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This Villa Sylva Wedding Mastered Sophistication Without Skipping the Fun

May 21, 2025 | justine

Elina and Jack’s love story started in the charming streets of London, and it only seems fitting that their special day would unfold in one of the most cinematic spots in the world—Villa Sylva in Corfu. Famous for its appearance in the James Bond Film, For Your Eyes Only, this villa set the stage for a wedding that was all about fun, music, and sophistication.

What We Love About This Villa Sylva Wedding:

  • The fun-filled atmosphere, where guests were dancing on tables before dinner even started
  • Bridesmaids in sexy, romantic black and nude dresses, each one chosen for comfort
  • A sophisticated James Bond theme with “The Kendall” gown by Galia Lahav and black tuxedos
  • The grand entrance performance by The Function Band, getting everyone to their feet
  • The 50-seat “head table” that set the tone for a dance-on-the-table kind of night

In September 2014, Elina’s life took an unexpected turn while searching for a new apartment in Marylebone, London. Little did she know that fate was at play, bringing her together with Jack—a young, handsome agent who would soon show her the very flat she would call home. From that serendipitous meeting, it felt like magic was in the air.

“Me and Jack moved in together from our second month of dating,” Elina shared. “We always knew we were meant for each other, as we could be ourselves fully from the very beginning. “ After nearly a decade of love, the couple transformed their dream day into an unforgettable celebration with their closest friends and family.

Featured Vendor:
Deux Foskolos

Fashion: A James Bond-Inspired Dream

Fast forward to September 2023, and the streets of Marylebone once again played a pivotal role in Elina’s life. This time, her mission was to find the perfect wedding dress. After trying on three exquisite gowns, she finally found “The Kendall” by Galia Lahav, a breathtaking blend of glamour and sparkle. The gown perfectly embodied the couple’s James Bond theme, combining sophistication and allure.

“We wanted something beyond the traditional wedding dress,” Elina explained. “I wanted a glamorous gown that would capture the sophistication of the James Bond theme we envisioned.”

The bridesmaids wore sexy and romantic black and nude dresses, each chosen for comfort. “I’m not a traditional bride, so I wasn’t strict at all with this aspect. “ The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with bow ties, perfectly matching the Bond-inspired theme.

Why They Chose Villa Sylva Wedding

Villa Sylva wasn’t just a beautiful venue for Elina and Jack, it held personal significance. “It felt like the perfect place to bring our closest people together, with most of our guests traveling from the UK and Cyprus.” The villa’s cinematic history and breathtaking ocean views made it an obvious choice for their big day. “We loved the idea of a beautiful, minimalistic design that would blend seamlessly with the venue’s natural beauty.”

How They Made Their Ceremony Feel Personal and Powerful

Elina and Jack envisioned a ceremony that seamlessly blended playfulness with glamour. The aisle was adorned with soft white roses and baby’s breath, creating an elegant yet understated path to their vows. As they walked down the aisle to the sounds of a live quartet, surrounded by the lush greenery of Villa Sylva, the moment felt truly magical.

“We wanted it to feel authentic,” Elina shared. “Every detail was infused with our personal touch, making the ceremony as heartfelt as it was beautiful.” The minimalist  floral arrangements and clear acrylic chairs complemented the venue’s natural beauty, allowing the surroundings to take center stage.

Designing the Villa Sylva Wedding of Their Dreams

The couple focused on creating a reception space that was both stylish and energetic, with chandeliers adding glamour to the outdoor area. The floral designs were minimal yet striking, featuring soft blush roses and delicate white blooms that were complemented by the venue’s natural greenery.

One of the highlights was the 50-seat “head table,” where Elina and Jack gathered their closest friends. “By dinner time, we were all dancing on the chairs and table. It was the best decision we made.”

The Function Band played an integral role in keeping the energy high from start to finish. “We wanted our guests to have a good time. Our first dance was ‘Gangsta’s Paradise,’ performed by the live band. They were the main focus of the wedding. The energy they brought was contagious.”

Final Thoughts from a Couple Who Prioritized Fun

Elina and Jack were all about making their wedding fun from the start. They kicked things off with a pre-party at Imabari Corfu, where they set up a flower bar, served drinks, and enjoyed a relaxed dinner, all with Greek music playing in the background. The night ended with plate smashing and plenty of dancing.

Looking back on their Villa Sylva wedding, the couple reflected on the importance of staying true to themselves. “Do what makes you happy,” Elina advised. The day was all about celebrating their love in a way that felt authentic to them, from the fun pre-party to the glamorous James Bond-inspired theme.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Deux Foskolos
Event Planning – Belli Momenti
Ceremony Venue – Villa Sylva
Reception Venue – Imabari Corfu
Floral Design – Leonidas Rammos
Live Music – The Function Band
Videography – InOblivion Films
Wedding Dress – Galia Lahav
Bridal Accessories – Cult Gaia

 

Sponsors
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Minneapolis Wedding at Urban Daisy Blends Whimsy with Modern Sophistication

May 18, 2025 | justine

When Alexandra and Nick began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to combine the bold, the playful, and the sophisticated. With a love for vibrant colors and a flair for modern design, they found the perfect setting at Urban Daisy.

What We Love About This Urban Daisy Wedding:

Featured Vendor:

Brittany Ford Photography

A Meaningful Location with Personal Ties

For Alexandra, Minneapolis was always the ideal place to say “I do.” “It’s where most of my family is, and it’s where we spent so much of our early days together,” she shared. When the couple visited Urban Daisy, they immediately knew it was the one. “It was modern, playful, and the perfect canvas to bring our vision to life.” With its airy vibe, hanging greenery, and disco ball wall, the venue offered a perfect backdrop for their colorful, fun celebration.

The wedding date was chosen serendipitously: June 29th was one of the few remaining dates for 2024. “Nick’s birthday is on 5/29 and mine on 9/29, so 29 holds special meaning for us.” 

A Hometown Rehearsal Dinner to Start the Weekend

While the wedding was in Minneapolis, Alexandra grew up in nearby St. Paul and wanted to honor that. They chose Mancini’s Char House, an old-school steakhouse, for their rehearsal dinner. “It was a wonderful way for our wedding party and immediate families to bond and celebrate the excitement before the big day.” Afterward, they hosted welcome drinks at a hotel downtown, allowing guests from out of town to mingle and enjoy the evening before the wedding festivities began.

Their Intimate First Look Under Disco Balls

The couple shared a beautiful first look on the dance floor under the sparkling disco balls. “It was intimate and beautiful, just the two of us and our photographer.” Originally, they planned to exchange private vows at this moment, but in the end, they decided to say them during the ceremony instead. It was a surprising change, but it felt right.

The Personal Touches That Defined Their Urban Daisy Wedding Day

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was their personalized vows. “There’s nothing quite like hearing your significant other pouring their heart out to you.” Another special touch was the ring warming ceremony. Their rings were passed around the wedding party and immediate family, allowing each person to imbue their good wishes into the rings before the couple exchanged them.

From the very beginning, the couple knew they wanted their wedding to be fun. “We’ve never seen a dance floor so packed,” crediting the incredible DJ who kept everyone dancing all night long. The couple’s first dance was another highlight. “We took dance lessons, so it was fun to show off our moves!”

Related: 9 Ways To Personalize Your Ceremony

How Alexandra and Nick Made Their Wedding Style Unique

Nick’s purple suit became the highlight of the wedding. “It really was a wow moment,” the couple reflected. Alexandra, on the other hand, went into dress shopping with an open mind. “I gravitated toward simple silhouettes, and when I found the one, I customized it to add a little sparkle and glamour. I felt like an absolute queen.”

The wedding party attire was also important. “It was really important to me that all the girls felt comfortable.” She let the bridesmaids pick their dresses within a pink color theme. A few bridesmaids even wore suits, giving the wedding a unique, modern edge. The groomsmen wore classic black suits, accented with floral pink ties to tie everything together.

Budgeting Smartly While Staying True to Their Vision

“Our top priorities were a naturally beautiful venue, stunning photography, and really delicious food.” They were lucky to win their photographer in an Instagram giveaway, which allowed them to allocate the saved budget to other wedding elements. “We had a lot of honest conversations about our budget, which really helped keep us on the same page.” If there were moments of disappointment about not having everything they wanted, they always reminded themselves that the most important thing was getting married, which made it all worthwhile.

Blending Urban Chic with Natural Beauty at Urban Daisy

Choosing Urban Daisy was a decision that truly set the tone for their day. “It was the perfect mix of urban and nature.” The venue’s spacious layout and natural light made it just right for their playful,colorful wedding. The decor leaned heavily into pinks and blues, with lots of candles and disco balls to add a touch of sparkle. “It was colorful yet elegant, exactly the vibe we wanted.”

At the start of their planning, Alexandra thought she would DIY many things, but as the big day approached, she realized it would cause more stress than it was worth. “I did DIY the bud vases and flower girl bouquets, but that’s about it! My mom and I also hand-knotted the napkins.” One detail that was particularly meaningful to them was displaying wedding photos of their parents and grandparents at the venue’s entrance. “It felt like a nice way to honor the love that came before ours.”

The One Wedding Tip Alexandra and Nick Swear By

Alexandra and Nick’s most important piece of advice for couples planning their own weddings? “Add more time into your timeline than you think you’ll need!” The day goes by quickly, and extra time allowed them to truly enjoy each moment with their guests without feeling rushed.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Brittany Ford Photography
Event Planning + Floral Design – Lilacs + Lace
Venue – Urban Daisy
Catering – Brasa
Cake – The Salted Cake
Officiant – Dan Walsh
DJ – Transmission Music
Videography – Redmond Digital Media
Makeup Artist – Cristina Ziemer Beauty
Hair Styling – Lady Vamp Artistry
Spray Tan – The Glow Lounge
Wedding Dress  + Bridal Accessories – Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Birdy Grey
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Alyssa & Anna
Rentals – Olive + Twig Design Co. + Apres Event Decor
Disco Ball Installation – Phos Events 
Bar – Liquid Motion
Charcuterie – Fig&Bleu

 

Sponsors
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A Warm and Tropical Punta Mita Wedding with Yellow Hues and Vacation Vibes

May 17, 2025 | justine

Elsa and Patricio’s love story began nearly a decade ago through mutual friends, and their relationship has been a beautiful journey of growth, adventure, and shared experiences. Over the years, Patricio (affectionately known as “Pato”) has been by Elsa’s side through it all.Their bond has only strengthened over time, and when it came to their wedding, Punta Mita—one of their favorite travel destinations—was the perfect choice to say “I do.”

What We Love About This Punta Mita Wedding:

  • The tropical paradise vibes at their Punta Mita wedding venue, Papelillo
  • Their thoughtfully personalized details, like handwritten letters to their closest friends and family
  • The blend of vibrant yellow florals and the natural beauty of the ocean view
  • The music that set the tone for the day, starting with a live saxophonist at dinner and turning into a non-stop party with DJ Manny
  • The intimate moments they shared before the ceremony, just the two of them, away from the spotlight

Having traveled the world together, it was no surprise that the couple chose to exchange vows in one of their favorite spots. “Punta Mita holds a special place in our hearts. From the stunning views to the peaceful beach vibe, it was the perfect place to celebrate our love with our closest friends and family.”

Their vision for the day was clear: move away from the traditional and focus on creating a day that felt like a vacation for everyone involved. “We wanted our wedding to feel like a party. A celebration of our love, filled with warmth, fun, and good vibes,” Elsa explains. Yellow was chosen as the primary color, inspired by its bright and cheerful energy that was a perfect fit for the tropical setting.

Featured Vendors:

AH Love Stories

Journey Films by VVR

Discovering the Perfect Punta Mita Wedding Venue That Aligned with Their Vision

Sometimes the perfect venue really does exist—Elsa and Pato found theirs in Papelillo, which had everything they were looking for.“We knew from the moment we saw it that this was the place. It ticked every box—surrounded by palm trees, tropical vibes, and a breathtaking ocean view. It was perfect for us.”

The couple worked closely with Vivi from Elemento Tres, a wedding planner whose creativity and attention to detail were exactly what they needed. “Vivi really got us. From the decor to the music, she brought our vision to life effortlessly.” With rattan chairs, chandeliers, and palm trees, every detail was meticulously chosen to complement the tropical vibe they envisioned.

Balancing Elegance and Comfort in Wedding Fashion

Elsa and Pato’s wedding day fashion was all about relaxed elegance. Pato chose a warm sand-colored Brioni suit and a brown tie, perfectly complementing Elsa’s stunning Clover wedding dress by Liz Martinez. “My dress had around seven layers of see-through tulle, making it look ivory with a unique depth. The final layer had intricate hand-sewn clover-like petals, which for me represented good luck.”

In Mexico, bridesmaids and groomsmen aren’t really part of the tradition. Instead, Elsa and Pato chose to have their closest friends and family dressed in warm pink tones, which looked beautiful against the venue’s greenery and the yellow decor.

A Punta Mita Wedding Ceremony That Captured the Beauty of Nature and Love

The ceremony was held in a lush outdoor setting, with tall yellow flower arrangements lining the aisle. “From the moment we saw this place, we knew it was the one. The ocean view, the lush greenery—it felt like we were surrounded by love and nature.”

The couple kept the ceremony simple, focusing on the most important part: their vows. “Having a private moment before the ceremony was so special. It gave us a chance to focus on each other and not the crowd.” As they walked down the aisle, a live orchestra played “Viva la Vida,” and guests threw white rose petals. Boho umbrellas were placed around for shade, ensuring comfort for their guests while keeping the natural aesthetic intact.

 

Creating a Fun, Relaxed Vibe During Their Cocktail Hour

One of Elsa’s most anticipated parts of the day was the cocktail hour at sunset. “I was so excited for the cocktail hour—getting to mingle with our loved ones and set the mood for the party,” she says. Guests enjoyed refreshing frozen Aperol spritz, margaritas, tangerine mezcal drinks, and a variety of canapés as they mingled and admired the breathtaking views.

Adding a fun twist to the drinks, Vivi surprised the couple by floating rubber ducklings in their cocktails. An adorable nod to Pato’s nickname, which means “duck” in Spanish. It was a playful and memorable touch that brought even more joy to the laid-back atmosphere.

Keeping the Energy High and the Dance Floor Packed

The reception took place on the third level of Papelillo, with stunning ocean views and a vibe that perfectly captured the couple’s love for travel and fun. Guests were greeted by a striking mirrored installation along the staircase. Reflecting the surrounding palm trees and tropical landscape, which provided a great photo backdrop as they arrived.

The cocktail area was designed with vibrant yellow hues and striped umbrellas, creating a relaxed and fun setting for guests to mingle as the sun set.  As they moved into the reception, Elsa and Pato ensured the energy stayed high. DJ Manny kept the dance floor packed until 4 a.m. 

One of their favorite moments was just before their first dance. “We had a drink together in our room before the party really kicked off. It was our way of connecting before jumping into the whirlwind of the reception. Those quiet moments together were so special.”

Creating a Truly Personal Atmosphere with Special Details at Their Punta Mita Wedding

What set Elsa and Pato’s wedding apart were the thoughtful details they included for their guests. For example, each guest received a handwritten letter from the couple, filled with personal memories and heartfelt thanks. “We wanted our loved ones to know how much they meant to us. Writing these letters was a way to relive those special memories we shared with each person.”

Music played a huge role in setting the mood for the day. Beloit, the saxophonist, set the tone during dinner with a mix of timeless classics like the Bee Gees, Amy Winehouse, and the Beatles. As the night went on, DJ Manny took over, and the party continued until the early hours of the morning.

Elsa and Pato didn’t just want their wedding day to be memorable, they planned an entire weekend full of events for their guests. They kicked things off with a personalized golf tournament the day before the wedding. “It was a great way for everyone to unwind and have fun before the big day.” On the day after the wedding, they hosted a beach party for their guests to relax and celebrate once again.

Embracing the Unexpected and Letting Go of Perfection

Even with the best plans, things don’t always go as expected. Elsa recalls a mishap where her wedding dress got stepped on and ripped before the reception. “I was nervous about things going wrong, but by the time the ceremony started, all those worries faded away,” Elsa reflects. “I had a drink with Pato and waited for my team to fix it. By the time I walked down the aisle, everything was perfect.”

She adds, “I think I worried too much beforehand. On the big day, I was just happy and knew that everything would work out because we had a great team working with us.”

Key Takeaways for Future Couples to Enjoy Their Wedding Journey

Elsa and Patio’s biggest piece of advice to future couples is simple: enjoy the journey. “I wish we had been less nervous and enjoyed the process more,” Elsa admits. “Planning a wedding is a journey, so make sure to get the best out of every part of it.”

Elsa also stresses the importance of capturing the day through photos and video. “Investing in your photographer and videographer is totally worth it. They help you relive the memories forever. We’re so glad we did.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – AH Love Stories
Event Planning + Floral Design – Elemento Tres
Venue – Papelillo
Catering – I Latina
DJ – Manny
Live Music – Beloit
Videography – Journey Films by VVR
Wedding Dress – Liz Martinez
Groom’s Apparel – Brioni

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings