Love is love, and love always wins. These words rang out true and sweet for Kacy and Stephanie’s gorgeous Bolingbroke Mansion wedding. The rain gave way to a myriad of rainbows, though showers of love continued to fall. These two are wild about each other and the universe had positioned them just right to spend the rest of their lives together, and we were fortunate enough to be there to capture it all.
Getting Ready at Bolingbroke Mansion
When we arrived at Bolingbroke Mansion, we thought we’d jumped forward in time 4 months. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood in the foyer, stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and mistletoe was temptingly hung for anyone desirous of a kiss. Kacy greeted us with nervous energy. Her rainbow mask was on and she was excited to show us around. While we were looking around, the flowers arrived which prompted a very happy response from Kacy. She was so excited to see them. Each had been designed in a different color to correspond with Pride colors. Her wedding bouquet was the blue, highlighted by blue anemones. Stephanie’s was a fiery orange that corresponded to her favorite color and also her personality.
Speaking of Stephanie, she was upstairs having her hair and makeup done. Her dress hung hidden away from Kacy’s sight, and Kacy’s was close by but also hidden. At one point, both brides were in the prep chairs, separated only by a small folding partition.
When we photographed their Maggie Sottero dresses, we were amazed at how similar they were! Neither bride had allowed the other to see her dress and yet, they were remarkably similar. Similar, but perfectly styled to their unique personality! We were crushing hard on the beaded bodice and the glittery tulle skirts. There hasn’t been nearly enough sparkle in 2020.
Once we’d captured all the beautiful details, everything being rooted in Pride and love, it was time for the brides to get dressed so they could see one another and start their happily ever after.
The First Look at Bolingbroke Mansion
In the darling Christmas room, the stage was set. Stephanie waited in one doorway and Kacy was in the other. When they walked across the threshold, the tears instantly welled. This was a day they’d both waited for with such longing, and here it finally was. As they embraced, the world melted away and it was just the two of them. Stephanie looked at Kacy with such deep affection and Kacy couldn’t take her eyes off Stephanie. These two are meant to be together. It was nearly ceremony time, so we hid them away to have a moment before walking down the aisle.
The Bolingbroke Wedding Ceremony
With a very close friend officiating, Stephanie and Kacy’s wedding ceremony was perfectly personal to them and their story. They had a special moment for Kacy’s daughter Lucy to join in as well, solidifying this new family as a solid unit of love. But the real magic came when they shared their vows to one another. Kacy shared how she had to make quite the journey to be ready for Stephanie. That she had lived a lot of life and had lessons to learn before being ready to be the perfect partner for her. Stephanie shared how she had stood on the shoreline and told the universe that she was ready for her forever. The universe rewarded both of them in the other person and, when they were pronounced wife and wife, their kiss was their gift back to the universe.
Portraits at Bolingbroke Mansion
After some family portraits, we stole away with Kacy, Stephanie, and Lucy for some pictures with all of them. Starting with a gift being given to the youngest member of this new family. Lucy opened her gift to find a beautiful Lilo doll. Perfect as they officially became their own little Ohana. We didn’t have to direct Stephanie and Kacy hardly at all. They’re so beautiful together and all their love came tumbling out as they danced, walked, snuggled and kissed all through their portraits. We even snuck away when the evening fell and created the Pride colors as a background for some epic portraits, complete with sparklers.
The Reception at Bolingbroke
Socially distanced tables were placed all around the mansion, inside and out. Catering by Design’s incredible staff were masked and gloved, but still provided top level hospitality as they passed guarded hors d’oeuvres amongst the guests. The food stations were manned and had beautiful partitions to keep the food from being contacted by anyone accidentally. Safety was the watch word and Catering by Design was rising the occasion with aplomb.
Meanwhile, the newlyweds were being introduced as Mrs and Mrs and sharing their first dance. It was a beautiful moment, and both of their mothers were trying desperately to hold back their happy tears. Lucy gave a short and sweet speech, and Michelle, Stephanie’s sister, gave a toast that brought smiles and a hearty “cheers” at the end. Dinner and dessert were shared. The cake was served on palette plates so guests could decorate in all the colors of the rainbow. A sweet treat to celebrate love winning.
Stephanie and Kacy, thank you for letting us be part of your beautiful love story and we wish you many years of love and joy together along with Lucy!
