Elizabeth and Jonathan
Dreamy Christmas Wedding in Herndon, Virginia
Ceremony venue: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon
Reception venue: Hyatt Regency Dulles
Elizabeth and Jonathan had a dream Christmas wedding!
Getting ready at Elizabeth’s parents’ home decorated for Christmas, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, Santa hats adorning the reception chairs, and Christmas cookies for dessert were just a few of the many ways the couple embraced the Christmas season for their wedding.
The entire wedding day was a cheerful celebration as the most joyful family and friends truly surrounded the couple.
“Jonathan and I could not be more in love with the photos. You really captured the magic of the day, and I know I have just been staring at the photos for weeks and get choked up almost every time getting to relive it. We cannot thank you enough and I will be continuing to sing your praises!”
- Elizabeth
Photo Locations
Beautiful Details
The bride and groom braved chilly weather for a few photos in historic downtown Herndon beside the iconic red caboose decorated for Christmas.
Afterward, we warmed up under the heat lamps at local favorite Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. The couple enjoyed a private cocktail hour with their family and wedding party, plus a photo op behind the bar, pouring drinks and sharing a toast.
It was so much fun to see a couple embrace the Christmas season and find so many ways the holiday was present on their wedding day from start to finish.
Beginning the day with nostalgic details at the bride’s family home, like photos of Elizabeth and her siblings with Santa over the years and homemade ornaments on their Christmas tree, set a tone of reverence for their special bond.
Every moment of the rest of the day included some nod to Christmas - garland on a horse-drawn carriage, poinsettia trees and an elaborate nativity scene at the church, colored lights on the red caboose where they took portraits, handbell performers during cocktail hour, red uplighting to add a festive glow to the reception, Santa hats and cranberry centerpieces for the dinner tables, Christmas cookies for dessert—the day had Christmas cheer to spare.
Memorable Moments
Elizabeth’s close relationship with her family was inspiring, particularly the love between her and her brothers.
Not only did she do a “first look” with her brothers that left everyone passing around the tissue box, but she also had her brothers join in on her father-daughter dance at the reception, each taking turns cutting in to dance with their sister for a brief moment.
Vendor Team
Ceremony venue: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon
Reception venue: Hyatt Regency Dulles
Day Of Coordinator: Floriography
HMUA: Emily Nicole Artistry
Dress Boutique: Say Yes for Less
Bridesmaids Dresses: AW Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Mens Wearhouse
Transportation: Point to Point Limousines
DJ: Mike Blaufeld
Click here to Read kind words from the Mother of the Bride, Terry, on Google.
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"Emily absolutely went above and beyond for us. Unfortunately, the day of our wedding ended up being FREEZING and very windy. Even though it was beyond cold, Emily never complained or made me feel bad for taking the photos outside. She didn't push me or make me feel like we should stop, and even encouraged me to make sure I got the shots I wanted before leaving (even though I know she must have been freezing her butt off).”
“Emily was such a calming presence throughout the very long day of photographing she did for my wedding. Half the time I didn't even know she was there, yet she was able to capture shots of all of the spontaneous and candid moments from the day.”
“Emily’s confidence and lack of stress really helped me remain peaceful on a day filled with many potential stressors."
“It was very important for me to find someone who would be very respectful of the Catholic faith, especially during the ceremony. Emily demonstrated the utmost reverence and captured gorgeous shots of the mass without ever disturbing the liturgy."
“I would definitely go with her package that includes a photo album that she creates. We fell in love with the album she created and she was completely open to suggestions if we wanted any changes made. Definitely worth it!”
