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Forest, Ocean, And A Beautiful Beach Elopement *

Forest, Ocean, And A Beautiful Beach Elopement *

by | Jan 16, 2022 | Wedding

If you’re trying to decide between a forest, ocean, or beach elopement you should pick all three just like this couple. Chris and David wanted an adventurous elopement that was made up of special moments and stunning scenery. Making Big Sur, California the perfect “I do” location—a picture-perfect backdrop without distracting from the main event, their love. 

Photographer Heather K Purdy captured every powerful moment, from exchanging “I do’s” amongst the rugged California coastline to celebrating with a champagne shower on the beach. Though these moments took center stage, they still used fashion and soft floral boutonnieres by Cassia Foret as a way to add personality in a subtle and show-stopping way. 

If you’re searching for simple personality-filled elopement inspiration, look no further. This jaw-dropping beach elopement is the perfect place to start pulling your inspiration from. 

The Couple:

Chris and David

The Wedding:

Big Sur, California

The Power Of Eloping 

We wanted to make sure that we made it about David and I. We ended up choosing to elope because our wedding planning was becoming about everyone else. We wanted to prioritize our love and we wouldn’t change a thing. 

Little Moments That Made For A Memorable Beach Elopement 

One of the most memorable moments was walking along the beach and spotting a random butterfly made of shells. David and I both have very important late relatives whom we associate with butterflies. It was very special and neither of us said a word when we came across it; we just looked at one another and knew.

 

Plans Changed Due To COVID

We were supposed to get married in Amsterdam spring of 2020. We had to cancel all of our plans due to the pandemic and decided to just wait till things felt right. We had always wanted to drive the Pacific Coastal Highway in California and Big Sur has always seemed like a dream. It all just fell into place and was more amazing than we could ever have imagined.

Working With Heather K Purdy 

Heather K Purdy is incredible. We actually met the day before our wedding and she invited us to lunch the day after. So, we basically saw her everyday that we were in Big Sur and still keep in touch. I’m a photographer myself, and working with Heather could not have been more amazing. I released all control and she made our moments even more memorable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Heather K Purdy
Floral Design – Cassia Foret

 

Congratulations to Chris and David on their simple Big Sur beach elopement. And big thanks to photographer Heather K Purdy for preserving these precious, intimate moments that adventurous wedding planning couples can draw elopement inspiration from. 

We’re here to remind you that choosing an elopement-styled ceremony doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a beautiful wedding day. There are endless ways to incorporate your personality like Chris and David. After finalizing a budget and selecting a destination, find a wedding photographer you can trust to capture your love story. 

Bright, Fun, And Sun-Filled Phoenix Backyard Wedding *

Bright, Fun, And Sun-Filled Phoenix Backyard Wedding *

by | Nov 9, 2021 | Wedding

Bright, Fun, And Sun-Filled Phoenix Backyard Wedding

Nothing was raining on Molly and Chelsea’s Phoenix backyard celebration. Almost. The morning of the wedding, rain clouds dispersed and the skies filled with desert sunshine—the perfect wedding day weather. With the help of their loved ones, wedding planner Bloom & Blueprint Event Co., and a talented team of vendors, this couple was able to transform an ordinary backyard space into the dreamiest wedding venue. 

Their big day was filled with sentimental and nostalgic pieces. From the wedding venue—Molly’s parents backyard and the place their love blossomed—to the hand-written and personalized vows. Every wedding day detail was carefully curated with intentionality and purpose in mind. 

We can’t take our eyes off the sweet, memorable moments that were captured by Mary Costa Photography. Grab your tissues and get ready to soak up this powerful and heartfelt ceremony. It perfectly celebrated both Molly and Chelsea’s love for each other and marriage equality. 

More From Mary Costa On This Phoenix Backyard Wedding

Molly and Chelsea’s wedding was heartfelt, beautifully styled, and full of joy. It took place in Molly’s parents’ backyard and was full of personal touches. It was pouring rain the morning of their wedding—which is a rarity in Phoenix, Arizona. As luck would have it the sun came out just after Molly and Chelsea finished getting ready, and the talented team of planners from Bloom & Blueprint Event Co broke down dozens of small tents to create a beautiful space in record time. Their ceremony was incredibly heartfelt, including a candle lighting with all the guests. We also caught the last bit of daylight in the Phoenix mountains. Such a beautiful couple and a stunning day!

The Couple:

Molly and Chelsea

The Wedding:

Phoenix, Arizona

A Backyard Turned Dream Wedding Venue 

We really loved how the design came together. We worked very hard coming up with concepts and colors and sourcing pieces for our day and we transformed the backyard into a “venue” that other people started asking to get married in!

Nothing Could Rain On Molly And Chelsea’s Parade 

Our wedding was extremely memorable. It started with the rainiest day of 2020—a flash flood warning, thunder, lightning, and a torrential downpour covering the Phoenix valley. We had our first look under the eaves of the hotel we were staying at. Suddenly the rain stopped and the clouds parted. We ran out into the sunshine to get as many photos as we could before it started to rain again—but it never did! Sun poured over the yard and we had the chance to have a gorgeous outdoor  ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. As guests took their seats, the grass was so wet from the rain that the chairs were sinking, and people were dropping like flies. Our dresses were muddy and our shoes were dark brown from all the mud, but at that point we didn’t care!  

A Unity Ceremony To Honor Loved One’s Support 

We said personal vows that made us sob and we’re not sure anyone actually understood what we said—haha! We also had friends of ours read the Marriage Equality Supreme Court decision during our ceremony—it was an extremely powerful and heartfelt moment. We also had a reserve unity candle ceremony. We had each of our guests light a candle to represent the light, warmth, and love of their support as an LGBTQ+ couple. 

A Venue With Sentimental Value 

Our venue was Molly’s parents’ backyard. It was the place we spent our high school summers together when we were just falling in love. It was nice to get married at home and have that additional sentimental value. 

DIY Signage Doubles As Wedding Keepsake  

Molly’s Mom learned to use a laser cutter to design, cut, paint, and display all of the signage at the wedding! It was an incredible gift that saved us a ton of money and really enhanced the look of the decor. Molly also designed and printed the invitations.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Mary Costa Photography
Event Planning – Bloom & Blueprint Event Co.
Floral Design – Bloom & Blueprint Event Co.
Catering – AZ Inspirations Catering
Cake – The Scookie Bar 
DJ – Camelback Entertainment
Videography – Something New Media
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – The Beauty Bar Allison
Rentals – The Event Co.

 

Congratulations Molly and Chelsea on their beautiful sun-filled backyard wedding. We are thankful photographer Mary Costa Photography was present to capture every sweet moment from this powerful LGBTQ+ wedding. 

From the backyard venue to the ceremony script—every moment was carefully crafted with intentionality in mind. Whether you’re looking to save money in your budget or dreaming of a venue with sentimental value, a backyard wedding is just what you’re looking for. Check out the ultimate guide to planning a backyard wedding and get started planning your own. 

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Moody and Romantic Willow Inn Elopement *

Moody and Romantic Willow Inn Elopement *

by | Oct 31, 2021 | Wedding

Moody and Romantic Willow Inn Elopement

We give you full permission to ditch the bright, summer color palette if that’s not calling to you. Instead, you can opt for a gorgeously dark, moody, and romantic vibe like Giacomo and Domenico. Wedding planner Chic et Champagnepartnered with a talented team of wedding vendors to create this English pub inspired elopement in Hudson, Quebec. From the burgundy velvet suits to the warm, jewel toned color palette, every element of this Willow Innelopement radiates unconventionality. 

With an English cottage vibe and jaw-dropping lake and mountain views, Willow Inn proves to be a dreamy venue for any wedding style and size. The secluded, waterfront ceremony location was a historic residential property that has since been transformed into a stunning event space. To preserve the venue’s natural beauty, Chic et Champagne complemented the historic charm with dark and elaborate floral arrangements. 

Photographer and Junebug member Julia Garcia-Prat Photography captured every detail that made this Canadian elopement one for the books. If you’re searching for ways to twist traditional wedding elements and make them their own, you’ve come to the right place. Get your Pinterest boards ready and start scrolling for inspiration that’s sure to make your celebration unlike any other. 

More From Julia Garcia-Prat On This Willow Inn Elopement

Giacomo and Domenico are two lovers who had planned their wedding and in the whirlwind of the pandemic had to postpone it. But nothing stops love. In a setting straight out of an english pub—at the Willow Inn in Hudson, Quebec—they exchanged their vows. A sweet intimate moment that was enhanced by incorporating an abundance of velvet accents, moody-jewel toned colors, and lush floral arrangements.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Julia Garcia-Prat
Event Planning Florals  – Chic et Champagne
Ceremony Venue – Willow Inn
Cake – Bayard Gateaux
Invitation Design – Charlotte & Cie
Groom’s Apparel – Blandin & Delloye
Rentals – Tenue de Soirée

 

Congratulations to Giacomo and Domenico on their Willow Inn elopement. And big thanks to photographer and Junebug member Julia Garcia-Prat Photography for preserving this detail-oriented celebration. A celebration that’ll be used as inspiration by adventurous couples yearning for a moody, warm, and fully personalized nuptial. 

 

Gorgeously Green Multi-Day Lake Tahoe Lodge Wedding *

Gorgeously Green Multi-Day Lake Tahoe Lodge Wedding *

by | Oct 12, 2021 | Wedding

Gorgeously Green Multi-Day Lake Tahoe Lodge Wedding

When it came to creating their perfect wedding, Chase and Mauro wanted it to be about spending time with their loved ones—including their fur baby— and having one big party. They knew that the Chalet View Lodge was perfect, so they rented it out for the weekend. With the help of their family, they DIYed most of their wedding to stay within their budget. From the invitations to Mauro making their cake, there was an extra personal touch of love everywhere.

Using the colors of nature as their color palette, their stunning Lake Tahoe lodge wedding featured wood details, luscious greenery, simple florals, and twinkly lights. Thankfully, Junebug member Apollo Fotografie expertly captured every inch of this DIYed wedding. Scroll down to see the ceremony from start to finish and let it inspire you to DIY parts of your own wedding.

The Couple:

Chase and Mauro

The Wedding:

Chalet View Lodge, Lake Tahoe, California

 

Spending Time Together As A Family

By far the most important thing for us is that we wanted the wedding to be an opportunity for our families and friends to really get to spend time together and connect. We knew we wanted to find a lodge where just our guests could sleep and be together for the whole weekend. It worked out amazingly well. For three straight days, our guests were hanging out by the pool, going on hikes together, and, of course, enjoying plenty of drinks together!

A DIYed Lake Tahoe Lodge Wedding

We’re exceptionally proud of how much of our wedding was done by ourselves and our family! I designed all of our stationery, Mauro’s sister, with help from my sisters and aunts, did all our flowers using Sam’s Club flowers. My brother-in-law was our DJ, my uncle was our officiant. Mauro’s family friends catered our rehearsal dinner, and Mauro made our cake! Our live band was a couple of guys we happened to hear at a bar in my hometown one night. We heard them play, loved them, and offered to fly them out to play at our wedding! It was a bit outside our budget, but it was the first vacation they had taken in a while and their first time in California, so it was more than worth it.

 

A Day Filled With Memories 

Our dog stopping to poop while we walking down the aisle is pretty memorable! Also, we wanted a marijuana bar as a fun novelty. But, within five minutes of opening it, everything was gone and the area was up in a cloud of smoke. It’s the part other people remember the most—it comes up any time someone talks to us about the wedding.

Don’t Stress Over Every Detail

At a certain point, a few months before the wedding, we realized that even if nothing else was planned or done, we’d still have an amazing party. The only things you really need are your venue, food, clothes, alcohol, and guests. Everything else is just a fun bonus, so there’s no need to stress over every last detail.

 

Why A Lake Tahoe Lodge Wedding?

We chose our venue for a very specific reason: we knew we wanted to have around 150 people there and we knew we wanted to have the entire place to ourselves for the weekend. So, we had to find a venue that had enough lodging for our guest count so that we could rent out the entire place. That narrowed things down pretty quickly.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Apollo Fotografie
Event Planning – Leann Logan
Venue – Chalet View Lodge
Catering – Blend Catering and Starkey’s Food Truck
DJ – DJ Resha
Live Music – Robert Abernathy
Rentals – BBJ Linen

 

Congratulations to Chase and Mauro on their stunning Lake Tahoe lodge wedding. And a major shout out to Junebug member Apollo Fotografie for capturing and sharing this day with us. See more of his work on his profile in our directory of photographers from around the world!

 

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