Claire and Jonathan's Meadowlark Botanical Garden Winter Wedding

Photo by Shawnee Custalow

One of my favorite times of year at Meadowlark is the holiday season. Claire and Jonathan agreed -- which is why their wedding was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That way, they were assured, the venue would already be decorated in their gorgeous greenery and lights for the end of the year!

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with hot drinks and cozy blankets for the short ceremony outside. What the groom did NOT know (but the bride and I did!) is that she was surprising him by walking down the aisle to the theme of the show they had been binging for MONTHS, The West Wing. (I had a TV themed wedding -- why did I not think of this?!?!?) For those in the know, it was a very sweet nod to their relationship.

Guests came inside for cocktail hour and dinner, where Growing Wild accented the already gorgeous space with greenery, lanterns and pinecones, as well as beautiful florals. The Instax Guest Book was explained by the couple's adorable dog, Scout, and guests enjoyed taking photos and posing for the camera.

Although the couple isn't from the Pittsburgh area, they DID wisely choose to have a cookie table like we do in Pittsburgh! They also added some delicious truffles and candy to the mix!

Enjoy this beautiful winter wedding - with stunning photos from one of our faves, Shawnee Custalow

Vendors:

The Atrium at Meadowlark: @theatriumatmeadowlark

Shawnee Custalow Studios, Photographer @shawnee_custalow

Florist, Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild @growingwildfloral

Cake, Buttercream Bakeshop @buttrcrmbakeshop

Hair and Makeup, Tres Belle Beauty @tresbelleweddings

Jordan and Zachary's Dockmaster Building DC Winter Wedding

Photo by Bee Two Sweet

I love me some winter weddings, especially on the water. This stunning bride and groom were dressed to impress as they cemented their love in classic Jewish tradition at the breathtaking Dockmaster Building, one of the awesome event spaces that the Wharf in DC can provide. One of my favorite touches: The couple incorporated books, old and new, from their personal library…a cornerstone of their relationship - and even incorporated flowers from book pages in the bride’s hair and bouquet!

Congratulations to Jordan and Zachary! Enjoy the spectacular captures from Brittany at Bee Two Sweet Photography 

Jordan and Zachary’s Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Dockmaster Building

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Bee Two Sweet

Florist: She Loves Me

Cake: Buttercream Bake Shop

Hair/Make-up: TC Beauty

Why to Have a Winter Wedding

As we head into the holiday season, I thought I’d write a small ode to the winter wedding. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some very good reasons to consider it - so for those of you recently engaged and starting to envision your wedding, I urge you to give winter a second chance!

Winter Weddings Save You Dough

Photo by Sam Hurd

Winter is what we in the wedding industry like to call the “slow” season - so most wedding venues will offer discounted rates for the colder, winter months. Similarly, you can often negotiate with other wedding vendors to potentially get their pricing down since demand isn’t quite as high.

Your Winter Wedding Brings Color to a Gray Season, in More Ways Than One

Photo by Mary Sandoval Photography

Let’s face it - after the holidays, the winter season can sometimes be a bit gray and gloomy. People are gonna be super psyched to have a reason to celebrate, and I’ve often found some of the happiest and rowdiest crowds are at winter weddings! Not only that, but having a wedding during the winter means you bring life and color, literally, to the world. No matter what you wear, you’ll pop in your photos against the stark but beautiful background of the colder months.

Embrace the Romance of a Winter Wedding

Photo by Sam Hurd

Winter is a time to hibernate, to snuggle with the ones you love. Many of the winter weddings I’ve worked have really embraced the romance of the winter, with lots of candlelight, warmth and frankly, the magic that comes with it. I had one wedding literally hand out candles to all the guests and do a candle lit ceremony (shut up, how gorgeous is that??!!). So whether it be a venue with lots of fireplaces, having hot cocoa stations, or just some beautiful tapers on long dining tables, winter is a wonderful time to fully embrace the romance of the season.

Winter Wedding Fashion

Photo by Amber Wilkie

Winter weddings mean you get to be a bit more creative with your wedding attire in order to stay warm. So whether you grab your grandmother’s old fur stole, go for a full-on suit, or don a white puffy coat, the options in winter are fun, fabulous and different.