A Christmas Wedding in the South

I originally wanted a December wedding, myself.  That didn't work out and we ended up getting married in May.  Which for our family is just as busy as the Christmas season.  However, if there is anything that could come in second to Christmas for me, it would be a wedding.  And a CHRISTMAS WEDDING?!  STOP.  I love this idea way too much!

The wedding we attended this past weekend was not actually ON Christmas but it was close enough to Christmas for me to classify it as a "Christmas Wedding".  My friend (and workout coach), Karol's, oldest daughter got married in Baton Rouge and being only a couple of hours away, we decided what better way to spend a Friday night than helping her celebrate the nuptials.

The wedding ceremony, a traditional catholic one, was absolutely beautiful.  The music was lovely.  The bridesmaids all wore floor length gowns in shades of gold; none were alike.  That, I really liked.  Some were beaded, some were not but all, I'm sure reflected the young women's personalities.  When the bride came down the aisle, I, of course, noticed her beautiful gown and veil, however, what I really liked was the fact that she was wearing a deep red lipstick.  How striking this bride was with her dark brown hair and those red lips.  After the ceremony we set off for the reception.  I love wedding receptions for here is where the bride can really show off her style preferences.

The reception was held at White Oak Plantation owned by Chef John Folse.  From the moment we drove up, I knew that this wedding reception was one I had to share with my readers.

This...is what we drove up to.  And that...is when I became very excited and super happy I had decided to charge my cell phone battery.  I was definitely going to be taking some photos.

        I didn't get a great picture of the car the couple drove, but it was a white, vintage Bentley.

When we entered the house, I snapped this photo of the bride because I know how busy brides are at receptions and I knew that I might not get another chance to get a photo of her.

I loved the fact that there were so many beautiful antique pieces of furniture in the house being used to display items for the reception.

And with a Christmas wedding, of course, there were several Christmas trees on display.  This one was in the main sitting room upon entering the house.  It was where the cakes, dessert bar and coffee bar would later be displayed.

                                     Behind the staircase was a table for presents and cards.

                   A breezeway connected the main house to the reception hall and grounds.

The outdoor seating was beautifully set up around old, brick fireplaces that were cozy on this cool night and set the mood perfectly for a Christmas wedding in the south.

 The tables outside were decorated simply with white table cloths and candle light that had a vintage feel.

                                          Food service tables could be found inside and out.

                                                                   Along with a bar.

 Upon entering the main reception hall, guests had the opportunity to help the new couple make memories by taking a white ornament and writing their name with a gold pen on it and placing it on a Christmas tree.

 Hubby and I were lucky enough to secure a table inside and from there I moved about throughout the evening snapping photos.  The tables inside held these lovely flower arrangements.

Another Christmas tree could be found in the corner of the room and look at that black and white tile floor.

We made our way back up to the front of the house where the wedding cake had been cut and other desserts and drinks were being offered.

Keeping with the theme of gold, the Bride's Cake was simple and elegant with each layer being a different flavor.

           The groom's cake, a King Cake, sat among other desserts on a table across the room.

I loved the many little canvases with quotes placed strategically throughout the reception that were also in keeping with the gold theme of the wedding.

                                Next, was one of my favorite things...This hot beverage bar.

Set upon an antique buffet, covered with a white table cloth, this bar had beautiful silver pots that served the hot beverages and crystal martini glasses that held the condiments.

As the evening came to a close, I was really happy that this sweet couple had invited us to attend their wedding.  It was beautiful, elegant and a magical event that was just perfect in every way for this time of the year.