Have you heard of the Danish concept “hygge”? At its most basic, it means cozy. But in reality, it is a lifestyle centered around moments of warmth and contentment brought by simple pleasures. However, it isn’t just a pair of cozy socks or a cup of tea. Sure, these things can be “hyggelig.” But a more accurate description of hygge is this:

Imagine you are out in the cold rain all day, doing hard physical labor. As it starts to get dark, you come inside and shed your wet clothes and put on warm, dry ones. You start a fire and light your house with candles against the darkness outside. You fill your empty belly with warm food and spend the evening relaxed, unrushed. 

What makes this different? Contrast. It isn’t just lighting a candle, but lighting a candle as night falls. It isn’t just putting on cozy sweatpants, but taking off cold, wet clothes to don wam, dry ones. 

So why am I going on about hygge? 

I’ve been thinking about this concept a lot as we all are in such a strange season of discomfort and anxiety. I am especially thinking about so many of my 2020 wedding clients, who have had to push off their big day because of an unexpected worldwide tragedy. Some have opted for micro weddings, some have gone full elopement, and still, others are pushing back month by month, praying that their spring wedding doesn’t turn into a winter one. 

However, I am encouraging my clients to seriously consider embracing a winter wedding. I know it can feel like a disappointment to go from a warm, sunny wedding day to a potentially dreary, cold winter one. But what if we looked at it this way:

Suppose you decide to embrace the concept of hygge and aim for contrast? With the cold winter wind blowing outside, why not gather with your most loved ones in a cozy, candlelit room? Why not take pictures under bare trees, you and your partner radiant with life?

I know, winter is months away. And there is no harm in hoping that the world gets back to normal in time for your original wedding date. But if we must accept change, why not find some beauty in it? 

Check out the rest of the photos from this cozy winter wedding at Big Bear Cafe below!