Christmas is one month away! What better way to kick off the celebrations than with this Christmas Tree Farm wedding inspiration?! It’s snowy, cozy, and buffalo checked all over! Throw in a carriage ride through the snow dusted trees, a hot coca bar, and beautiful red roses to make it an event full of romance. We’ve seen anniversary photos in a Christmas tree farm and engagement sessions, but this wedding is a first! And we LOVE it. A long farmhouse table set up in the middle of it all makes it feel like the ultimate Christmas village wedding. Can you say winter wonderland??
Monica Relyea Events shares…
One of the greatest things about living in the North East is the changing seasons. OK, well, maybe not everyone would agree with that statement, but it sure does allow for us creative types to have fun with Mother Nature’s revolving backdrop. Cutting your own Christmas tree is a big Hudson Valley attraction and we are so fortunate to have one of the country’s oldest tree farms in our backyard. Battenfeld’s Christmas Tree Farm, a family run business, has been providing fresh cut trees since 1956. What better place to host a winter inspired shoot than on a Christmas tree farm that has been celebrating the most wonderful time of the year for decades! I knew I had to team up with someone who could capture the spirit of the season and someone who had enough wares & vintage pieces to pull it off. So Alicia King Photography and North Country Vintage Rentals were the first I called!
The color palette had to be rich yet natural. We wanted it to feel like the holidays but not scream Merry Christmas. Ruby red, evergreen and winter white with natural wood tones felt like a classic holiday card straight from Currier & Ives. As we planned this shoot we knew that it still had to feel like dining in the Hudson Valley, and boy did it ever! The night before the shoot is snowed 8 inches in Red Hook, NY. We all woke to a winter wonderland. When we arrived on site, the evergreens greeted us like stoic soldiers with a perfect carpet of white under their wooden feet.
Our Brides gown, provided by Chamonix, had pockets to keep her hands warm. Topped with a red & black buffalo flannel shirt and mink stole, the look kept our her toasty. The glorious red rose crown, by Lavender and Leaf, was the star of the show and the bouquet was just as dreamy with mixed winter greens, juniper berries and pheasant feathers for a woodsy look. Trestled hair and makeup with red lips, done by Allyson M. Gregory, pulled the entire look together. We dressed our Groom relaxed and ready to cut down a tree with lined cargo pants, flannel shirt, jacket and warm scarf. His deer boutonnière pin was sent to us by Better Fellow and couldn’t have been any more fitting.
Tailgating and horse drawn rides are a must when cutting down your tree!! A 1940 Studebaker truck made the perfect tailgate and Coppola Creative made the perfect chalkboard wedding timeline to add to the styling. Fur pillows, skis, sleds and blankets made it feel like you could hang out all afternoon. A bonfire with s’mores station and hot cocoa is a must at any outdoor winter gathering. And of course, ribbon candy, candy canes and the most adorable winter shaped sugar cookies. The wedding cake, done by On A Stick Bakery, was the most amazing edible winter piece. It featured a realistic stump base, cozy cable knit sweater topped with a naked chocolate tier!! PLEASE, YES & THANK YOU!! Then, off for a ride cuddled close and warm with more blankets and furs for a romantic trip to the farm-style dining reception.
Upon arrival to the reception, greetings from a winter mannequin with stole & pearls, created by yours truly, was adorned with tea stained escort cards in gold calligraphy. A vintage inspired sign from Coppola Creative, welcomed you to the Wedding of Amanda & Brenden. Farm tables were set with bone china, brought in by Rhinebeck Rentals, and fashioned down a balsam tree aisle. We then filled in with the finest wares from North Country Vintage Rentals. Mixed wooden chairs adorned with plaid blankets and quilts to keep the guests warm. Endless evergreen and eucalyptus roping ran down the center of the table over a linen runner and brass candlesticks with cream candles added that extra layer of metal. Overhead, beautiful Edison bistro lighting gave us a warm glow from above.
This shoot was nothing less than a creatives dream as you can see by the stunning photos captured by Alicia King Photography. Working in 35 degree weather, doing what we love, is a testament to all these professionals. The magical snow Mother Nature provided us was a beautiful gift we will always remember.
This is such a festive engagement sesh! Love it!!!
Obsessed!
Awww sooo cute and wintery and fun!