Despite the inclement cold and shorter days we love winter weddings as much as our couples do. Melissa and Yves had a vision for a rustic handmade Christmas wedding that embraced their close relationships with family and friends. They so beautifully had just that and more in our eyes. What made this celebration so special was the focus on meaningful details and overall intimacy of the entire day. The groom’s father officiated an extremely touching and heartfelt ceremony involving several family members to deliver the homily. And Melissa and Yves are both voice and musical educators so it was only fitting for a choir of their guests to entertain the others.

Afterward, guests arrived to a cozy candle and Christmas light lit barn and were treated to warm beverages and hand made treats. A collection of the families’ heirloom chinaware was the perfect compliment to the hand prepared dinner that spotlighted farm raised crops and family recipes. For dessert, handmade ice cream, Mom’s cookies and chocolates and Dad’s famous pies we all on display. In lieu of a chaotic reception there was a bit of storytelling accompanied by family songs both hummed and strummed.

There was an outpouring of love that you could feel in every moment of the day. It was so moving to see the warmth that emanated from the fellowship they shared with each and every guest. With a sparkler send off leading to a horse drawn carriage, it was the picture perfect ending to their storybook day. I can’t imagine the feeling the two of them had in their hearts as they disappeared into the dark, star-filled night.

Weddings are what you make them–when you close your eyes, what do you see? What do you want to hear, smell, taste, and want to remember about your special day? Enjoy exactly what Melissa and Yves dreamed of as you view the image from this memorable evening in the tiny little town of Columbus, WI.

P.S:: Colombus, WI was one of the Wisconsin towns that Hollywood descended upon for filming of the most recent Public Enemies movie, staring none other then J Depp!