Planning A Winter Wedding

Claire + Aaron Wed-797.jpg — Dancing

"I completely forgot anyone was even there when we were dancing, it felt perfect."

Why did you choose December to get married?

December picked us. We wanted a fall wedding originally, but when I called to see St Johns availability, I was told December was the next possible option (unless we wanted to get married in 4 months because April 2017 had a random Saturday open). At first I was devastated, but a little but of Pinterest “winter wedding” searches later I was in love with the idea. Aaron was crazy supportive and couldn’t stop giving positive points about a winter wedding. None of our friends had done it before, it wouldn’t be during a Nebraska game (although it did end up being during a Creighton Baseball game whoops), and the boys wouldn’t be sweating a ton in their suits. Who knew they would be shivering (but it really wasn’t that cold, right?) were just a few of his points lol. Looking back I can’t imagine having it any other time of year!

Some Tips from The Photographers

Consider how you can incorporate cozy and practical accessories like scarves, mittens, warm drinks and furry snow boots
Bring some instant hand warmers to tuck into pockets and shoes for outdoor photos
Embrace the cold, laugh and smile together and with friends
Eat! It's important to eat anyway but on cold days be sure you had your breakfast lunch and dinner you need to calories to help stay warm
Have warm blankets and throws in vehicles for between photos
Keep cars running between photo stops
Consider cozy indoor locations like tea shops, cigar bars, coffee shops and bookstores or a greenhouse for photos

What was most memorable about your day for you and for him?

I think for both of us the ceremony was the most memorable. In all the planning we focused so much time and effort on the reception, but the location of the ceremony (St Johns), the family history (my grandpas mother attended daily mass there), the connection between Aaron and I (we had our white coat ceremony there) and the incredibly personal sermon that Father Tom did, made it just so so special. It felt like it flew by, which was crazy because I was so worried it was going to be very long with all the different things we were doing.

Do you remember coming down the aisle and how you felt?

Yes! I remember smiling a lot, and then thinking, maybe I should be more “chill”, but then deciding, nope this is how I feel, I am going with it. I know a lot of people cry but that was just not my first reaction. I had no idea, but Aaron says he teared up, but then pulled it together by the time I got to him. Good thing it was a long aisle.

How did you choose your wedding gown and what did you just fall in love with about it?

I was in-between two different dresses and they were completely different. One was super form fitting throughout the whole body and then the one I picked that was more A-line. The second I tried it on it felt so comfy and fit perfectly. I loved the lace details, the very form fitting waist and the layers that looked like ribbons (made of horse hair). It felt like such a fun dress to dance in. A rep from the designer was at the store, and she was so knowledgable, that just sealed the deal.

What piece of advice might you give other couples planning their wedding?

Aaron and I did not get in one fight the whole wedding planning process, and I think it was noting what was important to us at the very beginning, and being on the same team. We had a very bumpy road planning with family members, but we constantly reminded each other what this was all about, and it made the process fun, even when things were actually pretty difficulty.

Any special details or feelings about they day you would love to share?

It was such a great day, and so many parts that I love.

We both can’t believe we didn’t get hot chocolate. We had a hot chocolate bar with peppermint schnapps. We spent months planning this hot chocolate bar, and deciding if the venue or the caterer was going to provide it…..and lol neither one of us had one. Whoops!

The 1st dance was also an amazing part. I was so worried about the song, and dancing to it, it was a bit different. But honestly I completely forgot anyone was even there when we were dancing and it felt perfect.

-Claire + Aaron