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Lavish Marigny Opera House Wedding *

Lavish Marigny Opera House Wedding *

by | Dec 30, 2021 | Wedding

Having a wedding on New Year’s Eve definitely calls for watching the ball drop and throwing a lavish party. Chelsea and Ross envisioned a Gatsby-style New Years’ Eve extravaganza to celebrate their nuptials and ring in the new year, so they did just that. Wedding planner Nouvelle Fete Celebrations brought the glam of the roaring 20s to their Marigny Opera House wedding. 

With vintage details like the bride’s dress, faux fur shawls, and a champagne tower, it feels like we stepped straight into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book. To personalize their Gatsby wedding, they had an interfaith marriage ceremony that included a gospel choir singing, a rose-drenched chuppah, and the breaking of the glass. Thankfully, Junebug members Erin & Geoffrey captured every inch of this wedding to share. 

The Couple:

Chelsea and Ross

The Wedding:

Marigny Opera House, New Orleans, Louisiana

An Interfaith Marriage Ceremony

​​We are most proud of the ceremony. Ours was an interfaith marriage honoring the traditions of both the Christian and Jewish faiths. My father was the officiant, which made it very meaningful for us. The ceremony was a wonderful expression of the mutual respect Ross and I have for each others’ faith, too.

A Memorable Marigny Opera House Wedding

Our wedding was filled with so many special moments that will forever be engraved in our hearts. One that is unforgettable was standing under the chuppah, hand in hand with my future husband, while my father pronounced us husband and wife. The Voices of Greatness Gospel Choir performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” while friends and family stood in celebration of that special moment.

Entering A Dazzling Celebration

Another memory that’ll always bring a smile to our faces was the “Second Line.” The band, Kinfolk, led the entire wedding party along with over 200 guests through the streets of the Marigny neighborhood. Upon reentering the Opera House, guests were enthralled by the venue transformation and welcomed to a dazzling New Years’ Eve celebration.

 

 

Wedding Planning Advice: Get A Planner

A wedding planner is essential! Finding your perfect wedding planner is a crucial decision as you’ll be working very closely together throughout the entire wedding planning period. Meet with your wedding planner early and often. Ours, Dustin Castrinos from Nouvelle Fete Celebrations, not only helped us realize my dreams of a Gatsby New Years’ Eve extravaganza, but also helped us create an appropriate budget for the event. His advice allowed us to secure our bands, caterers, florist, and a host of other vendors who would have certainly been booked had we delayed those decisions.

Old Hollywood Wedding Day Fashion

The wedding day fashion of the wedding party was a reflection of our theme. The men in our wedding partywore Calvin Klein Tuxedos with classic bowties while the bridesmaids were fashionably attired in gold lamé dresses with Old Hollywood hairstyles. The groom wore a custom tuxedo by Bill Walker Clothier. My bridal gown was designed by Lazaro. I continued to mirror the Gatsby era style of the evening in both hair and makeup thanks to the wonderful ladies at Faces of Virtue.

 

Having a Gatsby Style Wedding

Our wedding theme arose from my personality. I had an early vision of a Gatsby-style New Years’ Eve celebration. Each and every vendor played a crucial role in making this dream come true. The vision was evident in every aspect of our wedding—a true Gatsby vibe!

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Erin & Geoffrey
Event Planning – Nouvelle Fete Celebrations
Ceremony Venue – Marigny Opera House
Getting Ready Venue – Hotel Peter and Paul
Floral Design – Paradise Florist
Catering – Messinas Catering
Cake – Bywater Bakery
Live Music – Phunky Monkeys, The Voices of Greatness Gospel Choir, and Kinfolk
Invitation Design – Shop Aurea
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Faces of Virtue
Wedding Dress – Lazaro
Groom’s Apparel – Bill Walker Clothier
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Betsy & Adam
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Calvin Klein
Rings – David Yurman and Simon G
Transportation – Trinity Trolley

 

Congratulations to Chelsea and Ross on their lavish Marigny Opera House Wedding. Big thank you to Junebug members Erin & Geoffrey for capturing and sharing this day with us. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our directory of photographers from around the world. 

 

Fabulously Art-Inspired Festival Themed Wedding *

Fabulously Art-Inspired Festival Themed Wedding *

by | Dec 26, 2021 | Wedding

When deciding on the theme of their wedding, Elizabeth and Sam wanted to create a fun wedding to match both their love and their personalities. They gave their vendor team the creative freedom to make their wedding truly unique. The result was a stunning festival themed wedding.

In collaboration with their wedding planner Honey + Thyme Events, they created an eclectic art-inspired festival wedding with a Ferris wheel, a caricature artist, and a campfire totem pole. Plus, hosting their wedding at Elizabeth’s childhood home made it all the more special.

Honey + Thyme Events’ Thoughts On The Festival Themed Wedding

We used collaborative design boards in the planning process and scheduled dozens of detailed meetings and walk-throughs. We wanted the entire day to feel like a big festival of love. Guests arrived on a trolley to a spacious, private estate. The layout was sprawling and overlooked a pond that reflected the festival lights once the sunset. From the custom cocktail mugs served out of a vintage trailer and the eight-foot dessert wall with a variety of sweets to the caricature artist and campfire totem pole, this was a day we’ll remember forever!   

Keep scrolling to see this colorful and fabulous art-inspired festival wedding as captured by Stephanie Bailey Photography. 

The Couple:

Elizabeth and Sam

The Wedding:

Mint Hill, North Carolina, USA

 

Getting Married At Her Home

My favorite movie growing up was “Father of the Bride.” I always thought it was magical that Annie got married at her home; it felt so personal and warm. When the time came, I knew there would be no place more special than the house that built me. The cherry on top was our father-daughter dance to “The Way You Look Tonight,” the song that played as the end credits roll from Father of the Bride.

A Late-Night Ferris Wheel Ride

The most memorable part of our day was a late-night Ferris wheel ride. We got to jump the line and take a spin while looking down on our most special day surrounded by our loved ones. This gave us the chance to take a moment to think about the end of our perfect day and the start of our lives together!

Wedding Planning Advice

Planning is part of the wedding experience. Don’t try to wish it away or just “get through it.” A wedding is so much more than just a day or a party—it’s a culmination and expression of love and commitment. Treasure that limited time of anticipation for your celebration and union!

Food Fit For A Festival Themed Wedding

We had fun food nods to our festival theme with cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, late-night pretzels, and a popsicle cart. Our other food was southern comfort: shrimp and grits, biscuit bar, and banana pudding.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Stephanie Bailey Photography
Event Planning – Honey + Thyme Events
Floral Design – Seeded Events + Design
Catering – QC Catering
Cake – Button Bakery
Live Music – Epic Proportion via East Coast Entertainment
Videography – Lucky Penny Films
Makeup Artist – Bel Fiore Beauty
Wedding Dress – Meagan Kelly Designs
Rentals – Cooke Rentals

 

Congratulations to Elizabeth and Seth on their festival themed wedding! Major shout out to the vendor team for creating this wedding, and to Stephanie Bailey Photography for sharing this day with us. Create your own unique and fun wedding with our ultimate guide to planning a unique wedding.

Dazzling Tropical Boho Yacht Wedding *

Dazzling Tropical Boho Yacht Wedding *

by | Dec 23, 2021 | Wedding

Picture setting sail on a yacht in Mexico to exchange stunning sunset “I do’s”—sounds like an absolute dream, doesn’t it? Thanks to wedding planner Daniela Parra and a team of talented wedding vendors, this dream became a reality on board a luxury yacht from The Yacht Experiences.

Only minimal decor—like cushions, Kilim rugs, and florals—was needed to transform this opulent yacht into a dreamy floating wedding venue. The vibrant red and orange color palette beautifully complimented the Puerto Aventuras ocean skyline. On top of the stunning view, the royal blue water backdrop was the key to making the bride’s bouquet and ceremony backdrop florals by Pure Love Floral pop.

Thanks to photographer Luxart Wedding Studio, the wedding inspiration radiating from this boho yacht nuptial is here to stay. Whether you’re looking for wedding venue ideas or in need of elopement decorating tips, this nontraditional celebration is the unique inspo you’ve been looking for. Get your Pinterest boards, it’s time to let your creative elopement planning set sail. 

My Planner Journal’s Thoughts On This Boho Yacht Wedding

From the fashion to the theme, the sea heavily influenced the relaxed Bohemian style. The fashion, colors, and furniture were specifically chosen for comfort and to match the landscape. That’s why we stuck with minimalist decoration and an earth-tone color palette.

There were many memorable moments that stood out in the day. One of our favorites was the intimate Mayan ceremony with the stunning turquoise sea backdrop. Another was releasing petals and corn kernels to the sea—a unique unity ceremony—guaranteeing their love last forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Luxart Wedding Studio
Event Planning – Daniela Parra
Ceremony Venue – The Yacht Experiences
Floral Design – Pure Love Floral
Videography – Sea Love Wedding films
Invitation Design –
Makeup Artist – Zoe Elizabeth
Hair Styling – Lidia Ko MUAH
Wedding Dress – Spiritum Tulum
Groom’s Apparel – Spiritum Tulum
Rentals – Archive

 

Big thanks to photographer Luxart Wedding Studio for preserving these precious wedding day details that prove small celebrations—like micro weddings and elopements—don’t have to be drab. Whether you’ve chosen to elope in your local courthouse or on a yacht in the middle of the ocean, there are many personalized elements that can make your day even more you. 

 

Luxuriously Opulent Switzerland Winter Wedding *

Luxuriously Opulent Switzerland Winter Wedding *

by | Dec 19, 2021 | Wedding

We’re dreaming of the snowy winter days ahead and weddings like Mélanie & François’ opulent Switzerland winter wedding has us ready to break out our skis and snowboards. The couple–who have always had a love for winter sports and the Swiss Mountains–knew that when it came time to tie the knot, it had to be at The Chedi Andermatt.

With the help of Junebug member and planner All You Need About, the two exchanged vows in front of the hotel’s fireplace for a cozy, intimate ceremony that was the epitome of winter. Even the floor looked like it was covered in fresh powder. All of these details paired beautifully with the carefully curated white and baby blue dried florals that made up the backdrop.

They then took portraits on ice skates with their photographer, Jessica Amber. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that! So keep scrolling if you’re looking for icy inspo because this one’s love at frost sight.

The Couple:

Mélanie & François

The Wedding:

The Chedi Andermatt, Andermatt, Switzerland

Memorable Wedding Moments

The first memorable aspect was the location. For those who have never been to the Chedi in Andermatt, Switzerland, it is a cocoon of softness and calm nestled in the middle of a landscape shimmering with white. Our second most memorable moment was the “pre-wedding” evening with our closest friends and family in the hotel bar. The relaxed atmosphere, the delicious cocktails, the laughter, the sharing, and the wonderful emotions made it a memory engraved forever in our minds.

Shop Similar Heels:

 

Recommended Reading: Ultimate Guide to Planning A Destination Wedding

Choosing To Host A Switzerland Winter Wedding

We love the Swiss Mountains and everything that goes around it–skiing, hiking, and the calmness of nature. It was the natural choice for our wedding venue.

Recommended Reading: Jaw-Dropping Winter Wedding Destinations Around The World

 

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jessica Amber
Event Planning – All You Need About
Venue – The Chedi Andermatt

 

Congratulations again to Mélanie & François on their Switzerland winter wedding!   

 

Seriously Dazzling Festival Wedding *

Seriously Dazzling Festival Wedding *

by | Dec 16, 2021 | Wedding

A Ferris wheel, a disco ball filled dance floor, and a live 90s band—need we say more? With the help of wedding planner Ellen Robinson, this fun-loving couple was able to fully transform the historic Cherokee Plantation into festival grounds worthy of their love. Marina and Mike’s main priority was creating a day that equally represented their personalities, a true celebration of two lives coming together. 

You may think a ferris wheel is a hard wedding day addition to beat, but the reception decor gives it a run for its money. The reception bar was complete with a “just like heaven” neon sign and music themed cocktail names. They even had a giant velvet heart and a bathtub full of disco balls for a fun photo op. When we say no detail was overlooked, we mean it. 

Junebug member Reagan Aleea captured every second of this celebration that’ll make you wish you were there. The stunning sunset ferris wheel ride, the father-daughter horse drawn carriage entrance, and even the show-stopping florals by Marigold Flowers. Keep scrolling for the wild wedding inspiration you’ve been looking for.

More From Reagan Aleea On This Festival Wedding 

This couple wanted their wedding to not only be different from the normal, but very “them.” They had an incredible vision and everything completely came to life for their wedding day—including a Ferris wheel, bathtub full of disco balls, food trucks, and a live 90s band. This festival themed wedding was wild, alternative, and drew a lot of inspiration from Burning Man.

The Couple:

Marina and Mike

The Wedding:

Yemassee, SC

A Wedding That Authentically Represents Your Love Story

We are most proud of the fact that we were able to have a wedding that reflects both of our personalities. Every detail of the wedding was personalized from the custom napkins with our favorite song lyrics to the music themed cocktail names. We tried to make every aspect of the wedding reflect our love story.

Father-Daughter Horse Drawn Carriage Entrance 

For the ceremony, my father and I arrived by horse and carriage and walked down the aisle to the string quartet playing Bohemian Rhapsody.

An Unforgettable Band And Dance Floor 

I think every couple would say that the most memorable part of their wedding is the ceremony, which is true for both of us. But, I think we both agree that our favorite part was dancing and rocking out to our 90s cover band at our outdoor concert area.

Your Gut Instinct Won’t Fool You 

Although there are so many obstacles and frustrations that go along with wedding planning, the best way to get through it is to stick to your gut on every decision. Create the wedding based on how you want it and not how you want it to be perceived. It can be stressful when it comes to disagreements between you and your spouse-to-be, but at the end of the day compromise is the key to getting through it.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Reagan Aleea
Event Planning – Ellen Robinson
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Cherokee Plantation
Floral Design – Marigold Flowers
Catering – Rebel Taco + Coastal Crust + Cru Catering
Cake – Holy Rolly
Live Music – Rock the 90’s
Videography – Hearthstone Films
Invitation Design – Studio R
Makeup Artist – Hailey Parrish
Wedding Dress – Monique Lhuillier
Groom’s Apparel – Berlins For Men
Rentals – Palmetto Amusements

 

Congratulations to Marina and Mike on their epic festival wedding. And big thanks to Junebug member Reagan Aleea for capturing every carefully-crafted detail that’ll have couple’s brainstorming ways to set their celebration apart. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. 

 

Jaw-Dropping Helicopter Elopement in Alaska *

Jaw-Dropping Helicopter Elopement in Alaska *

by | Dec 12, 2021 | Wedding

 

Getting married is sometimes described as taking your love to new heights. For some couples, this means literally new heights. Bianca and David’s helicopter elopement in Alaska was just that. After their wedding was canceled multiple times due to the pandemic, the two opted for an adventurous Seward elopement that can be summed up in one word–epic.

Despite the hiccups during pandemic wedding planning, the day turned out beautifully with the help of their photographer Donna Irene Weddings, who doubled as their wedding planner. From the emotional vows to an elopement picnic complete with a wedding cake baked by the bride, this elopement is the perfect example of how incredible a day can be–big or small–when it revolves around you as a couple and everything that you love.

We know that you may not be convinced to ditch the big wedding for a mountaintop elopement yet. But after one look at these beautiful images you’ll be booking flights to your dream destination. 

Donna Irene’s Experience Shooting Their Special Day

We flew into Anchorage and then drove to Seward, a small town on the coast of Alaska. Bianca and David stayed at Windsong Lodge, got ready in their cabin, and did their first look in the forest on the property. Bianca was on the Great American Baking Show and even brought her own cake on the plane and decorated it on the spot with extra blooms from the florist!

In the evening, we took off on our helicopter tour with Seward Helicopters and were instantly blown away by the rugged mountain peaks all around us. We made our first landing on a snowy mountaintop that no one had ever been to before, and it all felt too beautiful to be real. We explored the peak and just took in the views and shot photos before heading to our second landing. 

Once there, the helicopter crew set up their sunset picnic while they exchanged their vows on a grassy cliff. They exchanged their vows and rings, said I do, and then popped champagne. Then they shared a drink and the cake the bride had made on the picnic setup they brought themselves!

The Couple:

Bianca and David

The Wedding:

Seward, Alaska

Why A Helicopter Elopement In Alaska

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is stressful. We had to cancel our large wedding events on two separate occasions, which caused a lot of friction but ultimately led us to an incredible experience eloping in Alaska.

A Memorable Helicopter Ride

Easily the most memorable part of the day was stepping off of the helicopter and arriving on our remote mountain top. As we left the helicopter we knew that this would be the place that commemorated our love. The spot was remote, peaceful, magical, and majestic all at the same time. The snow was untouched, the sun was shining, and the air was crisp and pure. Everything about the scene was so calming and beautiful. We paused for a moment to take it in. We’re so thankful that Seward Helicopters scoped this location specifically for us!

Recommended Reading: Cute Wedding Boots For Fall And Winter Weddings

 

Including DIY Touches To The Day

Bianca is a designer and baker, so she ended up having lots of fun pulling together different elements for our day. She made her polymer clay textured earrings, our watercolor and hand-bound vow booklets, the picnic set up, and our delicious wedding cake.

Recommended Reading: The Prettiest National Parks For Your Wedding

 

A Wedding Cake That Traveled With The Couple

We only took a bottle of champagne and the mini-wedding cake with us to the mountain. We went with one of our favorites and made a 4.5-inch, three-layer roasted pistachio cake with vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream, all covered with luxurious white chocolate ganache and flowers from our florist. As a baker, being able to make my own wedding cake was a dream come true. I whipped it up at home right before we left for Alaska and was able to transport it easily. I like to call it our little adventure elopement cake!

The Wedding Team:

Photography & Event Planning – Donna Irene Weddings
Floral Design – Fireseed Florals
Cake – Bianca Bakes
Videography – Marco Coelho
Wedding Dress – Willowby by Watters
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Rings – Valerie Madison & Jewelry Escorial
Transportation – Seward Helicopters

 

Congratulations again to Bianca and David on their helicopter elopement in Alaska. Big thank you to Donna Irene Weddings for planning and capturing the beauty of this adventurous day. To get inspired for your own epic “I do’s,” check out these stunning national parks that make the perfect elopement backdrop!

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