Rachel + Michael's December Wedding

From the bride: I like to think Michael and I are simple humans who value the people who love us and support us the most. And if I learned anything from planning a wedding during a worldwide pandemic it was all you truly need are those who love you, a loving fiancé, a pretty dress, a legal paper, and a photographer who will capture your love perfectly. So that is what Michael and I did we planned a simple wedding that honored the people and the places that raised and supported us.

We got married in our home county, the place where we were both raised but managed to not know one another. We planned our day for the middle of December during our favorite season, the same season when we got engaged. We took photos in the heart of Pineville in front of the beloved court square and iconic town Christmas tree. The same Christmas tree that made me awe every Christmas for 24 years. We said I do at St. Julian just like Michael’s parents and siblings. We celebrated at the Middlesboro Country Club, a place that held many memories for us both. We used local vendors and kept the guest list small and imitate.

We of course also wanted to play into the winter theme in an elegant, modern way. Just because we said “I do” in December doesn’t mean we got a White Winter Wedding so we decided to use coconut shavings during our church exit to imitate the perfect snow fall. Our color scheme was dark green velvet with black, gold, and burgundy accents. My bridesmaids wore dark green velvet floor-length gowns with trains and the groomsmen wore dark green velvet bowties to accent Michael’s velvet tie. The bridesmaids also had black shawls to complement my white fur shawl. My flower girl wore a sweet green velvet dress and bow with a winter cape. She threw “snowballs” instead of petals. The ringer bearer carried white handmade pillows embroidered with our favorite bible verse, our monograms, wedding date, and velvet green bows.

There was a brief moment right after our first kiss, I remember hearing Father John say, “I now present to you…” But in that moment all I remember is looking at Michael, he had the biggest smile and right behind him was the brightest light beam glowing through the stain glass of the church that raised him and in that moment it was heaven on Earth.

Photography: Emily Wakin Photography (Emily & Steven) Videography: Logan Mills Videography Location: Middlesboro, KY Venue: (Church) St. Julian Catholic Church (Reception) Middlesboro Country Club Florals: Angie’s Florist Wedding Planner: Blair Littleton Events Caterer: Tri-County Catering (Linda Cales) Cake: Ethan Warren Rentals: Volunteer Party Rental Inc (Rodney Alexander) Music: Rhythm Source Productions (Robert Brumbach) Stationery + Paper Goods: Tri State Printing Hair: Whitney’s Beauty Bar (Elizabeth Kelly) Makeup: AMH Beauties (Alicia Monoroe Hinkle) Bride’s Attire: The Steel Magnolia (Bridesmaids) JJ’s House Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse (Groom + Groomsmen Ties) Davids Atelier (Ring Bearer) Signature’s Formal