Everything Merry and Bright
Maybe it is the most wonderful time of the year — the exciting stretch from November through January when lights and decorations brighten dark skies and lighten hearts. For the holiday bride, it’s a time to bring the brilliance, traditions and gaiety of the season to her own big day.
“I always wanted a Christmas wedding,” shared Sarah Judd, who wed Bryan Wade on Dec. 3. “Our ceremony and reception had white flowers, Christmas greens and berries. There were hundreds of candles, votives, filled with cranberries, all with accents of gold.” Her bridesmaids, too, wore holiday finery: cranberry red pumps {6} and dresses. For a grand finale, guests dined on designer Laura Reynolds’ scrumptious cake with red bows and filigree brooches {10}.
Make It Yours
Winter is a gift for couples. “They can incorporate holiday décor into their decorating scheme,” pointed out Liz Singleton, of eventsbyelizabethpalmer-.com and author of Celebrations “Perfect Knots” column. The festooned Mill at Fine Creek {9} brought the glow indoors on Dec. 18, 2010, as Devon Yagel {5} married Marcos Goueva. Just last night, Christmas Eve, ultra stylish Catherine Wattiker wed Benjamin Van Wingerden at gaily-bedecked The Williamsburg Inn {7). And on Dec. 18, 2010, Drs. Brooke Dellinger and William Goodwin reveled in the glow of stately Fairfax Hall {16} in Waynesboro.
Favorite Things
When it comes to charm, small touches add a big punch. Groom William Goodwin and his mother baked adorable gingerbread couples {15} while ornament name cards holders {11} delighted guests. Their tiny tree glimmered with silver balls {13}.
A pinecone topper {4}, made for Kate and Noah Forman’s Dec. 19, 2009 reception at The Manor House at Kings Charter, couldn’t be more appealing — while designer Joe Akers’ invitation {8}, specially made for Celebrations, would please any couple.
And when Kira Bell was preparing to marry Earl Johnson Jr. at the Westin Hotel on Dec. 18, 2010, she was a knockout in her sequined veil {14}.
Something Natural
“Brides don’t always want to be too Christmassy,” advised Alexis Bishop of The Green Flamingo. Her bouquet {1} looks like the woodlands: silvery brunia, trichillium and local greens. “A touch of white pine gives it a seasonal look,” explained Bishop.
Bride Jessica Nadder {3}, completely glorious head-to-toe, opted for the simplicity of cranberries and orchids from tommysgarden.com for her Nov. 13, 2010, wedding to Scott Savage {12). Her gown and fur wrap were from tiffanysbridal.com.
For pure seasonal sweetness, it’s hard to beat Devon Yagel’s wedding gown hanging on her parents’ wreath-bedecked house in Midlothian {2}. “The photographer Sarah Topham ran to the front door with it and took a picture,” said the bride.
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