Thinking about a backyard wedding but missing that ever-important detail…the perfect backyard? Take a page out of Christina + Bill’s book — and book an Airbnb! They found a dreamy house situated on a marsh on Diego Island in Saint Augustine, Florida. It was the perfect setting for their vision: a backyard dinner party under the stars. Married beneath the new moon, C + B celebrated well into the wee hours of the morning! Here’s more about the inspiration from Christina:
The engagement ring that Bill gave me is a 1925 garnet stone. I knew that I wanted the marsh setting of the Airbnb to be the main design element. We drew from the colors of the tall wild marsh grass by using touches of pampas grass, dried flowers, wood chargers, and bamboo chairs, all tied together with my favorite color, black. But we wanted that extra pop. So we purposefully created a little garnet bubble around us with Bill’s suit + tie, my bouquet + makeup, and smoke bombs. Those colors followed us to the reception at the sweetheart table. We wanted to keep that special between us, so Bill and I were the only ones with garnet details woven into our looks.
If you’re down for an Airbnb wedding, we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide to planning an Airbnb wedding of your own!
With Ashton Events on board to design the day + Mari Sabra Photography behind the camera, all the major details were in place. Let’s have a look!
Christina designed the wedding invitation with constellations and moon stamps on black paper.
Made You (First) Look!
AH-mazing. Christina told us the story behind this hilarious moment!
We met through Sarah + Joe (two of our best friends who are now married to one another). Sarah called a week before the wedding and asked if I would be down for a fake first look. She said all she could think about was Bill’s laugh (one of his most distinguishing characteristics) when he turned around and saw Joe. I obviously agreed, mainly because I wanted to see Joe in a wedding dress. Sarah picked one up at the local Salvation Army and to our surprise, it fit like a glove.
Bill recalls the moment as: “I felt an aggressive tap (Joe insists it was a light touch) and turned around to look into your eyes only to find myself staring into Joe’s hairy chest, perfectly framed in his off-the-shoulder number.” Que the laugh.
SO, funny, right?! Okay, but really — the actual first look was one of C + B’s favorite parts of the day.
Our favorite memory was the first look. It was the only moment of the day that didn't feel we were going 1,000 miles per hour so really soaked it in. Giant plus: it's a huge time saver to get some shots in before the ceremony. It made it easy to slip right into the party after the ceremony.
Wedding Party in Black + Velvet
The ladies wore grey velvet dresses with killer leather jackets!
Carousel
Carousel
Meanwhile, the guys suited up in black + floral. (And we have a thing for floral ties!)
Ceremony on the Marsh
Ashton Events designed all the florals for the day, including the pampas grass alter to frame the couple.
Funny story: Christina got so deep in planning that she forgot to find an officiant! Luckily, their DJ, DJ Cory Barron, was a rockstar and stepped up to the plate.
Made for my arms, Made for my kisses, Made for my soul. -Pablo Neruda
The Newlyweds
So cute!!
How utterly moody + dreamy is this marsh setting?!
‘Til Death: The Reception
One of Christina’s favorite detail was the ‘Til Death neon sign (and those smoke bombs)!
Love this idea: the vinyl decals on each guest’s dinner plate served as name cards!
Dancing until 5 am required a dress change — into this long-sleeved lace wonder from Lulus!
Wayfarer Film Co. shares more of the story in this gorgeous video of the day’s sweetest moments. Have a look and join us in sending our biggest congrats to Christina + Bill!
photography: Mari Sabra Phtotgraphy // venue name: Air BnB on Diego Island, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA // event design: Ashton Events // planning: Christina Johnson-Judino // florals: Ashton Events // wedding dress: Lulus // bridesmaid dresses: Venus // makeup artist: Lily K Makeup // groom attire: Macy's and My Tie Shop // videography: Wayfarer Film Co. // catering: Millenia Catering // music: DJ Cory Barron // officiant: DJ Cory Barron // linens: Nuage Designs // linens: BBJ Linen // linens: Marilyn's Linen // tables + chairs: A Chair Affair // dance floor: All About Events // tablescape + decor rentals: Treasury Rental
Love this wedding !
Smoke = awesome !