An Intimate, Winter Wedding at a Private Residence in Foley, Alabama

Between the custom vows and the DIY evergreen accents, this Christmas Eve wedding could not have been more personal or sweet. Maria Eschbach (27) and Samuel Mayfield III (24) started their intimate celebration with a simple ceremony on her parents' dock in Foley, Alabama. Greenery, snowflake-detailed ribbon and red holly lined the the aisle, as Maria started her procession in a white, modified A-line wedding dress that stood out against the natural backdrop. Ruche detailing centered at her waist as a silver beaded belt added a bit of sparkle. But what we really loved were her accessories. Maria completed the look with her great-grandmother’s fur stole and pearl necklace, as her grandfather’s Irish cross was wrapped around her bouquet. Sam waited for her in a classic black suit and whimsical Santa-inspired socks. After the couple shared tears and personal vows, they ended their ceremony with a unity-candle tradition. Christmas lights and snowflake accents were hung around the her parents' home as all enjoyed a night of dinner and conversation around a family-style table. Maria and Sam led the way onto the dance floor. “Everything was darkened by the night, so only the Christmas lights stood out from under the house,” Maria says. “It felt like Sam and I were just dancing under the stars by ourselves with our song playing.” Before their seven guests left the party, Maria and Sam handed out mugs with personalized sayings that reminded them of each person. “Sam's mother was ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ because of her love for 'The Wizard of Oz,' ” Maria says. Cascade Photography captured every moment of the night below.