Up the stairs. Wedding dress, but no bride. Follow the sound of laughter and singing, and the smell of hair spray. I found Christie with her bridesmaids, having her hair curled and practicing a surprise for later at the reception. Not only does Christie possess a fun-loving spirit and vibrant beauty, but she was radiating relaxation as she took in the experience of being a bride on her wedding day.
Josh eagerly awaited Christie’s arrival at the Crane Estate for their first look. He is a kind man; his eyes twinkle with humor and positively light up when he sees Christie. After meeting online, it only took them three dates to know they’d each found their “one” and were engaged within the year.
Their ceremony in the vegetable garden at the Crane Estate was led by Christie’s sister. She urged everyone to take a deep breath and to be present with Christie and Josh as they became husband and wife.
After entering the barn for their reception, rather than going straight into their first dance, Christie asked Josh to take a seat. It was time for the first surprise of the evening – her performing the 90s classic Shoop. There was a glitch with the sound system though, and as they waited on the dance floor, their bridesmaids started singing. Going with the flow, Christie and Josh danced to the sound of the friends’ and families’ voices. A case where something “going wrong” led to something unexpected and breathtakingly beautiful.
After dinner and toasts, it was time for the second surprise of the evening. Christie and Josh found out not long after they became engaged that Christie was expecting their first child. They decided to share the moment of learning the gender of their child with their guests, using their wedding cake as the means for the reveal. I loved the anticipation and reactions to them finding out they’d be welcoming a little girl into their family later this year. These two have such big hearts – they’re going to make amazing parents.
As the hour grew late, guests danced and mingled under the twinkle lights, then bid farewell to Christie and Josh as they made their escape in a vintage Rolls Royce.
Venue: The Crane Estate Barn
Caterer: Fireside Catering
Florist: Jeri Solomon Floral Design
Second Photographer: Kerri Green
If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your Crane Estate Barn wedding, please get in touch.
