Kelbie and Clay Morris’ wedding felt less like a single day and more like stepping into a thoughtfully curated experience, one where every detail carried meaning and every guest, no matter their age, felt included. For Kelbie, owner of Gunn’s and Roses Catering & Events and a seasoned wedding planner herself, that intention was exactly the point.
Clay proposed on December 24, 2024, setting the tone for a celebration rooted in the magic of the season. Nearly a year later, on December 13, 2025, the couple exchanged vows at The Barns at Gunn-Stewart Farm beneath clear skies and perfect winter weather. With red, green, and black woven throughout the décor, the day reflected a Christmas-inspired palette that felt elegant, cozy, and timeless.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, anticipation built in a way that felt almost cinematic. Kelbie arrived escorted by a horse and carriage, creating a moment that felt both grand and deeply personal. Live music filled the air, with a pianist accompanying the ceremony and a vocalist singing “Hallelujah” as Kelbie walked down the aisle. The setting was undeniably romantic, but the heart of the ceremony was rooted in family.
Family inclusion was one of the most meaningful elements of the day. The mothers of the bride and groom participated in a candle-lighting ceremony, each lighting a candle to represent their families. Later, Kelbie and Clay used those same candles to light one together, symbolizing the joining of their lives. Children were not just welcomed but intentionally included, reinforcing the couple’s desire for the day to feel warm, joyful, and communal.
That same sense of thoughtfulness extended into how Kelbie honored loved ones who had passed. Instead of a traditional memorial table, the couple created a striking and emotional memorial staircase inside the barn. Each step represented a family member or friend, marked by embroidered names on a fabric runner and surrounded by framed photographs. It was a quiet, powerful way to acknowledge those who couldn’t be present while still making them feel deeply included.
“For me, the most important thing was the detail aspect,” Kelbie shares. “Some details get overlooked, and as a planner who’s done weddings, I wanted the details to show more than the bigger things most people look for when coming.”
That attention to detail became especially apparent during cocktail hour and the reception. Guests were welcomed with a festive coffee bar serving hot and iced peppermint mochas, apple cider, and hot chocolate, a nod to the cozy, vintage Christmas barn atmosphere Kelbie envisioned. The bar also featured a seasonal specialty cocktail, the Grinch Peppermint Espresso Martini, alongside classic offerings.
Interactive elements ensured there was something for everyone. Guests could pose for live watercolor portraits to take home as keepsakes, leave heartfelt messages for the couple on a vintage telephone, or watch children bounce with excitement in not one, but two bounce houses. “I wanted each guest to feel like they could grab a warm drink, enjoy sitting by the fire, and for the children to feel like they were part of the wedding too,” Kelbie says. “The guest portraits were something I wanted guests to be able to take home and have forever.”
Tables were styled with floating candles accented by cranberries and pine sprigs, reinforcing the seasonal warmth. Dinner featured chicken fettuccine Alfredo, ziti with meatballs, and rolls, comfort food that felt just right for a winter evening. Seating flowed between the barn and a heated outdoor tent, allowing guests to move freely and comfortably throughout the night.
After cutting a traditional wedding cake, guests were delighted by the groom’s cake, which featured a black lab in honor of Maggie, Clay’s hunting dog. As the night continued, Kelbie changed into a second dress designed for dancing, and the celebration carried on with laughter and music.
When it was time to say goodbye, sparklers lit the night as Kelbie and Clay made their exit in “Ole Blue,” Clay’s father’s 1986 Ford F-150, a truck filled with memories and meaning. It was the perfect ending to a day that balanced nostalgia, celebration, and heartfelt intention.
Looking back, Kelbie says her favorite part was simply seeing it all come to life. “It’s a lot different than doing someone else’s wedding,” she says. “To fully have a vision and wait 12 months for it to happen was a lot of anticipation, especially while planning weddings for other brides.”
Her advice for future brides is heartfelt and honest: enjoy the day, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. “At the end of the day, you’re still going to be married,” she says. “That’s what matters.”
To see more moments from Kelbie and Clay’s Christmas-inspired celebration, and to explore how thoughtful details can bring a wedding vision to life, follow @gunnsandrosescatering on Instagram.
Vendor List
Wedding Planner/Bride: Gunn’s and Roses Catering and Events
Main Photographer: Isabel Jones Photography
Second Shooter: Madison Kay Photography
Videographer: John Holloway Films
Day of Coordination: Tracy Yahn Events
Marquee Letters: Paige’s Luxe Events And Rentals
Bounce Houses and Balloon Arch: Little Bee Event Co
DJ: HD Entertainment DJ
Cake and Sweets: Sweet Sinclair’s Baking Company
Stationary + Live Painting + Guest Portraits: Paperie Maze
Food for Reception: Kathy Clements
Piano Player: Robin Johnson
Singer: Hope Skinner
Florals: Kim Mohr
Wedding Dress: Tiffinie Bleu Bridal Boutique
Reception Dress: Dressing Dreams
Tux Rentals: Simon’s Formal Wear
Embroidery: PoppyLane Embroidery and Karen Cobb
Linens: Augusta Special Events Tent and Party Rental
Clear Tent: Beachview Events
Extra Tables and Chairs: Cheek Seats
Coffee Bar: The Brew on Main
Tan: Blush and Glow
Bartender: Garden City Wedding & Event Services
Late Night Pizza: Warrenton’s Best Pizza
"I wanted the details to show more than the bigger things most people look for when coming."
"To fully have a vision and wait 12 months for it to happen was a lot of anticipation, especially while planning weddings for other brides.”