WEDDING BLOG

A Colorado Couple Traded the Rockies for a Tuscan Villa Wedding Big Enough for Everyone

June 19, 2025 | justine

What happens when a couple trades a big hometown bash for an intimate week in the Italian countryside? You get a Tuscan villa wedding like Jack and Allie’s—laid-back, nontraditional, and full of heartfelt moments. Their Italian celebration felt less like a production and more like an experience, surrounded by their closest people in an unforgettable setting.

Choosing to host a destination wedding gave them more than just postcard-perfect views. “They realized early in the planning process that they could get more value and a better overall experience by getting married in Italy instead of Colorado,” Junebug vendor Stephanie of Hennessy Photo Co shared. “And they made it completely their own, from DIY signage to having family help with hair and makeup.”

What We Love About This Tuscan Villa Wedding:

A breathtaking ceremony overlooking the mountains
A week-long celebration with 24 close friends and family in two guest houses
Emotional moments, including a tearful first look between Allie and her dad
DIY details, like handmade signage that added a personal touch
A villa owner-turned-unofficial guest, who joined the reception fun

Featured Vendor:

Hennessy Photo Co

A Venue That Simplified Planning and Maximized Meaning

The couple found their venue online, and it turned out to be the perfect fit. “As most Italian villas, it included a planner, lodging, floral, and onsite catering, which handled most of their major planning aspects without needing to do much additional,” Stephanie explained.

The all-inclusive nature of the venue meant they didn’t have to worry about coordinating dozens of vendors from afar. With the essentials taken care of, Jack and Allie could focus on creating a warm, laid-back atmosphere, and spend real time with the people they love.

Meaningful Moments in a Stunning Setting

Allie shared a quiet, emotional first look with her dad—a moment Stephanie described as especially powerful. Jack and Allie waited to see each other until the aisle, which made their ceremony entrance even more moving.

Perched high above the Tuscan hills, with sweeping views of Lucca as the backdrop, the couple chose a location that felt both emotionally powerful and visually stunning. “They wanted the ceremony to be impactful both emotionally and physically with their surroundings, to showcase the beautiful country they chose to get married in.”

A Week-Long Tuscan Villa Wedding Celebration Instead of a One-Day Event

Jack and Allie’s guest list was intentionally small—just 24 people—and everyone stayed on the villa property across two guest houses. Instead of one fast-paced day, the wedding stretched into a multi-day celebration full of shared meals, laughter, and the kind of quality time that’s hard to come by at traditional weddings.

“They chose to prioritize the week-long experience with their close knit chosen family and friends that they invited on the trip, rather than a bigger wedding that was less intentional in Colorado,” Stephanie noted. That choice shaped everything else, from the setting to the pacing of the day.

A Hands-On Approach to Their Tuscan Villa Wedding with a Personal Touch

Despite having a planning-inclusive venue, Jack and Allie still found ways to weave personal touches into their nontraditional Tuscan villa wedding. “The couple added lots of DIY pieces to their day (like their wedding signage), and sourced family members to help with hair and makeup to make it a more sentimental part of the day.”

It wasn’t about Pinterest-perfect details—it was about creating something that reflected them, with help from the people they love most.

Finding Vendors That Felt Like the Right Fit

Allie discovered Hennessy Photo Co while browsing online and felt instantly connected to the style and ethos. “She found my website and was immediately drawn to the non-traditional aspect of the work and therefore felt like a great fit for their day,” Stephanie shared.

That same mindset shaped the rest of their team. They approached the rest of their vendors picks the same way—looking for people who felt like a natural fit and truly got what they were going for.

And perhaps the most unexpected team member? The villa owner himself. Though he didn’t speak English, he became an unforgettable part of the day—helping pour drinks, assisting with the cake cutting, and introducing guests to the donkeys on the property. “The effort was fun and hilarious and made for a great memory for everyone on the property.”

Choosing Meaning Over Tradition at Their Tuscan Villa Wedding

Jack and Allie’s Tuscan villa wedding wasn’t just beautiful, it was intentional. By stepping away from the traditional wedding playbook and embracing an experience rooted in connection and simplicity, they created something truly unforgettable.

The venue, the people, the emotions, and even the donkeys—all came together to make a celebration that reflected exactly who they are. And that, more than anything, is what made it magic.

Related: Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

Related: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Hennessy Photo Co
Event Planning + Venue + Catering – Tuscan Retreats
Floral Design – Rebel Rebel Italia
Wedding Dress – The Altar Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Doc Marten’s
Groom’s Apparel – TruClothing Uk
Rings – Decazi

An Edgy Renaissance-Inspired Wedding at San Francisco’s Julia Morgan Ballroom

June 17, 2025 | justine

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Some weddings are all about tradition. Others break the mold entirely. Christina and Rick’s Julia Morgan Ballroom wedding did the latter—with an edgy, Renaissance-inspired vibe, immersive guest experiences, and deeply personal details that made their celebration feel like an extension of their creative lives.

Both working in the video game industry, Christina and Rick brought a strong artistic vision to the planning process. Blending gothic elegance with warm, moody tones and a dose of playfulness. “Even though we come from completely different cultures and live thousands of miles apart, we instantly connected with them,” shares Junebug vendor Studio Fotografico Bacci. “That’s one of the most beautiful things about this job—meeting kindred spirits in the most unexpected places.”

What We Love About This Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding:

The seamless blend of minimal ceremony decor and bold, atmospheric reception styling
A pair of distinct bridal looks, including a gothic-inspired black dress for the after-party
Tarot and palm readers, plus an interactive guest canvas
A venue that offered flexibility and timeless elegance

Featured Vendor:
Studio Fotografico Bacci

Finding the Perfect Venue in the Heart of San Francisco

Located in the city’s Financial District, Julia Morgan Ballroom offered distinct spaces for the ceremony and reception, along with a neoclassical backdrop that balanced grandeur with intimacy.

“It’s a venue with a lot of soul,” the photographers said. “Its architecture naturally complemented the couple’s aesthetic—classic but with room for mood and atmosphere.”

The ceremony took place in the main hall downstairs, while the reception moved upstairs, allowing each part of the celebration to unfold in its own unique way.

A Minimal Yet Meaningful Ceremony at the Julia Morgan Ballroom

Christina and Rick never set out to have a themed wedding, but “edgy” was a consistent thread throughout—starting with the ceremony. Held in the elegant lower-level hall of the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the setting was kept intentionally minimal. Rows of dark wood chairs lined a candlelit marble aisle, leading to a softly draped ivory backdrop accented with a wild, asymmetrical floral installation of seasonal greenery and deep-toned blooms. This stripped-back design allowed the emotional core of the day to shine through, especially during their intimate ceremony officiated by one of Rick’s closest friends.

The focus was entirely on the couple and their words. “It was short, heartfelt, and full of small moments that made it theirs.” With soft lighting and simple styling, the space created the perfect atmosphere for vows that were touching, funny, and deeply personal.

Showcasing Personality Through Wedding Fashion

Christina wore two custom looks from Atelier des Modistes. A more classic ensemble for the ceremony and dinner, and a striking black gown for the party. Bridesmaids were dressed in shades of green, adding to the earthy richness of the reception color palette, while the groomsmen wore timeless tuxedos.

An Immersive, Renaissance-Inspired Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding Reception

When guests moved upstairs for the reception, the mood shifted entirely. The Julia Morgan Ballroom was transformed into a lush, immersive experience. Dramatic florals spilled across long tables, anchored by ground arrangements and softly glowing candles. The room’s dark wood paneling, moody uplighting, and ornate ceiling added depth and richness to every corner of the space.

Each place setting featured a velvet napkin, a wax-sealed scroll, and a tarot card, which tied into a custom seating chart inspired by the Major Arcana. To make things even more interactive, tarot and palm readers offered mystical insights, and guests were invited to contribute to a collaborative canvas. Each guest painted brushstrokes on a colorful, evolving piece of wedding-day art.

Later in the evening, Christina changed into a dramatic black gown that perfectly matched the celebration’s moody elegance. The formal dinner gave way to a high-energy dance party, and just when it seemed the night couldn’t get more memorable, a glowing McDonald’s sign lit up the room. Guests were treated to a full late-night spread, served with a side of pure nostalgia.

Trusting the Right Vendors to Bring Their Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding Vision to Life

The couple’s strong creative instincts helped them curate a team that truly understood their vision. “They actually found us through Instagram and immediately felt that our style matched what they were imagining,” the photographers shared. “That intuition carried through every choice they made. They really nailed it when it came to choosing collaborators.”

A Final Piece of Vendor Advice

From the perspective of a team that’s captured weddings all over the world, Studio Fotografico Bacci offered one standout piece of advice: “Relax and enjoy it.”

“Christina and Rick were clear about their vision, but once the day came, they trusted their team and let go. That’s what made the energy so special. It’s something we always try to tell our couples—don’t get lost in the details when the moment arrives. Live it. It might sound simple, but that mindset is key to truly making the most of one of the most meaningful days of your life.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Studio Fotografico Bacci
Event Planning – Vibrant Event
Venue – Julia Morgan Ballroom
Floral Design – Violets of the Valley
Makeup + Hair Styling – Bun Bun Bridal Lab
Wedding Dress – Atelier des Modistes
Groom’s Apparel – Tailors’ Keep

Dogs Signed the Marriage License at This Stove Prairie Ranch Wedding

June 15, 2025 | justine

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Two outdoorsy DIY lovers, four dogs, and a passion for nature—that’s the heart of Jenny and Sean’s Stove Prairie Ranch wedding. What started as a dream for a laid-back, design-forward celebration became a full weekend campout filled with personal touches, pastel florals, and unforgettable memories. From hand-painted signage to ceramics the couple personally decorated,, every element of this Colorado campout wedding reflected a piece of Jenny and Sean.

Jenny and Sean’s love story began on Tinder, and from their first messages, they bonded over bird hunting, camping, and hosting backyard hangouts. It’s no surprise then that they turned their wedding at Stove Prairie Ranch into a weekend-long campout for guests who wanted to join them under the stars.

This love of the outdoors carried through in their venue choice. Nestled in Northern Colorado, Stove Prairie Ranch offered scenic views, sprawling outdoor space, and even a big red tractor cart that shuttled guests to the ceremony site. An unexpected highlight that added a playful touch.

What We Love About This Stove Prairie Ranch Wedding:

The personalized outdoor-inspired details like game bird escort cards
Dogs not only walking down the aisle but also signing the marriage license (yep, really!)
A weekend-long campout at Stove Prairie Ranch with guests pitching tents and soaking up the Colorado scenery
Jenny’s dual wedding-day looks featuring an elegant cape for the ceremony and a party-ready outfit for the reception
Custom DIY details, from the invitation suite to cake plates, that made the day feel uniquely theirs

Featured Vendor:
Katie Fletcher Photography

Fashion That Balanced Elegance with Authenticity

Jenny’s fashion goal was timeless elegance with a nod to old Hollywood glam. She wore a stunning gown that transformed from ceremony to reception with a removable cape instead of a veil, paired with soft waves and a classic makeup look. When it was time to party, both Jenny and Sean changed into relaxed outfits that felt more “them,” embracing the laid-back vibe they wanted their guests to enjoy all weekend. Sean chose a linen suit in a soft pastel that matched the color palette and was ideal for the summer celebration.

A Stove Prairie Ranch Wedding Ceremony Full of Emotion (and Dogs!)

The couple opted for a first look just outside the getting-ready cottage, followed by portraits with family and friends. Without a traditional wedding party, they were able to spend more time with their guests throughout the day, which was one of their top priorities.

Their ceremony, officiated by a close friend, was emotional and heartfelt, telling the full story of their relationship. But the true stars of the show? Their four dogs. Two escorted them down the aisle, while the other two served as ring bearers. After the ceremony, the pups got to sign the marriage license. A unique Colorado perk that allowed Lena and Foster (the dogs they had before meeting each other) to be official witnesses to their union.

Related: How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Bringing Their Vision to Life With a Creative (and Trustworthy) Team

As avid DIYers, Jenny and Sean took the lead on planning and designing the wedding themselves. Jenny created everything from the dog silhouette illustrations in the invite suite to the seating chart and signage. “Lean in to the personal touches and details that matter to you,” she advised. “It’s so fun to see details truly reflect who you are as a couple.”

Still, they knew when to call in the pros. “Find vendors that you trust absolutely to execute on your vision and then enjoy your day,” Jenny said. Some were venue-recommended, while others were discovered through social media and chosen because their portfolio aligned with Jenny’s Pinterest board. The result? A seamless blend of DIY charm and professional execution.

A Stove Prairie Ranch Wedding Reception Rooted in Celebration and Sweetness

The reception felt like one big, joyful party. Guests enjoyed a relaxed outdoor cocktail hour, a nod to Jenny and Sean’s love of nature and community. A painting by Sean’s mom welcomed everyone, and Jenny’s hand-crafted signage brought everything together.

Their cake-cutting moment featured plates they painted themselves on a pre-wedding pottery date. An incredibly sweet DIY keepsake they now use for anniversaries. And instead of a traditional cake dessert, guests were treated to the couple’s favorite ice cream, served up under a glowing Colorado sunset.

As the sun dipped behind the hills, Jenny and Sean changed into their party looks and rejoined the dance floor, ready to celebrate the night away.

Why Personal Details Make All The Difference

Their best advice? “Lean into what matters to you—those details that feel like you as a couple. And when the day comes, let go and trust your team.”

With heartfelt personal touches, a ceremony led by love (and paws), and a weekend spent under the stars, Jenny and Sean’s Stove Prairie Ranch wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was a memory made for a lifetime.