Vermont Wedding Photographer talks Winter Weddings
I spent the first five years of my wedding photography business shooting in the bright sun of Los Cabos, Mexico, and Northern California. The fact that I have fallen so deeply in love with winter weddings is a surprise to me! I recently shot a winter wedding in Lake Placid, New York. The whole day I was blown away by the lovely wedding details, gorgeous light for photography, and all-around cozy feeling of this destination wedding. I believe in winter weddings! And here are the reasons why.
1. Wedding Details
It's just a fact that your wedding details will look fantastic surrounded by the white backgrounds that snowfall allows. There is a reason why studio product photographers use white backgrounds. The snow helps give winter wedding details a beautiful editorial feel. Flowers, shoes, and invitations just pop in a way that they can't in front of darker backgrounds.
2. Twinkle Lights
There is no denying that you could use twinkle lights in a summer wedding. But, twinkle lights at a winter wedding gives such a cozy and wondrous feeling at a wedding. It is fun to use the twinkle lights to get beautiful detail photos and portraits of the bride and groom.
3. Gorgeous Backdrop for Photos
Photography in the snow is like photographing in a largely defused lightbox. The light reflects off the snow and bounces all over the area to create beautiful soft light on faces. Regardless of if there is full sunlight, partial clouds or clouds with snow you are going to get stunning imagery. There's just something so magical about shooting in the snow. Don't just take my word for it! If you would like to have some fun with your iPhone; find some friends or family and take them outside during the next snowstorm for an impromptu photo session. Don't save your creativity for the summer months. Some of my very favorite images have come from winter sessions.
4. Fashion
There are many more style options in the winter and colder months than in the warm weather areas. Believe me, I lived in Mexico for four years, and I missed my winter clothes and accessories. Sweaters, scarves, vests, hats, pants, skirts with tights, and boots are all things that you won't find in warm weather areas. When I talked to my couples about engagement sessions in the fall and winter months, I am ALL about layering. A winter wedding gives you the option of wearing a chic fur wrap, an elegant cape or a tailor fit coat. You also have the possibility of wearing fashionable winter boots during your outdoor portrait session. There are tons of options to make a powerful winter fashion statement. And that isn't only for you the bride and groom. Your guests will appreciate the fashion opportunities when attending a winter wedding.
5. Seasonal Decor
Another great thing about scheduling a winter wedding is the chance to use alternatives to flowers. Pinecones, Garland, decorative branches, wood fixtures, and other items straight out of nature gives your winter wedding a rustic-chic look without breaking the bank.
6. Honeymoon Location Options
My husband and I married in Stowe Vermont in August. It was a hot and humid day. The last thing that I could imagine was heading to a beach resort after the wedding weekend. We ended up heading to The Emerald Lake Lodge in Alberta, Canada. Consider the alternative. You host a winter wedding, and then you can whisk away to a warm weather area for your honeymoon. So, smart! Don't worry; I won't tell anyone it wasn't your idea!
7. Avoid Wedding Date Conflicts for Guests
I will be attending over 25 weddings this year with 70% of those marriages happening within the months of July, August, and September. I know, I am a Vermont wedding photographer, so of course, I have a lot of weddings in the summer months. But if you are aged 20 to 35, there is a good chance that you are going to be busy this summer with weddings. Consider a winter wedding to avoid the busiest times.
8. Vendor Options
Now that you've decided to have your wedding in the winter, you can rest assured that you will still have your pick of the top locations and vendors in your area. You won't run across as much competition for Saturday's in the winter. Summer weddings need to be planned at least a year in advance to ensure you get your choice of vendors. Don't quote me on this, but some vendors might be open to discounts during the winter month. It is simple supply and demand
9. Fun Winter Activites for Guests
If you grew up in the Northeast there's a pretty good chance that you have learned to enjoy winter sports. New England, and especially Vermont is full of fantastic winter ski resorts including Stowe, Stratton, Killington, Okemo, Jay Peak, Sugarbush, and Bolton Valley. A ski resort is a perfect place to host a winter wedding. It gives your guests some fun things to do when they do not have wedding related activities. Check out Laura and Albert's ice skating wedding at Stowe Mountain Resort. They actually included a fun winter activity into their wedding!
10. Did I mention the photos?
Did you ever notice how pretty the light is in beach or desert pictures? One of the reason is the consistency in the background. Snow acts the same way as sand does in images at winter weddings. It gives you consistent and beautiful backgrounds with which to shoot portraits and details. And, the natural light bounces around to create beautiful imagery.
11. Comfort Foods
Is there anything better than comfort foods? I am talking about hearty casseroles, warm stews, macaroni and cheese, baked pasta, roasted vegetables or even Thanksgiving dinner. Also think about the cold weather drink options that you have in the wintertime (with alcohol or not) including hot chocolate, hot toddies, coffee, and teas. All of these food and drink options can be integrated into your wedding menu for maximum coziness!
12. Unique
Stand out from the crowd! I guarantee your photos will look unique. Winter Weddings create very unique wedding photography.
13. Winter Weddings are simply Magical
Unless you have been to a winter wedding, it is hard to explain how magical they are. The cold creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere for your guests.
14. Tom Brady and Giselle married in the Winter. Nuf' Said?
Charleston Photographers Amy & David Bennett | 1559 Gemstone Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC
802.825.7505 | www.amybennettphoto.com | amybennettphoto@gmail.com