This Joshua Tree elopement at Le Chacuel was a seamless blend of minimalism and natural beauty. By focusing on clean lines, subtle elegance, and the stark, captivating landscapes of Joshua Tree, it created a serene and striking contrast – captured by Brooke Miller Photography and Max Bernard Wedding Videos – that highlighted the couple’s style while staying true to the unique charm of the desert environment. The use of simple, yet impactful details ensured that the beauty of the elopement and the surrounding landscape were both equally celebrated. Joshua Trees are trees that grow in extremely adverse conditions, which is why they symbolize hope and faith. Eloping surrounded by symbols of hope and faith was extremely special to the couple and created an elegant event that became an absolute must-see.

Elopement win: All about the bride and groom

The elopement consisted of just the bride and groom, and it could not have been more perfect. From the first look at Le Chacuel in Yucca Valley to the intimate ceremony at Cap Rock, the day was all about what the bride and groom wanted, and Wedding Chicks’ Instagram gave the bride plenty of inspo throughout the planning process!

Minimalistic desert style

The bride and groom got ready at an Airbnb in Yucca Valley called Le Chacuel that combines a seamless blend of contemporary minimalism with the raw beauty of the high desert.

On trend: Off-the-rack wedding dresses

So many times, people gravitate to a boho style when eloping, but that was not this bride’s style. She went with a more modern look that incorporated plenty of clean lines and a fitted silhouette. It’s hard to believe that she stayed under her budget of $1,000, but Aisle and Veil in Roswell, Georgia delivered! Aisle and Veil is an off-the-rack store where all wedding dresses are $899, and their styles change weekly. This dress was an exclusive Aisle and Veil design called Wren that the bride paired with a pearl-accented veil from Etsy for less than $100.

Floral inspiration: Elegant desert

It was very important to the bride that her bouquet complement the colors of the desert. Copine de Fleur took her vision and created a bouquet that did exactly that.

National Park wedding ceremony

The couple went into Joshua Tree national park for their ceremony. One of the most important things to remember is that when getting married in a national park, there are certain approved locations, and a permit is required. Because there are so many specifications, when planning your wedding at a national park, it’s important to have a planner or vendors who are familiar with the process. Even though the bride and groom did a lot of the leg work beforehand, their photographers, Brooke Miller Photography, were able to support them through this process during the day.

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Custom curated (Spotify) playlist

The bride and groom created a Spotify playlist and added every single song they wanted to play throughout the day. The brought a speaker and had a blast listening to songs like “Hotel California,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Rice Spirit,” and “Escape from LA.” Being able to listen back to their playlist after the day has been one of their favorite parts about making it!

Epic ending: Thunderbirds + In-n-Out

The couple finished off the night riding around in a 1950’s vintage Thunderbird courtesy of Cochella Valley Classic Cars and having a burger at In-n-Out. 

DIY wedding content creation

While the bride is a nurse during the day, she is also a wedding content creator in the Atlanta area – one of the things she loved the most was being about to take her own BTS content throughout the day. If you can believe it, she even got the groom in on the content!

Having met through mutual friends, Medha and Pranjal built a strong friendship that soon blossomed into a loving and authentic relationship. Although they come from traditional families, they knew they wanted a wedding that was more unique and suited to their personal styles. Most Indian weddings in Vancouver are large, extravagant, and colorful, but this one at Vandusen Botanical Gardens was intimate and relaxed, with a mainly neutral color palette that incorporated touches of bold colors, all captured by Kaoverri Silva Photography and planned with the help of Elle Weddings.

Contemporary + boho + stylish and bold

Elle Weddings sourced particular items that would fit Medha and Pranjal’s vision, from the natural-colored rattan wooden chairs to the exotic, lush floral arrangements, right down to the white fringed umbrellas, colored taper candles, custom signs, and stationery. They wanted a something that was a mix of contemporary, boho, stylish, refined, and bold, and boy did the couple and their vendors deliver.

Traditional Indian bridal style

Medha’s wedding dress was a traditional Indian gown with a V-neck design, a gold-embellished pleated skirt, and a simple veil lined with beautifully intricate details. Her jewelry was simple but impactful, with a stunning gold headpiece and an elegant choker.

Groom’s style: Subtle yet structured patterns

Pranjal wore a tailored black Indian suit that fit him like a charm. The top was embellished with subtle lace floral prints that added texture, while the high collar kept the entire suit structured.

Intimate and simple: No wedding party

In order to keep things simple, the bride and groom opted to not have a wedding party and spend the day with just the two of them.

Handmade florals… day of!

One of the most unique memories of the day was watching florist Écorce Flowers create the floral arrangements on site. Due to the delicate nature of the specific flowers, and to prevent damage during transport, every single floral was fully assembled on site.

Focal point: Private portraits

The couple’s main focus was on taking portraits of just the two of them, and every single site that the photographer picked was stunning.

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Floral design to add dimension

The flowers were a mix of very long and tall to very short stems, adding dimension to the reception hall. The walls were covered in white draping to create a clean backdrop, and it brightened up the room the perfect amount.

Engagement ring shopping has changed so much over the past few years. From the current generation being more socially conscious and the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds to the recent boom in online diamond retailers. You have the world at your fingertips, which, yes, opens up your options substantially, but sometimes having so many options can be overwhelming! And while designing and buying a ring online from the comfort of your own home is great in so many respects, it can be difficult to know which retailers you can trust. That’s why, when we come across a legit brand like Friendly Diamonds, we just have to share it with you!

Why We Love Them

Let’s be real, all diamonds are pretty. What really sets a diamond jeweler apart are their ethics, client services, and warranties, and Friendly Diamonds has some of the best policies we’ve seen to date!

free real-time customization

Be it for sentiment or style, these days, everyone wants to design their own engagement ring. And why shouldn’t you? You’re going to be wearing it till death do you part, so it should be everything you’ve ever dreamed of. In 2020, Friendly Diamonds revolutionized online ring shopping with the launch of the direct-to-consumer website featuring a Create Your Own Engagement Ring tool. Couples can customize every little detail: metal, diamond shape, and size, band style–you name it. The best part is that you can see your ring come to life in real-time! Plus, the price is automatically calculated so there’s complete transparency and no hidden fees.

free engraving

With over 400,000 certified lab diamonds and 300+ jewelry designs available, you can also shop directly from their impressive ready-to-ship collection. If you still want to add something special to personalize your ring, Friendly Diamonds offers free engraving.

30-day return

If you’re planning on a surprise proposal, picking the right ring can be extra nerve-racking! Even if you’re sure they’ll say, “Yes”, there’s that little voice in the back of your head thinking, “But what if they don’t like the ring?” That’s why Friendly Diamonds offers 30-day returns.

free resizing

Surprise engagements also make selecting the right size a little tricky. But don’t worry, Friendly Diamonds will resize your ring for free!

lifetime warranty

Friendly Diamonds is so confident about the quality of their pieces that they offer a lifetime warranty.

lifetime trade-in and upgrade service

This is the policy that really tipped the scales for us! In this economy, a lot of couples are opting for more modest rings. With Friendly Diamonds’ lifetime trade-in and upgrade service, couples can trade in their original pieces for an upgrade later down the road. For your anniversary, perhaps?

company ethics

From their environmental policies to their humanitarian efforts, any purchase from Friendly Diamonds is something you can feel good about. They exclusively use lab-grown diamonds, sourced with zero mining and a significantly lower environmental impact. They also give back by supporting reforestation projects and providing orphan aid in Africa and India.

How it Works

Ready to say YES to Friendly Diamonds? All you need to do is go to their website and choose your journey. Start with one of their stunning pre-designed rings or build your own from the ground up, starting with the perfect diamond. Once you have the design picked out, their easy-to-use platform even allows customers to try on the ring virtually before you commit. Still have questions? That’s totally normal! At Friendly Diamonds, they want you to feel good about your investment, so they prioritize education over sales. Set up a free appointment with one of their certified gemologists and they’ll use their expertise to help you select the right diamond and setting for you (or your someone special).

Give them a follow @‌friendly.diamonds to stay up to date on the latest deals and designs.

Instagram Post

We partnered with Friendly Diamonds to introduce you to an online jeweler who specializes in diamonds that are reliable, ethical, and just plain gorgeous! As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!

From the vibrant tiles of the villa to the clouds of rose arrangements, this wedding is pure eye candy. And if you like it while the sun is up, you’re going to be obsessed with how it looked at night, so make sure you scroll to the end to see this party really get started! We love how Victor Martí and Victor Alaez captured the essence of family in every single one of these gorgeous photos.

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the vision: colombian passion meets spanish elegance

getting ready

the fashion

Vanessa was a vision in her spectacular beaded gown. The illusion neckline and low back added a sexy element to the elegant gown. She accessorized with a tiara and detachable train for the ceremony. Javier’s blue suit added a pop of color to every photo!

a family affair

It was clear from every photo of this beautiful day that family was at the core of the wedding. It can get so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the day, but what it boils down to is two families becoming one, and that, friends, is a beautiful thing!

edible art

the entertainment

This intimate garden affair is proof that all you need for a stunning wedding is a venue with good bones and some killer fashion. With chic minimalist green and white arrangements and the use of candlelight, this couple let their historic castle venue shine, and the results are truly magical. Keep scrolling to see even more of these immersive candids by Koko Photography that will seriously make you feel like you were right there in Puglia!

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the vision: intimate italian garden

getting ready

In the glow of the early-morning Italian sun, Danielle lounged in a silk robe and sipped champagne as she prepped with her ladies for the big day. Jimmy also took his time getting ready, stopping to take in the fresh air on the terrace of his castle suite. 

the fashion

We love how effortlessly chic this couple is. Danielle rocked an ornately beaded lace dress with a nude illusion lining and accessorized with pearl-studded heels. Jimmy looked equally cool in an ivory tuxedo and black velvet Christian Louboutin loafers. Then, when it was time to get the party started, Danielle surprised everyone in a sequin mini dress. 

the dinner

It doesn’t get more quintessential Palm Beach than The Breakers…that is, until now. This couple put their own spin on the preppy-meets-tropical Palm Beach resort aesthetic, and the result is the playful luxe wedding of our dreams! Keep scrolling to read all about this beautiful day and get ready to book your trip to the Sunshine State because you won’t be able to resist after seeing these dreamy photos by Virgine Carolina. 

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the vision: palm beach pretty

the invitations

Crisp white invitations with vintage bird stamps and bold green text gave the guests a hint of what to expect on the big day. But it’s the Monstera leaf insert for “The Night Before” itinerary that we simply can’t get over! 

the venue

the fashion

Morgan and Marc greeted guests in their finest resort wear, with Marc in a chic linen suit and suede loafers and Morgan rocking a vibrant floral-print midi-dress. Then, for the big day, Marc donned a deep blue tuxedo so he popped against his men who were sporting classic black. With the ocean sparkling in the background, Morgan graced the aisle in a romantic Mira Zwillinger tulle and lace dress with a delicate floral motif and champagne lining. 

the flowers

words of wisdom from the happy couple

The weekend goes by so quickly, so when the wedding festivities begin, don’t stress over the little things that may come up. I truly believe that the bride and groom set the tone for the entire weekend and for the guests. If the couple wants a high-energy dance party, that’s the vibe that will fill the room, and that is exactly what we got!

As you plan your special day, one of the most overlooked (but important!) decisions is choosing what time everything starts. The ceremony time impacts your schedule and sets the tone for the entire celebration.

Whether you’re dreaming of a breezy afternoon affair or a romantic evening under the stars, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every option has its own perks and challenges, and the right choice comes down to what fits your vision. Let’s break down the pros and cons of different wedding start times so you can pick the one that feels right for you.

Pros Of An Earlier Start Time

More photo opportunities

Starting your day earlier gives your photographer more time and flexibility to capture every special moment. An early start can make all the difference if you\’re planning a first look or want to venture offsite for couple photos.

Zhaun Frias, Owner & Lead Photographer at Zhaun Frias Photography, says, “Having an earlier start time also allows for more creative photography throughout the day as photography opportunities can be planned around optimal lighting, and there’ll be more candid and storytelling opportunities.”

Plus, early light tends to be softer and more flattering, which is great for outdoor shots. It’s a photographer’s dream and a win for your wedding album.

Not feeling rushed

Starting early will give your whole timeline some breathing room. Instead of racing from one event to the next, you can move through the day at a more relaxed pace.

“With an earlier start time, you’re able to break up the day and not feel so rushed moving in from the ceremony to the reception,” confirms Meaghan Cody, Owner of Sweet Pea Events. “Maybe take a break, add in extra time for photos, and have a few extra minutes for an outfit change/ new look!”

That extra buffer also gives you more control if anything runs behind—hair and makeup taking longer than planned, unexpected weather, or even traffic. Those little hiccups feel less stressful when you’re not crunched for time.

Extra time to dance

One of the most underrated perks of an early ceremony? More hours on the dance floor. With dinner and toasts wrapped up earlier, you and your guests will have plenty of time to cut loose and celebrate late into the evening.

Meagan Pinney, Owner of Your Jubilee, emphasizes, “Early ceremony start times mean you can start your dance party sooner! If you want to make sure you have a solid few hours of dancing, starting your ceremony earlier helps with this! You are able to get the dinner and toast done early enough to boogie on the dance floor!”

It also means your timeline can include fun extras like a surprise performance, a late-night snack, or even an after-party. The earlier you start, the more space you have to party through the night at your own pace.

Cons Of an earlier start time

^{Photo: Colton Simmons Photography}

An early wakeup call

Let’s be real: earlier start times often mean setting an alarm at an hour that doesn’t feel very celebratory. This can lead to exhaustion before the party even starts.

“An earlier start time means earlier getting-ready time for hair and makeup as well,” reminds Alex McClard, Owner & Lead Planner at Vision in White Events.

If you\’re not a morning person, this might be a dealbreaker. Even the most excited couples might feel a bit drained by dinner if the day starts too early!

Too much time to kill

Having an early ceremony with a later reception can sometimes create awkward gaps in your schedule. If guests don’t have a clear plan or activity to fill the time, it can lead to confusion and boredom.

McKenzi Taylor, CEO & Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, shares, “Saying ‘I do’ at two in the afternoon might give you and your guests an excessive amount of time to try and kill following the ceremony before anyone is hungry for dinner. Finding the sweet spot for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception dinner might be a lot harder if your ceremony is not long after lunch.”

This can also create added pressure on you to entertain or provide snacks and drinks between events. And if your venue has a strict rental window, you may find yourself limited in how you can bridge that in-between time.

Logistical hiccups

The earlier the start, the more pressure there is on everything to run smoothly right out of the gate. Vendors, deliveries, and setup all have to happen in a tighter window, often during early hours when mistakes or delays are harder to recover from.

“Depending on how elaborate your wedding decor is and how much set up is required by the vendors, having an early ceremony time will cause for extra early load-in times, which could end up costing more money for labor and potentially additional venue rental hours,” adds Loni Peterson, MLS, Owner of LP Creative Events.

If someone’s running late or there\’s a tech issue during setup, it can quickly throw off your timeline. The margin for error is smaller when you\’re on a tight early schedule, especially if your venue has time constraints on when staff can begin access.

Pros Of A Later Start Time

^{Photo: DeLine Photography}

A relaxing start to the day

Later weddings often include the luxury of sleeping in, having a nice breakfast, and easing into hair and makeup. You don’t have to jump out of bed and dive straight into a full schedule, which can make the day feel a lot more enjoyable.

Erin Dabbs, Lead Photographer at Erin Ren Photography, notes, “Evening weddings allow everyone to have a relaxed morning. Instead of waking up early, many wedding parties can start getting ready after a relaxing morning and breakfast. A slow, peaceful morning sets the sweetest tone for your wedding day.”

For many couples, this extra time in the morning creates space to be present, soak in the moment, and spend time with loved ones before everything officially begins. Less rush = less stress.

Lighting advantages

Depending on the time of year and your venue, a later start might give you the perfect natural lighting for a romantic ceremony. Think golden hour vows, soft shadows, and that dreamy, cinematic glow that makes photos absolutely magical.

“Another advantage to an evening wedding is creativity with lighting,” explains Kimberley Dunkley Watkins, Chief Experiential Officer at Dragonfly Experiences. “You can do so much more with lighting and candles, the later your wedding starts, to create so many moods.”

Even better? You can use the changing light to your advantage throughout the event, from a sunset cocktail hour to twinkling string lights during dinner.

Setting the mood

Evening ceremonies have a naturally more formal and festive feel. The mood is more intimate, and the overall energy can feel more celebratory.

Carin Hunt, Wedding Specialist at Coconut Palm Inn, suggests, “If you’re hoping for a dance floor full of guests, an evening wedding is for you. Dimming the lights or dancing under the stars and turning up the beats increases the energy of the night and encourages your guests to let loose and really enjoy themselves.”

Plus, guests tend to be more in “party mode” by the evening. After a full day to prep and travel, they arrive ready to toast, dance, and celebrate with you well into the night.

Cons Of A Later Start Time

^{Photo: Kelly Hornberger Photography}

Guests leaving early

The downside of a later start? A handful of your loved ones might not make it to the last dance.

“For some guests, especially those with young kids or travel plans, a late night might mean they have to leave the party early,” highlights Pamela Tatz, Owner & Lead Photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography. “That’s definitely something to consider when thinking about having a later start time.”

This can feel a little anticlimactic if you were hoping for a packed dance floor all night long. If having everyone there for the full celebration is important to you, a late-night timeline could be a risk.

Hungry attendees

When your ceremony doesn’t start until late in the day, your guests might show up with growling stomachs, especially if they’ve been traveling or skipped a meal to get ready.

Emily Reno, Owner of Elopement Las Vegas, states, “Another downside is that dinner gets pushed later in the evening. Most guests aren’t used to eating at 8 or 9 p.m., so if you opt for a later ceremony, I always recommend having plenty of hearty hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour to keep everyone happy.”

It’s also helpful to set expectations in advance. Including start times and a brief timeline on your wedding website can help guests plan accordingly, whether eating a light lunch or knowing when they’ll be fed.

Venue time limits

Sometimes, a later start can make your celebration feel shorter than you’d like. If you don’t start until 6 or 7 p.m. and have to wrap by 10 or 11, you might rush through the evening to make it all fit.

“Some venues have strict end times, which means at some point, you’ll be kicked out whether you want to or not,” reminds Craig Peterman, Owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography.

It’s worth confirming ahead of time how much flexibility your venue offers and whether you can extend the party elsewhere if needed. Starting late can be lovely, but make sure it doesn’t leave you watching the clock all night.

No matter what time you choose to start your wedding, the most important thing is that it feels right for you. Every option comes with its own set of perks and trade-offs, but with some thoughtful planning, you can create a timeline that flows smoothly and supports the celebration you’ve always imagined!

Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.

At the height of the fall season, with swirling leaves and a gentle breeze, Y and H’s wedding seamlessly blended modern Chinese design with painterly touches, capturing the warmth and richness of autumn. A bold palette of red clay, vermilion, and burgundy wove together the essence of the harvest season with the soulful ambiance of jazz, creating a deeply emotional, color-saturated celebration captured by C & C Photography.

Creating the perfect fall color palette

Color played a crucial role throughout the event. Red clay, vermilion, and burgundy mirrored the vibrant hues of autumn, while fiery tones like riot flame orange, dead bland orange, and stun gun yellow added an organic, spirited energy. Soft pink, pale peach, and tan introduced warmth and tranquility, while lavender fog and pastel lilac brought delicate layering to the design. Deep kale green and minimalist black provided grounding contrast, adding depth to the overall aesthetic.

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Wild autumn garden inspiration

The ceremony space was enveloped in layers of autumn flowers and greenery thanks to Mandy’s Garden Design, evoking the feeling of a wild, secret garden. Cascading florals framed the altar, while wooden chairs harmonized with the natural surroundings, making guests feel embraced by the beauty of the season. Y and H’s beloved Labrador, acting as their honorary “wedding groomsman,” stole the show during the ceremony, gently walking toward the altar.

“Yes” to a private golf cart

In order to make the most of the event (and the gorgeous autumn lighting), the couple travelled between locations in style – a.k.a. in a private golf cart. 

Cocktail hour: Highboys and low tables

During the cocktail hour, each highboy and low table was draped in linens in varying hues from the color palette, adorned with floral and fruit arrangements that echoed the season’s transitions and nature’s gifts. The lounge area, centered around a stun gun yellow sofa with ivory pillows, was flanked symmetrically by black and white linen chairs. A black woven coffee table anchored the space, creating a chic, cozy retreat where guests could relax and savor the festive atmosphere.

How to: Fruit-inspired centerpieces

The table decor featured a lush mix of fruits and florals: Grapes, pomegranates, French pears, cherry tomatoes, figs, blueberries, blackberries, persimmons, peaches, and kumquats. Paired with autumn blooms and foliage, the decor created a vibrant, organic atmosphere that felt both curated and untamed.

Art as a seating chart

The seating chart was a work of art in itself. Set against a serene, vintage-style landscape painting, it evoked a timeless pastoral beauty, infusing the entrance with a sense of classical elegance.

On trend: Velvet reception seating

Dinner continued the autumn narrative with a warm, celebratory spirit. Rectangular wooden tables and a few round ones—dressed in printed linens and surrounded by green velvet chairs—encircled the dance floor and stage, allowing guests to dine while staying connected to the night’s performances. 

Red apple place “cards”

Each place setting featured woven chargers, patterned ceramic plates, black napkins, and red apples serving as charming place cards.

Sugar-crafted cake design

A four-tiered cake by Trizia Cake Artistry adorned with sugar-crafted dried flowers and leaves stood elegantly on a black stand, surrounded by cascading florals in the wedding’s signature tones. The result was an artful vignette that felt both timeless and modern.

Custom dance floor design

The dance floor, crowned by a custom logo of Y and H’s names, became the heart of the evening and was surrounded by vibrant florals and energized by a live band. 

Serenaded by the bride

As the evening drew to a close, Y gifted her guests with three deeply personal jazz performances. The first song, “From the Start,” captured the tender sweetness of her and H’s first meeting. The second, “I Only Care About You,” was a heartfelt tribute to family and friends, a classic Chinese ballad honoring the timeless bonds of gratitude and affection. Finally, Y closed the night with “Thank You for the Music” by ABBA, a joyful homage to their celebration.

In a nod to the original online dating scene, Andrew and Felice met on OK Cupid in 2015 and have been inseparable ever since. They got engaged in June 2023 at the Harbor House Inn in Elk, California, where they had gone to celebrate Felice’s birthday. Although the weather was colder and cloudier than expected, on their final morning, the clouds parted just in time for Andrew to find the perfect moment. He led Felice down to the beach, accessible by a steep staircase from the inn’s rugged coastline, where Andrew got down on one knee in a moment that both could only describe as “picturesque.” They planned their destination wedding on the Big Island of Hawaii with the help of Sunshower Weddings, drawing inspiration from old Hawaiian style, diverse flora, and vibrant colors. Felice, an interior designer and project manager, had a clear vision for their wedding day. The Holualoa Inn perfectly suited this vision, offering lush outdoor spaces with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean all captured for them throughout the day by Moments by Moriel.

Luxury with a vintage vibe

Felice set the tone for their wedding with letterpress invitations, vintage stamps, and a professional calligrapher. Every detail – from invitations to flowers, music, clothing, and decor – was carefully chosen to transport guests to a bygone era of tropical romance.

Hawaiian lei tradition

In homage to the Hawaiian lei tradition, friends of the bride and groom greeted guests by hand-selecting a lei for each person and placing it around their neck as they arrived for the ceremony.

Traditional Hawaiian ceremony

The ceremony was led by a Hawaiian officiant who guided the couple through traditional Hawaiian vows, emphasizing the values of aloha and ohana. Framed by two pillars of colorful floral arrangements courtesy of UhiUhi Flower House, Felice stood at the altar in a Markarian NYC gown in glowing candlelight silk, adorned with a tiny floral pattern. The fabric draped from her shoulders to the back, creating a train-like effect. She completed her look with vintage jewelry, orchids in her hair, and a custom lei designed to match her bouquet.

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Traditionally tropical bar menu

During cocktail hour, guests were offered a traditionally tropical bar menu with a twist. Floral and frond stationery offered the perfect detail for the stationery.

On trend: Tree limb lighting

Guests enjoyed the option of vintage furniture under rattan lighting during cocktail hour, which also acted as the perfect wedding photo op.

Whimsical (yet tropical) vintage decor

The reception embraced whimsical vintage decor, featuring bamboo and rattan furniture, gauzy linens, woven lanterns, and bright orange taper candles. Felice hand-painted the place cards, which were made from abalone shells (a delicacy that the Big Island of Hawaii is known for!) that she had sanded and polished to bring out their iridescent colors.

Cake: Textured and tropical

The couple cut into a two-tier textured cake from Nadine Bakes accented with orchids and other tropical florals.

Hawaiian tradition: Fire knife dance

Later in the evening, a traditional fire knife dance was performed while guests dined among lush flowers in shades of orange, pink, and blue and relaxed to the sounds of steel guitar.

Nestled in the heart of Florence, this ethereal styled shoot began in front of the iconic Duomo, capturing the grandeur of Italian architecture and old-world romance. Planned by Toscana Bliss and photographed by A Twist of Lemon, the creative vision behind this shoot was to blend old-world European elegance with modern refinement, evoking a sense of nostalgia while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The color palette drew from the natural beauty of Tuscany, using muted gold, antique ivory, soft champagne, and earthy greens to create a palette that felt warm yet effortlessly sophisticated. This shoot is a must-scroll for anyone looking to plan a warm, Italian-inspired wedding anywhere around the world.

Stationery from another era

Handcrafted stationery by Laura Mazzetti featured deckled edges, gold foil detailing, and delicate calligraphy, reminiscent of love letters from another era.

Couture Italian bridal style

The bride wore a delicate, golden-hued couture gown by Eva Poleschinski —a vision of soft tulle, intricate embroidery, and vintage elegance. The bridal bouquet created by Funkybird Florence with lush, full-bloom roses and delicate vines enhanced the organic elegance of the scene. The bride’s accessories, from vintage-inspired heels with jewel embellishments to heirloom pearls, added layers of intricate styling details.

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The groom, exuding classic sophistication, complemented her beauty in a tailored black tuxedo.

Historic photography details

The historic cathedral’s intricate details and deep green doors provided a striking contrast to the bride’s flowing dress, evoking a sense of timeless enchantment.

Floral design: Ethereal clouds

A ceremony set in front of a cloud of blush and white baby’s breath accented with large roses complemented the dream-like feel of the event. 

Featured Venue: Villa Le Fontanelle

As the sun cast a golden glow over Tuscany, the event transitioned to the breathtaking Villa Le Fontanelle. This historic estate, nestled in the rolling hills, exuded refined luxury with its warm terracotta walls, sculpted gardens, and sweeping views over Florence. 

Italian color palette: Warm blush tones

The reception setting was an intimate escape—an elegantly draped pergola overlooking the city, where romance lingered in every carefully curated detail.  The couple cut into a three-tiered white floral wedding cake from Sugarcups that incorporated a cubed base that added an unexpected contemporary detail.