Alex Glockner and Cole Cunningham transformed their love for Christmas into a breathtaking wedding celebration. The couple exchanged vows on December 14th at the iconic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, amidst a festive wonderland of pink and green decor. This wasn’t just any winter wedding; it was a full-blown Christmas extravaganza, complete with carolers, nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.
A Christmas Wedding Dream Come True
From the moment guests arrived at The Greenbrier, they were immersed in a holiday spectacle. The resort’s grand Christmas tree, rivaling the Rockefeller Center tree in size, set the stage for a weekend of festive cheer. Welcome bags filled with personalized ornaments, pink Santa cookies baked by the bride’s former volleyball coach, and playing cards commemorating a cherished family tradition at The Greenbrier awaited each guest. For Glockner, a self-proclaimed Christmas enthusiast, this was a lifelong dream realized.
“I have dreamed of a Christmas wedding for as long as I can remember,” Glockner shared with PEOPLE. “There’s something so magical about this time of year, and it holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, Cole and I have grown to share a deep love for the holiday season, making it even more meaningful to celebrate our wedding during this time.”
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DIY Details and Personalized Touches
The couple, who began planning their wedding nearly a year before their August 2023 engagement, poured their hearts into every detail. Glockner, a fashion designer, spearheaded numerous DIY projects, adding personal touches to the celebration. The bridesmaids’ cottage was adorned with a pink Christmas tree and custom-embroidered stockings. Glockner designed unique Greenbrier nutcracker sweatshirts for her bridesmaids, incorporating Dorothy Draper napkins. Personalized gifts, including hand-painted bourbon bottles and military-themed nutcrackers, filled the groomsmen’s stockings.
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From Chapel to Reception: A Christmas Fairytale Unfolds
The ceremony took place in The Greenbrier Chapel, where guests were greeted by Christmas carolers and presented with programs designed as Christmas cards tucked inside green mailboxes. The chapel’s interior was aglow with white lights, candles, and festive decorations. Bridesmaids in emerald green gowns carried hot pink bouquets as they walked down the aisle to the iconic “Somewhere in My Memory” from the Home Alone soundtrack.
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Glockner stunned in a long-sleeved lace gown from Kleinfeld Bridal, accessorized with a hand-painted pink gingerbread handbag. Following the ceremony, the couple made a grand exit in a horse-drawn carriage adorned with a giant pink bow. The reception continued the Christmas theme, with gifts piled in a sleigh, cards placed in stockings, and pink and green Santa ornaments serving as escort cards. Gingerbread houses marked each table, and place cards were personalized nutcracker cookies. Snow globes featuring the wedding logo and a polaroid of each couple served as unique party favors.
A Honeymoon Filled with Holiday Cheer
The newlyweds, who reside in Destin, Florida, plan to extend their Christmas celebration into their honeymoon. They’ll travel to London and Paris, immersing themselves in the European Christmas spirit with light tours, ice skating, ice sculpting, and a visit to Disneyland Paris. Their journey from a chance meeting in Ohio in 2020 to a magical engagement in Montana culminated in a Christmas wedding that truly reflected their shared love for the holiday season.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas-Themed Weddings
Q: What are some key elements of a Christmas-themed wedding?
A: Incorporate festive colors like red, green, gold, and silver. Utilize decorations such as Christmas trees, ornaments, garlands, wreaths, and candles. Consider incorporating holiday music, festive food and drinks, and themed favors.
Q: How can I personalize a Christmas-themed wedding?
A: Add unique DIY touches like personalized ornaments, custom stockings, or themed apparel for the bridal party. Incorporate sentimental holiday traditions or family heirlooms into the ceremony or reception. Choose readings or music that reflect your personal connection to Christmas.
Q: Where can I host a Christmas-themed wedding?
A: Venues that embrace the holiday spirit, such as historic hotels, charming inns, or even rustic barns decorated for Christmas, can provide a magical setting. Consider venues with existing Christmas decorations to minimize setup.
Q: What are some alternative color schemes for a Christmas wedding besides red and green?
A: Explore combinations like white and gold, silver and blue, or burgundy and blush for a sophisticated twist on the holiday palette. You can also incorporate non-traditional Christmas colors like pink and teal for a more unique look, as demonstrated by Alex and Cole.
Q: How can I ensure my Christmas-themed wedding doesn’t feel overwhelming or cliché?
A: Focus on incorporating elements that genuinely reflect your personal style and love for Christmas. Avoid overdoing it with decorations. Choose a few key elements that make a statement rather than trying to include every possible Christmas motif.
