Classic + Elegant Pennsylvania Winter Wedding
Winter weddings seem to be full of seasonal magic, and this one has it in spades. I'm not just talking about the cozy, warm, and romantic vibe of the Cork Factory Hotel or the lush, wintery florals. It's so much more than that, like that the Bride wore her mother's veil and that the Groom walked down the aisle to a surprise performance of the "Game of Thrones" theme song. See all the pretty from Brianna Wilbur in The Vault!
From The Bride...To be perfectly honest, I had never pictured a winter wedding. But when my fiancé proposed at Christmas last year, I realized a one-year engagement brought us to my least favorite season. A quick Pinterest search was all it took to sell me on a fur stole, gorgeous winter florals, and some dark green long bridesmaids dresses.
Although I looked for him everywhere, I finally met The One on a dating website. I actually remember looking across the table at him on our first date thinking, "Could this be my husband?" Two and a half years later, he is. I think I love my now-husband about double what I did before the big day, if that's possible.
We envisioned an elegant and classic affair, with very traditional details, from the invitations to the ceremony. I wanted to highlight winter while creating a cozy, warm, and romantic vibe. I imagined greens, creams, and blacks. The Cork Factory Hotel could not have been more perfect: once our guests arrived on Friday for the rehearsal, no one had to leave the hotel until after brunch on Sunday. The convenience for the guests was of utmost importance for us. The airy ballroom, chandeliers, and fireplace didn't hurt, either.
It is so special to me that I wore my mom's veil, which was perfectly preserved and absolutely gorgeous. The Silverwood Trio surprised my husband with the "Game of Thrones" theme song when he walked into the ceremony, making him laugh and diffusing some of his nerves. I cherish the memories I have of us reciting our personally written vows to each other and that special trip down the candle-lit aisle with my Dad.
The pinecone escort cards were one of my favorite details. Last summer we started collecting pinecones and glueing them to birch rounds. Painting each one and applying glitter was another endeavor entirely! We wanted little mementos of me and Ryan everywhere, from doors plastered with childhood photographs to our birdie guestbook and cake toppers. We made our wine-bottle table numbers and then gave them away in a musical-chairs-type game at the reception, a crowd favorite!
I didn't even know I was a flower person until I found Sullivan Owen. It's like lightning struck, and I became absolutely obsessed with her floral works of art. I can now spot one of her bouquets even before knowing it's her design. I was bursting with excitement before they arrived on our wedding day, and when they did I was blown away. I will never forget those flowers.
My groom tapped my shoulder and said, "Can I steal you for a second?" He took me out to the terrace and slow danced with me, alone, away from the guests, to Nora Jones's "Come Away with Me." I will never forget resting my head on his chest, and feeling unbelievable, overwhelming love from friends, family, and my new husband. It is a perfect memory from a perfect day.
Although I looked for him everywhere, I finally met The One on a dating website. I actually remember looking across the table at him on our first date thinking, "Could this be my husband?" Two and a half years later, he is. I think I love my now-husband about double what I did before the big day, if that's possible.
We envisioned an elegant and classic affair, with very traditional details, from the invitations to the ceremony. I wanted to highlight winter while creating a cozy, warm, and romantic vibe. I imagined greens, creams, and blacks. The Cork Factory Hotel could not have been more perfect: once our guests arrived on Friday for the rehearsal, no one had to leave the hotel until after brunch on Sunday. The convenience for the guests was of utmost importance for us. The airy ballroom, chandeliers, and fireplace didn't hurt, either.
It is so special to me that I wore my mom's veil, which was perfectly preserved and absolutely gorgeous. The Silverwood Trio surprised my husband with the "Game of Thrones" theme song when he walked into the ceremony, making him laugh and diffusing some of his nerves. I cherish the memories I have of us reciting our personally written vows to each other and that special trip down the candle-lit aisle with my Dad.
The pinecone escort cards were one of my favorite details. Last summer we started collecting pinecones and glueing them to birch rounds. Painting each one and applying glitter was another endeavor entirely! We wanted little mementos of me and Ryan everywhere, from doors plastered with childhood photographs to our birdie guestbook and cake toppers. We made our wine-bottle table numbers and then gave them away in a musical-chairs-type game at the reception, a crowd favorite!
I didn't even know I was a flower person until I found Sullivan Owen. It's like lightning struck, and I became absolutely obsessed with her floral works of art. I can now spot one of her bouquets even before knowing it's her design. I was bursting with excitement before they arrived on our wedding day, and when they did I was blown away. I will never forget those flowers.
My groom tapped my shoulder and said, "Can I steal you for a second?" He took me out to the terrace and slow danced with me, alone, away from the guests, to Nora Jones's "Come Away with Me." I will never forget resting my head on his chest, and feeling unbelievable, overwhelming love from friends, family, and my new husband. It is a perfect memory from a perfect day.