3 things to consider when planning a winter / holiday wedding

Winter weddings are gaining popularity recently and many wedding venues will transform into cozy, festive hubs of celebration for you and your guests to eat, drink and be merry! If you’re considering getting married during the month of December, there are a few additional layers of detail to consider and factor into your planning.

…enjoy these tips from years of experience capturing couples at recent winter weddings held at unique Baltimore and Maryland wedding venues!

1. be mindful of how days are shorter in cooler months and how the timing of your ceremony can directly affect your photos

for example, if you’re planning a church ceremony that will last about 45-60 minutes to incorporate a full mass and/or start at 3pm or later, the sun will be setting right at the end of your ceremony and won’t allow for many portraits (if any at all!) using natural light. rushing to get portraits in after your ceremony while everyone is anxious to get to the reception and enjoy cocktail hour does not make for a great experience. for weddings between november through february, I highly recommend doing a first look and planning for portraits of you and your partner, bridal party and immediate family BEFORE the ceremony to ensure we have plenty of time to take gorgeous photos in the most flattering light and while everyone is still fresh and focused!

2. find out what your venue will look like during the winter months and if/how they decorate for the holidays

are there added twinkle lights? how festive is their typical winter decor? are you able to see the designs for their decor in advance to make sure you can coordinate any colors, textures or florals to compliment and look cohesive?

Baltimore Country Club for example, has their own holiday decor and florals designed and provided by Victoria Clausen Floral Events… not only is it gorgeous and one less thing for you to think about, but it also makes for beautiful backdrops for your photos both inside and out. I’m all about the added value! ;)

3. don’t let the weather scare you

use the colder weather to your benefit! gift your bridesmaids scarves, fur stoles, cute sweater wraps, fun jackets, boots, etc… your photos will be unique and full of personality :) aaaand, unless it’s pouring rain out, I will ALWAYS recommend we take your portraits outside since natural light is more flattering and will allow us more options of poses, movement, light and shadow.

I love seeing all the unique details our couples include at their late fall and early winter weddings since it usually means warm signature cocktails, cozy wraps and tons of greenery and texture!

winter holiday soiree at liriodendron mansion | maryland wedding venue

Imagine hundreds of twinkle lights wrapped inside wisteria branches arching over a patio that overlooks 100 acres of exquisite grounds in Harford County… a cozy and chic winter gathering of dear friends inside a Georgian Revival mansion that dates back to 1898…

In early December, we kicked off the holiday season with a festive soirée to remember! Hosted by Caitie Welch of Betty Lou Events and Melissa & Jim Benson, Owners of Eleven Courses Catering at The Liriodendron Mansion, the entire place was filled with magic that only this time of year can bring…

The stately architecture of the historic Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air, MD provided the perfect backdrop as daylight faded into golden hour and guests began to arrive!

Non-traditional textured magnolia leaves, dark red roses and hand painted gold greenery decked the halls as nearly 40 of the DMV’s best creatives were serenaded while sipping gourmet hot chocolate and festive cocktails on velvet settees. Small bites were wrapped like presents and served in whimsical ways, by servers wearing tartan plaid ties to match the runners in the stunning holiday inspired tablescape.

Directly following cocktails, guests were invited to take their seats; farm tables were set with chic black and white place settings for all to enjoy an incredible 3 course dinner. Each seat was set with a hand lettered ornament and a delicate contemporary menu.

Vendor Team:

Creative Direction: Betty Lou Events
Videographer: Rivion Films
Photography: Urban Row Photography
Menu Design & Catering: Eleven Courses Catering
Tabletop Design: Pretty Little Wedding Co.
Rentals + Styling: Emerald Event Design
Farm Tables + Benches: Barnes Farm Tables
Floral: Steelcut Flower Co. 
Stationery: Ruby the Fox
Lettering + Signage: The Letter Grey
Venue: The Liriodendron Mansion
Pianist: The Concert Truck
Makeup: Chrissy Forbes

video by Nevin Baker for Rivion Films

ABOUT THE LIRIODENDRON MANSION:

The Liriodendron is a historic home and estate of one of the four founding physicians of the Johns Hopkins Medical College, Dr. Howard Kelly. Liriodendron is the botanical name for the tulip poplar, many of which can be found around the grounds of this historic property in Bel Air, Maryland.

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT THE LIRIODENDRON MANSION? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes the Liriodendron Mansion unique?
The Liriodendron is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Purchased in 1890s, the property now consists of approximately 100 acres and a variety of structures: the mansion, a bank barn, a carriage house, a board and batten cottage and 5 other outhouses including a smokehouse and 2 ice houses.

The wisteria arching up to the main facade forms such an elegant setting for portraits and outdoor dining! No matter the wedding season, the architecture and grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine cocktail hour out on the portico under the twinkling lights, a fireplace in every room and entering from the staircase of your dreams…!

How many guests can be accommodated?
Up to 120 people can be accommodated at your event.

Where do guests park?
A large surface parking lot is available on the grounds, just a short walk from the mansion.

How many events are hosted per day?
On Saturdays, one event may occur in the morning and one in the evening. Fridays and Sundays only host one event.

Are there options for smaller, intimate weddings?
Yes! Petite weddings are available during weekday hours and brunch weddings are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8am-12:30pm; both at a discounted rental rate.

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Friday weddings choose a 6.5 hour contract time for a 4 hour event. On Saturdays, there is a choice of a 9am-4pm contract time for an event time of 11am-3pm or 4pm-11pm contract time, for an event time of 6-10pm. Additional time can be arranged should it be necessary.

Are there spaces for the bridal party to get ready on site?
Both the bride and groom are able to get ready upstairs in original and separate bedrooms and suites within the mansion.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes, all rentals enjoy the full use of our mansion and grounds.

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Chiavari chairs for indoor and outdoor dining and white lawn chairs are included in the rental rates, as well as tables in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Are outside caterers permitted?
There is a list of 11 experienced caterers from which you can choose.

Is a representative from the venue going to be on-site for the duration of the event? 
Yes; a venue manager will be on site from open to close.

What does it cost to host a wedding at The Liriodendron Mansion?
Rates vary depending on the season and day of the week; an introduction to rates can be found here.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
The first floor is fully accessible.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

The Liriodendron Mansion website: www.liriodendron.com
Directions to The Liriodendron Mansion: 502 West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 879-4424
Contact: Leslie Dohler, info@liriodendron.com