Merry Kissmas!

& Happy Hannukah! & Happy Kwanza!! & Happiest of Joy-filled Days to all!!

This time of year holds a special special place in SSD hearts – Katie celebrates her Best Day Ever in December & our Sam celebrates (one of) her Best Day Evers in January (oops, spoiler alert for our January blog!)

But first!

We have to talk about our Hallmark Movie-worthy weddings from Decembers Past!

Allison + Andy – 12.31.12

Alison + Andy were one of Ashlee’s last weddings at Four Points + it wasn’t easily one of the best ever!  A New Year’s Eve wedding with snow, streamers, another sparkly costume change, and a countdown at midnight to a forever long kiss! Since their wedding 8 years ago, Ali has modeled in a few of our SSD shoots + is hanging on our office wall. New Year’s Eve weddings will always be a favorite – there’s just a bit more magic as we ring in the new year + also lots more glitter!

Danielle + Billy – 12.27.14

Oh our Danielle + Billy!! These two know how to partayyy!! Danielle started their day in a princess gown + kicked off their dance party looking like a mermaid princess in a sparkly blue number! + when we say “kicked off” I guess we probably should’ve been more clear – their dance floor had a full offensive line. So, football fans, did they “Hike” the dance party? Is that the word here?? Regardless!! It was a dream of a day + we still swoon over BOTH of Danielle’s dresses!!

Grace + Alex – 12.1.18

Oscar + Layla + Sally (their pups!) are getting a baby brother this summer!! How exciting!! We are so excited for the New Year we just had to talk about that first, but we also can’t help but reminisce about Grace + Alex’s day 2 short years ago! Grace looked absolutely stunning in her Stella York Moscato-colored gown as she waltzed down the aisle to her happily ever after + Alex was tickled blush + gold (like their colors!) to see her! We finished our evening with a private photoshoot with the new Mr + Mrs + biodegradable confetti!

Brianna + Dom 12.29.18

When we say that planning with Brianna was a party in itself, we are not kidding!! This gal was so detailed and organized that she barely needed us! But are we ever grateful that we still got to dance with these two! Bri is one tough cookie (she’s a helicopter nurse, you know!) – this gal stood outside for over an hour in St. Louis in December for pictures + did not complain one time. Not once!!

Katie + Cody 12.26.15

Totally not trying to steal the spotlight from our couples but I do have to brag about my hubby for 2 seconds! This man has put up with my glitter bombs for 5 years already! I still pinch myself on the weekly that I get to spend forever with him! Our wedding saw quite the rollercoaster – you know this broad spent HOURS folding individual tissues + tying them with a bow for all 300 guests not to mention my wedding dress was ruined 2 weeks before our day, on wedding morning I was abandoned at the hair salon + Minnesota brought a giant snowstorm the night before – but every day since has been full of love and joy! Happy Anniversary, my love!!

Mama D. + Papa 12.30.50

Okay, last one! My grandparents are celebrating 70 years of love this month!! 70 years!! Papa had the most romantic honeymoon planned for them for the week after their wedding, but Mama D just wasn’t ready to leave her mom so poor Papa went on the honeymoon alone while Mama D moved back in with her mom! But she had her bags all packed after 3 days because she missed her new hubby so much + was ready to start their lives together!

Wanna know Mama D’s new favorite wedding trend?? The mismatching bridesmaids’ dresses! She had to borrow her wedding dress + the attendants dresses from a friend, but they could only find 2 matching dresses. She had her sister + Papa’s oldest sister stand with her, but if she could have had a 3rd bridesmaid, it would have been her best friend + cousin Eileen.