Lara + Jason’s Elegant Connecticut Christmas Wedding at Lord Thompson Manor

I should start by saying that I adore watching cheesy, romantic holiday movies on Netflix. So when I say that Lara and Jason’s wedding had the warm, cozy energy of a Hallmark Christmas movie, I mean it in the most sincere, full-hearted, and loving way.

You see, Lara and Jason love Christmas a little more than the usual amount. They host a big Christmas party for friend and family every year. And I think it’s a safe bet that their wedding was their biggest and best Christmas party ever!

At the rehearsal dinner, there was tree decorating and twinkly lights, a Christmas carol sing along, a hot cocoa bar, custom ornaments, and of course, an abundance of love and family. On the wedding day, the couple was elegant and radiant. Jason wore a Scrooge-inspired getup, complete with top hat and tails and Lara wore the fanciest lace booties and a fur cape that could rival that of any Disney princess.

But unlike a lighthearted Hallmark movie, the weekend was grounded in love, thoughtfulness, and a beautiful depth of commitment. Lara and Jason thought through every detail, from the way they walked down the aisle (from either end of the room, meeting at the center), to their rings (custom designed by a close friend, each with several levels of meaning), to their vows, which were some of my favorites, perhaps ever.

They each started with their own words, stories, and emotions, but ended with a set of careful promises that they had crafted together. Each of their vows brought me to tears, but the words Jason spoke could have been stolen right from my own heart on my wedding day 7.5 years ago. The feeling of wondering – how do you know if this is the right person? – and then, in the weeks before the wedding, a sense of certainty that can’t come from and logic or research, but rather, from the soul. (::sob::)

I was also utterly delighted by their family and friends, some of whom I’ve met before, and some who were new to me. Like Uncle Dave and Aunt Cathy with the fabulous dance moves, or the professor friend with his trademark bow tie, or one young cousin who did the Floss and the Robot with Lara as family circled around them and cheered them on.

The whole weekend was like being wrapped in the warmest hug of belonging, joy, and love. What a perfect way to close out 2018!