Melissa and Ben’s December Cedar Lakes Estate wedding was a festive, Scandinavian-inspired winter celebration that fully embraced the magic of the season. The weekend began with a high-energy après-ski party, where guests danced to a DJ dressed head-to-toe in ’80s ski attire. The following morning kicked off with an Amazing Race–inspired winter competition, sending guests through a series of playful, cold-weather challenges before they relaxed in custom igloo lounges and enjoyed seasonal activities like sledding, skating, and curling across the property.

The ceremony took place on the mountaintop overlooking the surrounding landscape, where guests were welcomed with warm spiked hot chocolate and bundled in cozy faux furs. Cocktail hour unfolded as a charming holiday market, complete with custom ornaments that doubled as seating assignments. Inside the barn, guests were met with a truly magical scene—rows of Christmas trees lined the walls, twinkling with soft lights, while a custom star pendant lighting installation hovered above the head table. Minimalist pine centerpieces completed the Scandinavian-inspired design, creating a winter celebration that felt immersive, joyful, and unforgettable.

Vendors: Afrik Armando Photography; Mimosa Florals; PreDame Beauty; Anticipate Invitations; 45 Riots Band; SCE Event Group (Welcome Dinner); G-Funk Entertainment (Winter Race); Patina Lounge Rentals; Party Rental Ltd.; Event Lights; Legato AV; West Point Tours Transportation.

A Scandinavian Winter Wedding at Cedar Lakes Estate

Snow-covered building with illuminated windows, decorated with holiday greenery and candles outside, breezy winter scene with bare trees and falling snow.
Colorful wooden signpost outdoors with directions to Après Ski, Fun Run, Ice Rink, Canteen, Igloos, Fire Pits, Pavilion, Ceremony, Barn, and Treehouse, on a snowy day.
A happy couple dressed in white winter clothing standing in snowy outdoor setting with snow-covered trees and a log cabin in the background.
A woman dressed in a white winter jumpsuit walking through snow near a forest with snow-covered trees and a rustic cabin in the background, smiling.
Decorative posters of winter ski scenes and a small Christmas tree on a wall.
Indoor rustic setting with wooden picnic tables decorated with candles in glass holders and greenery, string lights hanging from the ceiling, and large windows in the background.
Table decorated with candles in glass holders, pinecones, and pine branches, set on a rustic wooden table with a white table runner.
A couple dressed in winter clothing, celebrating at night outside a decorated building, with candles and a small Christmas tree nearby.
A pink cocktail with a lemon wedge on a wooden table, a bottle of Tito's handmade vodka with a festive sweater cap, a small candle, and a stack of napkins, in a cozy, warmly-lit bar or restaurant setting.
Group of smiling people dressed in colorful ski and winter gear at indoor party, holding drinks, celebrating, with a rustic wooden interior and hanging green decorations in background.
A young couple sharing a kiss at a festive indoor holiday party, with string lights and a fireplace in the background, surrounded by other guests.
A snowy landscape with houses, trees, and a frozen pond, set in a rural area with rolling hills in the background and a bright sky.
A snow-covered building labeled 'CANTEEN' with Christmas decorations, including a red bow and greenery, in a winter landscape with snow, trees, and a large leafless tree in the foreground.
Person holding a green fabric band with white text that reads 'Race to the Altar, Melissa & Ben, 12.17.2022' in a snowy outdoor setting, wearing black gloves and a winter coat.
A group of runners starting a race under a blue inflatable arch labeled 'START' on a snowy outdoors path surrounded by leafless trees.
Two glass igloos with chairs inside set up outside on snow next to a white building with large windows and outdoor lighting fixtures, surrounded by snowy trees.
A cozy living room inside a clear igloo in a snowy outdoor setting, with a green sofa, armchair, fluffy stools, a wooden coffee table, and decorative pillows.
A round wooden coffee table with puzzle books and game boxes on it, surrounded by a dark blue sofa with pillows, a beige and fur-covered stool, and a patterned rug. Snow is visible outside through a window.
People playing curling outdoors in a snowy environment.
A couple ice skating outdoors in winter, with Christmas lights and snow-covered trees in the background.
A newlywed couple standing outdoors on snow in winter, with evergreen trees and snowy landscape in background. The bride holds a bouquet, and they are dressed warmly for cold weather.
A woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of white flowers and greenery outdoors on a cloudy day.
Bride and bridesmaids standing outdoors on snow, holding flower bouquets, with tall pine trees in the background.
A winter outdoor wedding ceremony with a bride and groom kissing, surrounded by guests seated on white benches, with candle lanterns along the aisle and a backdrop of trees and snowy hills.
Decorated entrance of a building with twinkling lights, greenery, and lanterns, surrounded by snow, with visible people inside.
Christmas decoration display with miniature paper houses, ornaments, pine branches, and small decorative trees on wooden shelves.
A festive holiday display with miniature illuminated white house decorations, small decorated Christmas trees, a plush Santa figure, a red and white striped ball, and a garland of dried orange slices, all arranged on a wooden surface with greenery an
Decorative display of Christmas greenery, pinecones, and fruit in baskets and on wooden crates, with a lit star ornament and small festive figurines, arranged indoors with warm lighting.
A wooden tray with a variety of sliced fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, alongside white napkins with a Christmas tree design and the names Melissa and Ben, date 12.17.22, and a stack of white plates.
A festive indoor dining area decorated for Christmas, with tables set with candles, glassware, and greenery, Christmas trees with lights, and hanging star ornaments.
A cozy living room decorated for Christmas with illuminated Christmas trees, a chandelier, and warm lighting, featuring a sofa, armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a patterned rug.
Festive holiday table decorated with greenery, candles, and place settings, with Christmas trees and string lights in the background.
Elegant table setting with greenery, candles, pinecones, and table number five, set for a festive holiday dinner.
A beautifully decorated Christmas dinner table with greenery, pinecones, white vases, candles, and glasses of water, set in a warmly lit, festive atmosphere.
A festive dining table decorated with candles, greenery, and white flowers, with hanging star-shaped and lantern-style lights overhead. In the background, lights and a Christmas tree are visible.
Festively decorated banquet table with green pine branches, candles, pinecones, and white tableware, set for a holiday celebration.
Elegant indoor dining setting with a dark green sideboard topped with a large, lush Christmas greenery arrangement, including pine branches, snow-dusted twigs, and white flowers. Decorative lantern with a candle and small wine bottles are on the side
Festively decorated indoor venue with wooden ceiling and walls, adorned with chandeliers, string lights, and Christmas trees, set up for a holiday celebration with tables, chairs, and elegant table settings.
A display of fuzzy slippers in various neutral colors on wooden shelves decorated with baskets, with Christmas trees with lights in the background.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception with guests gathered around, decorated with festive lights and trees, in a rustic wooden venue with chandeliers and holiday decor.