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5 Things To Say Yes To During Wedding Planning

5 Things To Say Yes To During Wedding Planning

by | Jun 19, 2022 | Wedding

We have previously discussed 5 things that you shouldn’t say no to when planning your wedding. We will be discussing some opportunities that you should not miss if they present themselves. It can be difficult to plan your wedding. You will need to organize, pack, arrange, and send invitations for all your family members, friends, and relatives. You can add to that the anxiety and worry of wedding planning. What are some things you should say “yes” during this stage of your life?

 

1. We offer assistance

Arranging cars for guests can be a real pain. You don’t have enough money to transport them, or keep them safe in case of an emergency. If someone offers their car/s to you for your wedding, just say yes without a second thought. You are doing them a huge favor as car rental services can be disappointing at the worst times. You also save money by not having to pay those extra bucks. You can pay your aunt or uncle the fuel price at the end.

 

2. Friends are Saviors

One of your friends is interested in photography and would be happy to cover your wedding. Bingo! Give your friend a bear hug. You know your friends are great! They will not only think of the best solution, but they will also be comfortable with you discussing the plans and giving endless trial.

 

3. SO Ready to Share the Bills

Get married to him/her immediately! It is a great idea to get married to someone who is willing and able to split the costs of your wedding. This means that the person does not want you to be stressed or overwhelmed by the wedding expenses, but wants you to have the best day possible. Lucky you!

 

4. With Registry Marriage, In-laws are OK

Before they say no, say ‘yes’. It might not be feasible for everyone to plan a grand social wedding in this highly competitive market. It is better to plan a simple registry wedding followed by a party. While more and more couples are opting registry-and-reception option over highly-expensive social marriage, it is just because of the “wishes” of the parents, couples are left with no other option.

 

5. As a Wedding Gift, Honeymoon Package

A honeymoon trip to South Asian countries can cost at least a few thousand dollars. If you really want to travel to Bora Bora and Switzerland, then you will need to either save a lot or make other arrangements. If your in-laws, or core friends, want to gift a honeymoon to your favorite destination, why wouldn’t you?

 

Scottish Castle Wedding at Dunskey Estate

Scottish Castle Wedding at Dunskey Estate

by | Jun 12, 2022 | Wedding

Scottish Castle Wedding at Dunskey Estate

 

Kiela and Derrick’s beautiful and misty Scottish castle wedding was something straight out of a fairytale. Home to an Edwardian Castle with stately grounds, gorgeous gardens, enchanting woodlands, and panoramic views of the land and sea—Junebug member Dunskey Estate truly makes for a picturesque wedding venue.  

The couple walked into the breathtaking walled garden through a secret gate where friends and family were waiting. Surrounded by towering trees and lush shrubs, it was the perfect otherworldly setting for a romantic outdoor ceremony. The sea mist that crept in added a dramatic vibe to the couple’s intimate portraits on the secluded corners of the estate. 

With a beautiful display of floral clusters and the soft glow of candlelight—the evening reception that followed was both elegant and cozy. The couple and their guests lit up the night with sparklers and a dazzling fireworks display. It was an epic way to end their big day.

If you’ve always dreamed of a magical and intimate affair with your loved ones, scroll down to see this Scottish castle wedding at Dunskey Estate. Junebug member The Caryls beautifully captured all of the incredible details and special moments as they unfolded.

The Couple:

Kiela and Derrick

The Wedding:

Dunskey Estate, Stranraer, Scotland

A Scottish Castle Wedding Dream Come True

We chose Dunskey Estate for many reasons. The first time I saw photos of it, I was brought to tears. I could perfectly picture getting married there right away. I showed Derrick, and he thought it was so cool. The hedge maze and the rave cave, its location, and all the activities they offered—it’s like being at your own private resort. We decided we had nothing to lose and sent over an email inquiring about having our wedding there. We got a response right away, and they had our date available. It was fate!

Private Vows During The First Look 

We chose to exchange our vows privately during our first look. It was so emotional, and I was definitely glad to have a bit of time with just Derrick. For the actual wedding, we decided to drink from a quaich and have a handfasting ceremony—both traditional Scottish traditions. I also had my dad and uncle walk me down the aisle. They mean the world to me, and I needed them both there for this big moment.

Traveling To The UK During The Pandemic

The biggest accomplishment was somehow pulling this off–even though COVID is still around–and getting 31 of our closest friends and family to make the long journey from the USA to Scotland. For many of them, this was their first time abroad. We got super lucky, with the UK lifting its travel restrictions to vaccinated US tourists about one month before the wedding. We just kept manifesting that it would happen–and it did. Derrick and I have been together for 11 years, and we just felt like if it was meant to be, it would happen. And it was the best day of our lives so far.  

The Wedding Dress Inspired By The Venue

I took inspiration from the garden with my wedding dress, the Maya Gown by Galia Lahav. Covered in 3D embellished flowers, I can only describe it as fairylike. I knew from the moment I saw it; it was the dress of my dreams. To me, it was the perfect dress—feminine, sexy, but also unlike any other wedding dress I’ve ever seen. I paired it with Loeffler Randall heels that my best friend and maid of honor got me as a wedding gift. 

Working With Junebug Members The Caryls

Working with The Caryls was an honor. They are so easy to work with. They instantly felt like friends from the first time we spoke on zoom. They made us feel so comfortable in front of a camera, and they went out of their way to produce the most beautiful and timeless photos. They captured every emotion felt on our special day.

Epic Firework Show To End Their Magical Day

The fireworks were a very special moment for us. We brought everyone outside to do sparklers without telling them there was an actual fireworks show, so everyone was looking at us and waving their sparklers when the fireworks actually started going off. Everyone started cheering, and a couple of people even cried. The look on everyone’s faces was priceless, and it really just made us so happy that we were able to share such an incredible moment with our closest friends and family.

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Caryls
Ceremony Venue – Dunskey Estate
Videography – Eve & Art Stories
Invitation Design – Here & There Web Studio
Makeup Artist – Carol Mcluckie
Hair Styling – Anne Marie McElroy
Wedding Dress – Nyanza Bridal
Rings – Sofia Zakia

 

Congratulations to Kiela and Derrick on their Scottish castle wedding at Dunskey Estate. To know more about this vast estate, check out their profile of the world’s best wedding venues in our directory. And a special shout out to Junebug members The Caryls for capturing and sharing this magical big day with us. Check out more of their workin our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!

13 Incredible Vermont Wedding Venues

13 Incredible Vermont Wedding Venues

by | Jun 5, 2022 | Wedding

From mountain retreats to a unique Lake Champlain venue, here are 13 favorites.
Wedding venue in Vergennes, Vermont.
Basin Harbor

The state of Vermont may be on the smaller side, but that hardly means the Green Mountain State doesn’t pack a big ‘wow’ factor, especially when it comes to the best Vermont wedding venues. With gorgeous mountain ranges stretching the length of the state, Vermont offers picturesque views at nearly every angle—making it an ideal spot for an outdoor wedding, or a wedding with a mountain or lodge vibe.

Of course, the New England winters can be a bit blustery, but if you and your fiancé are avid skiers or just love the snow, you won’t mind; in fact, you may just find winter in Vermont to be the perfect fairytale-esque backdrop for your big day. Whatever the season you’re considering for hosting a Vermont wedding, you can find a spectacular and impressive wedding or reception venue on The Knot Marketplace. Here are 13 of our favorites.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont

Wedding venue in Stowe, Vermont.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

 

Just minutes away from charming downtown Stowe, The Lodge at Spruce Peakimpresses no matter the season. Outdoor weddings are a possibility regardless of sunshine or snow, but whatever the weather, your event will be set against the lovely Vermont mountains, including the state’s tallest peak, Mount Mansfield. The lodge offers a variety of unique wedding venues to choose from, all located on-property (including one that’s also an ice rink!), and there’s something for weddings of every size, from intimate destination weddings to big bashes hosting up to 300 of your favorite people. And their in-house caterers will make planning a breeze.

 

Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont

Wedding venue in Warren, Vermont.

Sugarbush Resort

 

If you want that Vermont mountain backdrop, but you don’t necessarily want the alpine lodge feel, you should consider Sugarbush Resort, a beautifully rustic hideaway near Lincoln Peak. Rather than feeling like an all-out ski destination, this venue channels Vermont’s agricultural history, with its striking red barn exterior and quintessential round barn. For couples seeking a combination of mountain views and the barn wedding vibe, Sugarbush is one of the only venues to give you the best of both worlds. There are several ceremony and reception locations to choose from, with options suitable for weddings of 50 to 300 guests.

The Inn at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield, Vermont

Wedding venue in Waitsfield, Vermont.

The Inn at the Round Barn Farm

 

Sure, Vermont has mountains, but it also boasts rolling hills of wildflowers, tranquil ponds flanked by weeping willows, and lush farmland—all of which you can find at The Inn at the Round Barn Farm. For a country-inspired wedding, this venue ticks all of the boxes. Just imagine those perfect wedding portraits featuring you and your honey drifting across the tree-lined pond in a rowboat (and if that’s not straight off the page of a romance novel, we’re not sure what is). Follow up the ceremony with a reception in the rustic round barn, all decked out in fairy lights, and you have a dreamy special day your guests won’t soon forget.

Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Proctorsville, Vermont

Wedding venue in Proctorsville, Vermont.

Castle Hill Resort & Spa

 

Looking for a Vermont wedding venue with historic appeal? Castle Hill Resort & Spa, a National Register of Historic Places-listed venue, is waiting. The English Cotswold-style mansion, with its elegantly landscaped gardens, is ideal for an upscale wedding. With a library and two formal dining rooms inside and the gardens outside all at your disposal, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Invite your guests to stay at the resort (or at least book a room for you and your spouse-to-be) to enjoy the equally gorgeous guest rooms, outfitted with period furnishings and the utmost in historic luxury.

The Spirit of Ethan Allen in Burlington, Vermont

Wedding venue in Burlington, Vermont.

The Spirit of Ethan Allen

 

Why settle for a waterside wedding venue, when you can exchange your vows literally right on the water? The Spirit of Ethan Allen is the only cruise ship on Lake Champlain, harbored conveniently in Burlington. Rent the entire ship for a wedding for up to 300 guests and then set sail for your big day. An extra bonus to taking to the lake for your ceremony and reception? You get not only the amazing views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, but also the views of the Adirondacks across the water in New York.

Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont

Wedding venue in Vergennes, Vermont.

Basin Harbor

 

For a waterfront wedding venue without putting your entire guest list on the water, however (after all, if someone, say the flower girl, gets seasick that’s a wedding disaster you definitely don’t want), look to Basin Harbor in Vergennes. This lovely lakeside venue boasts a handful of spectacular ceremony spots, including a dock that juts out into Lake Champlain and features a backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains. As a perfect finishing touch to your big day, trade out your getaway car for a getaway speed boat. The photos alone are worth it.

The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont

Channel one of the most well-known musicals of all time as you plan your wedding at The Trapp Family Lodge, just a few miles from downtown Stowe. This venue was founded by the real family that inspired The Sound of Music and, as such, you’ll find Austrian influences at every turn. With 2,500 acres, the venue offers plenty of space for you to choose from—including a croquet lawn and two separate meadows, and various indoor spaces—and if you and your fiancé are beer fans, you’ll love the on-site beirhall.

The Trailside Inn in Killington, Vermont

Wedding venue in Killington, Vermont.

The Trailside Inn

 

If you and your partner are avid hikers, you’ll definitely want to check out The Trailside Inn, near Killington. From the most casual to the most elegant weddings, this large venue can do it all. The real draw, though, is all the wooded outdoor space, perfect for more intimate ceremonies, receptions, and wedding portraits, all surrounded by the great outdoors. One of the best parts of booking your dream wedding here, though? When you do, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the entire property, for a level of privacy you’ll be hard-pressed to find at other, similar venues.

River Road Farm in Manchester, Vermont

Wedding venue in Manchester, Vermont.

River Road Farm

 

This is a far cry from your average barn wedding. River Road Farm does offer a barn for your event space, but this is certainly unlike any other barn venue you’ve likely spotted during your wedding planning. The deep-stained flooring, rich leather and wood accents, stone walls, and chandeliers all make the space as dramatic as they come. You would never guess that the venue was actually a 110-year-old horse barn. The venue is suitable for up to 200 guests and you’ll find other ceremony spots beyond the barn across the farm, including the gardens, lawn, and trout pond bridge.

The Henry House in Bennington, Vermont

Wedding venue in Bennington, Vermont.

The Henry House

 

For the most bang for your buck (because, let’s face it, weddings can get pricey), look to The Henry House. The 250-year-old, Revolutionary War-era home offers an array of features that all add a little extra something special to your wedding. There’s a 14-foot stone fireplace for fireside ceremonies; an expansive slate patio for wedding party portraits; and a converted barn-turned-bar for reception drinks. The home itself sleeps 13 guests and features period furnishings among the Georgian-style architecture. You and your wedding party can take up residence for the entire wedding weekend and enjoy it all, all on a budget.

Turning Stone Farm in Greensboro, Vermont

Wedding venue in Greensboro, Vermont.

Turning Stone Farm

 

This 1880s rustic barn venue is lovely any time of year, but it really shines in the fall. Surrounded by woods, the trees come alive in vibrant hues of red and orange come autumn, perfectly complementing the expansive red barn. Just add a few pumpkins and maybe a bonfire or two and you have the fall-time wedding you’ve been dreaming of. Turning Stone Farm is suitable for weddings of up to 300 guests and you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in the one spot, moving between the barn, orchard, gardens, and other plentiful spaces.

Stratton Mountain Resort in Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Wedding venue in Stratton Mountain, Vermont.

Stratton Mountain Resort

 

A lot of Vermont resorts and other wedding venues offer outdoor ceremony and reception spaces with fantastic views of the Green Mountains, but if you truly want to take your wedding to another level, don’t settle for mere mountain views—say ‘I do’ on the mountain summit itself. That’s exactly what you can do at Stratton Mountain Resort, which offers its summit deck for intimate weddings, accessible only via the ski gondola. From the top, you and your guests will be able to view up to four states and mountain ranges.

Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in North Bennington, Vermont

Wedding venue in North Bennington, Vermont.

Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion

 

Your inner romantic may just let out a squee when you see this stunner of a historic wedding venue. Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion is just the gingerbread-style mansion that you’d want for a truly romance-themed wedding, with its Romantic Revival and Second Empire architecture, surrounded by 200 acres of parkland and gardens. From the terraces to the gardens to the carriage barn, take your pick of multiple wedding ceremony and reception spots (suitable for guest lists up to 200 people) to plan a wedding day steeped in sweetness.

Beautifully Intimate Joshua Tree Micro Wedding

Beautifully Intimate Joshua Tree Micro Wedding

by | May 29, 2022 | Wedding

Beautifully Intimate Joshua Tree Micro Wedding

There’s something enchanting about tying the knot in the heart of the desert, surrounded by your closest friends, family, and the beautiful cacti-filled landscape. When it came time to plan their wedding, Chara and Peter knew that a Joshua Tree micro wedding was the perfect decision. The two said “I do” at Indian Cove Amphitheater in the national park before taking an old-school Cadillac over to Ace Hotel Palm Springs–the hotel they stayed at the night they got engaged.

With the help of planner Grace and Gold Events, the 70s inspired reception was complete with disco balls, concert-inspired signs, burnt orange and pink florals from Desert Rose Creative, and a balloon wall. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Chara changed into a silk mini dress with a feathered purse and a customized thrifted denim jacket that Peter painted himself.

From the dreamy desert ceremony to the epic portraits around Joshua Tree’s local landmarks, photographer Brandi Potter did an amazing job of capturing the casually cool vibes of the minimony. So if you’re looking for proof that micro weddings can be just as unique as large affairs, keep scrolling.

The Couple:

Chara and Peter

The Wedding:

Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States

Why A Joshua Tree Micro Wedding

We chose Joshua Tree for our ceremony because there’s something so energetic and mystical about that area in the desert. We love it so much and wanted to share it with our guests–most of whom had never been there. We also chose the Ace Hotel and Swim Club for our reception space because that’s where we were staying the night we got engaged.

A Memorable Letter From The Bride’s Father

Chara’s father gave her an old envelope before they left for the ceremony and told her to read it later. So when we got back to our room to freshen up before the reception, she decided to read it. The envelope contained a handwritten letter that her father wrote to her the day she was born to give her on her wedding day. It’s something she’ll cherish forever.

 

Working With Photographer Brandi Potter

Our photographer Brandi is a true gem and dream to work with. We knew what to expect the day of because she also did our engagement photos. She really understood that we weren’t looking for typical wedding photos that are stiff and overly produced. We wanted to make sure that our photos really captured who we are as a couple, and boy, did she deliver.

The Wedding Team:

Photography & Videography – Brandi Potter
Event Planning – Grace and Gold Events
Ceremony Venue – Joshua Tree National Park
Reception Venue – Ace Hotel Palm Springs
Floral Design – Desert Rose Creative
Cake – Over the Rainbow Desserts
Wedding Dress – Daughters of Simone
Bridal Accessories – Catbird NYC & Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Shona Joy
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Apparel – J. Crew
Rings – Anna Sheffield
Rentals – Planks & Patina

 

Congratulations again to Chara and Peter on their Joshua Tree micro wedding. And a big thank you to photographer Brandi Potter for sharing the special day with us. To nail down your own unique, intimate affair, be sure to check out our guide to hosting a creative micro wedding!

 

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5 Things To Say Yes To During Wedding Planning

What Really Matters On Your Wedding Day

by | May 22, 2022 | Wedding

10 Things No One Tells You About the Wedding Day

No matter how many weddings you’ve attended before, or how many times you’ve been a bridesmaid, there are some things you just don’t find out about until your wedding day.

Bride and Groom Outdoors

Talk to anyone who’s gone through it before and they’ll tell you that your wedding day absolutely flies by. You’ll be so busy going from one thing to the next that before you know it, you’ll be cutting the cake. You may already know that you need an emergency kit (just in case), that it can be difficult to use the bathroom in your ball gown, and to pack a stain remover. But aside from the logistics, there are tons of intangible, special moments that make up the wedding day itself. Here, 10 truths about the wedding day that no one ever talks about.

 

1. Ten minutes before the ceremony is the most nerve-racking part.

The time leading up to the walk down the aisle will be the most anxiety-ridden 10 minutes you’ll ever have. And it makes sense—you’re about to make a life-changing decision in front of all the people you love and care about the most. Just remember that your other half is waiting for you at the end of the journey and you’re going to have a huge party to celebrate (not to mention the reason why you said “yes” in the first place).

2. The ceremony is the best part.

There’s something truly amazing about the wedding ceremony. The traditions, the vows and all your emotional family members and friends make it one of the most special moments of your life. Our advice? Take it all in and drink it up. You’ll want these memories to last a lifetime.

 

3. You’ll definitely cry.

Okay, this one might not be such a secret—all we can say is that crying is basically inevitable. And since you already know the waterworks are coming, the best thing to do is just be prepared. Store some tissues nearby, and if you’re a bride, make sure to wear waterproof makeup (or even get eyelash extensions) and keep some mascara and lipstick readily available for quick touch-ups.

 

 

4. Your face will hurt from smiling so much.

Thousands of pictures aside, you’ll be smiling all day because it’s going to be the bestday ever. You’re marrying your best friend, after all! Between finally “making it official” with your partner and dancing like crazy with all of your close friends and family, there’s literally no reason to frown (even if it rains).

 

5. You’ll be amazed by the love and support of your family and friends.

They all showed up for one reason—you! You and your soon-to-be spouse will get all—and we really mean all—of the attention. You may not even be able to eat dinner, since you’ll have so many people to talk to and so many pictures to take. Between the pinches on the cheek from your grandma and the side-punches from your college pals, you’ll be overcome by the love and support of those around you.

6. You’ll want a little alone time.

In fact, you might be so overcome with emotion that you may want to take a few moments just for you, or the two of you. Some of the most special minutes of the day are the few you get to spend alone, preparing for what’s to come, or together with your new spouse, taking it all in.

7. You might be a little exhausted.

Let’s face it, you won’t get too much sleep the night before your wedding. Between stressing over the seating chart, a tiff with your mom or just overall excitement for the day to come, you’ll be seriously lacking in shut-eye. Pro tip: Under-eye concealer will be your best friend.

8. It won’t all go as planned.

Something might end up going wrong. It could be little, or it could be big, but our best advice is to soldier on and try to think of the big picture. Can you solve this problem easily? Does it make a huge difference in the long run? Are your guests still having fun? Are you having fun? If these questions are easily answered, then don’t sweat it—just keep enjoying your celebration, and feel free to delegate tasks to planners and relatives so you don’t have to deal with drama.

 

9. The most magical moment will be when you least expect it.

We promise that the most special time of the day, or weekend, is going to be something you never expected. A stolen minute or two with your soon-to-be spouse, a hug from your dad or an impromptu speech by your college roommate could end up meaning the world to you.

 

10. You’ll feel different.

Even if you and your other half have been cohabiting for years, once you’re legally wed, things will feel official. It might just be a slight shift or it could feel like a noticeable change, but it will definitely seem like the real deal—because it is!

See the top postwedding to-dos here.

Find out how to easily change your last name after the wedding here.

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