there is a common misconception that winter weddings are something to “survive” or that you have to compromise on beauty to stay warm. abbi and caiden’s midwinter celebration at oak & ivory was a masterclass in why that couldn’t be further from the truth.

their day wasn’t just beautiful despite the snow—it was beautiful because of it. if you’re dreaming of a winter date, here is how abbi and caiden leaned into the season to create something truly beautiful.

01. embrace the elements

the biggest piece of advice i can give for a winter wedding is to stop fighting the weather and start inviting it in. ashland, ohio gave us a soft, consistent snowfall that turned the entire landscape into a winter wonderland.

i have to give so much credit to abbi and caiden—braving the ohio winter in wedding attire is no small feat. they were so incredibly “chill” (pun intended) about the snow on their shoes and the cold air. because they were willing to be present in the moment rather than worried about their hair, we captured images that felt raw, romantic, and completely timeless. the snow wasn’t an obstacle; it was the most beautiful witness to their promises.

02. prioritize venue intentionality

when choosing a winter venue, you have to look at it through a different lens. abbi and caiden chose oak & ivory, which is a photographer’s dream for a cold-weather celebration.

the key is natural light. since winter days are shorter, you need a space that maximizes every bit of sun. the getting-ready areas at oak & ivory are flooded with light, providing a calm, airy backdrop for those morning moments.

additionally, the venue’s massive garage-style windows allow you to feel connected to the snowy landscape while your guests stay tucked away in the warmth. it’s that balance of modern elegance and cozy comfort that makes a winter wedding feel high-end.

03. find the “in-between” magic

a winter wedding naturally moves at a different pace. there’s a quietness to the day that allows the “in-between” moments to really shine.

some of my favorite frames from the morning were of the flower girls, completely lost in the magic of the day, twirling in their dresses until they were dizzy. without the rush of an outdoor summer timeline, these moments have room to breathe.

we also saw this intentionality in the emotional beats of the day, especially when abbi shared a quiet dance with her mom. there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. it was a beautiful reminder that while a wedding is about a new beginning, the winter season is a perfect time to honor the hands that held yours before you reached this moment.

final thoughts

abbi and caiden, thank you for trusting me to capture your winter wonderland day. you proved that with a little bit of bravery and a lot of heart, a winter wedding can be the most magical experience of all.

the creative team: venue: oak & ivory event center photography: captured photography

planning your own winter escape? i’m currently booking 2027 weddings & elopements. let’s chat about how to make your snowy day just as intentional as this one.