I absolutely love the cozy + romantic feeling of Nicolette + Jesse’s intimate winter wedding! There were tons of thoughtful, personal touches that made this celebration truly special — Nicolette wore her mother’s wedding dress; her wedding ring was passed down from her grandmother; friends + family lent their talents to the couple to make the day one of a kind. And with so many gorgeous wintertime details, like the clusters of warm candlelight and beautiful garland decorating the reception tables, this wedding is sure to inspire all of you lovely couples who are planning a winter wedding! More from Nicolette about her + Jesse’s sweet story:
Jesse and I met in college. He was going to school in Montana and came to Charlottesville to visit his dad during winter break. We met at the grill where I was working as a waitress at the time. A month after we met he wrote me a letter – the first of many to be exchanged before we finally had our first date. In 2011, after five years of dating, we decided to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand together. One hot, lazy evening in February, he proposed to me and was so nervous he forgot to actually ask the question. When asked why I wasn’t saying anything, I replied “You haven’t asked me anything…” To which he proposed, and I accepted. The next morning we walked down to the Walking Market and picked out a darling marcasite engagement ring. A year later to the day, we had an intimate winter wedding at Early Mountain Vineyards. At the end of the night, we sent rice paper wish lanterns into the sky, one of our favorite Thai traditions.
Thank you so much to A Muse Photography for the lovely images + congrats to Nicolette + Jesse!
A dear friend of Jesse’s, Diedre Carpenter, handmade all of the ties for the groom and groomsmen, and surprised Jesse by stitching a Bird + Turtle on the inside of his tie (our affectionate nick-names for each other).
My brother composed a piece on the piano for the processional, then recorded it in studio to be played at the ceremony. I grew up with him playing the piano and making up songs rather than practicing the ones in front of him. He knows my favorites, and I asked if he would compose a song for me as a wedding gift. I didn't hear it until the day of the wedding, and still today when I listen to the piece, warmth and joy wells up in me and I remember everything about where I was - the smiling faces of our friends and family, the fireplace and candlelight glowing, walking next to my father, and seeing my future husband at the end of the aisle.
My mother went antique shopping in the months leading up to our wedding, and hand-picked each china plate and tea cup. She also surprised me with hand-made cloth dinner napkins, with J+N embroidered in the corner, made by a few ladies at her church!
Let those that offer to help, do so! And surround yourself with those you love and trust.
photography: Rachel Couch at A Muse Photography // venue name: Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison, Virginia // wedding dress: Mom's Vintage Gunnysax from the 80's and tailored // hairpiece: Jenn Pineau at Sugar Magnolias // bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo // hair stylist: Sarah Coffey Tompkins // catering: Paul Deigl at Real Food // music: Tony & Stephanie Muzzin at NorCal ProSound // ring: Passed down from Grandma, to Mom, to me // dessert: Paul Deigl at Real Food // floral design: Jenn Pineau at Sugar Magnolias // decor: Jenn Pineau at Sugar Magnolias // cocktail hour musicians: Beleza Brasil // guest lodging: Lydia Mountain Lodge // rehearsal dinner: Lydia Mountain Lodge // rehearsal dinner caterong: Ace Biscuit & BBQ // rehearsal music: LG & the Porch Cats
The images are gorgeous!! Beautiful wedding!
This looks lovely.
I also wore my mom’s wedding dress. I had it altered, taking off the long sleeves and using that material to create a new neckline which modernized the early 70’s shift gown.
The cake toppers are too cute!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
stunning nicolette!!! xoxo
Gorgeous- I just adore winter weddings!
I love her non-traditional dress and love the long reception table with all those candles! So intimate and romantic.
There are so many beautiful things about this wedding, but I’m very much in love with that invitation!
Beautiful images! They really capture the feel of simple elegance
This wedding was absolutely stunning, as are the photos that truly capture the ambiance of the day! Can’t say enough about the details of this wedding, it was just gorgeous!! So glad we were asked to be a part of this wedding!
her dress looks like something from the 18th or 19th century and his suit matches perfectly! the setting is also so intimate and the lovely floral plates complete the feel of smaller, more genuine wedding found in centuries before.
Where is the grooms tux from??