There is something simply romantic about a wintry white outdoor wedding, isn’t there? Especially when set on a private wooded country estate! The smell of fresh air — lightly perfumed with evergreen — the slight warmth of the sun, the distant sounds of wildlife… In Southern Alabama, Bella Sera Gardens is just that place! Located in Loxley, Alabama and nestled on 15 acres of wooded property, this new venue opened its gates in May of 2017…
Hand lettering + expert paper good creator, Diane of My Lady Dye, was so inspired by the lush grounds, rolling terrain, and natural ponds that she knew it would be the perfect location for a timeless, romantic winter wedding, styled by Jubilee Events & Design. She shares: Bella Sera Gardens’ natural beauty and picturesque views inspired the unique locations for our romantic winter wedding. The use of antique furnishings throughout the wedding was key, as it melded the timeless with the romantic. It was also very important for us to use red carnations in the boutonnières and red wax seals on the stationery, as these traditional elements are timeless and full of meaning and history.
Prepare to be enchanted — these photos by Jennie Tewell Photography are all kinds of wintry magic.
It comes as no surprise that My Lady Dye, the one that put together all the inspiration for this gorgeous editorial, creates magnificent paper goods! We’re big fans of the use of watercolor + delicate leafy illustrations.
My Lady Dye shares more about her designs: the wedding invitation suite features a white and burgundy color palette with traditional “white” envelope and traditional red wax seal. The fairly monochromatic suite features varied tones of burgundy and the handmade paper envelopes with pressed petals kept the suite light, airy, and romantic. Hand-torn paper and hand painted addresses add to the romantic quality of the invitation suite. A monogram crest featuring winter greenery was painted in watercolor.
Wooden cross back chairs defined the center-line and the majestic trees framed the outline of our picturesque ceremony. The natural beauty of all the variegated evergreen trees and the changing colors of foliage that the winter season brings, painted the perfect backdrop for this romantic winter ceremony.
Holy SMOKES, that floral arch!! Jubilee Flowers is a true wizard when it comes to creating floral magic. The massive archway was dressed heavily in greenery and fresh florals were added along with foraged hydrangea plumes and holly berries.
Enhancing the site’s natural beauty was key, so much of the greenery was foraged on-site. The greenery was a mix of smilax vines, magnolia, elaeagnus, creeping fern, and a variety of evergreens. The local southern plant material mixed with fresh florals, in a color palette of deep berry tones, burgundy, nude, and forest green, made for some jaw-dropping floral installations and detailing.
It’s all in the details… Ally Taylor Hair crafted one gorgeous up-do to complement the Bliss Bridal hairpiece. As for that regal makeup look? All done by Ashley West Makeup Artist!
Windswept wonderment… That gorgeous gown with the lace top is by Justin Alexander from Bliss Bridal.
The groom’s boutonnière is differentiated with a red ranunculus an a pink edged spray rose with camellia leaves. Dating back to the turn of the century, carnations were the primary flower for boutonnières and so, incorporating this long lost floral icon seemed very fitting.
Velvet ribbon was an absolute must!
A winding white stone road leads you through a gated entrance and canopy of pine trees… What a dreamy place for bridal portraits (especially when paired with that gorgeous settee!).
Into the woods we go… On the reception tables, creeping fern draped the silver candelabras while silver chandeliers “floated” above the wooden farm tables. Burgundy tablecloth lined the center of the tables, as winter edibles including cranberries, black berries, pecans, and pomegranate dressed the tabletop in color and texture.
How dreamy is this tablescape in the woods? The incorporation of pinecones + the spread of greenery truly tied in the forest.
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Silver hammered flatware, wax seal menu cards atop clear dinnerware, and clear glassware completed the timeless, romantic, winter tablescape. All the Gulf Coast Events & Rentals silver accents and clear glass added that “icy” feel!
Last, but certainly not least… One gorgeous berry-hued Couture Cakes masterpiece, with silver gilding!
An absolute dream! Thank you so much to My Lady Dye for sharing this timeless winter wedding inspiration!
photography: Jennie Tewell Photography // venue name: Bella Sera Gardens, Loxley, Alabama, USA // florals: Jubilee Flowers // wedding dress: Justin Alexander // wedding dress boutique: Bliss Bridal // hairpiece: Bliss Bridal // bride's shoes: Bliss Bridal // hair stylist: Ally Taylor Hair // makeup artist: Ashley West Makeup Artist // paper goods: My Lady Dye // handmade details: Honey Silks & Co. // cake: Couture Cakes // tabletop rentals: Gulf Coast Events & Rentals // furniture rentals: Gulf Coast Events & Rentals // linen rentals: Gulf Coast Events & Rentals // models: Signe Boutch and Zach Boutch // visionary + shoot coordinator: My Lady Dye // stylist, wedding + event planner: Jubilee Events & Design // antique rentals: Gulf Coast Events & Rentals
Love these photos! Truly stunning.