By Liz Johnson
(Photos by Laura Billingham, 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Wedding Photographer)
There is something magical about a winter wonderland setting for a wedding. The chill in the air makes you want to get close and cozy with the one you love, snowflakes make for stunning photos, and it’s the perfect time of year to go all out with twinkle lights and sparkle. Besides, venues tend to be available and costs are lower than summer nuptial events. (And you won’t have to worry about humidity hair!) Here are a few ideas worth considering if you’re planning for something frosty and festive:
The Venue
Let’s face it, in the winter you’re going to want a fireplace. 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Wedding Venue Finalist Lambertville Station Restaurant has a cozy seating area around a gas fireplace for gathering before and after the reception. Plus, the Riverside Ballroom at the Inn accommodates up to 200 guests and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Delaware River. (Just imagine how stunning it is in the snow!)
The Dress
Faux fur wraps and gowns with sleeves are chic options for keeping a winter bride warm. For designer gowns at affordable prices, check out 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Bridal Boutique Winner Three Graces Bridal in Lebanon, where the bride makes the choices and the skilled staff offers guidance resulting in a confident, happy bride.
The Food
Think comfort- roasted root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, parsnips and all varieties of squash. Or steaming bowls of warm and creamy soup, such as tomato, lobster bisque, or clam chowder served in mini-mugs that patrons can take home. For dessert, warm apple pie, pear cobbler or gingerbread. 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Wedding Caterer Finalist 15 Landsdowne Catering, now located in Frenchtown, serves up a nice list of roasted vegetables, as well as a variety of desserts in a mason jar. What’s more down home comfort than that?
(Roasted carrots with fresh thyme, Photo from 15 Landsdowne Catering Facebook page)
The Cake
Dark chocolate, caramel or red velvet are popular in winter months. For decorations, think striking white fondant or fluffy buttercream to look like snow, and plenty of seasonal accents such as glitter, holly, or edible gold leaf. Sweet Melissa Patisserie in Lebanon can dish up whatever a bride fancies. The bakery is also a 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner.
(Sweet Melissa Patisserie, Photo from Facebook)
The Flowers
Brunia berries, which are small silver balls, serve as a great accent, as do manzanita branches spray-painted silver or gold, pine cones, hypericum berries offsetting white or deep red roses, classic for a winter bride’s bouquet. Gather, a Frenchtown-based florist,excels at such arrangements, garnering it the 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner title for Best Wedding Florist.
Photo by Stacy Salvatori, Flowers by Gather.
Invitations
Invitations featuring snowflakes, pine trees and frosty metallics are in vogue this winter. Moody emeralds, plum, warm cream, berry tones or silver and gold highlight the season while classic black and white never goes out of style. 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner Adori Designs in Pittstown has a wonderful collection to choose from. Plus, they now offer additional wedding planning services to make your day go off without a hitch.
Decorations
Glittering metallic, seasonal foliage and all-white centerpiece accented with crystals and gold make for a winter wonderland look. And since you likely won’t be able to rely much on natural light this this time of year, you’ll want to go all out with candles and twinkle lights. 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Planner Opulent Events in Lebanon can set you up with all you need to make your wedding venue magical.
(Photo by Laura Billingham, 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner)
Music
It’s up to individual taste whether to go with a band or a DJ, but in Hunterdon County, musical acts are expected to put on a visual show. That’s why bands such as Garden State Radio, a Hunterdon Happenining List Winner for Favorite Wedding Band, are so popular. Lighting and props make the show memorable. DJs such as 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner Base Entertainment Group will bring along a photo booth to add to the fun.
Looking to add a seasonal touch to the songlist? Take a look at this list of “12 Best Winter Love Songs That Will Keep You Warm and Cozy” published by Happy You, Happy Family.
(Photo of Base Entertainment Group, Hunterdon Happening List Winner)
Photography
Winter’s early sunsets make for memorable wedding photos. Take advantage of the lighting by getting shots that make use of street lights and lamp posts. And when possible, twinkle lights ALWAYS up the enchantment level. Hunterdon Happenings List Winner for Best Wedding Photography Laura Billingham in Frenchtown is well-versed in capturing couples in romantic settings whatever the season.
(Photo by Laura Billingham, 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner)
Makeup
Go bold, with red lips and long eyelashes. Check out Hunterdon Happening List Make-Up finalist Zanya Spa Salon in Lambertville for your wedding look.
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