Think wintertime isn’t ideal for a wedding? Think again. Photographer D’Arcy Benincosa and stylist Lacy Geary reveal their favorite ways to work Mother Nature’s snowy—albeit wet and cold—blanket.
Make Planning a Cinch
When Jack Frost nips at your nose, ‘tis the season for celebration. “Winter is family,” photographer D’Arcy Benincosa says. “Wintertime is full of that special feeling of giving and love. Winter weddings are stunning because you can make them such family-based affairs.” Families also happen to be on vacation from school or work. Need another reason to celebrate in the winter months? The snowy season provides lower vendor pricing due to supply and demand, plus decreased décor costs—since much of it is already on display.
Opt for a Non-traditional Palette
“To ensure for a warm and welcoming table, I use different types of candle light plus warmer tones in the florals,” stylist Lacy Geary suggests. “Deep gray, plum and silvery greens are great tones to add warmth and invitation.” Geary also displays copper metallic elements in the place settings. “This adds in another texture, and doesn’t feel quite as harsh as silver, against a white backdrop.”
Improve Face Shots
We’re not talking about skiing in knee-deep powder. “Photographing in the snow is one of the best things about a winter wedding because you have the clearest skin tones you can imagine,” Benincosa says. “Most couples love being in green trees, but what they don’t understand, from a light perspective, is that the green trees often cast grey tones on their skin.”
Bundle Up
To keep warm, have a maid of honor or mother of the bride on hand to help. “In between shots, we would put an oversized, wool cloak on our bride and she had on big winter boots under her dress that you’d never notice,” Benincosa reveals. “Plus, every 15 minutes we took a break to warm up.” Worth the hassle? She says yes. “When the snow is that lovely, you can get several shots very quickly.”
Messy Hair? Don’t care.
Speaking of family, hair and makeup artist April Benincosa agrees with sister D’Arcy when it comes to snow-filled affairs. “It’s very romantic to get married in the winter,” she says. Inspired by the rustic backdrop, Benincosa styles a messy, romantic braid with subdued makeup. “Her makeup is very soft to showcase her flawless skin and eyes. Skin naturally gets pink from the cold so I went with blush colors.”
Styling: Lacy Geary, Raleigh, North Carolina
Photography: D’Arcy Benincosa, SLC
Florals: La Fete, SLC
Dress: Leanne Marshall, Alta Moda Bridal, SLC
Veil: Girl and A Serious Dream, Gainesville, Florida
Hair and makeup: April Benincosa, SLC
Paper: Paper Birch Designs, Raleigh, North Carolina
Ribbon: Silk & Willow, Hudson Valley, New York
Plates: Handmade Studio TN, Nashville, Tennessee
Models: Sarah Parry, Michael McColley
