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A Modern, Textured Alt-Bridal Editorial at Calgary’s Fortuna’s Row

June 18, 2026 | justine

When Junebug vendor OM Wedding Storytelling began planning this modern romantic styled shoot, the goal was surprisingly simple: create something different.

Photographer Olga Martinez wanted to move away from the wedding inspiration she was seeing around her and create a look that felt modern, romantic, slightly vintage, and a little unexpected. She started with the idea of an alternative bride and built the shoot one detail at a time. The jewelry. The dress. The braid. The flowers. Each element was chosen individually, with the hope that everything would somehow come together in the end.

What she didn’t expect was where those choices would lead. Once the shoot was finished, Olga looked at the images and immediately saw something familiar. “When I saw the result it was to my surprise that the shoot screamed Mexico! My homeland. Little did I know that I was doing a homage. My roots have spoken.” Without planning it, she had created a modern romantic styled shoot that reflected the colors, textures, architecture, and feeling of home.

What We Love About This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration:

  • The dramatic braid that became a recurring design detail throughout the shoot
  • Rich red florals that bring energy to an otherwise neutral palette
  • A wedding cake inspired directly by the textures of the bridal gown
  • Fashion choices that feel editorial while remaining bridal
  • The warm, modern atmosphere created by Fortuna’s Row

Featured Vendor:
OM Storytelling

The Unexpected Inspiration Behind This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration

One of the most interesting parts of this shoot is that it wasn’t inspired by a specific destination, trend, or color palette. Instead, Olga followed her instincts.

She was drawn to opulent jewelry, feminine details, textured fabrics, and a color palette of warm neutrals accented with bold red florals. Looking at each element on its own, the connection wasn’t obvious. But once everything came together, the inspiration revealed itself.

The long braid became one of the strongest threads throughout the design. It appeared not only in the model’s hairstyle but also in the floral installation and tablescape. The warm earth tones echoed the venue’s architecture, while the red roses added just enough color to catch the eye.

The finished result reminded Olga of the modern, design-forward spaces found throughout parts of Mexico, especially places like Oaxaca and Tulum.

For couples, it’s a good reminder that wedding inspiration doesn’t always have to come from Pinterest. Sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from places, memories, and experiences that already feel familiar.

How Collaboration Elevated Every Detail of This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration

Although Olga developed the initial concept, she knew the shoot would only work if she found the right team to help bring it to life. She intentionally looked for vendors who weren’t afraid to think outside the box while still creating something elegant and approachable. “The styled shoot itself is a sum of the talents and creations of everyone involved.”

She had worked with designer Sofia Fasado before and knew she could help refine the tablescape and fashion styling. Florist Lauren of Hanako Studio was someone she had admired for some time, and her floral designs ended up becoming one of the standout elements of the shoot. Cake artist Raman of Veeri Cakes transformed inspiration from the gown into edible artwork, while model Vinasa brought exactly the energy Olga had envisioned from the start.

The Design Details That Tied Everything Together

Although the color palette stayed relatively neutral, the shoot never felt plain. Much of that came down to texture. The dress featured intricate details and layered fabrics. The flowers combined soft grass with rich red roses. The concrete walls and natural materials throughout the venue added warmth without competing for attention. 

Even the cake borrowed details from the gown itself. “The cake being inspired by the dress’s textural depth; the venue being a Latin restaurant with these earth colors and concrete walls. Everything is a full circle.”

Rather than relying on lots of colors or elaborate decor, the team focused on repeating small details throughout the design. Those subtle connections helped the entire shoot feel cohesive.

The Statement Dress That Influenced the Entire Design

The bridal fashion played a bigger role in this shoot than simply dressing the model. Olga knew from the beginning that she wanted something different from a traditional wedding gown. She had followed Colombian designer Maxime of Sagradesa for years and admired the brand’s use of texture and unconventional silhouettes. The dress quickly became one of the shoot’s biggest sources of inspiration.

Details from the gown later influenced the cake design, while its romantic texture balanced the modern feel of the venue. It helped set the tone for everything else that followed. When model Vinasa finally stepped into the completed look, the vision that had existed only in Olga’s mind suddenly became real. “The outcome of the model. When I saw her with the hair extensions and the dress my eyes watered a little bit.” It was one of those moments every creative hopes for when months of planning finally come together.

A Venue That Offered a Different Perspective on Latin Design

Finding the right venue was another important part of the puzzle. When Olga discovered Fortuna’s Row, she immediately connected with its modern interiors, warm earth tones, and understated architecture. It felt rich without being overly decorative and minimal without feeling cold. What she loved most was how closely it reflected the kind of contemporary design often found in parts of Latin America. “This is very similar to what we have in Mexico, especially in places like Oaxaca and Tulum.”

The venue also offered plenty of flexibility for the creative team. When the original location for the tablescape didn’t provide the lighting they hoped for, the florist, designer, and photographer made a last-minute decision to move everything into the main salon. The change ended up improving the final result.

Of course, there were a few other challenges along the way. Temperatures reached a chilly -20 degrees Celsius on the morning of the shoot, and the bridal shoes arrived only the night before. But like many wedding days, a few unexpected hurdles became part of the story.

What began as a simple desire to create something new became something much more personal. Through fashion, florals, architecture, and thoughtful details, this modern romantic styled shoot became a reflection of Olga’s creative vision and a reminder that the ideas that resonate most are often the ones closest to home.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – OM Storytelling
Venue – Fortuna´s Row
Floral Design – Hanako Studio
Styling + Table Design – Sofia Fosado
Cake – Veeri Cakes
Invitation Design – Seeking Light Studio
Makeup Artist – Nicole Saxton
Hair Styling – Jessie Liao
Wedding Dress – Sagradesa
Model – Vinasa Lucella

 

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The Ultimate Guide to the Mother of the Bride Speech

June 17, 2026 | justine

Read on to learn how to write a meaningful mother of the bride speech, what to include, what to avoid, and get inspired by five speech examples. Image by Julie Pepin Photography

Few wedding moments are as emotional as a mother of the bride speech. It’s a chance to celebrate your daughter, welcome her partner into the family, and share your excitement for the life they’re building together.

The good news? There isn’t one perfect way to give a wedding toast. Some are heartfelt and emotional. Others are funny and lighthearted. Some are just a few minutes long, while others tell a longer story. What matters most is that the speech sounds like you.

Whether you’re starting with a blank page or simply looking for inspiration, this guide covers everything you need to know—from what to include and common pitfalls to avoid to five examples you can use as inspiration.

What Should a Mother of the Bride Speech Include?

Every mother of the bride speech will be unique, but most memorable toasts include a few key elements:

  1. A warm welcome and thank you to guests. Start by acknowledging the friends and family who have gathered to celebrate the couple.
  2. A meaningful memory or story about the bride. Choose a story that highlights her personality, values, or the person she’s become.
  3. Recognition of the person she is today. Weddings are about more than childhood memories. Take time to celebrate the qualities you admire most in your daughter.
  4. A welcome to her partner. Share a few words about the relationship you’ve watched grow and how happy you are to welcome them into your family.
  5. Hopes and well wishes for their future. Offer your encouragement as they begin this next chapter together.
  6. A closing toast. End by inviting guests to raise a glass to the newlyweds.

Don’t feel like you need to include every element. Use the pieces that feel most natural for your relationship and story.

Tips for Writing a Mother of the Bride Speech

  • Speak from the heart. The best speeches sound genuine. Focus on sharing your honest thoughts and feelings rather than trying to impress the room.
  • Keep it positive. A wedding speech should celebrate the couple and the occasion. Choose stories that leave guests smiling.
  • Choose quality over quantity. You don’t need to summarize your daughter’s entire life. One meaningful story often has more impact than several rushed anecdotes.
  • Practice beforehand. Reading your speech aloud a few times will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
  • Pause if you get emotional. It’s completely normal to tear up. Take a breath, gather yourself, and continue when you’re ready.

A Few Things to Avoid in Your Mother of the Bride Speech

  • Making the speech too long
  • Sharing inside jokes most guests won’t understand
  • Mentioning former relationships
  • Telling embarrassing stories that could make the couple uncomfortable
  • Giving too much advice
  • Reading directly from your phone
  • Forgetting to acknowledge your daughter’s partner

When in doubt, keep the focus on celebrating the couple and the joy of the day.

5 Mother of the Bride Speech Examples

Not sure where to start? These examples show a few different approaches—from heartfelt and sentimental to funny and concise. Use them as inspiration, then personalize them with your own memories and stories.

Heartfelt Mother of the Bride Speech Example

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us to celebrate this wonderful day.

From the moment I became [Bride’s Name]’s mother, I knew my life had changed forever. Watching her grow into the thoughtful, compassionate, and confident woman she is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Seeing the happiness she has found with [Partner’s Name] fills me with so much gratitude. Together, they bring out the best in one another, and it’s clear they have built a relationship rooted in love, friendship, and respect.

[Bride’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], I wish you a lifetime of laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple.”

Funny Mother of the Bride Speech Example

“Good evening, everyone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about [Bride’s Name], it’s that she’s always known exactly what she wants. As a child, she had strong opinions about everything, from what she wore to what we ate for dinner. Let’s just say negotiating with her was excellent preparation for life.

Thankfully, one of the best decisions she’s ever made was choosing [Partner’s Name]. Watching the two of them together has been a joy. They make each other laugh, support each other through challenges, and genuinely enjoy being together.

So here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and finding someone who happily agrees to watch your favorite shows for the hundredth time. Cheers!”

Succinct Mother of the Bride Speech Example

“Thank you all for being here today.

[Bride’s Name], I am so proud of the person you’ve become and so grateful to have had the privilege of being your mother. [Partner’s Name], we’re thrilled to welcome you into our family.

May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and countless happy memories. Please raise a glass to the newlyweds.”

Sentimental Mother of the Bride Speech Example

“It feels like yesterday that I was holding [Bride’s Name]’s hand as we crossed the street, and now I have the honor of watching her begin this new chapter of her life.

Being your mother has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. I’ve watched you face challenges with strength, celebrate victories with humility, and care for others with a generous heart.

Today, seeing you standing beside the person you love most, I couldn’t be happier. May you always find comfort in one another, celebrate life’s joys together, and face every challenge as a team.

To [Bride’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], cheers to a beautiful future.”

Mother of the Bride Speech Example Featuring a Meaningful Quote

“‘The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.’ — Audrey Hepburn.

That quote reminds me so much of [Bride’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. Through every season of life, they have supported one another, encouraged one another, and chosen one another.

As a mother, there is nothing more comforting than seeing your child loved so completely and so well.

[Bride’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], may you continue to hold onto each other through every adventure, challenge, and celebration that comes your way.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple.”

Image by Jess Palatucci

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that there are no hard-and-fast rules for a mother of the bride speech. It can be funny, sentimental, brief, or deeply personal. You can read from note cards, tell a favorite story, share a meaningful quote, or simply speak from the heart.

Rather than worrying about saying the perfect thing, focus on what you want your daughter and her partner to hear on their wedding day. A favorite memory, a few words about the people they’ve become, or your hopes for their future together is often more than enough.

Whether your toast lasts two minutes or five, your words will be one of the memories the couple carries with them long after the wedding day is over.

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This NYC Couple Brought Effortless Cool and Fuchsia Pink to a Villa Wedding in Sitges, Spain

Ariella Pasman and Jonathan Paredes didn’t start planning with a specific venue or destination in mind. What they did know was how they wanted the celebration to feel: relaxed, stylish, welcoming, and filled with the people they love most.

The Hudson County couple loves to travel, values great food, and wanted their guests to feel like they were part of something special rather than simply attending another formal event. Those priorities eventually led them to a Sitges, Spain wedding at Villa Almanita, where vibrant pink florals, a meaningful Jewish ceremony, and a weekend-long celebration came together in one unforgettable setting.

Spain felt like a natural choice. Jonathan’s family would be traveling from the Dominican Republic, making a Spanish-speaking destination especially welcoming, while Ariella had spent years learning the language herself. Add in a beautiful villa, November sunshine, and the chance to spend several days with their favorite people, and the decision became an easy one.

What We Love About This Sitges, Spain Wedding:

  • The bold fuchsia pink color palette that inspired even Ariella’s wedding-day hair color
  • A Jewish ceremony thoughtfully brought to life in Spain
  • Jonathan’s vintage brooch in place of a traditional boutonniere
  • Ariella carrying her grandmother’s vintage beaded clutch
  • A wine cellar reception that turned into an all-night dance party

Featured Vendor:
Metheny and Company

The First Look Helped Calm the Wedding Day Nerves

The couple looked completely comfortable in front of the camera all day, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few nerves leading up to the ceremony. Their first look quickly changed that.

After seeing each other, both seemed noticeably more relaxed. Ariella couldn’t stop talking about how handsome Jonathan looked, while Jonathan admitted that being together again immediately settled his nerves. It became one of those quiet moments that helped them slow down and fully take in what was happening.

While the wedding was full of beautiful details and big celebrations, that private moment together ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the day for the couple.

They Wanted a Destination Wedding That Felt Worth the Trip

Ariella and Jonathan weren’t searching for a specific venue. What they had was a list of priorities: a villa with character, outdoor spaces, room for loved ones to stay on-site, and a location where guests could enjoy a few days away together.

Villa Almanita offered all of that and more. Located just outside Barcelona, the property made travel relatively easy for guests flying in while giving the couple an opportunity to extend the celebration into a longer trip. Around 25 close friends and family members stayed on-site throughout the weekend, making the wedding feel less like a one-day event and more like a shared vacation.

The setting itself also helped keep things moving throughout the day. Different areas were used for welcome drinks, the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, allowing guests to enjoy new surroundings as the celebration progressed.

Finding a Way to Honor Tradition Far From Home

That decision added another layer to planning a destination wedding. Jewish ceremonies are not especially common in Spain, which meant finding the right officiant and ensuring vendors understood certain traditions required additional coordination. The team ultimately found an officiant living in Spain who understood the significance of the ceremony and helped bring the couple’s vision to life.

The ceremony took place beneath a huppah, and extra care went into making sure every meaningful element was properly represented. For Ariella and Jonathan, including these traditions was undeniably important.. No matter where they got married, they wanted Ariella’s Jewish heritage to have a meaningful place.

From the Junebug Editors:
If cultural or religious traditions are an important part of your celebration, bring them into planning conversations early. Destination weddings often require additional research and coordination, but giving vendors time to understand what matters most to you can make all the difference.

Personal Style Was the Starting Point for Every Design Decision

The design direction evolved throughout the planning process. Early inspiration leaned moodier, then brighter colors entered the conversation before deeper tones found their way back into the final design. The finished color palette centered around one color Ariella refused to compromise on: fuchsia pink.

That bright pink appeared throughout the flowers and decor, paired with softer pinks, shades of purple, deep greens, and touches of burgundy. Art Nouveau-inspired paper goods added a vintage glamour that worked beautifully with the villa setting.

The most memorable style details were often the smallest ones. Ariella dyed her hair pink for the wedding. Their dogs appeared on the cocktail menu. Jonathan chose a vintage brooch instead of a traditional boutonniere. Ariella carried a beaded clutch that once belonged to her grandmother. As a nail artist, she even painted Jonathan’s ring fingernail with an “A” before the wedding day.

They Planned the Wedding Around How They Wanted Guests to Feel

From the beginning, Ariella and Jonathan wanted guests to feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of. Food was a major priority because both of them genuinely love dining experiences and wanted people to remember the meal long after the wedding ended. Keeping the guest list around 70 people also helped create a more personal atmosphere where every person present had a meaningful connection to the couple.

One of the most emotional moments came during their thank-you toast toward the end of cocktail hour. Looking around the room, they shared how grateful they were that everyone had traveled to Spain to celebrate with them.

That moment landed because everyone there knew they meant it. The same care went into the events surrounding the wedding day. The night before, close family and friends gathered for a relaxed rehearsal evening at the villa. The morning after, everyone reunited for brunch in the courtyard, spending hours laughing, sharing stories, and reliving favorite moments from the night before.

A Wine Cellar Turned Into the Dance Floor Everyone Remembered

While the ceremony was deeply meaningful, Ariella and Jonathan also wanted a reception that felt energetic from start to finish.

Music played a huge role in the planning process, and they were determined to avoid a stiff or overly formal atmosphere. Instead, the celebration moved into the villa’s wine cellar, which transformed into the perfect late-night party space.

Guests filled the dance floor all evening, and the energy never seemed to dip. Between the music, incredible food, flowing drinks, and excitement of being together in Spain, the reception felt exactly the way the couple had hoped it would.

By the end of the weekend, it was easy to see why so many guests went out of their way to tell the Junebug vendor Metheny and Company how much they loved the wedding. Every part of the celebration felt carefully considered, from the guest experience to the flow of the day. Add in a stunning villa, a packed dance floor, and a group of people who were genuinely thrilled to be together, and it became the kind of wedding guests didn’t want to leave.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Shots by Sam
Event Planning – Metheny & Company
Content Creator – Vow Visuals
Floral Design – Bodas Loving the Flowers
Catering – Dini Catering
Officiant – Chazan Danny
DJ – Time Machine Studio
Makeup + Hair Styling – MLI Beauty

 

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