Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera: Kimi & Chris

Is there anything better than Christmas time?  Correct answer?  No.  That is…except for maybe a Christmas wedding.  What better way to make the most wonderful time of the year even more awesome than by hosting a holiday wedding?  Last year, my friends Kimi and Chris did this very thing.  They saw the holidays as a time when all of their family and friends was already gathered around each other.  So they jumped on the opportunity for December 27th nuptials.  Decorated beautifully for the holidays, Bella Sera was a perfectly matched venue for this seasonal affair.  In front of the grand stone fireplace and flanked by two sparkling Christmas trees, Kimi and Chris exchanged vows.  Lush red and white florals, metallic gold accents, and plenty of candlelight put the Christmas-y finishing touches on this soiree.  The only thing that glistened more than the decor was Kimi herself.  Post-ceremony, her encrusted, illusion lace bolero jacket with caplet sleeves was replaced with some insanely gorgeous Hayley Paige shoulder bling.  Bridesmaids wore assorted sequin gowns from Rent the Runway to complete the glamorous look.  After guests dined on a family style meal, they rocked out to both Redford DJs and Mon Valley Push, a live polka band that paid tribute to Kimi’s Polish heritage.  Of course, the night was capped off by a seemingly never-ending table of cookies.  A Pittsburgh wedding isn’t complete without one.

Enjoy photos of the beautiful holiday celebration, captured by Dena Galie Photography.  Happy almost first anniversary Kimi and Chris!  I love yinz guys!

From the photographer…

Juicy details on the proposal, please!  Where, when, how?
Chris popped the question on Sunday, May 11, 2014, during a Mother’s Day brunch the couple hosted at their home.  Here are their versions of the story:

Chris – The proposal actually started on the Friday before Mother’s Day at Kim’s parents’ house. I had a small window of time where I could meet with Ed and Barb, Kim’s parents, before Kim came home from work.  So I jetted off to Scenery Hill to pop the question…to them.  On Saturday, Kim and I were preparing to host our families for Mother’s Day brunch.  We quickly went from spreading mulch in the morning and grocery shopping in the afternoon to making fruit kabobs and pastries at 11 p.m..  There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute, but we finally had everything in place to set the scene for the moms on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, the drinks were poured and the food was eaten.  Ed was planning to leave early for a fishing trip, so I knew I had a limited amount of time to get everyone’s attention.  After we lured our families into the front yard with champagne, I raised my glass for a toast.  I thanked the guests for their attendance, celebrated the arrival of baby Briella (Kimi’s sister’s new daughter), hit a knee, tossed the ring box, and popped the question.  Kudos to my brother for his quick reflexes and catching said ring box.  She cried and somewhere in that window of shock, I slipped it on her finger.  GOTCHA!

Kimi – Our combined family functions are inherently chaotic.  On Mother’s Day, the excitement ensued at around 10 a.m.  There were people in nearly every room of the house and on both porches when Chris asked if I wanted to get everyone together for a toast.  (I awkwardly insisted that he toast to the mothers the year prior, so this was expected).  We had mimosas and lavender champagne to toast with – this was a big mistake.  As it turns out, our families are as indecisive as they are lovable.  My simple question to the group: “How many champagnes and how many mimosas?”  The myriad of responses: “What’s the difference?”, “Isn’t there champagne in a mimosa?”, “Fresh lavender?”, “Did you get the orange juice with pulp? I like it with pulp.”  Fifteen minutes passed and I reluctantly put on sandals before we gathered the group of 23 outside for a toast.  That’s when it happened.  I immediately began to ugly cry…and then said “YES!”

What made this wedding unique?
Kimi and Chris, as well as their parents, welcomed family and friends to Bella Sera for an evening of celebration on December 27, 2014.  Combining old world charm with new world amenities, Bella Sera is a beautiful event venue famed for its tasteful design and excellent food.  The couple exchanged vows in front of the venue’s tall, stone fireplace.  A fun-filled night of dancing followed!

Vendors
Band: Mon Valley Push | Bride’s Dress: Hayley Paige | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Rent the Runway | Caterer, Ceremony, & Reception Location: Bella Sera | DJ: Redford DJs | Photographer: Dena Galie Photography

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