It’s my assumption that, when planning a December wedding, almost all couples hope for snow as a sweet nod to the holidays. I know for sure that that was what Emily and Micheal were hoping for when they planned their December 2018 wedding at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. But, while we were hoping for sparkly drifts of snow for this adorable wedding centered around Christmas, Mother Nature had a different idea. 4 days before Christmas, we enjoyed a 60-degree day and some drizzle instead of flurries. Definitely unexpected, considering we were near the coast of Massachusetts!

But, while unexpected, it was not un-gorgeous 😉 I’ve never been so thankful to work with such kind souls, who were more excited to get married than anything else.

Their kind natures made it almost feel like the wedding was just a lovely perk to being around them (although, as you can tell from the photos below, a lot of planning definitely went into this beautiful bonus!).

the couple

While the Spring-like weather surprised us for the day of the wedding, we did get to enjoy some snow for their engagement session in the winter of 2017/2018. Not only did I travel to Massachusetts for their wedding, but I also did for their engagement session, which was such a treat. We spent some time photographing in a few locations for their engagement session - half of the time in their lovely home, and the other half in a snowy local park. I remember this day like it was yesterday. Perhaps it’s because I got to meet some cute cats. Perhaps because their home was so cozy, and such a soft place to land after my 3-hour drive. Most of all, I felt completely at ease observing how they interact with each other - gentle, sweet, and soft interactions. It was precious to watch.

What has always struck me about Emily and Micheal is how effortless they are with each other. Maybe it’s because they’ve been together for a long time; Maybe it’s because they are just a good pair…their comfort with each other creates a softness in the air around them. If you’re uneasy before you spend time with them, their comfort in each other can’t help but to reach to you. It will calm all your nerves, settle your heart palpitations, make you feel like things really aren’t as bad as you may have thought they were just 10 minutes prior.

I think you can see this comfort in the photos of the two of them from their wedding day. Drizzle? No problem - they’re happy just being together under an umbrella. Needing to spend some time inside? No worries - they’re happy surrounded by the twinkle lights from the Christmas trees at their venue. Wondering how to leverage the early darkness of the winter season in combination with the rain? Ain’t no thing - they are happy cuddling in a fur jacket in the rain with a spotlight behind them.

When planning a wedding, some people will say that they are determined to enjoy their wedding day. I don’t think this determination was necessary for Emily and Micheal. They are already just so happy with each other.

The Wedding party

I have the pleasure of often working with the most darling wedding parties. People who love to support their friends. Bridesmaids who do their best to be both fun and helpful. Groomsmen who know just how to take the best care of their buddy.

Emily and Micheal were intentional with their wedding party. Not only were they the very closest of their family and friends, but their attire was as intentional as their choices to have them be a member of the party.

For the women, a gorgeous forest green was chosen for their gown color. I’m obsessed with this color choice for a Christmas wedding for a few reasons:

(1) I have an ongoing love affair with the color green in general (I mean - have you seen my Instagram feed?);

(2) It seems to look good on just about every single person I’ve ever seen wear it;

(3) While bright red has often been the more traditional choice for Christmas weddings, forest green is so much nicer on the eyes, and definitely more of a pleasure to photograph. Bright red can be a little funky for photographers to capture, as it often casts red shadows on the individual wearing it (word to the wise!).

And, Emily’s beautiful white lace gown was a classy compliment to this group of beauties - a soft break in the the color when they were all photographed together.

Since Emily and her family are Irish, the men got to wear Irish wool cardigans instead of suits. While this might seem casual, there was an air of sophistication about this look. It could have been how crisp and new and beautiful the sweaters were. Perhaps the addition of the boutonnières. Maybe how excited the guys were to wear cardigans instead of suits. All I know is, alongside the women in their forest green attire, the gray cardigans photographed like a dream.

Micheal also sported a slightly non-traditional look, with a suited outfit that was coordinated but not perfectly matched.

All in all, a downright pleasure to photograph. 😍

The venue(s)

Emily got ready at The Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Plymouth, MA - a gorgeous location with a slightly medieval vibe. Since the venue was so lovely, we also photographed a good handful of hers and Micheal’s portraits there, as well as scheduled their first look and some of the wedding party photos there. Considering that they had a beautiful covered walkway on the terrace (quintessential New England, am I right?), it was the perfect option for a warm and drizzly day.

(Sidenote: If you’re in the Hudson Valley, the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Rhinebeck is one of the Plymouth locations’ sister venues, and, let me tell you, it is absolutely beautiful. Not only that, but the massages there are incredible, and the aqua terrace is fabulous to relax in. Ok, carry on…)

When booking your wedding venue(s), always consider your rain plan. Covered walkways, awnings, and porticos are where it’s at if your venue doesn’t have a nice-ish indoor space for photos.

the Details

With classy and cozy Christmas being the name of the game, Micheal and Emily were thoughtful with their details. Deep reds, greens, and whites were incorporated into what they created. There were burgundy calla lilies in Emily’s bouquet, the invitations included printed greenery, and Emily wore primarily pearl accessories.

Not only did their personal effects have a nod towards the coziness of the holiday, but so did the decor at their venue. Place cards were attached to silver bells. Custom signage noted “‘Tis the season to be married.” A large wreath with beautiful greenery and the word “Joy” was placed carefully on the wall at the start of the aisle. Glass ornaments served as the guest book for each guest to write a note on with a silver sharpie.

My very favorite detail was how each and every favor (a beautiful pinecone candle) was carefully wrapped in a kraft box with Christmas-colored ribbon and placed at each table setting. The venue was already festive with twinkle lights, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and lantern centerpieces - the little gifts on each table elevated the feeling just that much more. It felt both fancy and homey at the same time. So incredibly lovely.

The reception

I find every reception to be a fun and beautiful blessing to capture, but Emily and Micheal’s was especially so. Maybe it was the twinkle lights, maybe the Christmas trees, but it felt like the celebration was double. There’s just something about a holiday wedding that makes people feel starry-eyes and dance their hearts out.

I know that it’s the heart of the summer season here in the Northeast. And while I do love summer, this little blog has captured my heart, and gotten me all excited for Christmas again. Good thing it comes around every year.

143 days. 🎄