by riley | Dec 22, 2020 | Wedding
Geneva and Kevin’s garden wedding at Woodbridge Ponds focused on nature’s beauty with a whimsical outdoor ceremony and a magical greenhouse reception. With the help of large burgundy and white floral arrangements from Fern & Flower Events, a macrame backdrop set against lush trees, and an abundance of greenery, the couple transformed the space into a folkloric fairytale.
Geneva’s lace sheath gown with bell sleeves–found at The Bridal Gallery–perfectly matched the flower crown she paired with it to give her a free-spirited boho look. And we love the navy suits–from Indochino–that the groom and groomsmen wore to add a touch of elegance to the day. We’re so glad The McLachlans were there to capture the spirit of the day. Keep scrolling to see an emotional first look, a beautiful sunset couple’s session, and even some surprise pet friends.
The Couple:
Geneva and Kevin
The Wedding:
Woodbridge Ponds, Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
A Memorable First Look
The whole day was the most memorable day of our lives, but if we had to narrow it down to the most magical moment, it would have to be our first look. We had rented a beautiful home right on Cultus Lake– big enough for me and my ten soulmaids (aka bridesmaids) to get ready upstairs and Kevin and his five soulmen (aka groomsmen) to get ready downstairs. Naturally, we were tempted to see each other all morning. Finally, when it was time for our first look, our videographer Sean took Kevin out first. They went down this beautiful forested path next to our Airbnb and went all the way along the lake’s edge. Shortly after, I followed with our photographer Kaylyn. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. We laughed, cried, twirled around in circles, and read each other our vows in private—just the two of us.
Remembering Those That Have Passed
Our ceremony was so personal–from the music we chose, to the moment of meditation, all the way to my uncle Paul’s special blessings. Our officiant Peter was truly one of a kind. He spent so much time with Kevin and me–getting to know everything about us and our story. We quickly became friends. Because of that, he was able to personalize our ceremony so much and was so open to involving my uncle Paul because he knew how much I wanted it to be my grandpa. Growing up, my grandpa was a minister, and he married my parents. It was always my dream to have him marry me one day. Unfortunately, he was taken too soon, so that wasn’t possible. Ever since grandpa passed, I’ve always seen him in my uncle.
Why Woodbridge Ponds
The Secret Garden at Woodbridge Ponds was actually the first and only venue we looked at! We were immediately blown away by the outdoor ceremony space surrounded by trees and the little wooden bridge over the koi fish pond. We were even more blown away by the indoor glass greenhouse reception space that had a rainforest feel. There were trees and plants everywhere, chandeliers hanging from the chiffon drapery on the ceiling, and more koi fish ponds inside. The outdoor fire pit area was a beautiful bonus too.
Congratulations again to Geneva and Kevin on their garden wedding at Woodbridge Ponds! We’re so glad that The McLachlans were there to capture the special day. Hosting your own garden wedding? Make sure to start off on the right foot with the perfect outdoor wedding color palettes!
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by riley | Nov 28, 2020 | news
Marisa and Kamil’s elegant Old Port of Montreal wedding is modern meets old Hollywood glamour, and we can’t get enough. The couple hired expert planner Elyna Kudish who transformed the Montreal Science Center into a space full of velvet accents, romantic candlelight, extravagant white florals from Atelier Carmel, and pops of sage green. We can’t get enough of the modern marble-inspired cake from Yuki Bakery.
Photographers and Junebug members Joel & Justyna captured the essence of the day, including a romantic taxi ride to the venue and love-filled portraits on Montreal’s cobblestone streets. So, keep scrolling to see the beauty of their day because these photos are truly worth a thousand words.
The Couple:
Marisa and Kamil
The Wedding:
Montreal Science Center, Montreal, Canada
Shop similar headpieces: Crystal Bridal Hair Vine ($26.58); Twigs & Honey Pearldrop Halo ($190); Crystal Bridal Hair Vine Headband ($33); Bridal Wedding Wreath Headpiece ($49.50)
A Memorable First Look
We had initially hesitated about seeing each other before the ceremony. We wanted to keep some tradition. However, we ultimately decided on doing a first look, and we are so glad that we did. It was one of the most intimate moments that we shared that day—apart from our vows, of course— the other was our first dance. We had the opportunity just to share some moments of calm with one another before things got hectic. Most of the day after that first look was a blur and seemed to pass by so quickly, so having that time before the festivities was priceless.
Why an Old Port of Montreal Wedding
Our venue was located in the Old Port of Montreal. We were both born and raised in Montreal, and the Old Port has special significance to us. We were looking for a blank canvas with lots of natural light and an open feel. Our venue provided us with an abundance of natural light throughout the ceremony and into the early evening.
Shop similar bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal High-Neck Mesh Bridesmaid Dress ($149.95); David’s Bridal Mesh Cross Waist Bridesmaid Dress ($149.95); Dessy Twist Halter Chiffon Maxi Dress ($145); Jenny Packham Cap Sleeve Cutout Illusion Back Dress ($278)
The Importance of A Planner
We had the privilege of working with an amazing wedding planner, Elyna Kudish, who helped us bring our vision to life. She was there with us every step of the way. We explained our vision of a clean, elegant, modern feel that incorporated our Caribbean roots. She was able to help us bring that to fruition through the venue, decor, entertainment, and food. We couldn’t have done it without her.
Congratulations again to Marisa and Kamil on their elegant Old Port of Montreal wedding. We’re so thankful that Junebug members Joel & Justyna were there to capture every sophisticated detail. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from all around the world!
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by riley | Sep 24, 2020 | Wedding
When picking out a venue, Sarah and Scott knew they wanted to celebrate their love out in nature. When they came across the Whispering Springs wilderness retreat, they immediately knew it was the spot for them. Once you see these pictures, you’ll know why! There’s nothing more magical than being surrounded by tall large trees while you profess your love to one another. We love what their photographer, Shannon Robbins, had to say about the nuptials:
“As a couple, Sarah and Scott love to escape the city and head up north every weekend. So they knew they wanted to incorporate their love of the outdoors/nature into their wedding day. Whispering Springs was the perfect venue to facilitate their dream day, as it was just 90 minutes from Toronto, had an incredibly unique and intimate ceremony space, outdoor fire pits that provided a Northern feel, and could accommodate their friends & family overnight in beautiful glamping tents.
Ultimately, these two wanted to keep things less traditional and instead enjoy a big party with their closest friends and relatives. Their wedding day style was classic and elegant, with the groomsmen in tuxes and the bridesmaids in olive green mix & match dresses. They wanted to contrast formal attire with a very casual atmosphere, which they did perfectly.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
The Couple:
Sarah and Scott
The Wedding:
Whispering Springs, Ontario, Canada
Shop similar gold heels: Chinese Laundry Rumor Sandal ($49.90); Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal ($109.95); Jessica Simpson Nehah Ankle Tie Sandal ($78.95)
RECOMMENDED READING: Adorable Bridesmaids Robes for Your Best Girls
“Don’t lose sight of what the day is really about. Have fun planning with your partner. Scott and I made pretty much every decision together and we wouldn’t change a thing because the day was a true reflection of us. Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive people and amazing vendors. I can honestly say that our day would not have been the same without each of the people we chose to work with.”
Shop similar macrame backdrops: Macrame Extra Large Hanging ($300); Ivory Wedding Ceremony Backdrop ($210); Bohemian Macrame Wall Hanging ($178.51); Large Macrame Curtain ($197)
“We both grew up with Italian influences and we wanted to incorporate our Italian culture into the day. The figs in our place settings, speducci station during cocktail hour, the gnocchi served as a starter course, late-night pizza station and grappa bar were all small ways we did so.”
“Scott and I bottled our own wine in Toronto. We printed customized labels for the bottles and labeled them ourselves. For those staying on the property with us at Whispering Springs, each tent received a bottle of our homemade wine that we personalized with labels that said ‘Cheers to a lifetime of happiness SARAH+SCOTT 06.07.2019′
Special thank you to Junebug member Shannon Robbins for sharing Sarah and Scott’s chic Whispering Springs wilderness retreat wedding with us. To see more of Shannon’s photography, be sure to check out her profile on our directory of best wedding photographers in the world!
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by Riley Schnepf | Sep 16, 2020 | Wedding
Panoramic ocean views and epic mountain backdrops––we’re obsessed with Jenn and Zack’s Bodega Ridge wedding in British Columbia! Every detail of this whimsical party was captured by Ronnie Lee Hill Photography, including the ceramic vases handmade by the bride along with the flowers, desserts, and stationery DIYed by the couple’s friends. While Jenn planned on originally wearing a simple slip dress, we’re loving the subtle patterned Truvelle a-line gown she chose. After all, when else do you get to dress up like a real-life princess?! As for the bridesmaids, the bride gave them a color palette and let them choose their own dresses so they could pick out something that was comfortable and in their budget. The results were stunning! We’re pining for a weekend spent in cabins enjoying a taco feast and karaoke after seeing these whimsical nuptials!
The Couple:
Jenn and Zack
The Wedding:
Bodega Ridge, Galliano Island, BC, Canada
Shop similar drop earrings: Bon Levy 14k Gold Linear Earrings ($198); Ettika Linear Drop Earrings ($40); Nina Crystal Drop Earrings ($75); Cristabelle Pearl & Chrystal Linear Earrings ($25); Pearl Tendril Bridal Earrings ($75)
At first, I was thinking I was going to keep it simple with a slip dress and no veil, but as I was trying on dresses and accessories I just fully embraced it and got a dress with a dramatic train and wore a long veil because when else am I ever going to!? I still kept it simple with pearl drop earrings and white shoes form a local boutique that I can wear again, so I tried to balance it out.
Shop similar wedding signs: Simple Floral Wedding Welcome Sign Template ($16.33); Modern and Simple Wedding Sign Template ($12.37); Modern Wedding Welcome Sign ($4.70)
We wanted family and friends to spend more than just one evening together, so we decided on spending a weekend at our venue, Bodega Ridge located on Galiano Island, which is just a two-hour ferry from Vancouver. The venue is made up of cozy, rustic cabins near the ocean so we were aiming to have some summer camp vibes with a taco feast and karaoke party the first night and then Sunday being the big event.
Incorporate your creative friends where you can! And give them and your other vendors some room for creativity. We gave some inspiration and then trusted them to do their thing. It took way more pressure off of us and still left some room for surprise on the day seeing how everything turned out.
Shop similar ceramic vases: Mini Ceramic Bud Vase ($18); Small Ceramic Vase ($28); Marble Stoneware Ceramic Bud Vase ($30); Small Japanese Style Vase ($49.49)
Big thanks to Ronnie Lee Hill Photography for sharing Jenn and Zack’s special day at Bodega Ridge! If you’re looking for more British Columbia wedding inspiration, check out Kristi and Cody’s Idyllic British Columbia Wedding at Painted Rock Estate Winery!
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by riley | Aug 10, 2020 | Wedding
Holly and Steve have us swooning over their vintage-inspired wedding at The Chateau Laurier. Holly loves the glitz and glamour of the ’20s and ’50s so the minute she laid eyes on Knox Presbyterian Church, she knew it was the venue of her dreams. Photographers Joel & Justyna perfectly captured the church’s natural light, stained glass, and The Chateau Laurier’s old-world feel. The bridal party added to the magic with the bride’s royally inspired Lee Grebenau gown and the custom bridesmaid dresses designed by the maid of honor, the bride’s sister! With sparkle and glamourous touches, this wedding is definitely one meant for royalty.
The Couple:
Holly and Steve
The Wedding:
Knox Presbyterian Church & The Chateau Laurier, Ottowa, Canada
Why The Chateau Laurier
I love history and knew I wanted our wedding to have that old nostalgic flair. I took inspiration from vintage style from the ’20s to the ’50s, moody Vanity Fair photography, and The Royal Weddings. I wanted the day to feel swanky, elegant, and romantic. My mom and I would joke about asking ourselves “Would Duchess Kate have this at her wedding?!?”
The Lee Grebenau Gown
I chose a slinky beaded gown from Lee Grebenau. I tried a lot of dresses but when I put this one on there was no comparison, it was perfect. I wanted my dress to be unique to me and it was important that I got my royal moment with the big princess skirt, so we created a custom removable overskirt with a 10-foot train. It was so dreamy. I couldn’t have felt more royal.
The Knox Presbyterian Church as Their Wedding Venue
I love the look of old English churches and wanted to find something that would be similar. The first time I saw Knox church I knew it was perfect. It has the most beautiful natural light, stained glass windows, stone pillars, and the longest center aisle. Its natural beauty needs very little decoration.
Plenty of DIY Went Into this Vintage Ottawa Wedding
I did a lot of DIY. I designed the invitation suite, programs, seating chart, menu’s, and our website. I also created a custom monogram, illustrations of our venues, and hand-lettered our welcome sign. I’m a graphic designer and illustrator so I was excited to be able to take on all the print work and web design myself.
Congratulations to the beautiful couple, Holly and Steve! Thank you to Junebug member Joel and Justyna for capturing this beautiful day. To check out more of their work, visit their profile in our directory of best wedding photographers in the world!
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