1. Real Weddings

Alyson & Michael: A Winter Wedding in Princeton, NJ

Carolers, deep red roses, and hearty holiday fare helped make Alyson and Michael's Christmastime wedding a fun, festive affair. THE BRIDE Alyson O'N

Carolers, deep red roses, and hearty holiday fare helped make Alyson and Michael's Christmastime wedding a fun, festive affair. THE BRIDE Alyson O'Neill, 31, elementary school teacher THE GROOM Michael Donahue, 29, business owner THE DATE December 22 When Alyson O'Neill was a little girl, the Christmas season was always her favorite time of year. I just love the warmth and the happiness of it all, she says. So when the school teacher became engaged to fellow Christmas-lover Michael Donahue, planning a holiday-themed wedding for December 22 seemed like a perfect plan.

Alyson wore a gown by Reem Acra.
The Gown
The Ceremony Decor
The Tournament of Players Club at Jasna Polana, a private club which Alyson and Michael chose for their reception, was a perfect site for a Christmastime celebration. Intricate tapestries created a warm, rich feeling and a floating marble staircase lent an air of grandeur. Carolers in Dickens-era attire entertained the guests as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, which included baby lamb chops and tiny potatoes with caviar. Dinner was a winter feast of cherry-smoked filet mignon and salmon, followed by a carrot and buttercream wedding cake. When the celebration wound down after an evening of dancing that began with a bang, according to the bride, Alyson and Michael headed to a private suite at Jasna Polana. A few days later, they spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family, relaxing and basking in the warm holiday glow.
Alyson's bridesmaids wore black dresses by Vera Wang.
A priest who has known Alyson's father for years performed the Catholic nuptial mass. Flower petals covered the runner, beautifully hand-painted with the couple's names. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a string quartet playing a medley of Christmas carols; the bride walked down the aisle to Silent Night. Father David Duffy's homily, in the form of a letter written to the couple on their 50th wedding anniversary, brought both laughter (he mentioned our many children, says Alyson) and tears. Before the service was over, the priest invited a group of Alyson's students to the altar for a photo.