by riley | Jun 16, 2021 | Wedding
Getting married during a pandemic is less than ideal, but Joelle and Tyler made the most of it by hosting their DIY Saskatchewan woods micro wedding at Wicks Retreat. Although the venue started as lodging for Tyler’s family, they transformed it into an entirely new space. They completed the decor with wild flower arrangements from Tisdale Florist, romantic cafe lighting, and DIY touches–including the ceremony arch, signage, and centerpieces.
And to keep up with the DIY theme, Joelle’s mother–who’s a chef–and her two closest friends prepared all of the food for the special day. From charcuterie boards to a roasted pig and homemade cookies, their menu was the epitome of comfort food.
We’re so glad that Junebug member Sarah Meagan Photography was there to capture every personalized touch of the day. So whether you’re looking for DIY inspiration, or you can’t get enough forest nuptials, these woodland “I do’s” are sure to inspire!
The Couple:
Joelle and Tyler
The Wedding:
Wicks Retreat, Saskatchewan, Canada
Why A Saskatchewan Woods Micro Wedding At Wicks Retreat
Looking back on the day, we can honestly say that Wicks Retreat was the perfect venue for us. We tied the knot in the middle of a forest, in front of a beautiful cabin, surrounded by people who love and support us. Our original plan was for 200+ guests in more of a traditional hall. When restrictions were put in place due to COVID-19, the space no longer made sense, and we had to start thinking of other options. We originally had Wicks Retreat booked for Tyler’s family to stay during the wedding, but it quickly became the obvious choice to host the whole event.
Adding Personal Touches To The Day
Our ceremony was full of personal touches. Joelle’s sister led a team of people that consisted of family and friends to decorate the entire space. There was a memorial table in honor of Joelle’s dad that held a candle to acknowledge his presence. Her cousin entertained guests on the piano as they waited, and her aunt Wanda performed the ceremony. We committed our lives to each other in front of a beautiful arch that was made by Tyler’s dad and decorated by a close friend. We also took a moment before the ceremony began to be fully present and to look out at everyone who was there to support us. Joelle’s wedding ring was also extremely personal as it was the ring that her dad had given to her mom as they exchanged their vows.
A Homemade Meal Prepared By The Bride’s Mom
Joelle’s mom is a chef, so–along with two of her closest friends, Heather and Hope–she prepared and served a menu that ensured no guest left hungry. We started with charcuterie boards full of a variety of cheese, meat, homemade pickles and jellies, veggies from the farmers market, and fresh fruit. For our main course, we were incredibly honored to have a family friend–Herman–volunteer to spend the day roasting a pig which was paired with homemade buns, a variety of salads, and baked beans. Lastly, guests enjoyed a table full of snacks that included homemade cookies, caramel popcorn, nuts and bolts, fruit tarts, and cream puffs, as well as our wedding cake made by a local bakery.
Congratulations again to Joelle and Tyler on their Saskatchewan woods micro wedding at Wicks Retreat. We’re so glad that Junebug member Sarah Meagan Photography was there to capture the day. To see more of Sarah’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
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by riley | Jun 15, 2021 | Wedding
2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. But if there’s one thing that came from it, it’s the fact that couples didn’t let it stop them from vowing to spend forever together. When Hadley and Andrea’s 150-person wedding was canceled–rather than let it get them down–they opted for a Catskill mountains elopement at the Scandinavian Upstate Barn. And although their special day looked a little different than they envisioned, the two said “I do” in front of their loved ones.
From Andrea’s emerald Bindle & Keep suit to Hadley’s Calvin Klein high-low copper dress that she paired with rainbow glitter boots, the wedding fashion was not only unique, but it also matched the moody color palette perfectly. And that wasn’t the only creative aspect of the day. Andrea wore a pin with a photo of her late father, and the two opted for a broken glass unity ceremony–just to name a few.
We’re so thankful that Junebug member Par La Mer Photography was there to not only capture the beauty of the day but also played a part in planning the whole thing. What can’t our members do?
The Couple:
Hadley and Andrea
The Wedding:
Scandinavian Upstate Barn, Germantown, New York
Wedding Advice From The Couple
If planning a wedding during a pandemic taught us anything, it was to be flexible. We originally planned a large wedding for 150 people, but once it was clear that we couldn’t safely have the ceremony we dreamed of, we had to reassess and figure out what was important to us. Instead of postponing the wedding, we decided to elope, which meant planning a whole new ceremony that looked a lot different from what we initially envisioned. Rarely does anything in life go perfectly according to plan, so be flexible! It’s okay to make changes that might not align completely with your original vision as long as you stay true to who you are as a couple.
Recommended Reading: The Dreamy Unconventional Colorful Suit Roundup
Recommended Reading: 35 Cute Wedding Boots for Fall and Winter Brides
Remembering Late Loved Ones
My father passed away from cancer not long ago, and I was struggling with the fact that he couldn’t be there to see us get married. Hadley–very thoughtfully–bought me a pin with his picture that we pinned to the boutonniere of my suit. He was with me for the entire ceremony, and it was honestly the best gift she could have given me.
Personalizing The Ceremony With Vows And A Unity Ceremony
We chose to do a unity ceremony using broken colored glass. During our ceremony, we blended the glass together to symbolize our union of marriage and two becoming one. We decided to ship the glass out and have an ornament made to commemorate our special day. We also chose to write our own vows. Writing our vows made our ceremony personal to the two of us by allowing us to have a special moment to speak directly to one another and truly celebrate one another.
A Catskill Mountains Elopement Full Of Moody Vibes
We have always been a non-traditional couple, and you can definitely see that in the alternative style of our wedding. We chose a moody color palette, textured florals, and a backdrop that brought our whole vibe together. We both wore darker colors that stood out against the crisp white of the barn and the muted colors of the winter mountains. We wanted our wedding to be bold and dramatic but have some boho elements throughout. We opted for big boho braids and earth tones for our wardrobe while also incorporating more dramatic fun pieces like Hadley’s pair of amazing rainbow glitter boots and leather jacket. We were married outside at sunset, and we decided to incorporate some of the vintage pieces around the barn into our ceremony to help bring the whole vibe together.
Congratulations again to Hadley and Andrea on their intimate Catskill mountains elopement. We’re so thankful that Junebug Par La Mer Photography was there to help plan and photograph the special day. To see more of Tonya’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
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by kailey | Jun 14, 2021 | Wedding
Pack your bags and grab your wedding day crew—it’s bachelorette party time. This day, or weekend, is all about celebrating you—the bride. Maybe you’re looking to escape to warmer weather, sitting pool-side, and sipping on a margarita. Maybe you’re looking to beat the heat and cozy up by a fire in the mountains. Whatever your desired bachelorette party vibes are, there is an Airbnb rental waiting for you.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate you than in a stylish getaway surrounded by your best friends. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or take this celebration on the road—we have compiled a list of top Airbnbs in the U.S. fit for every bride and her wedding day crew.
Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 14
Why we love it: This large Texas home with a fun modern design, fire pit, and rooftop lounge has everything you could ever want for a bachelorette party. The Instagram options are endless and if you’re looking for a good laugh, go read the Airbnb description—you won’t regret it.
Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 4
Why we love it: Smaller groups looking for a relaxing desert getaway without sacrificing the stunning and instagrammable design—this is your winner. The Boho Bungalow is a fully remodeled space designed by The Bachelorette’s JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers. It offers a welcoming atmosphere with a bohemian flair.
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: If you’re looking to trade the traditional pool and beach celebrations for a mountain retreat—this one is for you. We don’t think it gets much cozier than an A-frame cabin nestled in the towering trees. Plus, this 1970’s Airbnb is complete with a hot tub. We’re sold on this unique bachelorette activity haven.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Sleeps: 11
Why we love it: The Sullivan is complete with private porches, a large shared pool deck, and a sleek fully white modern design. This remodeled historic property will bring the southern charm—giving you the boutique hotel-styled retreat feeling but all to yourselves.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Sleeps: 16
Why we love it: Prime location with easy access to downtown Chicago, luxury design, and a whole lot of bedrooms. This Airbnb is perfect for large bachelorette party groups trying to decide between a secluded getaway and the ability to easily explore the city. This Airbnb is the best of both worlds.
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: This Airbnb was featured in films, music videos, fashion shoots—no desert oasis is more glamorous than this private eight-acre residence in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s the perfect spot for crews looking to hang by the pool or explore local national parks.
Location: Key West, Florida
Sleeps: 8
Why we love it: This Florida Keys Airbnb in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town will fully transport you into a heavenly tropical oasis. A private pool surrounded by towering greenery, a jacuzzi, and a classy beachy design that will make everyone wish they never had to check out.
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 4
Why we love it: From the stunning river view to the prime location—this popular Airbnb is perfect for smaller groups looking to escape the city. It’s complete with a fire pit perfect for colder weather and a rooftop deck—perfect for happy hour, cocktails, or watching the stars.
Location: Agoura Hills, California
Sleeps: 13
Why we love it: Bachelor and Bachelorette lovers, this one is for you. If you had the chance to stay in The Bachelor and Bachelorette mansion, would you take it? If the answer is “yes” we’re here to make your wish come true. This famous seven-bedroom Malibu mansion, nestled on a secluded property in the Santa Monica Mountains, is available for you and your wedding day crew.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: The Bohemian VIBE is full of bright colors and fun decor details that are sure to complete your instagrammable getaway surrounded by your best friends. If you ever leave— which after seeing these pictures you won’t want to, trust us—you’re just a short five-minute Uber ride to downtown.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: If you’re dreaming of a “Nash Bash” complete with pink, pink, and more pink, this one is perfect for you. From the boho-chic style to the neon sign—no detail is short of amazing. This Airbnb, just a short drive from Broadway Street, was styled to be an Instagram backdrop for you and your friends.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Sleeps: 14
Why we love it: With just a short distance from the main New Orleans attractions, the location is a top-selling factor. Not to mention the stunning design features that make this Airbnb perfect for both the party-loving and picture-loving wedding crews.
Location: Palm Springs, California
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: This pink paradise located 25 minutes outside of Palm Springs is the perfect oasis for those looking to grab a drink and relax by the pool. From the pink tiled hot tub to the flamingo wallpaper—it doesn’t get more worthy of a bachelorette crew than this.
Location: Santa Margarita, California
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: This Whisper Valley Ranch Airbnb takes the cabin life and makes it glamorous. A cabin surrounded by twinkle lights, games made for groups, and a fire pit. If that’s not enough, the modern and cozy design throughout all five bedrooms is sure to sell you.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Sleeps: 12
Why we love it: You really can’t go wrong with Scottsdale’s bachelorette party vibes—and this house totally has them! If you scroll through the photos, you’ll see the owners have hosted weddings and large gatherings here before—which means they’ll have plenty of recommendations for you.
Soaking up the sun pool-side, cuddling up by the fire in a mountain retreat, or hitting the town for dancing and drinks—there are endless bachelorette party options. Every bride is different, your bachelorette party should be different too.
Now that you’ve picked the destination and secured a stunning Airbnb, check out these nontraditional and unconventional bachelorette party celebration ideas.
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by olivia | Jun 14, 2021 | Wedding
Will we ever tire of backyard micro weddings? Probably not, especially with a quaint one like this. Bethany and Jeff opted for a more intimate wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family. With a naturally bright and green landscape, this couple created a backyard micro wedding that included a bold blue color palette, strung lights, and crisp white florals. We also loved seeing Jeff in a bright blue suit—we’re suckers for a colorful suit moment.
With the help from wedding planner Cape Cod Celebrations, their backyard was transformed into a gorgeous wedding venue. Complete with a minimalistic wedding altar and a reception in a pitched tent, this wedding was absolutely dreamy. If you’re planning a micro wedding of your own, get ready to pin images from Lynne Reznick, who captured this ceremony beautifully.
The Couple:
Bethany and Jeff
The Wedding:
Yarmouth Port, MA USA
Planning A Backyard Micro Wedding
We wanted a big, fun party where our guests felt important and welcomed, but I also wanted to incorporate thoughtful details. I wanted to get married on the Cape because it’s been an important part of my life and an important place for my family. We also only wanted to include wedding traditions that felt meaningful to us. The elements we chose to include were homages to our relationship and the people who matter to us. I was raised Catholic and Jeff is Jewish, but we ended up deciding not to include aspects of either religion’s wedding ceremony. The plans for the big, fun wedding changed, but the emphasis on guest experience and having the event be a reflection of us did not.
Tear-jerking Handwritten Vows
The most memorable moment for me was our vows. Although we were always planning to write our own, we somehow ended up on opposite ends of the house writing them the day before the wedding. They were hard to write! But I’m so glad we stuck to our plan. Exchanging them in front of such an intimate group made them even more special. The ceremony was very emotional for Jeff, which is a side not often seen of him. I didn’t know if he was going to make it through his, but he did!
Changing Wedding Plans
I’m really proud of how we pivoted our original plans and put the safety of our guests first. It allowed our families to play a starring role in the day—likely a larger role than they may have played in the original plan. We got married at my Aunt Mairead and Uncle Bob’s house—two of the most important people in my life. My uncle Bob, who is also my godfather, officiated our ceremony.
Advice for Planning A Micro Wedding
For couples in a similar position—wondering how to pivot in these uncertain times—my advice would be to ensure all of the elements you care about are still present, even if it looks different. After 2020, it is important to not take anything for granted. So if certain things matter to you, my advice is to do them, even if you feel silly wearing a silk ball gown in a backyard with your immediate family. You won’t regret it. And no one will bat an eye if you wear that dress again at your larger celebration if you choose to have one later.
Congratulations to Bethany and Jeff on their Cape Cod backyard micro wedding. And a major shout out to Cape Cod Celebrations for sharing this day with us. Planning a micro wedding or a backyard wedding? Check out our ultimate guides for planning a micro wedding and planning a backyard wedding!
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by olivia | Jun 11, 2021 | Wedding
Whether it’s food, fashion, or wedding day styles, inspiration from Italy is never a bad idea. Plus, with a wedding inspired by an Italian summer, who could resist? Nadia and Thomas wanted an Italian summer wedding—but in Germany. With the Weingut Mussler as their venue, they opted for a wedding color palette inspired by lemons and olive leaves and included their guests’ fashion as part of the wedding decor.
The details of this Italian summer wedding are so dreamy. Grand chandeliers, an altar with white shutter doors, and a spacious cypress grove. With the help from their wedding planner Svenja Fischer, this couple had the wedding of their dreams. Ready to feel like you’ve flown to Italy? Keep scrolling to see how Junebug member Candida & Max Jan Photography captured this picturesque day.
The Couple:
Nadia and Thomas
The Wedding:
Weingut Mussler, Bissersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
Italian Summer Wedding Fashion
We wanted the wedding to be like a summer party in Italy. The groom’s suit was linen and he wore dark brown Italian shoes with no socks. The bride’s dress was modern white and flowy. We told the guests to dress for a beautiful garden party.
Recommended reading: If you loved the groom’s style, check out more unique groom style ideas and our dreamy colorful suit roundup.
Italian-Inspired Color Palette
Our wedding day color palette was linen, yellow (inspired by lemons), blue, and green (like olive leaves). These are the colors we connected to an Italian summer.
Recommended reading: Italian-inspired weddings don’t have to be in Italy. Get more Italian wedding inspiration from this modern vintage Florida wedding and this Whispering Springs Italian influence wedding.
Shop similar reception dress: Cream Cowl Neck Maxi Slip Dress ($98); White Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress ($198); Petite Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress ($72)
Congratulations to Nadia and Thomas on their dreamy Italian summer wedding. Major shoutout to Junebug member Candida & Max Jan Photography for capturing and sharing this day with us. Check out more of their work in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
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by olivia | Jun 10, 2021 | news, Wedding
From incorporating two different cultures on their wedding day to the bride’s parents singing I’ll Stand By You, this wedding was anything but ordinary. Jennifer and Edmar’s Brazilian and Puerto Rican wedding took multiculturalism to a new level. With help from their wedding planner Truly Yours Coordinator, they were able to incorporate their different cultures in the food, drinks, and yes, even Samba dancers.
To top off this spectacular ceremony, the wedding day fashion was straight out of a magazine. The bride’s gown gives Bridgerton meets modern-day princess vibes and the colorful teal groomsmen suits were a perfectly coordinated pop of color. But seriously, you’re not going to want to skip past this wedding. Keep scrolling and let pictures from Jessica Jones Photography sweep you off your feet.
The Couple:
Jennifer and Edmar
The Wedding:
Sydonie Mansion, Mt. Dora, Florida
A Brazilian and Puerto Rican Wedding
The one thing we wanted most was to embrace both of our cultures and bring them together. Edmar is Brazilian and I am Puerto Rican so we incorporated a few of our favorite desserts and drinks from each of those places to add a special touch to our wedding. We served traditional beverages such as Coquito and Caipirinha. Guava pastries, quesitos, and brigadeiro were some of our favorite desserts to share with our guests as well.
Advice From The Bride
Stay true to yourself! It’s so easy to get caught up in beautiful styled shoots or wedding traditions. Although styled shoots are a great way to get inspiration and find vendors, it can sometimes make you feel that your wedding needs to meet a certain expectation. Remembering the true meaning of this big day and making it about what you both love will put your mind at ease, and give a unique touch to your wedding.
First Surprise: Parents Performing
The first surprise at our wedding was one from my Mom, Dad, brother, and Uncle. They dedicated to us the song “I’ll Stand by You,” by The Pretenders, and performed it for us. My mom sang beautifully in English for the first time. My dad held it down with the saxophone along with my brother and uncle, who accompanied on the guitar. They are all musicians and it was such a beautiful and emotional moment. I wasn’t the only one shedding a tear during their performance.
Second Surprise: Samba Dancers
The second surprise was from me. Edmar’s family is from Brazil and I wanted to incorporate a part of their culture into our wedding celebration. So, I hired Samba dancers and stilt walkers as part of the entertainment of the night. After cutting the cake, my coordinators snuck me back into my room to change into my festive gown for this part of the night. On cue, the Dj played Samba music as the Samba dancers and I walked out together into the crowd to start the Hora Loca (which translates to crazy hour). His family was so excited about the surprise and danced the night away reminiscing on popular songs from Brazil. You can see in the pictures how our families and guests were having such a great time celebrating us both.
Congratulations to Jennifer and Edmar on their spectacular Brazilian and Puerto Rican wedding. Major shout out to Jessica Jones Photography for capturing and sharing this day with us. If you’re looking for more multicultural wedding inspiration, check out this dazzling multicultural Western and Sikh wedding celebration and multicultural fiesta wedding at City Centro Oaxaca.
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