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A Monument in Golden Gate Park Was Reinterpreted Into This Romantic, Neoclassical Wedding Design

July 9, 2026 | justine

Some wedding designers begin with a color palette or floral vision. For Junebug vendor Van der Vows, the creative process often starts with the venue itself.

When principal designer and owner Chelsea discovered the Portals of the Past tucked inside Golden Gate Park, she saw more than a historic landmark. As the last remaining fragment of a mansion lost to fire and earthquakes, the monument shaped every creative decision that followed. Flowing silk softened its neoclassical lines, while sculptural florals, layered textures, and heirloom-inspired details echoed its timeless character, resulting in a Neoclassical wedding design that feels seamlessly woven into its surroundings.

This styled shoot offers plenty of inspiration for couples planning a luxury wedding while also highlighting Van der Vows’ creative approach. The team begins by uncovering what makes a location distinctive, then builds on those qualities through thoughtful styling—from the ceremony installation and fashion to the florals and tablescape.

What We Love About This Neoclassical Wedding Design

  • The way flowing silk gives the historic Portals of the Past an entirely new look
  • A mirrored ceremony aisle that plays on the idea of stepping through a portal in time
  • Florals inspired by the surrounding trees
  • Engraved pocket watches and lockets that add an heirloom touch
  • Quartz crystals tucked into the tablescape
  • An impromptu dance party to Jay-Z that reminded everyone to have fun between shots

Featured Vendor:
Van der Vows

Junebug Vendor Van der Vows Let The Venue Lead The Design

“The vision for Portals of the Past: Draped in Time began with the structure itself. Hidden within Golden Gate Park, the Portals of the Past stands as the remaining fragment of a once-grand mansion lost to fire and earthquakes, a monument suspended between memory and survival.”

From there, the design took its cues from the monument.

Silk was draped across the ruins to soften the neoclassical lines while keeping the structure front and center. That same idea carried through the rest of the shoot, with the florals, fashion, and tablescape all taking cues from the monument and its surroundings.

“I wanted to reinterpret the monument as an art installation, draping the neoclassical structure in silk to soften its stone and breathe life back into its history.”

Texture Carries the Design as Much as Color

The color palette pulls directly from the monument and its surroundings, combining ivory, champagne, clay rose, muted blush, warm apricot, antique gold, and stone gray.

Silk draped across the stone is paired with satin, velvet, candlelight, reflective gold accents, and quartz crystals, creating contrast without taking attention away from the monument. The florals follow suit, incorporating sculptural branches inspired by the surrounding trees that appear throughout the bouquet, ceremony installation, and reception table.

The mirrored ceremony aisle is another standout detail. Designed to represent the “portal” itself, it reflects both the monument and the surrounding landscape.

Engraved pocket watches and lockets bearing the names “Colette” and “Gabriel” complete the styling. They’re subtle additions, but they reinforce the timeless feel of the Neoclassical wedding design without competing with everything else.

Collaboration Was Key From the Start

As both planner and creative director, Van der Vows intentionally brings together creatives who share the same vision from the beginning. “The strongest editorials happen when each artist is trusted to bring their expertise while remaining aligned with the overall narrative.”

That collaborative approach is reflected throughout the shoot. Photography, videography, florals, fashion, and styling all work together, with each element supporting the monument rather than competing with it.

The outdoor setting also meant staying flexible. Wind and changing light constantly shifted the large silk installation, so the team adapted throughout the day instead of trying to control every detail. “We embraced the unpredictability of wind and natural light as part of the artistic process.”

 

The Best Moment Was Completely Unplanned

Not every memorable moment came from the shot list. “My favorite part of the day was actually one of the most unplanned moments. At one point, we put Jay-Z on the speaker and the entire team started freestyle dancing together between shots.” It gave everyone a chance to loosen up before getting back to work.

“For a brief moment, it genuinely felt like time froze. The entire concept centered around memory, time, and emotional atmosphere, and in that moment, everyone stopped focusing on perfection and simply existed within the experience together.”

It’s an easy reminder that whether it’s a styled shoot or a wedding day, some of the best moments happen when people stop worrying about getting everything right.

What Couples Can Take Away From Van der Vows

While most couples won’t be planning a wedding beneath a historic monument, Van der Vows hopes this wedding inspiration encourages them to look at their own venue a little differently.

“My biggest advice is to focus less on trends and more on emotional atmosphere. Start by asking how you want your wedding to feel, not just how you want it to look.”

Whether your venue is a historic landmark, a garden, or a modern event space, the same idea applies. Let the setting guide your choices, then build from there with thoughtful details that reflect both the space and your personal style.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lisa Whalen Photography
Event Planning + Designer – Van der Vows
Venue – Portals of the Past
Floral Design – Blossoms and Botanicals
Engraving + Calligraphy – Letterati
Stationery – It’s Paper Cliche
Videography – Le Moment Capturer
Makeup Artist – DesignHerImage Makeup
Groom’s Apparel – Eli Thomas Menswear
Rentals – Am Party Rentals
Diamonds – Miss Diamond Ring
Models – Olivia Hill + Anthony Newbill

 

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A Dolomites Elopement That Started at Lago di Braies and Ended With a Helicopter Mountaintop Picnic

July 7, 2026 | justine

There aren’t many weddings that begin on an empty dock at Lago di Braies and end with champagne and cake on a mountaintop accessible only by helicopter.

That’s exactly how Alexa and Logan structured their day. They rented out part of the lake before sunrise, exchanged private vows with nobody else around, then spent the evening having a picnic above the clouds in Northern Italy.

The couple traveled from Canada to create a day that was intentionally small in scale but full of details they genuinely cared about. Every choice, from handwritten vows to packing picnic items in their luggage, supported one goal: protecting uninterrupted time together at their Dolomites elopement.

What We Love About This Dolomites Elopement

  • Renting Lago di Braies before it opened to the public
  • Private vows and ring exchanges on a quiet dock
  • A helicopter ride to a mountaintop picnic before sunset
  • A groom wearing socks with their dog’s face on them
  • Picnic details packed all the way from Canada

Featured Vendor:

Jennifer Grünauer

Planning A Dolomites Elopement That Was Entirely About The Two Of Them

Alexa almost didn’t go on her first date with Logan. The pair initially connected on a dating app, and Logan suggested meeting for coffee. She wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of getting ready that early in the morning, but there was one thing working in his favor. “He had worked with my best friend years before and she vouched for him!”

They later discovered they’d both worked at the same bank years earlier, though their paths never crossed at the time. Coffee quickly turned into evening wine instead, then dinner that same night. A year later, they were engaged.

Their wedding plans became surprisingly straightforward. Instead of adding more to the schedule, they narrowed it down to the moments they were most excited about: private vows at the lake, a helicopter ride, and an evening picnic in the mountains.

Having Lago di Braies Almost Entirely To Themselves

Lago di Braies doesn’t require much additional decor. The lake, surrounded by mountains and famous wooden boathouses, already does most of the work. The couple elevated the setting simply by securing private access before it opened to visitors. For a couple of hours, the dock and boats belonged entirely to them.

It was just Alexa, Logan, and Jenny documenting the morning. “We said private vows and exchanged rings on the dock while Jenny photographed. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.” There was one extra guest included too, in a way. “Logan rocked socks with our dog’s face on them so she was there with us in spirit!”

Their vow books also became one of the most personal pieces of the day. Writing everything down beforehand allowed them to say exactly what they wanted without performing for an audience.

Finding Vendors Who Could Help Solve Logistics

Planning a Dolomites elopement from Canada wasn’t necessarily straightforward, but they handled most of it themselves. “It was many emails back and forth to vendors, but it was really smooth.” Planning internationally meant every vendor choice had to be practical as well as personal. Alexa relied heavily on Pinterest, Google, Instagram, reviews, and video calls while narrowing down options.

Junebug vendor Jennifer Grünauer ultimately stood out because she already knew the area well. “Jenny just seemed like such a good fit. She had been to the Dolomites before, and had a few shoots there planned before our date, so that experience was helpful.” Just as importantly, they clicked personality-wise. “She had a relaxed attitude and we could tell she’d be a pleasure to spend the day with, and she was!”

Other logistical decisions ended up making a huge difference too. Their florist delivered arrangements to the hotel the night before their early morning lake ceremony, and their accommodation, Fontis Eco Farm & Suites, allowed helicopter pickup directly from the property.

Packing Picnic Items From Canada Was Worth The Extra Luggage Space

Before sunset, the second half of their Dolomites elopement began. A helicopter carried them to a mountain summit where an elaborate picnic awaited. There was champagne, cake, candles, flowers, and enough open space to dance, laugh, and soak in the scenery together. Alexa and Logan had carefully selected and packed many of those details themselves before leaving Canada.

Their photographer even helped transport some of the larger pieces they couldn’t fit in their luggage. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks to how hands-on they were throughout the process. 

Combining Lago di Braies And A Mountaintop Picnic Into One Day

The idea started with a friend’s mountaintop wedding photos. Alexa and Logan began researching mountain destinations and eventually landed on Northern Italy. Then they discovered Lago di Braies and decided they didn’t have to choose between the two settings. Instead, they built a timeline around both.

Their vision was simple: begin the day at the lake for private vows and end it on top of a mountain with champagne and a picnic. The design utilized whimsical florals, pastel tones, and plenty of greenery; an aesthetic that carried through their day consistently, including their cake and their picnic setup.

Giving Themselves Permission To Do Things Differently

Unlike many couples, Alexa and Logan don’t have a list of things they’d change. “We were fortunate that everything went perfectly to plan and completely smoothly. I wouldn’t change a thing!”

Their biggest takeaway has less to do with logistics and more to do with permission. “My advice would be to only do exactly what you want to do, so if that means it’s just you 2 and no friends or family, so be it! There’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding or to get married, just do what feels right to you.”

For couples considering a Dolomites elopement, Alexa and Logan’s day shows how much can fit into a celebration for two: private vows at Lago di Braies, a helicopter ride into the mountains, and an evening picnic above the clouds.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jennifer Grünauer
Venue – La Palafitta
Floral Design – Grünes und Co
Cake – Patisserie Garage
Makeup + Hair Styling – Mena
Wedding Dress – Still White
Groom’s Apparel – Outlooks for Men
Groom’s Accessories – Soxos
Rings – Paul Mara Jewellers
Transportation – Elikos
Accommodation – Fontis Luxury Spa Lodge

 

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This Antigua, Guatemala Wedding Blended Colonial Ruins and Tropical Maximalism Perfectly

July 6, 2026 | justine

In Antigua, Guatemala, Ana and Juan hosted the kind of wedding weekend people both gleefully anticipate and talk about long after it’s over. There was a volcano hike with more than 100 guests, an all-white welcome party, a candlelit dinner under the stars, and a reception that ended with a surprise DJ set from the groom.

The celebration unfolded between the historic ruins of Santa Clara and the gardens of Villa Bokeh, weaving together music, culture, travel, and plenty of unexpected moments.

But the real story started nearly a decade earlier. Ana and Juan met in 2016 at the University of Miami as finance majors, where study sessions eventually turned into a relationship. Years of traveling, growing up together, and building a life side by side ultimately inspired the way they approached their wedding: not as a single event, but as an opportunity to bring everyone they love into the world they had created together.

What We Love About This Antigua, Guatemala Wedding

  • A volcano hike with more than 100 guests before the wedding day
  • A ceremony inside Antigua’s historic Santa Clara ruins
  • Tropical florals paired with centuries-old architecture
  • Handwritten letters for every guest
  • Colombian and Venezuelan traditions woven into the party
  • A groom who secretly practiced a DJ set for months

Giving People A Reason To Turn A Wedding Into A Vacation

Ana and Juan kept returning to one question while planning: What can we create that people will genuinely enjoy and remember? “We envisioned our wedding as more than a single day. We wanted it to feel like a giant vacation where we could bring together all of our favorite people to one of the most magical places we’ve ever visited.”

Interestingly, neither of them had ties to Guatemala. But after visiting Antigua for the first time, they immediately understood why people fall in love with it. The colonial architecture, volcano views, colorful streets, and welcoming atmosphere made it an easy choice.

Since most people were flying in from abroad, they put together a weekend itinerary that encouraged everyone to settle into Guatemala instead of simply attending a wedding there.

Things began with a hike up Volcán de Pacaya alongside more than 100 friends and family members. At the summit, everyone roasted marshmallows over volcanic heat, ate pizza cooked using the volcano itself, and took in panoramic views.

The following evening, they hosted an all-white welcome party at Casa Troccoli. “Seeing family and friends from all over the world gathered together in one place for the first time was one of our favorite moments of the weekend.”

A First Look Helped Slow Everything Down

Scheduling a first look ended up being one of their smartest decisions. “Seeing each other for the first time (after nearly nine years together and countless conversations about what this day would look like) was incredibly emotional.” It also freed up more time later in the day so they could join cocktail hour instead of jumping between photos.

They carved out another private moment immediately after the ceremony, too. Before anyone entered Villa Bokeh, the two of them slipped away to see the reception space for themselves. “For a few minutes, it was just the two of us taking it all in.” After more than a year of planning, everything they had discussed was finally sitting right in front of them. 

Pairing Tropical Florals With Colonial Architecture

Instead of importing a ballroom aesthetic into Guatemala, Ana and Juan looked to Antigua for inspiration. They described their aesthetic as “tropical garden party meets historic Antigua.” At Santa Clara, they let the centuries-old architecture do most of the work. Towering stone archways, weathered walls, and greenery became part of the setting.

The floral palette leaned into coral, pink, orange, burgundy, and green, while terracotta details, wood textures, woven accents, and candlelight warmed everything up. At Villa Bokeh, guests stepped into a garden layered with hanging lanterns, tropical foliage, and long candlelit tables.

One standout installation was the greenery-covered tent and dance floor with cascading orchids and disco balls suspended overhead. Designer Bea De La Roca was responsible for pulling everything together. “Some of our favorite design elements were the ones she dreamed up herself.” Handing over creative freedom ultimately led to details they never would have thought of on their own.

 

Finding Ways To Honor Family And Heritage

Their ceremony at Santa Clara carried a lot of personal meaning. They walked down the aisle to “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey before exchanging vows centered around growth and the different versions of themselves that led them there. “We reflected on the younger versions of ourselves who dreamed about finding love, and the future versions of ourselves.”

Parents, siblings, and close family members all played important roles during the ceremony. That sense of connection carried into the reception, too. At one point, Ana and Juan entered carrying the flags of Colombia and Venezuela while family and friends danced around them. “It was a joyful tribute to our families, our roots, and the cultures that helped shape who we are.”

Using Fashion To Mark The Different Parts Of The Weekend

Their outfits also helped signal the shift from one event to the next. For the all-white welcome party, Ana wore a lavender PatBO two-piece set with floral applique details while Juan matched her in a lavender linen suit.

On the wedding day, Ana chose a custom Galia Lahav gown with intricate floral lace and a dramatic lace bolero that complemented Santa Clara’s architecture beautifully. Juan skipped a traditional black tuxedo and opted for a dark green Indochino tuxedo instead. Ana also kept her beauty look timeless with soft glam makeup by Jessie Harrison and a sleek low bun.

Later that evening, she changed into a beaded Retrofête mini dress that was made for dancing.

Featured Vendor:
Sparks Wedding

Spending Extra Time Finding The Right Planning Team Paid Off

Planning a 160-person destination wedding in a country unfamiliar to them meant finding the right team early on. Ana and Juan interviewed 10 to 12 planners before choosing Junebug vendor Sparks Weddings. They were drawn to a team that didn’t hesitate when ambitious plans entered the conversation.

“We came to them with what felt like some pretty ambitious ideas, from hiking an active volcano with more than 100 guests to transforming an elegant garden reception into a full-blown music festival-inspired party, and somehow they always had a solution.”

They approached every vendor relationship the same way. Before signing contracts, they spent time getting to know people personally rather than relying solely on portfolios and social media feeds. “Beyond talent, we wanted to work with people who understood our personalities, shared our excitement for the vision, and felt like partners throughout the process.”

Logistics also became a priority. With people arriving from all over the world, transportation, communication, and timing mattered just as much as flowers and music.

The Smallest Details Were Some Of The Most Memorable

Instead of traditional escort cards, every person received a handwritten letter alongside a Guatemalan worry doll. It was a simple gesture that carried a lot of weight.

They also introduced a playful tradition called “ring leaders.” Each table had a designated party starter who received a bottle of aguardiente and the responsibility of getting everyone involved. It immediately loosened up the room.

Turning A Garden Dinner Into A Tropical Rave

The evening unfolded in phases rather than following a traditional reception format. It began with dinner under the stars, heartfelt speeches, and live entertainment. Then came fireworks set to “A Sky Full of Stars,” followed by Latin performances and a packed dance floor. Then everything suddenly went dark.

Moments later, Juan appeared behind the DJ booth for a surprise set he had secretly been practicing for months. At the same time, Ana entered wearing illuminated fairy wings. The rest of the night became exactly what they had hoped for: energetic, playful, and impossible not to join in on. CO2 cannons, lasers, disco balls, late-night arepas, tequeños, and nonstop dancing kept everyone going well into the night.

And because these two clearly don’t do anything halfway, they put their wedding attire back on the following morning and hiked Volcán de Pacaya at sunrise with their photographers. “Standing on an active volcano in our wedding attire while watching it erupt in the distance felt surreal.”

Their Advice? Focus On What People Will Actually Remember

“The biggest piece of advice we would give couples is to remember that your energy sets the tone for the entire wedding weekend/day.” That idea became a useful filter every time they had to make decisions.

Years later, people probably won’t remember every flower arrangement or every perfectly folded napkin. They’ll remember roasting marshmallows on a volcano, waving flags on a packed dance floor, discovering a new country, and spending uninterrupted time with people they don’t often get to see.

That’s ultimately what Ana and Juan created: not just a wedding day, but a reason for everyone to press pause and be together for a little longer.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Daniel Lopez Perez Photography
Event Planning – Sparks Wedding
Ceremony Venue – Convento Santa Clara
Reception Venue + Catering – Villa Bokéh
Floral Design – Bea De La Roca
Mixologist – Ulew Cocktail Bar
Officiant – Andrew Igob
DJ – Mas Audio
Live Music – Sunday Funday
Ceremony Quartet – Spectare
Videography – Rodrigo Zadro
Invitation Design – Ofelia Botella
Graphic Artist – Iris from Lape
Makeup Artist – Jessie Harrison
Hair Styling – Fringe Hair & Beauty
Wedding Dress – Galiah Lahav
Content Creator – Grace Lacayo from Sensia Studio

 

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