MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | HOLIDAYS | OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | HOLIDAYS | OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

As I sat down to write this blog, I paused and asked myself, “how much can you really say about Christmas trees?” Immediately self-debating that this was an excellent discussion topic, I began to come up with lots of things to say. My, how much tradition can run through your holiday decor! While my Christmas is a tad more “basic,” I still thought it would be fun to share.

THE TREE

I will admit I’ve had some #familygoal fantasies where me, Dave, and the dogs prance up a hill and chop down a tree. All of this is glamorous AF and is being photographed too, of course. Alas… that’s not the way we roll. Growing up, my little brother had tons of allergies and Mom always opted for a fake tree as a precaution. This didn’t stop her from buying the biggest, prettiest one and decorating it with her is a favorite childhood memory. I’ve carried the faux-tree tradition into my own home and as a bonus for us-we never have to worry about watering it!

THE TRIMMINGS

Look, I am so here for trimmings. Lights are a staple, but there is something beautiful about the way a string of popcorn or ribbon can swirl around the tree and turn it into something magical. We went with a minimalist vibe to our tree this year, but growing up it was tradition to loop strands of pearls on the branches. Next year, right?

THE ORNAMENTS

If you didn’t already know, I have a bit of a Type-A streak. I like uniform details, color schemes, and even distribution. Putting bulbs on the tree can be just as big a task as a fun one. For me-this is by far the most tedious job of decorating. Dave and I picked some vintage inspired, but classic bulbs for the bulk of the tree. We’ve recently started collecting special ornaments to add. Here are a few of my favorites (Left to right: STARBUCKS CUP, purchased on a random trip to NYC with a photographer friend to attend the Taylor Swift ATT Pop-up Shop//INVITATION ORNAMENT, given to us by our graphic designer and very good friend EAlexDesigns//KATE SPADE ORNAMENT, because well… Kate Spade, duh):

THE TOPPER

In my opinion, the topper is the main focal point of the tree. Some people use an angel, some create bows to drape from the peak, or maybe you just leave it totally bare naked. It’s your prerogative! We used a gold, glittery star this year. It’s subtle, but classic.

THE GIFTS

We don’t make a big to do about presents in our house. If I’m being totally honest, I much prefer giving gifts to receiving them. I’m a big believer in that the holidays should be about togetherness… making people feel warm and fuzzy. Having said that, my Christmas wish this year is that you all go into the 2018 with a renewed sense of spirit. May you feel overwhelmingly loved, courageously confident, and make the best memories yet. <3

-Ash