Even though we’re kicking off summer, we’re spending a little time today on Carolina and Sam’s winter wedding. The day of their wedding, it snowed and we mean SNOWED. But you know what? It made for some killer photos. We love how the glistening snow played up the soft blush color of Carolina’s Stella York wedding dress and how their very intimate wedding wasn’t at all phased by the blizzard.
The proposal
I am from Lake Forest, Illinois, and during the winter the city puts a very large Christmas tree right in the middle of the market square. Whenever the family is all together we will always get together and go out to dinner and catch up on life. Well, this dinner was supposed to start with family portraits in front of the Christmas tree. My uncle loves photographing as a hobby so it was perfect to have him take the picture. Before taking the family portrait of me, my parents, and my sister, my uncle told Sam and me to get in front of the Christmas tree for some test shots. I did not see anything coming! But this is when he got down on one knee and proposed to me. It was even more special to have my grandparents, my aunt and uncle, my mom and dad, and my sister all be there together for this! We ended the night going to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant and celebrated the rest of the night! It was hands down the best part of 2016!
Finding the wedding dress
I knew I wanted either an open back dress or a cool design in the back of my dress but I always thought I would have a more fit and flare dress or an A-line dress. When I tried this dress on I was so surprised by how much I loved this dress! I felt like such a princess in this ball gown! I loved the color and how it was an off-white, technically called Moscato, and I loved the back and how intricate it was with the design!
The wedding
My husband and I love the outdoors and enjoy the simple things in life. That’s what really drew us to Starved Rock Conference and Lodge Center. Taking photos all over the National Park was so special. It was so quiet and we were just totally loving every moment. Our colors were Navy and a combination of a blush pink and some gold. This was such a special day because it was actually very small! We only had about 60 people at the wedding, which consisted of all of our closest family members and friends. The best part was seeing everyone who didn’t know each other before this day dancing together and singing together and celebrating the night. It was hands down the best night of my life and cry every time I go through photos! It was truly a perfect winter wedding. We practically had a blizzard outside, but the fireplace was going all night and we were all very cozy inside.
Favorite memory of the big day
Honestly, the whole day was so memorable! I absolutely loved doing the first look with my husband! It was snowing outside so it was seriously such a beautiful day! We took pictures all over the National Park which turned out to be such a fun time! Another memorable part of the day was during the ceremony when my grandparents came up to say a few words. I think everyone was crying with happy tears! And overall, just saying everyone mingling and dancing together and just enjoying this celebration!
