One week before the Christmas holiday, with a full photo and video team in tow, we embarked to Brigalias to celebrate the marriage of Ariana and Matt. These two love the Christmas season, taking full advantage of having their engagement session at Longwood Gardens at the beginning of last year. We were thrilled to see the holidays incorporated in every part of their special day, from the decorations at Ariana’s family home to the Christmas music played at their reception, this holiday celebration was one for the books!
Getting Ready for the Brigalias Wedding
Ariana and Matt spent the morning separately, with Matt getting ready at the Courtyard Marriott, and Ariana spending time with her bridesmaids and close family at her childhood home.
When we arrived at Ariana’s parents’ home, she and her bridesmaids were finished with hair and makeup and were relaxing in their matching PJs. As Ashley gathered Ariana’s details, we were thrilled to learn that Ariana’s Dad had hung a special hook in their sitting room specifically to have Ariana’s dress on display. Having a special “wedding dress hook” installed in someone’s home was a first for us, and we were thrilled to capture photo and video of Ariana’s stunning dress in the perfect setting.
Meanwhile, Matt and his groomsmen were getting put together across town. Ariana received a beautiful necklace from Matt, and she told us that she was excited to see him in his stunning tux after spending the morning apart. Matt, with a whole bunch of rambunctious guys watching him, opened his gift from her. Revealing a beautiful watch. He smiled, then rallied the troops to move out.
Ceremony at Church of the Holy Family
As we entered the Church of the Holy Family, the beauty of the alter and purple decorations of advent lining the church was tremendous. When mass began, and Ariana’s father walked her down the aisle, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Ariana and Matt opted for a traditional Catholic mass, and Father certainly delivered, touching on all the reasons Ariana and Matt were meant for one another in his perfectly written sermon.
From across the east coast, a plethora of family and friends were in attendance as Ariana and Matt said their “I do’s” to one another. After the ceremony, it was off to Brigalias for a spectacular wedding reception!
Portraits & Reception at Brigalias
As we arrived at Brigalias, the sun was already setting, but we didn’t mind. The stunning fountains and up lighting around the gardens of Brigalias were perfect for bridal party and bride and groom portraits, which we wanted to capture quickly so the bride and groom were able to join the festivities of their cocktail hour.
While the bride, groom, and their guests enjoyed all of the scrumptious treats prepared for cocktail hour, we got to capture some extravagant details around Brigalias. The golden architecture throughout the room paired perfectly with the beautiful florals and table details. As we entered the main reception room to celebrate the wonderful couple, there was a fabulous table lined with Matt and Ariana’s Christmas time engagement photos, adding to the holiday décor. The Christmas colors, fully decorated Christmas tree and snowflake topped wedding cake were perfect additions to this holiday event.
The new Mr. & Mrs., along with their bridal party, entered to a crowd of family and friends cheering them on! After taking their seats, they both shared a touching dance with their parents, and were blessed with wonderful speeches from Ariana’s father, Ariana’s Maid of Honor and Matt’s Best man.
Saving the best for last, the Brigalias staff surprised the wonderful couple with sparklers to light as they lead the charge in opening the dessert room. The night was topped off with a delicious food truck parked outside the Brigalias entrance, where guests were able to grab a treat from on their way out!
