North Carolina Winter Wedding Styled Shoot

Before we bid adieu to winter and say hello to Spring in a few weeks, we wanted to squeeze in one more gorgeous winter wedding and share all its pretty details. This styled shoot is all about elegance, class, and beauty. The stunning venue, the breathtaking flowers, and the bride and groom make this winter wedding shoot super chic.   With the fabulous talent of Alexanders Studios, the images has us swooning. If you are still feeling the winter season, then warm up with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy this Southern Winter wedding.

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About the Styled Shoot from Alexanders Studios

The dry grasses are not dead for me. A beautiful form has as much life at one season as another. -Henry David Thoreau

Though spring delivers beams of hope and renewal, the long winter that proceeds it can often bear down on our souls with dreary gray monotony – unless we have love. Love has no season. It is impermeable by cold or heat. In fact, some may argue it gains strength through the winter, when it is the sole source of gladness and warmth. The stark white, silver, and gray of winter is warmed by just a sprinkle of red love, and this styled shoot captures that contrast.The bride and groom models in this shoot are real-life sweethearts. Their romance has been one of budding beauty. When the bride model moved from her cold home state last year, she ventured into a renewed life in North Carolina that surprised her with warmth and love. From the groom model: “In February of 2014, she moved from the frozen wasteland of Wisconsin and started visiting Church. That first Sunday she attended was the first time that I was leading worship for the service. As she walked through the doors and saw me up on stage, she had an overwhelming feeling that this was the person she had been looking for her whole life.”

As we shot photos of this sweet couple, the bitter cold winds of winter blew through the leafless trees. Intermittent bursts of sunshine warmed our bodies, but the love between these two sweethearts warmed their souls. Sharing their love on camera encouraged the groom model to reminisce about his first encounter with his beloved. “As she walked up the stairs and I saw her for the first time, I was struck by how beautiful she was…I was convinced that if there was anyone in the world that I could love, it was her.” It was as if he had experienced a glimpse of spring in her beauty, and he could not go back to living in a loveless winter. “As our interest grew in each other, I began looking for an opportunity to talk to her dad, to ask him for permission to date his daughter,” the groom model explained.“We have simply fallen deeper and deeper in love with each passing day. We are so excited to see how the Lord will work in our lives together in the future, for we know thatGod orchestrated our relationship from the start.”Where summer’s heat drives us to shed heavy layers, the cold of winter beckons us to add more…more lace…more fur…more texture… in order to compensate for winter’s starkness. The fur stole the bride wore in this shoot makes one warmer just by gazing at it.

The dark red flowers in her bouquet add life to the wintery surroundings. The texture of the jewels add another layer of beauty. Even the detailed antique china warms the dining space in a way that the simplicity of summer cannot convey. And, of course, the closeness of the couple encourages warmth of body and spirit.Winter does not deliver an absence of warmth or love…it is actually the ideal season for more! With warm touches of red, textured pieces, and layers of luxury, this styled shoot shows how love can warm the coldest of hearts.

 

Vendors:

Photography: Alexanders Studios

Venue: Chateau Bellevie

Event Planner: Galej Events

Jewelry: Gemma Jewels

Invitations: Greatest Story Weddings

Make up Artist: Julie Robbins Makeup

Hair: Wedding Hair by Liz

Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations

Flowers: North Raleigh Florist

Bridal Dress: Savvi Formalwear

The All American Bride

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and with wedding season in full swing, it is no surprise that many brides are wondering how to incorporate the Independence Day festivities into their special day. However, if the idea of throwing Old Glory willy-nilly all over your wedding reception makes you want to run for the hills, don’t you worry—we will show you how to add hints of 4th flair without creating a cheesy red, white, and blue festival.

LOCATION:
It can sometimes be difficult to walk the line between cheesy and classy when incorporating a strong theme into your reception. Picking the right location for your big day can be the first step in discovering just how far you can push your theme. For example, an outdoor reception can have more of a vintage Americana feel, while a reception in a hotel ballroom might restrict you in how far you can go with your 4th of July decorations. In other words, allow the “feel” of the venue dictate the “feel” of your theme choices. There is something “American” feeling about an outdoor wedding, whether it’s on a picturesque beach, a beautiful lakeside shore, a rustic barn, or under a tree in your own backyard.

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DECORATIONS:
The décor will be the most impactful way for you to add some 4th flair. The key is choosing a design aesthetic that is cohesive—the last thing you want is some random flags stuck onto your table and cutouts of fireworks taped onto the walls. A classic “Americana” or Southern shabby-chic vibe fits into a Norman Rockwell aesthetic that is perfect for Independence Day. Think plaid, gingham, old lace, burlap, and rustic wooden signs and crates—easy, comfortable, and effortless beauty. If you want to go with red, white, and blue, keep the colors subdued and distressed, never bright or tacky. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns when it comes to your table decorations—mismatched linens, tableware, and flatware can give it an old, antique feel. It should look like everything came out of an old vintage trunk found in your grandmother’s attic, not like you bought it at a party store. Vintage flags can serve as table markers at the reception, while wildflowers in porcelain and glass vases delicately enhance the table. Stringing paper lanterns and tea lights add a romantic and nostalgic flare.

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FOOD:
Your food choices can be a fun and creative way to add some irony and humor into your reception. This is your chance to get cheesy! “Dressed-up” comfort food is a fantastic way to keep with your theme. Bacon-wrapped dates, macaroni and cheese, barbecue, gourmet grilled cheese, sliders, popcorn, a mashed potato bar—the list goes on! Cocktail choices range from craft beer to mint juleps, and for non-alcoholic drinks, think retro favorites: Coke served in real Coke bottles, lemonade, sweet tea, root beer. Mason jars are a great way to serve your drinks, but if you are worn-out from the whole Mason jar trend, you can always mix and match old glass bottles and jars. For desserts, caramel apples, cupcakes, and traditional pies are delicious options, while a snow-cone booth is sure to add some fun and quirk to any reception. Having an outdoor reception? Make a s’mores station around a campfire!

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ODDS AND ENDS:
Continue your theme before and after your wedding by having your wedding stationery reflect your Independence Day motif—mixing patterns, using vintage-inspired fonts, and keeping the colors within the subdued color palette from your reception. You can also use the same type of stationery for writing your thank you notes. Wedding favors for your guests could be confetti poppers, sparklers, vintage flags, or even canned preserves from a local farm. Finish off your night with a private fireworks show or by driving off in a classic pick up truck or vintage car.

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Finally, it is important to remember why we celebrate the 4th of July, and a great way to do that is by giving back. On your wedding registry, present your guests with the option of donating to a charity of your choice. There are several fantastic organizations that benefit veterans, soldiers, and military families. On your special day, nothing speaks more towards the spirit of the American people than giving back to those who helped us secure our freedom and those who are fighting to keep it intact.