by riley | Aug 9, 2021 | Wedding
Matching wedding party baseball jerseys, furry friends in flower collars, and epic bridal fashion complete with a fringe wedding dress and seriously killer bridal pantsuit–what more could you ask for in a wedding? Whitney and Haley’s Union On Eighth nuptials were focused less on trends and more on details that they loved. The results were stunning, to say the least.
With the help of planner Simply XO Events, the couple transformed the old mechanic shop into a wedding venue. The building was filled with bold florals from Ida Mayes Floristry, romantic table settings, and a huge hanging neon sign from Brite Light Tribe. But enough about the decor, the fringey free-spirited Tara Laurenwedding dress looked dazzling paired with the clean-cut Rime Arodaky and Kira Kouture bridal suit combo.
The photos captured by Map + Compass Photography are sure to inspire more boho “I do’s,” so keep scrolling and get ready to save every last photo.
The Couple:
Whitney and Haley
The Wedding:
The Union on Eighth, Georgetown, Texas
Memorable Wedding Gifts
I did a boudoir shoot and gifted Haley a leather book of the photos. I wanted this to be something that we could look back on when we are older and remember who we were at this stage in life. Haley gifted me a ring that she had custom-made for me. She took a few stones from one of my Nana’s rings and had a jeweler create the most perfectly dainty gold ring. My Nana was my favorite person in the whole wide world, and unfortunately, she passed away years ago. She wasn’t able to attend our wedding or ever know Haley. So Haley wanted me to always have a piece of her with me, especially on such a special day. One of the stones was a blue sapphire, which made it my “something blue” too.
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by olivia | Aug 7, 2021 | Wedding
Bold is an understatement when it comes to Badger and Jess’ Farmin’ Betty’s wedding. Top to bottom, their ceremony was drenched in unique details—disco balls, a retro movie sign, vintage chairs for the sweetheart table, and a cube-shaped altar arch! Even their wedding day fashion was bold. Jess wore a black and white print two-piece wedding gown paired with tall black cowboy boots. Badger opted for an emerald green suit—two colorful choices! Then, let’s pause to enjoy the perfectly mismatched wedding party looks.
We love what their photographer–and Junebug member–Erika Diaz Photography had to say about this day:
“Jess and Badgers’ boldness to embrace their personal styles and creating a day that highlighted something viewers will be excited and inspired by. I admire their willingness to infuse their wedding day with personal touches, fashion, and details that were completely unique to them.”
The Couple:
Badger and Jess
The Wedding:
Farmin’ Betty’s, Columbus, Wisconsin
Planning A Wedding During A Pandemic
After being engaged for two and a half years, we made the decision early in the pandemic to become husband and wife on September 26—even if it was just us. We originally planned to have 250 guests, but after a series of COVID-19 restrictions forced us to reduce our guest list to 50 loved ones, we were left reimagining the entire day. We called each guest and vendor to discuss what we could do to make them feel safer in a COVID-19 environment. For example, we changed our formal sit-down dinner to a cocktail-style lounge space so guests could distance themselves based on comfort level.
Taking COVID Precautions
We often questioned whether having a wedding during a global pandemic was even the right thing to do. Though all vendors and guests remained safe and healthy after our nuptials, we were emotional wrecks waiting for the fourteen days to pass afterward. For couples who face similar decisions, we hope you can force yourself to see that the real magic of the wedding day is the commitment you make to one another through marriage. Any resemblance of a wedding after that is just icing on the cake.
Advice For Nearlyweds
Just do you! That’s our advice. Our wedding strayed from tradition in so many ways, making it hard for others to envision how our wedding day would turn out. There were countless times Jess would share her latest ideas, and they’d be met with raised eyebrows and well-intentioned skepticism. However, without trusting in our shared vision, we would’ve never had the things that made our day special, like including our fur babies in the ceremony or having our wedding party in mismatched attire.
A Farmin’ Betty’s Wedding
When we got engaged, the big question was where we would tie the knot since our families were not centrally located. Knowing that many of our guests would need to travel regardless of where we chose, we decided on a location that was special to us. In 2018, we purchased our first home together in Columbus, Wisconsin, and felt that this area was perfect to begin our union. Vintage Fields at Farmin’ Bettys had everything we needed and we instantly gravitated to their charming refinished barn nestled in the countryside. The beautiful outdoor space allowed us to hold our ceremony on the grounds before moving to the rustic barn to dance the night away!
Personalizing Everything
Badger is a romantic at heart and frequently writes creative short stories, so we knew right away that we would personalize our ceremony by writing our vows. The rest of the ceremony magic we really owe to our co-officiants, Jace and Mikaela—our college best friends. Since we went to different universities and didn’t meet until after our wild college years were over, Jace and Mikaela had the challenge of writing a wedding script together without ever meeting before. And they crushed it! There were so many tears, laughs, and even a well-placed Meatloaf song reference that had Badger commit that he would love Jess and would love her forever.
Congratulations to Badger and Jess on their bold Farmin’ Betty’s wedding. Major shout out to Junebug member Erika Diaz Photography for capturing and sharing this beautiful day with us. To see more of Erika’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the globe!
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by kailey | Aug 5, 2021 | Wedding
Location, decor, catering…oh my! There are many big decisions that go into bringing your dream wedding to life. For all the foodie couples, we’ve got you covered. From plated meals to food trucks—get ready to feast on endless wedding day catering options. We’re taking the stress out of planning by explaining all the info you need to know about wedding catering in one place.
Before choosing your caterer, you’ll need to have your venue booked and understand any limitations that they’ll have on the vendors you’ll be able to hire. If you’re unsure about how to find the perfect venue for your wedding, check out our venue guide. Then, come back and read through all of the options available to feed yourselves and your wedding guests.
Different Meal Styles
Once you’ve selected your venue, consider the type of meal you’d like to entertain your guests with. Keep these in mind on your catering journey to ensure that there’s no confusion between you, your wedding dream team, and your guests.
Plated Meals
If you’re looking for a formal, served meal, this option is for you. Plated meals typically include three courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. Though this adds an intimate nature to your wedding, keep in mind this type of meal comes with extra planning and preparation—from formulating a seating chart to collecting guest’s food choices and dietary restrictions (typically from their RSVP). Then, you’ll need to communicate these to your caterer.
Passed Appetizers
Couples wanting a more relaxed reception—without sacrificing plentiful and delicious foods—should opt for a passed appetizer option. Typically passed appetizers are combined with the cocktail hour and include bite-sized snacks that are served by catering staff.
Hors D’oeuvres
From charcuterie tables—also known as grazing tables—to sliders, hor d’oeuvres have become a popular wedding food option. This is a perfect meal selection for couples looking to combine food presentation and taste to enhance their reception. Usually set in a buffet style, guests can come and go as they please and have the choice of endless food options. This is sure to add a relaxed vibe to any wedding day, without having to sacrifice mouth-watering foods.
Cake and Punch
A fun and budget-friendly catering option is a “cake and punch” reception. Instead of serving your guests a full sit-down meal, you jump right to wedding cake and drinks—we’re all for skipping straight to dessert. This is a perfect option for late-night weddings or short and sweet celebrations.
Catering Styles Vary
You’ve selected the meal style fit for your wedding vibe and theme, now it’s time to determine execution. There are catering styles fit for every couple and every wedding size. Whether you’re wanting a hands-on catering experience or wanting to assemble a team of industry professionals to take the reins, you’re sure to find a catering style here that is perfect for you.
Venues With In-House Catering
If you’re searching for ways to simplify your wedding planning process, some venues offer in-house catering. This style of catering means the venue takes full reign of the catering duties from setup to tear down, and everything in-between. No extra time needed to coordinate between the caterer and the venue—it’s already done for you. Of course, you’ll still be able to work with the in-house catering team on the menu.
DIY Catering
With weddings getting smaller, more couples are opting to DIY major elements of their weddings—like decor and food. Maybe you love cooking and want to prep the meal yourselves, whatever the reasoning may be, do it yourself catering is always an option. By going with a DIY approach you’re able to directly control the flavor and outcome, without having to sacrifice quality.
Hire a Caterer
Hiring a top-notch caterer is one of the easiest ways to reduce your wedding planning stress. A professional caterer will take care of the procurement, planning, cooking, and cleanup. The caterer will also impact your reception experience by limiting your wedding day work. This way, you can be present and soak up all of the memories.
Consider reaching out to your favorite restaurant as a fun way to show off local dining to your guests.
Food Trucks
Options, options, and more options. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed reception vibe with a variety of food options, food trucks are an ideal catering option. This can also be an easy way to appease many different dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’ve got vegans or gluten-free guests, there are trucks for everyone.
This style of catering also adds fun to any styled reception, not to mention the endless food options that are offered on wheels nowadays.
Cocktail Party Reception
A cocktail party reception means skipping the meal and instead indulging in a variety of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cocktail party food opens the door to creativity. This can mean an oversized charcuterie table or passed appetizers. This reception food option is perfect for couples looking to customize every part of their reception—from the food options, to the decor—and for couples that want their reception bar to be the main event.
There is no better way to kick off your marriage than with a reception that is authentically you. From the wedding catering options to the reception drinks, every element should be a reflection of you, your partner, and your union. If you’re searching for ways to make your reception unique without breaking the bank, you won’t want to miss these tips for decorating your reception space on a budget.
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by riley | Aug 3, 2021 | Wedding
Like most other couples of 2020, Daniella and Nelson had a small family wedding planned in the Dominican Republic before a pandemic changed the wedding world as we know it. But rather than let that stop them from tying the knot, the couple moved their ceremony to the Consulate of the Dominican Republic in Boston. After saying “I do” in the courthouse, the newlyweds went to lunch, cheered to their future with champagne and cake, and throughout the process took some stunning photos around the city with photographer Scarlet Roots.
Although their special day was small, every detail was well-thought-out–especially their fashion. Daniella looked beautifully casual in her Staud short wedding dress, Jennifer Behr birdcage headband, and Refine chunky headband–all of which accentuated her colorful bouquet from Central Square Florist. Meanwhile, Nelson opted for a more traditional look in a linen guayabera, a button-up shirt typically worn in the Dominican Republic. Who says courthouse wedding fashion has to be boring?
The Couple:
Daniella and Nelson
The Wedding:
Consulate of the Dominican Republic, Boston, MA
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Elopement Planning Checklist
Making Sure The Day Was COVID-Conscious
It was important for us to keep in mind the true end goal–our marriage and life together and not necessarily the day. Since everything came together very quickly, we didn’t have much time to plan. To keep things as safe as possible, we had our ceremony with two witnesses, snapped some pictures, and then went to lunch together. Back home, we called our families and shared some cake and champagne.
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Laidback Vibes At The Romantic Courthouse Wedding
We decided to elope after COVID-19 complicated our plans for a small family wedding at home in the Dominican Republic. It was important for us to have a relaxed and fun day, so we kept everything laid back. My look was an easy linen dress from Staud with block heels. I couldn’t decide between the Refine satin headband or the Jennifer Behr veil, so I wore both. Nelson wore a linen chacabana or guayabera that’s traditional in our country. I ordered my bouquet from our local florist the day before.
Recommended Reading: 16 Elopement Ideas to Make Your Small Wedding Special
Congratulations again to Daniella and Nelson on their romantic courthouse wedding. We’re so thankful Scarlet Roots was there to capture the love of the day! If you’re planning your own courthouse “I do’s,” be sure to check out these courthouse wedding dresses that are simple yet special.
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by olivia | Aug 1, 2021 | Wedding
Creating a unique wedding celebration with thoughtful details truly makes the big day that much more special. Jenna and Jay put so much care and detail into their multi-cultural Headlands Center for the Arts wedding. Not only did they have a personal, hybrid ceremony, but with help of their wedding planner Heartthrob Weddings and Events, they also added a champagne cocktail hour with a remarkable view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
On top of stunning views and personalized ceremonies, Jenna and Jay created stunning wedding favors—a pinch bowl with incense—and hand-dyed their napkins to match their wedding color palette. Keep scrolling to see this absolutely creative wedding as captured by Eve Rox.
The Couple:
Jenna and Jay
The Wedding:
Headlands Center for the Arts, San Francisco, California
Advice for Nearlyweds
Get a wedding planner! Even if you think you don’t need one. We were so excited to make our day feel really special that we were initially hesitant to give up control. It turned out that there were so many details to think through that having a planner is what ended up making it possible for us to focus where it mattered most to us. Oh and start writing your vows early!
Choosing A Headlands Center For the Arts Wedding
We exhaustively searched and there were times where we wanted to just settle for something easy. At the last minute, we found the perfect place. Its blend of history and scenic beauty gave it a romantic and dreamy vibe. Plus, the fact that it’s a non-profit that supports local artists enabled us to give back to our community and choose a place that was within our budget.
Personalized Ceremony
We worked with friends and family who were members of two communities that are really important to us—Jewish and queer communities—to create a highly personal hybrid ceremony that blended tradition with our personal values.
DIYed Wedding Details
We DIYed our favors and hand-dyed our napkins with support from friends. For the favors, we were lucky to have the help of a friend and professional ceramicist, Jo Boyer Ceramics. Jo generously donated their time, know-how, and supplies to help Jay and another friend make pinch pots with our wedding date stamped on the bottom for every guest. We packed these bowls in bags with incense from another friend, Rituals Incense.We love that everyone could light them with intention and bring the sense of love from our wedding day with them.
Congratulations to Jenna and Jay on their beautifully creative Headlands Center for the Arts wedding. Major shout out to Heartthrob Weddings and Events for sharing this day with us. If you’re looking for a way to make your wedding day more personal, check out these nine ways to personalize your wedding and our guide to planning a unique wedding.
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by kailey | Jul 30, 2021 | Wedding
Backyard weddings have become increasingly popular in 2021—a trend we don’t see going away anytime soon. Emily and Abdo’s Woodland Hills sunset backyard wedding proves you don’t need an over-the-top or expensive wedding venue in order to pull off your dream celebration. With the help of planner Bone Soiree Productions, their backyard was fully transformed into a breathtaking wedding space complete with candles, draped twinkle light, and a band that turned their reception into a fun-filled party.
Photographer Lauren Belknap did a great job capturing images packed with memories—fully immersing us in Emily and Abdo’s sunset backyard wedding. This is what photographer Lauren Belknap had to say about this unforgettable celebration:
This event was the epitome of, “love is never canceled.” Emily and Abdo had a large wedding planned to celebrate with all their family and friends. But when COVID regulations continued into the winter months of 2020, the two realized that getting married in an intimate backyard wedding with loved ones was important to them.
This wedding is a gorgeous example of practicing COVID guidelines while also celebrating love! The bride’s wedding gown is from Marchesa and the style of classic, romantic, and stunning was impeccable throughout the night. The tent created an intimate scene, candles enhanced the atmosphere, and the band created a lively mood.
The Couple:
Emily and Abdo
The Wedding:
Woodland Hills, California
Enjoy The Planning Process
I would challenge every couple to really think about what is the most important part of the wedding. COVID forced us to give up the idea of a giant party at a big venue. It was initially difficult to accept this, but it ultimately made us realize that it didn’t matter where, when, or how we got married. We just wanted to be married, and for the most important people in our lives to be there. The wedding is just one day of your life, your marriage is forever! Enjoy the process as much as you can, be kind to yourself and others, and just remember what this whole process is supposed to be about: you and your person committing to each other forever. Everything else will fall into place.
Most Memorable Sunset Backyard Wedding Moments
The most memorable part of the day was exchanging our vows in front of our closest family and friends. It felt incredible to be surrounded by so much love, during such an awful time in the world, and vowing our commitments of love to each other. I also loved the moments we had after our ceremony—just us—eating appetizers between photos while our guests enjoyed cocktails in the front yard while listening to live music—everything from classic jazz hits to Kanye West.
Meaningful Handmade Wedding Favors
My mom made each guest an embroidered monogrammed blanket. Our wedding was fully outdoors, so it allowed guests to stay cozy when it got cold, and was something unique they could keep and use to remember our wedding.
Congratulations to Emily and Abdo on their beautiful sunset backyard wedding! They were faced with many obstacles that forced them to trade their large wedding for a micro wedding—like many couples during these crazy times. Their celebration turned out beautifully!
Whether you’re looking to avoid canceling or rescheduling your wedding or simply looking to trim your guest list to have a more intimate celebration we’ve got you covered. Whatever your reasoning for downsizing your wedding may be, we have the ultimate planning guides for you. Check out our micro wedding guide and elopement planning guide to get started now.
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