Did the holiday season sneak up on anyone else? I have to admit, I am spending most of my days behind the computer screen editing after an incredible (and busy!) 2021 wedding season. I almost forgot to pause and celebrate all of the winter weddings and engagements from this year! Before you get too deep into the holiday season, I wanted to share a few of my favorite winter weddings and engagement sessions in New Jersey and New York over the past year. If you are recently engaged (CONGRATULATIONS!) and are considering a summer or fall wedding date, this might just be the inspiration you need to give winter weddings another look! Here are just a few things I am LOVING in the winter season this year!
Embrace Dramatic Winter Color Palettes
Wedding color palettes featuring an abundance of white florals and greenery are always stunning, but one of the things I love about winter weddings is the rich color palettes they often bring. Cranberry and burgundy tones are always stunning (especially against a white wedding dress!) and elegant black and white color palettes rise in popularity, too!
Winter Weddings Give You Permission to Wear a Jacket!
You don’t need to wear a jacket in every winter wedding photo, but I do love it when couples bring in a little extra touch of personality with a fur coverup or leather jacket. You don’t have to be uncomfortable with outdoor photos just because you chose a winter wedding date! That includes photos with your fur baby, too! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dress up your dog in a cute sweater or wedding outfit.
In winter wedding and engagement photos, you can let your ring sparkle
While we talk about attire, why not also mention that shiny new rock on your finger? In New Jersey and New York, we still get lots of sunny winter days and against a snowy backdrop, that ring sure can sparkle. I would recommend this any time of year but make sure to get your ring cleaned right before the photos! I love when I’m able to really capture that sparkle.
Lean into the cozy winter favors
My biggest piece of advice when planning a winter wedding is to lean into those stunning (and cozy!) winter elements we all love so much. Even if you are not singing “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” on repeat, we all have things we enjoy about the winter season. A few of my favorite additions to winter weddings this year were blankets during the ceremony (to encourage guests to cozy up!) and a classic cigar bar to keep guests warm even outside. For one wedding, they served mulled wine as a welcome drink for their guests and it was a huge hit. Trust me when I say: lean into that cozy winter feeling and your guests will too!
Want Unique Winter Wedding Photos? Find Lights!
Last (but not least!), make the most of the stunning Christmas lights and other decor you’ll only find during the holiday season. Both indoor and outdoor settings can be stunning, and you may not want all of your wedding photos to look like Christmas, but there are plenty of beautiful backdrops around New Jersey and New York that really shine during the holidays and winter season. After all, winters are not exactly short here in New Jersey and New York. There is plenty of opportunity to make the most of these traditionally “off-season” wedding months. And as you can see, it can be so so worth it. Have fun with the winter backdrops!
Winter Weddings and Engagements in New Jersey and New York
If you are currently planning a wedding (or are recently engaged) here in New Jersey or New York, I hope this inspired you to give “slow season” another look! There are so many incredible winter weddings and engagement sessions happening in the winter each year. Your wedding photographer can help you find the perfect location and help plan your photos with you as well. Like so many other things in life, wedding planning is best not done alone. Let me be one of the first people to congratulate you on your wedding planning journey. For even more wedding inspiration in New York, New Jersey, and beyond, you can view my wedding portfolio below.
