by olivia | May 14, 2021 | Wedding
By choosing a theme and ceremony that matches you and your partner’s personalities, you get to exchange your I do’s in the most perfect way possible. Ashley and Nicole did just that for their Joshua Tree Airbnb wedding. Complete with underwater wedding photos, stunning fashion, and a silver pom pom recessional exit, this couple did not let a pandemic get in the way of celebrating their love.
With help from Juniper Sister Events, they were able to make their wedding completely their own with a sunrise ceremony, desert views, and a LED triangle altar. Plus, they included their guests by blessing the wedding with a smoke ceremony! Thankfully, Brandi Potter of From Moonlight captured this day in the most beautiful way. So, let’s virtually dance our way to California to see this stunning Joshua Tree Airbnb wedding.
The Couple:
Ashley and Nicole
The Wedding:
Pioneertown, California and Joshua Tree City
A Joshua Tree Airbnb Wedding
We knew we wanted to get married in Joshua Tree because of the desert and energy fields. Lucky for us, our friends have the most incredible ranch and offered their land to us for this epic day.
Unique Ceremony Recessional
If you loved their silver pom pom ceremony grand exit, check out these other wedding recessional and grand exit alternatives.
Unique and Personal Ceremony
The music was very different from anything we’d ever experienced. It brought a very celestial and empowering vibe. We had a friend bless the wedding with a smoke ceremony and we wrote our own vows. Plus, we included our guests in the promise to always support and champion our love.
Wedding Jumpsuits
Loving the wedding jumpsuits trend? We don’t blame you! Check out these wedding jumpsuits and pantsuits for your wedding day.
We created a galactic box full of prisms, palo santo, pre-rolleds, incense matches, flash tattoos, and a single Spirit Animal tarot card.
Congratulations to Ashley and Nicole on their stunning Joshua Tree Airbnb wedding! Major shoutout to Brandi Potter for capturing and sharing this day with us. If you’re a pandemic couple trying to get married, check out our ultimate guides to planning a microwedding or a backyard wedding so you can exchange your I do’s in a COVID-concious way.
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by kailey | May 14, 2021 | Wedding
If you’re a lover of earthy and elegant wedding inspo, you’re going to love Kimberly and Tyler’s unique and modern Calamigos Ranch Wedding. From the natural stone wall waterfall ceremony backdrop to the elegant tree-hanging chandeliers—The Oak Room at Calamigos Ranch was a breathtaking ceremony and reception space. Dressed with neutral floral arrangements by Poppy Lavender Florals and timeless-long farmhouse tablescapes there’s no shortage of amazing details.
We’re grateful Junebug member, Safeena Noah Photography, captured every eye-catching detail from the ceremony to reception. Get your Pinterest boards ready and start scrolling. This wedding is full of inspo-worthy details fit for an elegant ceremony without sacrificing comfort.
The Couple:
Kimberly and Tyler
The Wedding:
Calamigos Ranch, Malibu, California
Comfort is Key
For us, creating an easy-going environment where everyone could have fun and be comfortable was most important. We brought in long farm tables for the reception, which created a family-like vibe and encouraged everyone to get to know each other more. We also brought in a keg of some of our favorite beer, a popsicle cart with some boozy options, and meticulously curated our music selections to make sure we kept the party going.
A Toast To Lasting Family Traditions
Weddings are a wonderful blur of photos, 30-second conversations, and packed dance floors. While many of our favorite moments were random and unplanned, the one that stands out most was orchestrated by our officiant. To provide a bit of history, Tyler’s family has a family toast. It’s a long and confusing toast, but it’s a badge of honor amongst his friends if they can remember even some of it. Remembering every word of the toast is also a prerequisite for any bride joining the Dornenburg family. Knowing that we were planning to hand out champagne prior to the wedding and also knowing how important this toast was to our friend group, our officiant Jeff ended our ceremony by leading the wedding in the toast. Looking out over the audience, you could see the prideful joy of our friends and family who knew every word, champagne glasses held high.
Why A Calamigos Ranch Wedding?
We had a bit of a deja vu moment when we visited Calamigos Ranch for our venue tour appointment. Having met in Los Angeles, we visited The Malibu Cafe often—it was always a place to celebrate special occasions with family and friends. When we realized that the Cafe was on the same site as Calamigos’ Oak Room, we knew it was the right place for us.
The Key to Enjoying Your Wedding Day
Be in the moment. You’re going to be pulled into so many different directions on your special day and you’ll likely forget to take a breather and celebrate the moment with your partner. Make sure to take some time for yourselves and rejoice in the special day.
Congratulations to Kim and Ty, and big thanks to Junebug member Safeena Noah Photography for capturing both the small and large-scaled details that made this modern Calamigos Ranch wedding unique. Click here, to check out more of her work.
If you’re feeling inspired to discover one-of-a-kind wedding ideas, look no further. You won’t want to miss our guide to planning a unique wedding, full of tips sure to set your wedding apart.
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by riley | Mar 10, 2021 | Wedding
Is there anything more magical than reciting your vows on the water while the boats float by? We don’t think so–which is why we’re swooning over Meredith and Jameson’s intimate Lake Tahoe wedding at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge. The couple knew they wanted their special day to be inspired by the natural beauty of the northern California scenery and autumnal colors, and we think they nailed it.
From the ceremony on the water featuring panoramic views of the lake and a natural arch with simple floral arrangements put together by Helianthusfloral to the reception—complete with elegant yet simple decor—the little details made this day a dream. Not to mention, we can’t get over how stunning Meredith’s Rue De Seine gown looked paired with the burnt orange Alashanghaisilk bridesmaid dresses. We’re feeling inspired to snuggle up with a soft blanket and listen to some soothing jazz.
Ready to get cozy yourself? Then keep scrolling to see the stunning photos that Brooke Shannon Photography captured–and don’t forget to get those Pinterest boards ready.
The Couple:
Meredith and Jameson
The Wedding:
Sunny Side Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, California
The Wedding Gifts
I surprised Jameson with a Rolex Datejust 41 18k Everose Gold Steel, Wimbledon Dial and a Jan Barboglio Decanter with shot glasses for him and his groomsmen to use before the ceremony. Jameson surprised me with Custom Diamond Hoop Earrings that I wore when I changed into my Rosa Bloom jumper for the evening.
A Balloon Filled Gift Drop Off
Sean Rogers of Inspired Balloons helped to bring some of our personality to the day. My husband Jameson loves scary clowns and movies, so rather than having my MOH drop off his present, Sean created this amazing IT balloon that was waiting at his door.
Why Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge
Sunnyside was an easy choice. My sister-in-law had told us Sunnyside did weddings–we had only ever been there in the summers when we pulled up on their dock with a boat and ate there. The moment we walked in, we saw a giant moose head that greeted us, floor to ceiling windows of unobstructed lake views, and staff that felt like family—then we knew. It is stunningly beautiful on the lake. The staff is incredible and accommodating. The lodge feels like this old, rustic cabin with fireplaces everywhere and newly updated rooms. The chef is incredible, and sourced everything locally and organic when possible. It felt like home and somewhere everyone could stay and be together for a whole weekend.
Shop similar bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN Cali Satin Midi Dress ($168); ASOS Cami Maxi Slip Dress ($72); DB Studio Pleated Bodice Spaghetti Strap Dress ($99.95); Show Me Your Mumu Verona Cowl Dress ($168)
Warm Fall Vibes at the Intimate Lake Tahoe Wedding
We wanted the wedding to have a lot of natural elements, and the warmth of fall inspired us. We love Lake Tahoe. It is full of natural beauty, which we wanted to be the main focus. We tried to keep the decor simple. Tablescapes are my thing, so I asked our family friend Kelly–who helped bring my vision to life–to purchase pomegranates, apples, oranges, berries, etc. and simple greens. We added them to the amazing flowers Camryn Lane did. This helped pull some of the outside beauty in.
Congratulations again to Meredith and Jameson on their intimate Lake Tahoe wedding at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge. Big thank you to Brooke Shannon Photography for capturing the beautiful day. Did you love Meredith’s long sleeve dress? Then you’re going to want to see these 27 fall wedding dresses that are cool, chic, and cozy.
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by riley | Mar 10, 2021 | Wedding
When faced with COVID and a wildfire, Kyle and Chandler made the most of their unfortunate situation by tying the knot in a stunning untraditional Big Sur micro wedding—to say that we’re obsessed is an understatement. The couple wanted to share their love of nature with their closest friends and family in an elopement-style affair. It turned out more beautiful than we could ever imagine.
After wildfires forced their original venue to close two days before their special day, the pair reached out to Big Sur Lodge who made their forest dreams come true. With minimal decor, colorful flower arrangements by Cassia Foret, and nontraditional wedding fashion, these two proved that your special day is all about you and your new spouse.
Keep scrolling to see the most incredible photos captured by photographer Heather Purdy–including a forest ceremony, portraits with pups, and celebratory drinks on the beach.
The Couple:
Kyle and Chandler
The Wedding:
Big Sur Lodge, California
An Untraditional Big Sur Micro Wedding
As a queer couple, we didn’t want to go with the typical wedding style that you see at most weddings. Our journeys as two gay men meant that we did not share the same perspective and experience as our straight friends and family, so we wanted to honor our stories by having both of our styles be exactly our own. And then we tried to find a way to make it cohesive to our union. We settled on a more nature-inspired wedding since that is where we always found the most solace as a couple. And since we ended up doing an elopement sized wedding, the outdoors facilitated the style best.
Including Their Mothers In The Ceremony
We created a “water ceremony” to take place during our ceremony, which included our mothers pouring water from the ocean on our hands. This action signified those who bore us and gave us life leaving us with a blessing from the place where all life started. We wanted to give our mothers more power in “giving us away” instead of leaving it at the standard patriarchal format most weddings take part in.
COVID Wedding Advice
Covid does not need to be something that leaves your wedding plans halted or debilitated. It can be an opportunity to only have those you feel closest with next to you while you share your deepest feelings with the one you love. Feel free to only invite those folks to the ceremony, then provide others with an invitation to receive your wedding video when it comes. Or host “viewing parties” with small groups of close friends who you couldn’t have at the ceremony. My advice would be not to prioritize your wedding over the safety of loved ones, or ones who you don’t think would risk their safety for you.
These Two Didn’t Let A Wildfire Ruin Their Special Day
The most memorable part was that it actually got to happen! Two days before the big day, we had to switch the venue due to the wildfires in Big Sur. With less than 48 hours before the ceremony, we had to start from square one. Big Sur Lodge ended up being able to host the ceremony and gave us so much support in such a short time. We had to switch the beach we had planned on having our dinner and toast less than two hours before because it was closed. All-in-all, the most memorable part of the day was being amazed that it was all happening so flawlessly. It ended at the most perfect time—sunset on the beach.
Congratulations again to Kyle and Chandler on their Big Sur micro wedding at Big Sur Lodge! We’re so glad that Heather Purdy shared it with us. If you’re planning your own micro nuptials, check out our guide on hosting a creative micro wedding!
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by riley | Mar 3, 2021 | Wedding
Merging two cultures into one wedding may seem impossible. The results are worth it when it creates a gorgeous multi-day affair full of colorful outfits, cultural traditions, and an extensive menu. Taylor and Jay’s California Bougainvillea Estate wedding featured a traditional Nigerian ceremony and a classic American wedding the following day. It was stunning—to say the least.
The couple’s special day included a hand-built altar, hand-sewn table linens, and a wedding dress that Taylor designed with Anomalie–talk about taking a DIY wedding to the next level. Along with the handmade touches, we can’t forget the intricately beaded Ines di Santo necklace that Taylor paired with her crepe gown or the fact that the couple changed into matching luxe gold outfits for the reception. That’s right, there were a total of three outfit changes!
From the grandmothers acting as flower girls to the romantic poolside party, Jessie Jean Photography beautifully captured every detail of this multicultural wedding.
The Couple:
Taylor and Jay
The Wedding:
The Bougainvillea Estate, Indio, California
The Merging Of Two Cultures
We had a multicultural wedding, and although we had a traditional Nigerian ceremony the day before our official wedding day, we wanted to integrate elements of Nigerian culture and traditions into our American wedding. Nigerian weddings are glamorous, with bold and rich details. We wanted to incorporate that into our wedding aesthetic. We knew that two cultures were coming together and that my family had never been to a Nigerian wedding, and many of Jay’s family had never experienced a traditional American wedding. In blending the two cultures, we crafted a unique and special day.
Shop similar necklaces: Pearl Collar Necklace Bib ($49.95); Gold Wedding Shoulder Jewelry ($134.23); Beaded Wedding Cape ($153.60); Vintage Pearl Bridal Shoulder Necklace ($73)
Why An Estate Wedding
We looked at a lot of venues–probably about 15 to 20 in total. I grew up in Southern California and we went to Palm Springs every year for Mother’s Day weekend, so the desert has a nostalgic and sentimental place in my heart. We also took our first trip as a couple to Palm Springs and we were regular Coachella attendees, so the desert is a very magical place for us, too. The flow of the wedding ended up being a pretty big determining factor for our venue selection. We liked that we could get married on the lawn with the estate and pond in the background, followed by cocktail hour on the terrace on the opposite side of the water, and then dining in the courtyard around the pool. It felt like guests got to experience all the views the estate offered.
Wedding Advice From The Couple
It is important to prioritize pleasing yourselves as a couple in your decision-making process. Decide what aspects matter most and budget accordingly. It can feel like there is an enormous amount of pressure to meet others’ expectations. Keep in mind that your guests want to have a good time and, more importantly, want you to have a good time. They are not there to judge and critique you. Remembering this helped put us at ease. It can feel like you are on stage. We often related the wedding day experience to a performance or play. Things may not go perfectly, but the reality is that the “audience” (aka your guests) will never know.
The DIY Touches
I found incredible fabric in downtown Los Angeles, and when I saw it, I knew I wanted it for our table runners. My mother then made all of our table runners and table linens. We also designed all of our own day-of signage. Our altar was more or less a DIY project, as well. I saw a similar arch that wasn’t available for our wedding date, so my mom’s friend made our wedding altar as our wedding gift. He now rents it out for any couples getting married in Southern California!
Congratulations again to Taylor and Jay on their sentimental and intimate multi-day Bougainvillea Estate wedding! Thank you to Jessie Jean Photography for capturing the day and coordinator Leilani Weddings for sharing it with us. If you’re interested in adding DIY touches to your special day, check out our guide to planning the perfect DIY wedding.
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