I was so nervous!

For our first date, James got tickets for the Holiday Greens Show at the Hart-Cluett Mansion in Troy, NY (an annual event, where the local garden club decorates the Mansion for Christmas). It was hard for me to imagine that there were still men out there who would suggest an actual 'date' for a first date, rather than meeting for a quick drink or at the very most - dinner.

Before even meeting me, James understood how much I loved the holidays and gardens! Who was this guy!? He made me nervous and excited at the same time.

We met outside of Elixir, a cute bar that serves prosecco on tap, and walked down the fairy-lit street to the mansion. Inside the mansion was the most fantastical display of holiday plants. Every room and hallway was filled with evergreen trees, flowers, and Christmas decorations that were lit with the gentle glow of fairy lights and candles. It was quite the romantic atmosphere...

Once the stroll finished, we went upstairs to see their Historic Button exhibit (haha) --- so, it seemed pretty clear at that point that we were interested in each other. Without previous commitment, we decided to extend our first date by having dinner at the Illium cafe, followed by a few drinks in the Wine Bar across the street.

The date only ended once James had to admit that he was exhausted. But, I wasn't worried as there was no question in my mind that our second date would come soon.

Especially after everything he did!

It was a perfect Christmas date.

Now, we aim to visit the Hart-Cluett Mansion every holiday season as we begin to create our own traditions. The pictures below are from 2019 when we celebrated our first anniversary.

K&J

Wedding Day