When the pandemic forced Lauren and Jack to explore options outside the city, they held a fabulous Appleford Estate wedding instead. Lauren’s thoughtful plans A, B, and C proved invaluable. However, besides the shifting plans, these two have weathered life’s storms so well together. Their wedding was such a wonderful celebration of two indomitable spirits.
Getting Ready at the Alloy Hotel
On the 8th floor of the Alloy Hotel, both Lauren and Jack were getting ready just down the hall from one another. When we arrived at Lauren’s suite, we found the happiest group of ladies putting the wraps on hair and makeup. Lauren excitedly showed us her jewelry, flowers, and invitation. But the show stopper was her shoes! She told us she found them first and then her dress! It was easy to see why she fell in love with them.
After a fun robe shot with her bridesmaids and mom, step-mom, and mother-in-law, the ladies departed to get dressed. Lauren, however, grabbed her dress bag and got ready to head to Appleford Estate. She’d don her gown there.
As Rachel captured the details and the fun and bustle, Ashley was down the hall with the guys. Before we could get Jack to Appleford Estate for the first look, he and the guys had to get dressed. There was a feeling of letting loose even as they buttoned up. Everyone was thrilled for Jack and dedicated to making sure he had a super fun wedding. So, naturally, there were shots before we left. Jack was ready now and it was time to go.
First Look & Portraits at Appleford Estate
Up in the bridal suite, Lauren’s dress hung in the window. Her stunning lace gown was a vision and it was finally time to put it on. She slipped into it and the buttoning process began. There were a lot of them. But when they were all done up, it’s safe to say it was totally worth it.
First looks are always such a delight to photograph, and as we placed Jack in the garden to wait for his bride, we knew this one was going to be amazing. The windows were filled with eager onlookers as Lauren glided along the path to touch Jack’s shoulder. When she did he spun around and the most brilliant smile dazzled us all, especially Lauren. It was so beautiful to watch them be together for the first time on their wedding day, and it was just getting started.
The grounds of Appleford Estate are gorgeous and it was all too easy to capture lots of great portraits of these two. The wedding party joined in and we got to capture some fun images of these people who mean so much to Lauren and Jack. The groomsmen even shot gunned a beer together just before the ceremony.
The Ceremony & Reception at Appleford Estate
The most picturesque scene was laid out for Lauren and Jack’s wedding ceremony at Appleford Estate. The stream babbled over a small waterfall, the yellow lilies were dancing, and the sun was pleasantly warm on guests as they watched Lauren and Jack exchange their rings. Everyone raised a cheer as they kissed as husband and wife for the first time, then dashed off to cocktail hour to enjoy the fabulous hospitality of Brulée Catering!
It’s no secret that the pandemic has really put a crimp in everyone’s style for wedding receptions. However, as we enjoyed being in a well ventilated tent, surrounded by many who’d been vaccinated, we witnessed the phoenix rise from the ashes. Lauren and Jack set the tone for a grand night of dancing away the cares of the last year and everyone joined them with gusto. It made our photographer hearts so happy to see an event so close to normalcy and we can’t wait for how the rest of the year shapes up!
