When I was presented the chance to document S + R’s wedding in the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex England, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Their day was filled to the brim with so many amazing details, locations, and their amazing love story. Their wedding was the perfect ending to my travel abroad this year and I wish them all the happiness in the world together.
S and her bridesmaids got ready at a stunning Airbnb roughly twenty minutes from the ceremony and reception location. It was a charming home in the countryside that had a small duck pond, a stable, and manicured garden in the rear.The Airbnb was absolutely breathtaking and there were so many amazing details to document. S was able to enjoy a relaxing morning with her closest friends and family before making her way to the ceremony location: her childhood home in the middle of Ashdown Forest.S + R wanted to include a vintage Rolls Royce in their day so S made sure to arrive in style to the ceremony.The ceremony was emotional and filled with love from both S + R’s family and friends. The couple opted for a hand warming ceremony, where they passed their wedding bands through each person in attendance so that everyone could bless their rings and union.Only after everyone blessed the rings were the rings collected by the ringbearer to be returned to the couple for their ring exchange.R held it together for a majority of the ceremony, but during the ring and vow exchange, he became a little emotional. Once they were announced as newlyweds, they shared their first shot as husband and wife with their officiant.Their exit involved their guests tossing dried flower petals as they approached the reception tent that had been set up in the back yard.S + R had so many little thoughtful details they put into their day. And with the Ashdown Forest being the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh, it was only appropriate to include Winnie to some degree. Their amazing cake was crafted by a family friend and was truly a work of art.After a bit of portrait fun with their wedding party, S + R were ready for some newlywed portraits and an adventure.These two were so easy to work with and their love story is definitely one for the books.Snack break! Note to nearly-weds: make sure to carve out time throughout the day to breathe and also to eat. It can be such a whirlwind of a day that you may forget to eat otherwise, potentially leaving you hangry by dinner.After their snack, we explored the forest and area around the home. S, having grown up here, was very familiar with the trails and asked for some portraits including the old airstrip on the property. If you’re not into super posed portraits, you’re in luck. That’s exactly what I specialize in.Once the adventure ended, it was time for speeches, dinner, and of course some dancing.Because R is Venezuelan and the couple wanted their wedding to be serious fun, S + R included La Hora Loca in their celebration. At 11pm, feathered dancers, stilt walkers, and a drum line came to perform until midnight. Right when things started to slow down, La Hora Loca began. Masks, props, and LED light made their way to each guest and the atmosphere became full of energy. The DJ dimmed the bright lights, and the music of the drum line became the beat that everyone danced to until midnight.
