A real wedding “how to” for hosting a fun, festive Christmas wedding

The first time Mike and Kelsey went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for a date, they were mistaken as an engaged couple. This memory served as inspiration for Mike’s plan to propose. During the holiday lights display, he took Kelsey back to the gardens and reminded her of the silly mishap the year prior. The two were engaged at this memorable location exactly one year after their first date! Keep scrolling to see their special holiday “I do’s” at The Estate at River Run, all captured by David & Tiffany Photography.

Christmas trees as a ceremony backdrop

This couple’s festive December wedding was a quintessentially classic holiday affair, as greenery, trees, and rustic touches courtesy of Amy Marie Events and Paisley & Jade charmed this Virginia celebration. The Estate at River Run melted beautifully into the seasonal theme with an incredible brick exterior and illuminated interiors. A ceremony was held indoors with a backdrop of holiday trees strung with lights and red and white rose bouquets along the ground.

A dress with a touch of holiday-inspired sparkle

Kelsey wore a timeless Mikado ballgown from Elegance by Roya with an off-the-shoulder neckline and sparkling belt, paired with white glittering cowboy boots, for a look that was as spirited as their wedding day. Her makeup took on a natural glam style thanks to Beauty by Tiffany, and her hair featured braid work by Salon Seven Williamsburg.

Rustic Christmas decor for a spirited reception

Guests found themselves mingling on the outdoor terrace and enjoying delightful fare in the ballroom beneath ornate ceilings and chandeliers. Adorable painted holiday trees created a seating chart, and name tags were hung as “ornaments” on the display. Rustic wooden tables of the reception were adorned with elegant candelabras and swags of greenery. The couple’s wedding cake by Melissa’s Simply Sweet sat amidst a charming holiday dessert table display, and the bar for the evening featured a martini bar complete with festive Christmas ice sculpture by Chisel and Shaker. It was truly a reception that put everyone in the holiday spirit!