December weddings offer a unique mood. The leaves have long since fallen, the weather is frosty and the world is ready to settle into a season of gathering and feasting. I love when my calendar spills over into the colder, quieter months after the rush of wedding season is over. Abby and Chris’s wedding day at the Inn at Fox Briar Farm was one such weekend at the beginning of December.

The intangible thing that makes weddings welcoming and memorable is a sense of atmosphere, and the Inn at Fox Briar has that in spades. It’s hard to beat spending your wedding morning in robes and slippers around a wide, crackling hearth. The spaces, both old and new have so much charm- and did I mention fireplaces? Wandering cocktail hour it occurred to me how rarely I hear the popping of an open, wood burning fire, and how nice it was.

The challenge of outdoor portraits in December is the cold, of course, but also the color, or lack of color in the landscape. I always lean heavier into the architecture, and find pockets of green where we can. Abby’s bouquet had a touch of ice blue, Chris’s gift to her was wrapped in cherry red paper- I tried to echo these kisses of color again in their photo set with elements around the inn.

It shouldn’t take me by surprise when a couple like Abby & Chris, who are so funny, welcoming and relaxed, have family and friends who are similarly amazing. What a joy. Truly the cherry on top of an already wonderful day is being able to spend it along side a whole crew of happy, excited people.

The Inn at Fox Briar was such a perfect fit for a winter wedding that I almost have a hard time picturing it in the summer, but I do hope I get the opportunity to.

Abby & Chris,

You guys planned such a stylish, heartfelt wedding day! Your love for each other and for your families is so felt, and their love for you radiated. It was a joy to celebrate with you!