Chris and Stephanie braved the blustery, completely non-seasonal temps with me the other day and were ridiculously cute in the process – another beautiful 2012 wedding coming up!

Aaron and Jenna’s wedding day was a warm one to say the least, compounded by the fact that their ceremony/reception venue’s air conditioning was not functioning. They were as happy as clams though despite the heat and the wedding was a beautiful event regardless of a few sweaty brows I always say that makes for better stories to tell the kids later! It was decided though that any more time spent running around in the heat wouldn’t do anyone any good, so an after session in the autumn it was! And boy am I glad they decided on this, SUCH a beautiful day the 2nd time around..

I’m truly not even sure where to begin when writing about this wedding weekend. Betsy and Patrick live in London now, so opted to host in intimate English countryside event with close friends and family. I had seen pictures of the location so I expected it to be pretty, but upon arrival it was truly something straight out of a movie. Dewsall Court has been lovingly restored and is a simply magnificent home. The hills surrounding are full of horses and sheep and pheasants and hospitable people. What made this weekend so special was the fact that every part of it was put together by family and friends. The morning of, one of the owners of the home went out and picked flowers and autumn leaves from the gardens to create all of the bouquets, and they were just perfect. Betsy’s maid of honor worked her magic on Betsy’s makeup while another one of Betsy’s bridesmaids did her hair (with no plan in mind at all) in the most gorgeous twist of braids and feathers, perfect for Betsy and the setting.  Betsy was one of the the most darling, excited, beautiful, elegant brides there could ever be.We girls donned our dresses and hiiigh heels and made our way down the aisle to witness and be a part of a touching and personal ceremony. The weather could not have been nicer, it was the perfect temperature and just enough cloud cover with peaks of sun to feel perfectly English at the same time. We spent the afternoon frolicking around the grounds, complete with pond, willow tree, beautiful horse, climbing fences and of course these two beautiful people. So much love went into this wedding and it was so evident how much the couple cared for all their guests, providing them with the most gorgeous of backdrops for a weekend in the English countryside. Betsy is one of my dearest friends and I was so honored to be able to both photograph and participate in her wedding. And though I’ll miss our Pinterest wedding board dates, and there are a few miles and an ocean between us, I know these two are beginning an amazing journey together; and seasoned world wanderers that they are, I have no doubt that this journey will be their greatest yet.
Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony and reception locations: Dewsall Court, Hereford, UK. / Flowers (actually mostly leaves): Collected from the grounds of the chateau Makeup: friend / Wedding Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Hair accessory: created by a friend /Bridesmaid Dresses: Tulle designs from Seoul, South Korea / Bridesmaid Belts: Knitted by the Bride / Bridesmaid hairpieces: friend / Grooms Boutonnières: friend / Wedding invitations: Minted with backs created by Bride / Wedding Programs: Created by Bride / Music: Whitney Winkler /

the coziest most beautiful reception venue possible – the sunroom of Dewsall Court. Oh England, you do things right.

cake toppers made by Betsy’s MOH – so creative

Betsy’s brother, cartoonist extraordinaire, created these for Patrick and Betsy – so special

This was quite the party – every guest dancing, good music, and ending the night with singing around a bonfire, it just could not have been more perfect.  Final post coming tomorrow!!

Betsy’s maid of honor doing her makeup

And bridesmaid doing her hair, with no plan, and it was GORGEOUS all full of braids and feathers

Okay, so this bouquet was made by the owners of the country home, straight from their garden that morning – AMAZING

Oh just a little Louboutin to start the morning off right…

taken by Christy – love this image. All the ceremony and bridal party pictures that I’m in are by Christy as well, couldn’t have done it without her!!

her wedding ring has the word “love” twined into it – it’s so unique and delicate

okay – this girl can SING.  Do yourself a favor and go to itunes and download some Whitney Winkler onto your playlist. You will be happy you did.

Such a sweet and intimate ceremony, I’ll write my thoughts on the whole beautiful day on the portrait post