Holiday Winter Wedding

If you are at all like me then your favorite time of year is Christmas. I put up my decorations ASAP and wait as long as possible to take them down. And as soon as they’re taken down the countdown for next year’s Christmas begins. So of course we are still thinking of this perfect Holiday Winter Wedding! 

It was December 22nd, just three days before Christmas, when we arrived at the Mystic Hilton for Pam & Rocco’s Holiday Winter Wedding! Pam had already told us she was in the area leading up to the wedding and all of Mystic village was lit up in holiday lights! As we got off the exit we could already see all of the stunning holiday decor in the area! 

As we arrived at the Mystic Hilton we were greeted by amazing Videographer and friend – Matt Van Ness! He was already getting to work on his detail shots. So Dominique caught up with him and jumped right in to her details! As Brian went to go check in with Pam! Pam was in her hotel suite getting her makeup done by her multitalented bestie Albie!

This friend is unlike any other! Not only was he her makeup artist, he was the wedding coordinator, wedding planner, and so much more. You could see him running around all day handling all that needed his attention.

The Mystic Hilton was also decked out for the Holidays. So Dominique helped herself to all of the surrounding decor while doing her detail photos! She used ornaments, a sled, a Christmas tree, the outdoor fire pit, and much more! Once she wrapped up her details she went and joined pam in her suite. Meanwhile brian had scooted over to Rocco and the guys’ suite to capture their getting ready process! 

Once at the guys room, the energy was electric. Everyone was so excited for the special day ahead. Rocco put the finishing touches on his wedding look and soon he was ready to go! Meanwhile Pam was just getting her hair and makeup finished off with a bold red holiday lip. Next it was time to get her into her beautiful wedding gown! With help from her sister and best friend MOH she was ready to go! 

We decided to utilize the fire pit lounge for Pam and Rocco‘s first look! It was a chilly day, but with the warmth from the fire and excitement in the air our bride & groom were unfazed. They could not wait to see each other! 

With help from Matt and his video partner Nick we got in place and let the natural love and excitement of our couple take place! We captured all the amazing reactions and the moment our bride and groom realized they had a private viewing party next door! After some cuddly pictures by the fire it was time for them to join their eager friends and family for our formal portraits. 

Now Pam and Rocco envisioned a creative take on our standard wedding timeline. They opted for their guests to enjoy their cocktail hour in the ballroom prior to ceremony. So for this reason while Brian captured the formal portraits Dominique jumped ahead to the room shots before guests could come settle in! Soon it was time to get the lovebirds married! 

The Hilton staff clearly cocktail hour and guests took their seats for the ceremony to begin. Rocco walked in first with his Best man and brother, followed by all the wedding party, and finally Pam and her son Nick made her grand entrance. Once at the top of the aisle their friend and officiant began. He delivered a heartfelt ceremony with many personal anecdotes of the couple. Soon they were sealing it with a kiss and recessing down the aisle as husband and wife! Directly following ceremony our bride & groom shared their first dance as husband and wife.

Pam & Rocco’s guests were then greeted with a surprise appearance by the only and only – SANTA! Everyone was so excited to see him and he even came bearing gifts to the youngest wedding guests! 

Next was toasts by the MOH & Best Man! And oh my if the reactions of Pam & Rocco don’t say it all… their speeches were filled with all kinds of funny stories detailing our bride and groom’s journeys through life and leading up to this moment and celebration of their love.

Rocco surprised the crowd by performing Billy Joel’s Piano Man! Everyone got out their cellphones for mood light and sang along as Rocco not only sang but played the harmonica! Following Rocco’s performance we had some big group photos to capture as guests were starting to be called up for dinner! 

As guests were finishing their meal we took our Bride & Groom outside for some evening portraits with the holiday lights in Mystic Village! Although it was bit cold outside these portraits were very important for Pam and so we moved quickly and got it done! 

Back inside it was time for our couple to cut the cake! Then the music came up and everyone got to dancing! The dance floor was packed all night long thanks to DJ Butch Gray! As the evening pressed on guests were serenaded by Rocco yet again. This time with help from his kids! 

What a beautiful Holiday Winter Wedding! Congratulations to the newlyweds! What a way to close out the 2023 Wedding Season! 

Part of the Amazing Team for Pam & Rocco’s Special Day:

Venue: The Mystic Hilton

DJ/Entertainment: Butch Gray DJ

Videographer: Matt Van Ness – MV Film Productions

Florist: The Flower District – Glastonbury, CT

Hair: Strand Salon

MakeUp: Best Friend Albie!

Wedding Planner: Also Best Friend Albie!

Wedding Gown Boutique: Mariella Creations – Rocky Hill, CT

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Modern Formal – Southington, CT

Transportation: Lindsey Limo

Officiant: Friend – James DeLorge

Catering: The Mystic Hilton

Cake: Creative Cakes by Donna