A Cozy, Yet Elevated Christmas Wedding in the Snow in Boise, Idaho

Grace Thompson and Dylan Gubbay's love story is the stuff of fairy tales, catalyzed in the picturesque scene of London's bustling streets. Their first encounter was nothing short of magical; as Grace fondly recalls, "The moment we met, both of us knew there was something special about the other." Despite the distance that soon separated them, they remained on one another's minds. "We spent months apart but, for some reason, couldn't stop thinking about the other." It wasn't long before they realized that their lives were better together.

Their relationship blossomed, leading to a moment the bride describes as nothing short of perfect: "Dylan planned the most perfect, private proposal at my family's cabin." He led Grace to the beach at sunset, where he asked for her hand in marriage. Grace fondly recalls, "We sat alone and talked about our future together as the sun set." Their love story came full circle, as the pair were married exactly one year from their first meeting.

From the outset, important details were paramount. Grace envisioned a day filled with nostalgic details mirroring how their love had unfolded, starting with the city of London. Following their sealing ceremony in their local temple, as both bride and groom are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the pair planned a private tea party for close family and friends before the grander reception.

The couple's wedding theme was a romantic blend of their heritages and shared experiences. "We got married on December 22, just three days before Christmas," Grace details. In addition to this day being the year anniversary of their meet-cute, it was also a nod to the groom's background. "Dylan is French; we wanted to capture the essence of a European Christmas," Grace explains. The duo crafted an event with moody, rich and classy elements reminiscent of Hogwarts and Downtown Abbey during Christmas. Their chosen palette of greens, creams, browns and deep reds only added to the magic.

Fashion choices for the day were another pivotal aspect. Grace's dress was a masterpiece, reflecting her personality and the winter theme. "It had the most beautiful snowflake design with a square neck and giant puff sleeves." In contrast, Dylan, exuding classic elegance, donned a black tuxedo and bow tie. They curated wedding-day looks that fit the bill: timeless yet expressive.

The wedding day dawned, a chilly 9 degrees, but the cold couldn't dampen the spirits. Grace, who had always dreamt of a winter wedding, was undeterred. Following the vows, the couple led their nearest and dearest to the much-anticipated tea party. Here, in the intimacy of close family and friends, they relived their beginning with an array of finger sandwiches, scones and three different flavors of tea.

Guests gathered, wrapped in anticipation and warm layers, at Grace's family home, awaiting the newlyweds. The air was perfumed with a signature scent, enveloping everyone in a sensory memory that would last. As the evening unfolded, the reception space, aglow with festive lights and the warmth of loved ones, became the heart of the celebration. Long tables with a lush pine runner and candles of varying heights complemented round tables with glittering linens, sporting towering centerpieces of greenery. Winding vines of lush flora were suspended overhead, adding to the natural atmosphere.

The finale of the night was the couple's planned exit. In a scene that felt lifted from a storybook, "My uncle had his old BMW convertible waiting for us," Grace recounts. Surrounded by a shower of rose petals and fake snow, the couple made their grand exit under a sky lit with fireworks, a perfect metaphor for their sparkling love.

Reflecting on their wedding, Grace shared wisdom that transcended the day's events: "The biggest piece of advice we want to give is that perfection is not in the planning, but you find it when you enjoy the moment." This sentiment captured the essence of their celebration, a day of meticulous planning and genuine, heartfelt joy.