Burgh Brides – A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog
Menu
Close
  • Blog
  • Vendors
  • Venues
  • Downloads
  • Inspiration
  • About
  • Connect with Us
    • Ways to Connect
    • Share Your Story
    • Ask Burgh Brides
    • Advertisement Opportunities
    • Unique Collaborations
    • Contact
  • Shop
Burgh Brides – A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog
  • Search
  • Shop
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Blog
  • Vendors
  • Venues
  • Downloads
  • Inspiration
  • About
  • Connect with Us
    • Ways to Connect
    • Share Your Story
    • Ask Burgh Brides
    • Advertisement Opportunities
    • Unique Collaborations
    • Contact
  • Previous Article
  • Back to Blog
  • Next Article
Share on:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Pittsburgh Weddings

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera: Kimi & Chris

by Burgh Brides December 14, 2015

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!

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera by Dena Galie Photography Featured on Burgh Brides

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

 

Save

Save

Save

  • Previous Article
  • Back to Blog
  • Next Article

Other posts you might love!

Casual Dive Bar Engagement Session. For more unique engagement photos, visit burghbrides.com!
Engagements

Casual Dive Bar Engagement Session

Read More
Chic Family-Focused Wedding at the DoubleTree Youngstown. For more elegant wedding ideas, visit burghbrides.com!
Pittsburgh Weddings

Chic Family-Focused Wedding at the DoubleTree Youngstown

Read More
Modern Botanical Wedding Inspired Styled Shoot | Burgh Brides | Wild Native Photography
Styled Shoots

Modern Botanical Wedding Inspired Styled Shoot

Read More

14 thoughts on “Christmas Wedding at Bella Sera: Kimi & Chris”

  1. Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says:
    December 15, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Such a pretty wedding! Adorable photos!

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 15, 2015 at 11:44 am

      I was actually a guest there and it really was beautiful!

      Reply
  2. Audrey White says:
    December 15, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    This wedding is so beautiful, I can’t pick a favorite part! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 16, 2015 at 8:43 am

      I totally agree! I don’t know what I love more…the ceremony backdrop, the sequin dresses, or her shoulder bling!

      Reply
  3. Mikayla says:
    December 16, 2015 at 9:22 am

    There is nothing I love more than Christmas and weddings. Both of them together are perfect! You captured every moment perfectly!

    Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 16, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      Yessss my two favorite things together too!!!

      Reply
  4. Sierra Bailey says:
    December 16, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    Such a stunning wedding!

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 17, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Sierra, I couldn’t agree more!

      Reply
  5. Mattie says:
    December 17, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    Love this wedding. Winter weddings are my absolute FAVORITE. I always feel like they’re cozier and more romantic. I also think they’re more unique in that, in the summer I feel like everyone gets married.

    I love the fur vest that the bride wears & the unique bridesmaid dresses!
    Beautiful pictures!

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 18, 2015 at 10:52 am

      Thanks Mattie! I’m attending another holiday wedding this weekend and I absolutely can’t wait! Like you said, they are a break from the traditional and I love that about them. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Adriana Renee says:
    December 18, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Christmas weddings are so beautiful! I love this!

    Reply
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      December 18, 2015 at 11:48 am

      Totally agree, Adriana!

      Reply
  7. Pingback: 4 Reasons to Rent Your Bridesmaid Dresses - This Fairy Tale Life
    1. Burgh Brides says:
      March 14, 2016 at 9:23 am

      Thanks for including Kimi and her beautiful bridesmaids! Love these dresses!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

Want even more Burgh Brides?

Subscribe to Our Email List
Inspiration

Looking for the best wedding ideas?

Be Inspired

Love Pittsburgh weddings as much as we do?

Connect With Us
Back to Top
Burgh Brides – A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2023 Burgh Brides. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy

Website by Imagebox