Meet Me at the Altar

No matter where you decide to tie the destination knot, your ceremony backdrop should embrace the location you’re in. If you’ve chosen a tropical destination, a bright pop of color and exotic flowers can enhance that tropical feel that attracted you to the destination. If you’re getting married in a place like Italy, soft colors and lush greens can feel more organic. Wherever you’ve decided to say “I do,” let the destination inspire and guide your choices. The following pages showcase beautiful backdrops that we hope will inspire your own walk down the destination aisle.

COLORFUL IN CANCÚN

This rainbow inspired, asymmetric arch gives a simple, yet impactful visual to this wedding. On the beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico, this fun and romantic set-up is a perfect fit for the tropical backdrop of Cancún.

Vendors: Photography: Bohemia Photography; Design & Planning: Best Bride; Venue Sourcing & Travel Logistics: Wedaways; Florist: La Distribuidora CDMX; Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Maya; Hair & Makeup: Isaac Marquez & Heryk Corpus; Headpieces & Tiaras: Dominique Tiaras & Ellee Couture Boutique

EDGY INSPIRATION

The geometric design of this arch is repeated in the flower petal design surrounding the couple. The softness of the floral installation gives some lightness and romance to the overall design. Set in Palm Springs, California, the bright white and green shades allow for the architecture of the buildings to shine through.

Vendors: Photography: James X Schulze; Event Planning & Design: BrownHot Events; Venue: Colony Palms Hotel; Produced By: The Bridal Bar; Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio + Event Design; Ceremony Structure: Enticing Tables; Hair: Davee Troublefield of The Troublefield Lifestyle; Makeup: Gabriella Shpirt of The Troublefield Lifestyle; Hair Combs & Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Cuff Bracelets: Haute Bride; Wedding Dresses & Styling: Lazaro by JLM Couture; Ceremony Menswear: Friar Tux; Female Model: Brittny Ward & Male Model: Kodi Baker

TRADITIONAL AND ROMANTIC:

Although this property is in California, it feels like Italy with the cypress trees and stone stairway. The traditional look of the arch, paired with the airy, monochromatic feel of the floral design lends itself perfectly to the destination.

Vendors: Photography: Rebecca Theresa Photography; Design: Detailed Touch Events; Production: Be Inspired PR; Venue: Klentner Ranch in Carpinteria, California; Floral Design: Coco Rose Design; Rentals: Theoni Collection; Bridal Gown: Tara Lauren; Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection; Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux; Hairstyling: Teddi Prior for Page Beauty; Makeup: Tanya Bures for Page Beauty; Bridal Model: Ashley Torres of Everyday Pursuits; Groom Model: Andy Fisher & Bridesmaid Models: Kaila Lim, Sandra Vega and Nikki Anne Spahn

BAREFOOT AND BLACK-TIE:

Nothing says “nautical” like driftwood, but what elevates this to elegance are the stunning blooms, which appear to be growing out of it. The one-sided arch is a unique take on tradition and the juxtaposition of the classic, tailored benches paired with the sandy beach gives it a laid-back, luxurious feel.

Vendors: Photography: Sanaz Photography; Planning & Design: Onyx + Redwood; Production: Be Inspired PR; Floral Design: Precious & Blooming; Wholesale Flowers: FiftyFlowers; Rentals: Archive Rentals; Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid’s Dress: “Alexii Gown” and “Monroe Dress” from White Runway; Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux; Jewelry/Accessories: “Dash” necklace, “Delicate” earrings and “Cleo” hairpiece by Ariel Jennifer Taub; Hair & Makeup: Brianna Stewart

MIXING TRADITION

When combining cultures at your destination wedding, giving a nod to tradition in a modern way is always a win. Ornate, white chairs are placed beneath a traditional mandap for the couple’s ceremony in which they exchange jaimala garlands of red roses. The ceremony set-up features a floor lounge of embellished rugs, pillows and poufs while the mandap was constructed with modern, rose gold curved beams on a wood platform – all laced with vibrant red garlands.

Vendors: Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography; Producer & Creative Director: Crosby + Jon; Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Maya; Grand Velas Project Director: Ary Iturralde; Florals & Rentals: Alquimia Events; Hair & Makeup: Zoë Elizabeth Ashley-Smith; Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah Bridal; Bridal Jewelry: Untamed Petals; Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes; Henna Artist: Loto Mehndi; Photo Assistant: Lauren Renee Photo

DRAPING FLORAL

Utilizing your destination’s local fauna is always a brilliant idea. In Hawaii, orchids and anthurium grow in abundance, so not only is the look opulent and stunning, it also evokes a tropical, authentic feel to the destination it’s captured in. The streamlined wooden chairs are repeated in the peep of wood in the altar – giving this a cohesive look without being “matchy.”

Vendors: Photography: Schyne Photography; Coordination: Say I Do by Karisa; Florals: Su-V Expressions; Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Kaili; Venue: Hawaii Kai Private Estate