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With mismatched colorful chairs, bohemian rugs, and an autumn color palette, Amanda and Kyle’s Soho South Cafe wedding was colorful, trendy, and a Pinner’s dream. This venue was the only one they looked at, and it was love at first sight. Not only is the venue both stunning and unique with its high ceilings, large windows, and strung lights, but Ivory & Beau didn’t shy away from adding beautiful colors and textures to the space.
I’m just so proud that it all came together as perfectly as it did despite everything going on in 2020. We were so stressed about having the wedding and we ended up having to decrease the guest list significantly. It was beautiful, safe, and perfect, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
A Soho South Cafe Wedding
Honestly, it was the only venue we looked at. I saw some photos on Instagram and knew I wanted to check it out. We went and it was perfect. It really fit the vibe we were going for.
Personalizing Their Ceremony
Our officiant was my best friend. We recently moved to Savannah and didn’t know anyone locally yet that we felt comfortable asking to officiate our ceremony. Asking my best friend ended up being the best decision because it was personalized and so special.
We had DIY party favors for all the guests. I ordered a bunch of 2-inch succulents and cacti then planted them in small terracotta pots. My mom and I painted to match the wedding. It was so cute and I know a lot of my friends and family still have theirs at home.
Congratulations to Amanda and Kyle on their colorful Soho South Cafe wedding. Thank you to Ivory & Beau for sharing this day with us. Loved the pops of color in this wedding? Check out how to create your perfect wedding mood board and how to choose your color palette to include them in your own.
After starting to look into a large wedding in California wine country that rapidly ballooned in guest count and price, Lianne and Dan actually did what a lot of couples consider when confronted with so much wedding planning stress: they eloped instead. Way before micro-weddings were our new normal, Lianne and Dan invited about thirty of their closest friends to join them at Villa del Balbianello on Lago di Como in Italy.
Lianne, always hoping for an elegant and romantic wedding where guests could drink really good wine, learned about Lake Como from a friend who mentioned it on a whim and was shocked that an international destination elopement would be so much cheaper than the lavish wedding just hours north of her Los Angeles home.
The most important parts of the day were good food, good wine and dancing with a classy, intimate and fun vibe, so she enlisted the help of Aurora Fallini, a local planner and the mastermind leading Lake Como Weddings and Events which specializes in foreigners eloping at Lake Como.
They faced a few extra hurdles that only come with a destination wedding — like having to have your dress be your only carry-on for an international flight and then misplacing it the day before in a foreign country — but still had the time of their lives. But Lianne and Dan were no strangers to travel in their relationship, dating long distance for two years before getting to move in together in Dan’s native LA.
Lianne, who grew up in Hawaii and has Japanese and Chinese heritage, and Dan who is Korean made traveling together one of their favorite activities, and were so excited to share that experience with their family and friends who came to Italy with them, visiting other parts of the country outside of Milano before and after the wedding with some of them before their honeymoon.
Lianne also had the peculiar experience of knowing for certain her husband would get along with his in-laws since Dan had worked with many of Lianne’s family members before the couple met, and even tried to set them up.
Some highlights of the day included getting ready in the Kennedy suite at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio (named after the former President who always stayed in that room when he visited Italy), and getting a tour of Lake Como by boat (the easiest way to cross from Bellagio to Lenno).
The ceremony was officiated by one of Lianne’s best friends from college, and the party that lasted late into the night including choreographed and free form dancing, many toasts to the happy couple, and a cake smashed into the groom’s face.
Lianne shares:
In looking for wedding locations my friend mentioned lake como (I had never heard of it before) and once I saw a pic of the venue it was a done deal that I was going to get married there. Dan spent the morning of our wedding scootering around the lake drinking beer. Omg Dan lost my dress the day before the wedding (we found it). I knew for a long time I wanted Justin McCallum to be my photographer but I wasn’t sure I would be able to convince him to go to Italy (which turned out to be easy)
But this photoshoot? THIS photoshoot?!? It sets a new standard for what’s possible with nonbinary wedding outfits.
Most notably, we’ve got the gorgeous model, Myles Sexton, posing in a sleek black corset from Starkers Corsetry, paired with an enormous puffy full-length ball gown.
…This silhouette is everything! Myles is so perfectly serving the delicious mix of masculine and feminine, with his long curly hair and impeccable beard. We’ve got the perfectly shaped hourglass figure with that corset, and the explosive joy of that skirt. Keep scrolling for more — and wait until you see the second look! It will redefine groom gear for you.
Ok, ready for that second nonbinary wedding attire look?
Myles tossed off the skirt, and paired that corset with some leather pants — I’m getting Gareth from Labyrinth vibes!
Vendor list for this nonbinary wedding outfit styled shoot
If you want even more nonbinary wedding outfit inspo, we’re here for you:
These posts are angled a bit more towards the transfemme version of nonbinary identity, but be sure to check our genderqueer and transgender wedding archives for lewks for all folks of all identities — masc, femme, and “none of the above, thank you for asking.”
This uniquely personalized micro inspiration wedding in Brooklyn, New York proves that when talented wedding vendors come together, magical things happen. From the decor to the fashion, no detail was short of amazing. The peachy floral arrangements by Yellow Bow Florals tied together the existing venue features—from the exposed brick to the draped twinkle lights—of this outdoor wedding venue garden space, the Tuffet. Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Photographer Lucie B. Photography captured the unforgettable elements of this unique micro wedding shoot perfectly—sure to be used for inspiration by couples planning their celebrations.
More From Lucie B. Photography On Capturing Unforgettable Memories
First and foremost, this shoot excites me because it is inclusive—featuring an LGBTQ couple. We need more diversity in the wedding industry, so any opportunity to show more inclusivity, I’m all about it! It also reflects the type of weddings that are taking place due to COVID. We wanted to show that although smaller, COVID weddings can still be so full of life and completely personalized.
There were many elements of this micro wedding that were unique to the couple: their choice of florals and ceremony decor, their custom signature drinks and guestbook designs, and their photos in their laundromat and on their skateboard. Even though our couple’s weddings are looking a little different these days, it doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice their vision or personal style.
Micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular—for good reason. Maybe you’re looking to avoid the unwanted wedding planning stress that is associated with planning a large wedding. Maybe you’re searching for unique ways to save on your carefully crafted budget. Whatever your reasoning may be, a micro wedding might be perfect for you. Check out these Junebug-approved tips for planning an unforgettable micro wedding that embodies the uniqueness of your own love.
With stunning mountain ranges, an intimate guest list, and a log cabin in the woods, Adriana and Scott opted for an Alta Lakes Observatory micro wedding. After hearing about the passing of the groom’s father—and COVID changing their original plan— this adventurous couple chose to self-solemnize their wedding and surround themselves with 12 close friends and family, and their cute dog.
Junebug member K2 Event Co. helped this couple create a stunning outdoor lakeside ceremony and reception—complete with a bonfire and a canoe ride. Outdoor enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Keep scrolling to see this micro wedding captured by Nate Shepard.
The most memorable part of our day was the sunrise hike and first look. It was always important for us to start our wedding day with some kind of adventure with just us. In many ways, it felt like we were married twice on the same day. The first, was after our first look when we held each other, exchanged quiet words, and took in the sunrise. The second was in the afternoon witnessed by family and friends. Both surreal and beautiful in their own ways and both equally vital. I think if you are able to create some time in your day that is just yours to share together, that is the greatest gift.
An Alta Lakes Observatory Micro Wedding
We really wanted to create an experience for our family and friends. Despite being limited by the number of people we could have with us, each person was there because they have given us so much and this was our way of giving back to them. It was important that we create a feeling of intimacy throughout the entire weekend. Not only for our guests to enjoy, but for Scott and I to be able to savor each and every moment with them.
Self Solemnized Wedding And Homage To Dad
When we first became engaged, Scott and I knew that we wanted his dad, RJ, to officiate our wedding. Unfortunately, he passed away in early March of this year and we struggled to think of anyone else who could take his place. We chose to self solemnize for this reason, but wanted to still include him as part of our ceremony. K2 Event Co. set up the most beautiful table with his photograph, a candle, and some florals so that we could have a moment of silence to honor his life and memory. As we went to light the candle, the wind began to blow and we think it was RJ there with us. That moment, along with so many others, solidified the magic that surrounded us that day.
Why Alta Lakes Observatory?
On one of our visits to Telluride, we were hiking up the ridge-line on Black Iron bowl and I spotted a cabin surrounded by lakes. As Scott and I looked down, we both said that one day we had to go there. However, with COVID-19 limiting our hopes of having a larger celebration, we knew that this would be the perfect place to have our intimate October wedding. It feels like you’ve been transported somewhere beyond Colorado. Being there freezes time and forces you to slow down, recharge, and immerse yourself in nature. We are so grateful to Matty, the owner, for sharing this special place with us and others and look forward to returning soon.
Love can’t be canceled—this rings especially true for Anastasija and Dmitri’s fairy tale Norway elopement. After COVID canceled their original wedding plans, this adventurous couple took to the road for an intimate elopement ceremony. From the waterfall backdrop to the unexpected group of wedding crashing sheep, this Norwegian celebration, at the Stalheim Hotel has fully transported us into a magical fairy tale.
Photographer Ingvild Kolnes blew us away with these special moments that are now captured memories—lasting long beyond their fairy tale wedding day.
More From Ingvlid Kolnes On Capturing Unforgettable Memories
What excites me is the gorgeous and sweet couple who invited me along for their wedding in these spectacular surroundings. They were able to have a destination elopement in the middle of the pandemic, after having to postpone earlier in the year. The day started at Stalheim hotel where Anastasija did her own hair and makeup—looking like a goddess. During the first look, her dress and veil got trampled by the most curious sheep ever. She couldn’t stop laughing.
I think the love they share is very obvious and the day felt like the definition of epic—especially when it started to rain during their vows. They told me that it only added to the experience. We ended the day at sunset at the most beautiful viewpoint overlooking Sognefjorden.
The Couple:
Anastasija and Dmitri
The Wedding:
Aurland, Norway
Sheep Crashing The First Look
Dmitri was waiting for me on a field behind our hotel. Being excessively sociable, the sheep got overwhelmed and rushed towards me. The sheep immediately start trampling on my dress, smearing things over it and trying to knock me off my feet. As my groom turned towards me, I distinctly heard the sheep chew on my veil. We both laughed so hard we could barely speak. Finally, both of us escaped the battlefield and had a nice team-building in the room, washing, and blow-drying my dress.
Tips For Planning During A Pandemic
If you are planning to get married during the pandemic—make sure to have plans B, C, and D and be flexible about the dates. Also, give the highest priority to the paperwork—be aware that the government services are understaffed and overwhelmed with less pleasant tasks, so the whole process might be delayed.
Congratulations to Anastasija and Dmitri on their fairytale Norway elopement and big thanks to photographer Ingvild Kolnes for capturing these images that are sure to inspire adventurous couples looking to plan a dreamy, outdoorsy elopement.
Weddings are getting smaller. Planning with purpose and intentionality has become a priority for many couples. If you’re feeling inspired to trade your large wedding for an intimate elopement-styled ceremony, you won’t want to miss this guide to trimming your guest list.
