-bright-red","tag-light-blue","tag-orange","tag-purple"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=822438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822438\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=822438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=822438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=822438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}