Fall may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean wedding season is over. We are here to talk winter weddings! Many couples shy away from planning a wedding in the winter,  but there are so many reasons why it can be a perfect time of year. From snowy backdrops to spiked hot chocolate, let's explore the perks of winter weddings!
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Who doesn't love hot chocolate on a cold winter day? When you throw a winter wedding, you can serve delicious warm drinks at cocktail hour. Spiked hot chocolate with a full bodied red wine, chocolate and ripe fruits? Yes, please! For whiskey lovers, hot toddies will be your new favorite cocktail. Think whiskey and tea blended together with honey and clove. Hot apple cider is another must-have at a winter wedding... a delicious treat that even the kids can enjoy.
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Snow can be your best friend at a winter wedding. A snowy day creates a cozy ambiance for an indoor reception. Imagine a rustic cabin filled with candles, your guests won't want to leave! Snow can also serve as a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos. Who wouldn't want to be captured with their loved ones in a winter wonderland? Make it snow indoors.: after saying I DO, walk down the aisle as it rains "snowflakes," a Pinterest favorite! 

Winter brides can take advantage of the cold weather and accessorize for their big day. Keep warm with a chic fur coat or an elegant wrap. Don't forget your winter boots. Some of our favorite wedding photos include brides and their bridesmaids rocking adorable winter boots and scarves during their outdoor photos. Don't be afraid to accessorize!
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Planning a winter wedding means more honeymoon options. Jet set away from the cold and plan a tropical vacation. For mountain lovers out there, a ski trip might be the perfect vacation for you. Cozy up in a log cabin for a week with your loved one. The Swiss Alps is a great honeymoon location for couples who love the snow! Hop into a hot tub, snuggle up  next to a fire, or hit the slopes. The possibilities are endless!

Wedding season is winding down and we are approaching 2017! From centerpieces to dresses, a new year brings new trends, but we hope this year's favorites are here to stay. What trends have you seen this year?

We are obsessed with the succulent trend! Why do we love succulents so much? Succulents are essentially a small sustainable cactus. They offer an earthy and natural feel to any occasion. Succulents have become a staple in home and wedding decor. We have seen them used to accent centerpieces and bridal bouquets, and used as escort cards, boutonnières, and cake toppers! One thing is for sure, we love these hearty little plants and the natural vibe they create as decor. 

From Mediterranean appetizers, to southern barbecue, catering food trucks have become increasingly popular at weddings and other celebrations this year. Many couples are opting out of the traditional sit down dinner at wedding receptions and exploring the world of food trucks. Two of our favorite local Boston food trucks that we have worked with at weddings this year are Mei Mei and The Chubby Chicpea. Mei Mei offers creative Chinese-American cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The Chubby Chicpea is a full service food truck and catering service that offers fresh Middle eastern cuisine. Both serve up delicious, quality meals for any occasion. Click on the following pictures for more information. We hope to see more of these unique food trucks catering weddings in 2017!

Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses are another favorite trend of ours. Your bridesmaids  personalities can shine when choosing different styles for each of them. We love the look  of a signature color warn in multiple variations. Many brides this year have also embraced different color patterns! From ombre dresses to flirty florals, we'd love to see these trends progress in the year to come. 

John and Rakeen’s wedding at the beautiful Whittemore Robbins House in Arlington was a celebration suffused with thoughtful details, meaningful family connection and of course, overwhelming joy for the happy couple! 
 
The stunning images below are courtesy of Ashley and Alex of Analog Wedding.

​After a morning of hair and makeup by Kristen Ball and Ashley Christine, the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed a little down time in the bridal suite of the Whittemore Robbins House.  When John and Rakeen snuck away for a private first look in the historic mirrored parlor, the entire bridal party rehearsed a special surprise for later in the evening!  

​The day’s main festivities kicked off with a touching ceremony officiated by the couple’s close friend Rob as well as readings from the brothers of the bride and groom.  Rakeen, escorted down the aisle by her parents Abdul and Sayeeda to Mumford & Son’s Hopeless Wanderer, was radiant in her white sari and beaded earrings.  The vibrant contrast of the bridesmaids’ eye-catching teal saris, the groomsmen’s classic charcoal grey suits and the timeless bouquets of white roses, peonies and lisianthus from Brattle Square Florist was a real showstopper!
 
As the ceremony drew to a close, Rakeen and John were presented with lovely traditional flower garlands and sealed their commitment with a kiss to the resounding applause of their guests!  

​Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy delicious treats from Deja Blu and Rasoi as well as refreshing beverages from Cocktails on the grounds of the Whittemore Robbins House.  Just before the start of the reception, Rakeen snuck away for a dramatic wardrobe change!
 
Rakeen’s incredible attention to detail was evident in the thoughtful reception décor – guests were treated to beautiful tablescapes featuring scattered rose petals, tiny gold elephant frames that served as place cards, bold teal accents and custom menus! ​

Welcome toasts from both sets of parents had guests laughing and tearing up over tales of the bride’s first day of kindergarten and the groom’s early story-telling efforts (hoovering spiders!)!  The laughter and joy continued throughout the evening thanks to a touching toast from the maid of honor and a hysterical roast from the best man!  Rakeen and John were also treated to a special Bollywood-esque flash mob orchestrated by the bridal party - all that practice certainly paid off!  And thanks to the efforts of DJ John of CZone, the dancefloor was packed for the rest of the night!

John and Rakeen’s big day was a testament not only to their love for each other but to the love their friends and family have for them both.  We were honored to be a part of their celebration and hope their next adventure will be equally full of joy, laughter and hopefully, another Bollywood flash mob!   

It’s no surprise that weddings cost a lot of money. Most of the items purchased are either thrown out at the end of the day or put into storage, never to see the light of day again. Many charities, many even in the Boston area, will accept used wedding items and give them back to the community. Here are a few of our favorites!

​The I Do Foundation has partnered with The Knot to help create gift registries that give back. Register with one of the Knot’s partner stores; including Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, and more! Up to three percent of every purchase made through your registry will be donated to the charity of your choice!

​Donate your wedding dress to Brides Across America, a local charity, out of Andover, MA. Most couples in the military can not have the wedding of their dreams of due to deployments and other hardships. This charity donates used wedding dresses to deserving military wives.  Brides Across America has donated over 15,000 dresses nationwide!

​Don’t just toss your wedding flowers at the end of your wedding day! Rebloom in a Boston based company that resells your leftover wedding flowers at a discounted rate. A large portion of the proceeds is donated to a charity of your choice. It’s hassle free too! Rebloom will pick up your flowers after your wedding celebration had concluded. An easy way to give back to the community!

​It’s a fact that most brides grow their hair out for their wedding day! Most women want long flowing curls or fancy updos for their wedding photos. Once the big day is over and you are ready for a new look, donate those locks! Locks of Love donates hair to children suffering from medical hair loss.
 
These are just a few of our favorite charities. There are multiple organizations nationwide that can help you plan a wedding that gives back! Know of a great charity? Comment below!